Should I Wait?

[Alic]

Hi,
I'm new to this board and already I've found myself reading for hours! I have a few questions for you guys. I have been researching timeshares for several years and I think I have decided to go with DVC. I have an 8 month old daughter and will hopefully have another child in about 2 years. Should I wait to buy into DVC until my kids are older? And if so what is a good age to start bringing children? If I wait is there a good chance that another resort will open in the next few years? I think I like the feel of OKW and want something very kid friendly. I will be visiting Disney in March and I am going to check out OKW and SSR. (I am a HS teacher and get to go on the senior class trip every year to Disney for 5 days!) SSR seems a little more "adult" than OKW. Is this true? Any thoughts on what I should do?

 

[RobDoc]

Welcome to the DIS!

I would certainly encourage you to visit all of the DVC resorts and take the DVC tour on your next visit.

SSR will not open until May, but you can visit the models at the DVC sales center located on the BW.

At OKW, go to the desk and ask if there is a vacant room you could look at- if there is one available, they'll be happy to oblige. (I'd go around noon time when there may be some rooms prepared but not checked in yet.)

I think you'll find something unique about every DVC resort- they each have something special about them. The room layouts are similar at all resorts, but the decor is unique to each. If possible, visit the BWV, BCV and VWL while at WDW. The tour takes place at the BW and there are models there of several of the rooms.

Enjoy!

 

[Jacksmom99]

I have a 4 year old son and 20 mo. old daughter. We bought DVC when DS was 2 and have gone every year. I don't think it's ever too early to bring children to WDW. Just think of all the memories you can start gathering right away! By owning DVC and knowing that we'll go at least once a year, we are able to take a more relaxed approach to touring the world. No "commando" park trips for us. We do whatever the kids are up to, and spend the rest of the time enjoying the resort. I think DVC is great for families with small children. I love being able to do laundry and prepare some meals in the room. The rooms also give us space to spread out (1 and 2 bdrms) and allow us to give the kids naps in their own rooms or at least separate from the living space. Take the tour when you go in March. Write down your questions and ask us on the board when you get home.

Good luck with your decision!
Kim

 

[Alic]

Kim-
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! At what age are kids really able to ride the rides? At what age do you have to buy them a park pass? When you brought your young kids did you ever feel like you didn't get your money's worth with your tickets because you had to return to the resort?

 

[Jacksmom99]

Children under 3 are FREE!!! We just started paying for DS last year on his 4th trip. DD is still free . I don't really worry about the passes, that's just me. I guess I think of it as part of the vacation cost. The look on DS's face when he sees the signs as we're driving in is enough for me. DS enjoys playing in the pool and hanging out at the resort as much as he likes going to the parks. We go first thing in the morning, take advantage of Early entry, and go until the afternoon. Then, after naps and pool break at the hotel, we can go back in the evening all refreshed. As far as the rides, anything without a height restriction is OK for all, unless it's dark and scary, then judge by what your own child is like. DS loves the Haunted Mansion, but only if I go on with him. DD was 15 mo last trip. She loved the carosel and the Spectromagic parade. She also got a big kick out of the characters at breakfast. Like I said, knowing that we can go back next year takes the pressure off and it really is a relaxing "resort" vacation for us.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by Alic
When you brought your young kids did you ever feel like you didn't get your money's worth with your tickets because you had to return to the resort?

If we weren't discussing this in DVC terms, I would probably give a different answer. Many people envision themselves taking one or two trips to WDW while their children are growing up and want to know that magical age at which they will "get the most out of the trip."

If you choose to buy into DVC, the reality is that you will be taking dozens of trips as a family over the next couple of decades (or longer.) For a small child, a trip to WDW is, IMO, no more strenuous than a day at the mall or neighborhood park.

The important part is to try and maintain as normal a routine as possible. We never wake our children for Early Entry to the parks. We always plan to be in our resort room for the normal nap time. And we try our best to maintain normal bed times.

Can you do as much at WDW with children as you could without? Of course not. But who needs to hit every single attraction, every time, when you know you will be back in another 6-12 months.

If you are wanting to look at total cost for your DVC trips, be sure to give some consideration to Annual Passes. Even if you only plan trips once per year, at approximately the same time of year, you can really save a lot if you can squeeze more than one trip into the same 52-week period and use an AP for park admission.

Good luck.