Buy where you want to stay. If you haven not heard that repeatedly on the
DVC show, hear it now. Changing resorts at the 7 month booking window yields little results. If you want to stay at Beach Club villas then buy at Beach Club Villas. If you buy at SSR and don't desire to stay there then it really isn't a reason to buy it just to save money. I am currently doing extensive research on where I will add points to my contract. When I am doing this I always imagine actually staying where I am buying into. Will I be ok with relying on Disney transportation? Will I be able to rope drop relying on it? If I spend a day at my resort will I enjoy the atmosphere and amenities? What dining options do I have for last minute munchies? I made a spreadsheet of all of this.
Here are top things I considered:
Will I love staying here. Atmosphere,
How often will I vacation there. once a year, every other year, every three years. This is an option if you want a Resort that costs more points to book. Banking and/or borrowing is also na option. So, you could get a small contract for your F&W and bank and borrow BCV if you don't plan on doing that every year,
Will it just be the two of us or will be go with others often and how many will be going?
What are the Annual Dues.
I use this online resort comparison point calculator
www.dvcproplan.com
It helps me figure out how many points I will need when I want to add on. I am planning a big family vacation so I will likely max out my points next year. So, by banking, using current points and borrowing the rest, I will be able to take my whole family and they don't have to pay a thing for accommodations.
Right now the best option for me is a small contract with Grand Floridian. The annual dues are the lowest and right now buying direct is 245 a point(yikes). So at the rate of around 180 per point resale, low annual dues, at 2064 deed expiration and the fact its a gorgeous resort with a walking path now to MK I have my eyes on that.
Also, worth noting is that Boardwalk Villas is the best location in my opinion, but the contract ends in 2042. Cost per point and annual dues don't really make it a viable option for me or I would have added it to my options.
Another Resort to eye is Boulder Ridge if you are looking at immediate up front cost value. It is in need of refurbishment and I believe that is on the horizon but, the cost per point is wildly low at around 98 to 107 per point. On the downside it is a 2042 exp. date and the annual dues are about 8.10 per point. The upside is you still get all of the amenities of the Wilderness Lodge and dining is an exceptional experience.
I realize OP might know these things but, for people who don't I hope this helps. Of course, if you know better than me please share.