My DH and I have been discussing buying
DVC. We love to stay on the monorail and were considering BLT. After seeing the possible prices for that resort, we discussed VWL.
I do have some questions. Is transportation very easy and reliable as the VWL?
You've gotten great responses, and I'll toss in my two cents.
Transportation from VWL is very easy. Boat to MK and bus everywhere else. The bus stop is very close to VWL, and we've never had a major issue with timeliness. Like Eliza, we don't tend to be in a big rush but I can only remember a few times in all our days at WL/VWL that we waited more than 20 minutes for a bus.
If the MK is our kids favorite park, would you recommend VWL over Beach Club?
No, I wouldn't recommend VWL over BCV based on that. Mostly because I have to ask you...how long will your kids be "kids"? A VWL contract will last another 33 years....so I would never buy a DVC resort based on current preferences of young children. Go with the one that you and your spouse like the most...I am sure that your kids will be excited to stay at any DVC resort.
If you like the Beach Club the most, then do yourself a huge favor and buy there. It is a small resort in very high demand most times of the year. And I can't imagine your children being disappointed with the awesome pool at Beach Club.
Also, as a non-DVC member I have to ask, how difficult is it to trade to another resort at the 7 month window?
I think you are saying that if you own at one DVC resort how easy is it to book another DVC resort at 7 months? That depends. What time of year, what kind of villa, and what resort.
If you want to book BCV, for instance, during October pretty much through the end of the year, you may find it challenging. If you want to book a Grand Villa at any resort (VWL doesn't have them) it is challenging most times of the year at the 7 month mark. If you want BWV Standard View or BWV Boardwalk View from October pretty much through the end of the year you will find it challenging.
If you go during the summer months, and have some flexibility, you should be okay at most resorts at 7 months. You actually aren't "trading" to another resort...all DVC points work to make reservations at any DVC resort. The only difference is you can't book non-home resorts until 7 months out while you can book your home resort 11 months out. So depending on when you travel, home resort can be quite important if you really want to stay at a particular resort.
Good luck!
