Thinking of joining DVC, seeking advice.

[ezb]

Hi,we recently returned from WDW, stayed at OKW. Great trip. Looked into DVC while there and think we may join. We would appreciate any advice on which resort to purchase. Should we explore and purchase one of the sold-out resorts (i.e., OKW, BWV) on the secondary market? We will probably visit every other year for a week at a time in a two bedroom and maybe a long weekend during the between years in a one bedroom. How many points should we get? How important is the "Home" resort and the 11 month window? Should we wait on the BCV? I know these may sound elementry to experienced DVC members, however we would like to learn from your collective wisdom before taking the plunge. Thanks in advance for any advise you may have.

 

[Caskbill]

ezb, Welcome to the DIS DVC boards.

You've asked a lot of questions and all of this has already been discussed in quite a bit of detail on these boards. I might suggest you go back and read several of the threads that relate to your questions. You'll find many of then quite extensive. How many points to buy, HOME resort importance, Resales vs Disney direct etc. have all been discussed in considerable detail. After looking at those threads, you may get many of your answers and a lot more.

If you have further questions, please feel welcomed to ask. That's what we're here for.

Caskbill

 

[LauraS]

Glad that you enjoyed your stay at OKW and are thinking of joining DVC. You've come to the right place as this board has tons of information regarding the DVC. There are no elementary questions regarding the DVC. DVC is a great pre-paid vacation plan for folks who enjoy visiting WDW at least every other year. You certainly fit that criteria. As long as you understand the way that the DVC works, it's a great deal.

You asked whether or not the 11 month window is important. Yes, it absolutely is important. One thing that most of us around here agree upon is the fact that you should purchase at the home resort where you think you'd like to stay the most. If you have your heart set on spending the majority of your time at BWV, don't buy at OKW and vice versa. Presently, owners at OKW, HH, and VB are having a difficult time getting BWV ressies at certain times of the year with their 7 month window. On the other hand, BWV owners seem to be able to get OKW, HH and VB ressies at the 7 month window more easily. So right now, the 11 month window is most valuable at BWV.

Also keep in mind that BWV units are a bit smaller in size than OKW. OKW stays also require the least amount of points of any DVC resort. However, BWV offers a great location that us BWV owners think makes up the difference and then some ;o). VWL point stays are equivalent to BWV preferred view stays.

You asked about the number of points that you'd need to do a 2 bedroom every other year and a long weekend in between at a one bedroom. Well, at BWV, a preferred 2 bedroom during this time of the year will cost you 350 points. A long weekend during the same time in a one bedroom will cost you 180, again at BWV. Keep in mind that there are times of the year when your points will stretch much further depending on your flexibility. Also keep in mind that Friday and Saturday nights are almost double the amount of points that you need for Sun-THurs nights.

Waiting on BCV is certainly an option, but keep in mind that the price per point is most certainly going to rise by the time BCV is completed. We paid $65 a point just 2 short years ago and now Disney is getting $72. Resales can be found for less than $72, BWV a bit more than OKW.

Since you mentioned that you're primariliy interested in 2 bedroom villas might it be possible that you'd bring a few more folks with you and need a Grand Villa? You'll need to consider this question. Just thought I'd mention that the 3 bedroom Grand Villas are only located at OKW and BWV. VWL and the BCV will not have Grand Villas, only up to 2 bedroom. If you purchase points at either VWL or BCV you will have literally no chance of securing a Grand Villa at BWV or OKW. If that's important to you then resale is an option.

I hope this helps to answer your beginning questions. I'm sure you'll have more in the near future. Keep asking!!

Laura

 

[dianeschlicht]

Previous posters have given you some good ideas about what each site means. You need to ask yourself a few questions.

Did you like your OKW unit?
Were the buses a problem for you?
Do you like hotel type settings or townhome type settings?
Is being close to a park important to you?
Do you like lots of activity on vacation or a quiet night away when you are not in the parks?
Is the size of the unit important to you?
What time of year do you vacation?
How flexible are you?
Is the dues cost important to you?

As I see it, here are pros and cons of each location:
OKW- Oldest of the DVC units. Has the most number of units. Inlcudes grand villas. Has the largest size units in the DVC. Is a townhouse type unit. Is a more quiet layed back setting. Uses buses for most transportation. You can park outside your door. You can walk to Downtown Disney. Has Golf more readily available. Has lowest dues and points of DVC.

BWV- In the heart of the activity near MGM and Epcot. Is a hotel type setting. You park in a lot away from the BW. Has boat or walking to the near parks. Has smaller units. Has Grand Villas. Most units are lock offs. Can be noisey. Has elevators. Has a great pool. Higher dues and points than OKW.

VWL-Is attached to Wilderness Lodge. Has good themeing and decor. Smaller units. Boat access to MK. Is a quiet setting in the woods. Is a hotel type setting with parking in the WL lot. Is near Fort Wilderness activities. High dues and points.

These are just a few of my observations. I hope this helps. Each of us is a member at our chosen location for a reason. I have not included VB or HH as I don't know much about them. I also think it is unrealistic to expect to get WDW ressies at the 7 month window if you do not have a WDW resort as a home resort.

Happy decision making!

Disneydiane

 

[Ed T]

Hello:

It is good that you do all your homework prior to making this big decision and purchase.
The biggest thing I believe you should keep in mind is where is it that you want to stay the most when vacationing at Disney. That is where you should buy. the 11 month booking window is becoming so important as DVC membership grows. What type of accommodations do you like, quite, noisy, in the action, away from the action, accessibility etc.
AS you know OKW and BW are sold out resorts. If resale is an option for you I can direct you to a good resale broker that we used and many other DVC members have used. Simply email me and I'd be happy to share this contact with you. we have purchased bought through Disney and resale and that good experiences with both.

Good luck and hope to welcome you home soon.

Ed
DVC 1994

 

[ezb]

Is this a great Discussion Board or what? Thanks Caskbill, Laura, Disneydianne and Ed T. for your prompt and informative responses. I have spent about three hours reviewing the different threads and have gained alot of insight.
Still not sure where we would want to stay the most, but have narrowed it down to BWV and VWL. Is the noise factor at BWV something to be concerned about with a 4 year old? Are there enough activities at the VWL to make you feel like you don't have to go elsewhere to be entertained? it seems like about 250 to 270 points would give us the flexibility that we are seeking. Would it be better to go ahead and get 300 points and split them between BWV and VWL?
Thanks for the advice and the genuine help. Also, Ed T. I e-mailed you about the Broker. Thanks. Ed B.