Tips for deciding where to buy...

[MamaBear12]

I've been researching DVC for a few months, so I'm familiar with the "buy where you want to/don't mind staying" mantra, use year, high/low dvc seasons, etc. If it were possible, I would stay at every DVC resort to make the decision, but that's a lot of trips to Disney or a complicated split stay! So, through my research, I think I've narrowed it down to three, and the plan is to do a split stay on our next trip starting out at a value Disney hotel (we've never stayed onsite (except Bonnet Creek one time) and we do the parks hard, so good test of whether value will fit our travel style long-term vs. buying DVC), and end the trip with a couple nights at AKV (we have young children), relaxing and enjoying the resort (renting DVC points), and using those last couple days to check out the other DVC resorts on our list. If value works for us, we'll stick with that and renting DVC. If we love our DVC stay, we'll be pretty motivated to buy.

Resorts we would consider buying at-
AKV: pros- animals (kids); cons- high dues, far from everything, kids grow up, since we invested in the higher dues we may feel obligated to stay here every trip
SSR: pros- we like DS, low price/dues, we anticipate wanting to stay at different resorts so we wouldn't feel like we invested so much that we have to stay here if we can get a room elsewhere; cons- far from parks
BCV: pros- close to Epcot, pool sounds amazing (kids); cons- shorter contract (impacting resale if we sell after 10/15 years), pricier and might make us feel like we HAVE to stay here because it's what we paid for (even though we would most likely want to try out different resorts).

So, how do we make our final decision? I looked online at the official DVC tours, but no information about whether we can visit each of these (obviously if we're staying at AKV that's covered), just info on Poly. We want to check out SSR and BCV to make an informed decision. Do we set aside time to do our own unofficial tour and wander around the resort, pool, etc.? Can we ask the front desk to let us see an unoccupied room just to get a sense of the location, furnishings, etc.? Other suggestions?

Oh, and definitely buying resale with cash.

Thanks!

 

[Dean]

My view is the most important decision is whether DVC makes sense at all. IMO that requires a certain amount of Disney, Timeshare & DVC experience. I feel that one needs a certain amount of experience in at least 2 of he 3 and some knowledge in the third. Personally I feel that anyone who's never stayed at a DVC resort or on property would need a good base of general timeshare experience and several good Disney trips over time to make a good decision. I'd suggest you spend as much time as possible just experiencing as many DVC resorts as possible including asking to see rooms. In your situation to me, that would mean taking a couple of days of your vacation actively doing so. After doing so, I'd delay until after your next trip and stay at a DVC resort on rented points so you experience the flavor of DVC. Of the resorts and situation you listed, I feel SSR is the better choice for the situation you've described. You can ask to see rooms but IMO that's a hit or miss strategy. You should likely do the formal tour so you can see as much as possible in a short period and maybe stop by the BWV DVC area and look around there. You'd be going from off site to DVC, that's a big jump. DVC will not save you money and you could likely get on property in values cheaper than owning DVC.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I'll also throw in that when you intend to travel regularly is also a huge factor. Either AKV or SSR, be aware that if you travel in fall, you will likely always be staying at one of the two, or at Old Key West. You won't be sampling other resorts between late September and marathon.

Honestly, you will be staying where you buy in fall season most of the time, unless you have extreme flexibility and high tolerance for the waitlist. I find it rare that someone who mentions multiple children has either (and with good cause).

 

[Dean]

I'll also throw in that when you intend to travel regularly is also a huge factor. Either AKV or SSR, be aware that if you travel in fall, you will likely always be staying at one of the two, or at Old Key West. You won't be sampling other resorts between late September and marathon.

Honestly, you will be staying where you buy in fall season most of the time, unless you have extreme flexibility and high tolerance for the waitlist. I find it rare that someone who mentions multiple children has either (and with good cause).

While it may be more challenging and necessitate using the wait list, getting in to other resorts is not unworkable during this time if one plans 7 months out. I completed a BWV standard studio just over a month ago using 7 months points and I think this is representative of the possibilities. VGF studio, AKV concierge or value, BCV 2 queen rooms or BLT standard are dramatically unlikely; but all of the rest is possible IMO. And even the ones I mentioned are not completely impossible though they may be realistically so. IMO one could buy at SSR, AKV or OKW, travel only during the times you mentioned and never stay at the home resort or even the 3 you mentioned. But it will be more challenging and take more work. Having extra points enough to hold a home resort reservation and be working on something else would certainly help the possibilities.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

But it will be more challenging and take more work.

As I said, though, that kind of flexibility is rarely held by people traveling with children, multiple, especially as those children reach a school age.

 

[Dean]

As I said, though, that kind of flexibility is rarely held by people traveling with children, multiple, especially as those children reach a school age.

IMO it's very workable for the average person but it will be a little more difficult.

 

[crisi]

Both VAKL and SSR are generally available at 7 months. BCV can be more difficult to get at seven months - definitely possible, but some trips it won't work out. Its MUCH smaller and very popular - both with its own owners and with people who want to switch at seven months. If BCV is important to you, buy there.

On the other hand, it is the most expensive of the three with the earliest expiration date - those factors may be more important. Then, for the BCV trip you must take, rent some points from someone who owns there.

 

[MamaBear12]

Personally I feel that anyone who's never stayed at a DVC resort or on property would need a good base of general timeshare experience and several good Disney trips over time to make a good decision. I'd suggest you spend as much time as possible just experiencing as many DVC resorts as possible including asking to see rooms. In your situation to me, that would mean taking a couple of days of your vacation actively doing so. After doing so, I'd delay until after your next trip and stay at a DVC resort on rented points so you experience the flavor of DVC. Of the resorts and situation you listed, I feel SSR is the better choice for the situation you've described. You can ask to see rooms but IMO that's a hit or miss strategy. You should likely do the formal tour so you can see as much as possible in a short period and maybe stop by the BWV DVC area and look around there. You'd be going from off site to DVC, that's a big jump. DVC will not save you money and you could likely get on property in values cheaper than owning DVC.

Thank you. I guess we have technically stayed on property (though not Disney) at Bonnette Creek and it was very nice. And we did do a brief (unguided) walk through of the DVC BWV area on our most recent WDW trip in July. Is that the only DVC tour area at WDW besides Poly? Are all resorts included in the tour? On our next trip, we'll definitely be staying onsite and will take a formal tour.

 

[MamaBear12]

Honestly, you will be staying where you buy in fall season most of the time, unless you have extreme flexibility and high tolerance for the waitlist. I find it rare that someone who mentions multiple children has either (and with good cause).

Right! I should have mentioned that I've researched high/low DVC season and we would potentially be traveling early December, Christmas, Spring Break, OR May-August (most likely). I have realistic rxpectations of when we could and couldn't stay at a non-home resort, but I know it may be getting even harder to do once Poly is sold out, so I'll definitely be keeping tabs on this and factoring into the decision IF we decide to buy.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Early December is the highest DVC season of all. Christmas is also a season where you book home resort at 11 months.

 

[ldo]

You can take a WDW bus to any property and walk around. You can also just boat/walk over from DS to SSR. SSR and AKV are very different. SSR is spread out and has a condo feeling, while AKV has a hotel feeling. Which do you prefer? AKV and SSR are pretty easy to book @ 7 mths except prime times. So, think what type of atmosphere you prefer. We own at AKV and love it there, but do mix it up and sometimes stay at OKW or SSR. I love that DVC makes it easy to switch--it's like having a totally different vacation.
I would look at photos on allears.net of interiors and do a lot of research on use years, etc. before buying.

 

[MamaBear12]

You can take a WDW bus to any property and walk around. You can also just boat/walk over from DS to SSR. SSR and AKV are very different. SSR is spread out and has a condo feeling, while AKV has a hotel feeling. Which do you prefer? AKV and SSR are pretty easy to book @ 7 mths except prime times. So, think what type of atmosphere you prefer. We own at AKV and love it there, but do mix it up and sometimes stay at OKW or SSR. I love that DVC makes it easy to switch--it's like having a totally different vacation.
I would look at photos on allears.net of interiors and do a lot of research on use years, etc. before buying.

Thank you. Great tip regarding hotel vs. condo feel. What's the atmosphere at BCV like? The ability to switch it up by staying at different resorts definitely appeals to me as well.

 

[disneynutz]

DVC will change the way the you do Disney. Being an owner you will feel the need to vacation at Disney at least each year if not more. You will over time due less parks and more resort time, why hit the parks hard when you will be back in a few months?

Initially you will have pixie dust emotions and that may cloud your judgement of where or if you buy. It will also affect you if you meet with a guide so hold your ground.

IMO your home resort should be the place that you want to stay at each trip and the place that you book at 11 months. At seven months if another resort is available you can switch but if a resort isn't available you will be happy staying at your home resort. DVC and Disney is changing, occupancy rates are up, DVC inventory is harder to book and Disney will be building more hotels and DVC resorts.

For the time being if you decide to buy, I would buy close to your most visited park. There is something to be said for walking or hopping on the monorail to get to your favorite park. Later if things change, sell and buy a different resort.

My latest thoughts are that many buy DVC and have the mindset that they will keep it forever and that selling is a no, no. In reality I think that one should factor in buying and selling as something you do as you wants and need change.

Bill

 

[WDWNY]

Is that the only DVC tour area at WDW besides Poly? Are all resorts included in the tour? On our next trip, we'll definitely be staying onsite and will take a formal tour.

When we went to the DVC tour at Saratoga Springs in February they showed us Poly, Aulani and GF. There might of been another resort that i can't remember. They showed us different room sizes as well.

 

[Dean]

Thank you. I guess we have technically stayed on property (though not Disney) at Bonnette Creek and it was very nice. And we did do a brief (unguided) walk through of the DVC BWV area on our most recent WDW trip in July. Is that the only DVC tour area at WDW besides Poly? Are all resorts included in the tour? On our next trip, we'll definitely be staying onsite and will take a formal tour.

IMO that's not enough experience to proceed but hopefully you can get enough coming up.

Right! I should have mentioned that I've researched high/low DVC season and we would potentially be traveling early December, Christmas, Spring Break, OR May-August (most likely). I have realistic rxpectations of when we could and couldn't stay at a non-home resort, but I know it may be getting even harder to do once Poly is sold out, so I'll definitely be keeping tabs on this and factoring into the decision IF we decide to buy.

Early Dec does decrease my enthusiasm for getting in to other places but doesn't totally remove it depending on how disppointed you'd be if you had to stay at your home resort part of the time.

 

[MadHookUp]

You and I are very alike! I bought my first contract at SSR, recently bought at AKV, and if I could buy a third it would likely be at BCV. So my wife and I bought at SSR without either of us being to Disney in over 10 years. The overall advice on this forum, that I was pretty crazy, but with a 2 year old and one one the way, I wanted to start saving on Disney trips immediately.

I bought at SSR strictly for value. At the time we felt flexible as to the time of a year we would visit and figured we could stay at many different resorts for the cheapest cost. Our first trip was early December of last year and we are returning again this year. Like others have said, you are effectively locked into your home resort when it comes to the first 2 weeks of December. But I actually ended up liking SSR way more than I thought. I am really not a fan of the theme, and was scared of the bus service. But I actually found the buses to be great and enjoy the resort, especially since we fell in love with Disney Springs. I would never feel upset staying there.

After our December trip we fell in love with Disney in Christmas, and I really wanted a great Christmas themed resort. Since the bus times are similar to SSR and AKV is still a great value even at it dues, we decided to buy our 2nd contract there. The contract came with some banked points, and we are actually staying at BLT this May(BCV was also available).

Considering that you like Disney during Christmas, I would suggest getting AKV. It might not have the best value of SSR, but the theme is in another universe.

 

[JimC]

Best to sort out what is most important to you. Is it cost to buy, overall cost to own, location, theme, pool, villa size, 11 month booking? Once you prioritize, buy based on what's most important. Stay flexible as your goals will likely shift over time and you should be comfortable with possibly shifting your ownership (buying more points at same or other resorts or even selling points as those goals change.

 

[PlutoFan10]

We were sold on buying into DVC after staying a few times in a one bedroom at Boardwalk. We became spoiled at having a full kitchen, king sized bed, living room, washer/dryer in room, etc. Consider the option of having a really nice, convenient room that is so much more than a hotel room with 2 beds. For us, being walking distance to parks was important so we purchased at BLT and BCV and couldn't be happier. Love the short walk back to BLT while everyone gets in those bus lines or monorail line at park closing time. The whole vibe of the Crescent Lake resorts feels so relaxing and the stroll into Epcot at International Gateway takes just 5 minutes from BCV -- can't be beat! I state these things to give you some things to consider when choosing your first contract. Even if we decide to change our reservation a
To a different resort at 7 months, I know I will be totally satisfied with a reservation at one of our home resorts made at 11 months. And don't forget to take your ability to plan well in advance I to your buying decision. If you can't be sure of your vacation date availability between 7 and 11 months in advance, DVC may not be for you. I also recommend looking at YouTube videos of the various DVC resorts and walk-throughs of the different types of rooms.

 

[crisi]

DVC will change the way the you do Disney. Being an owner you will feel the need to vacation at Disney at least each year if not more. You will over time due less parks and more resort time, why hit the parks hard when you will be back in a few months?

This is not universally true. We only go - at most - every other year - there was a year where I had a business trip and went twice, because I was in Orlando anyway. We still commando - what is there to do at the hotel other than hang out? Our trips have not changed with DVC - other than having the kids in a different room when we sleep.

And people should be put on notice - the changes come at a financial cost - if DVC is changing the way you do Disney, its likely you are spending more than you would just renting points or staying in a regular hotel room. Which is fine, but since so many people go into it looking at it as a money saver, they should be aware that its far more frequently a value adder - you spend more, but generally gain a different experience.

 

[Rovim]

We also bought at SSR for value. We also enjoy being close to Disney Springs and use the bus system there to other resorts. We enjoy pool/resort stays so being further away from a park can also be considered a pro rather than a con.

You and I are very alike! I bought my first contract at SSR, recently bought at AKV, and if I could buy a third it would likely be at BCV. So my wife and I bought at SSR without either of us being to Disney in over 10 years. The overall advice on this forum, that I was pretty crazy, but with a 2 year old and one one the way, I wanted to start saving on Disney trips immediately.

I bought at SSR strictly for value. At the time we felt flexible as to the time of a year we would visit and figured we could stay at many different resorts for the cheapest cost. Our first trip was early December of last year and we are returning again this year. Like others have said, you are effectively locked into your home resort when it comes to the first 2 weeks of December. But I actually ended up liking SSR way more than I thought. I am really not a fan of the theme, and was scared of the bus service. But I actually found the buses to be great and enjoy the resort, especially since we fell in love with Disney Springs. I would never feel upset staying there.

After our December trip we fell in love with Disney in Christmas, and I really wanted a great Christmas themed resort. Since the bus times are similar to SSR and AKV is still a great value even at it dues, we decided to buy our 2nd contract there. The contract came with some banked points, and we are actually staying at BLT this May(BCV was also available).

Considering that you like Disney during Christmas, I would suggest getting AKV. It might not have the best value of SSR, but the theme is in another universe.