Touring the different resorts

[meandmyprincesses]

I'm considering joining DVC yay and would like to see the different resorts. Does anybody have advice for the best way to tour the resorts? If you call DVC for a tour, will they take you to all the resorts or just the ones they are selling retail? Can you just "drop by" a resort and take a look around?

 

[ToddyLu]

Sure you can tour any resort you want, just hop on the bus from DTD or one of the Parks. Usually they will let you see a model room between the hours of 2-4 I think. You just need to ask but you can take a look around the resort anytime.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm considering joining DVC yay and would like to see the different resorts. Does anybody have advice for the best way to tour the resorts? If you call DVC for a tour, will they take you to all the resorts or just the ones they are selling retail? Can you just "drop by" a resort and take a look around?

No, they will not take you around to all the resorts. They have models set up at SSR for AKV and BLT, plus a tabletop model of the Treehouses. You can take the tour at BLT if you are a member (I don't think they bring non-members over there- no transportation over there by DVC). But you can go over to the other resorts and ask at the front desk if you might be able to look at a villa.

 

[disneynutz]

To add to Deb's post, I think that BWV still has a model that you can look at.

The other resorts may let you see a room but it all depends how busy they are. Remember the resorts aren't DVD sales people and they don't really care if you are interested in buying. It can't hurt to ask but don't be disappointed if you can't get access.

You are really smart to take the time to check things out. We did the same thing before we first bought. Every resort has a different feel to it and a different theme.

Good luck on your adventure and have fun.

Bill

 

[chalee94]

there is also a model of BWV on the boardwalk that you can check out.

honestly, i would just check out the models of SSR, AKV and BWV and go from there. pics on the internet will tell you about as much (in much less time) as taking buses around to the different DVC resorts...

if you are leaning toward a certain resort, plan a lunch or dinner there to get a feel for the atmosphere.

but while you can stop by and ask the front desk to see what a room looks like - and they will help you out if they have any time at all - it's probably more of a hassle than it's worth. JMO.

 

[gray52]

Before we purchased a few years ago, we were in the same situation. We took one day of our trip and went to BCV, OKW, BWV, SSR... those were the only ones we were considering. We went to the front desk and in each instance, they showed us a room (varied 1-bed or studio). While we really liked BCV, but we fell in love with the vibe at OKW. Had we not toured the resorts, we would have never bought at OKW.
Granted... this was in February, so i don't think they were too booked.

 

[StitchFan73]

Not sure what your situation is, but if you can arrange to stay in a DVC-especially the ones you are interested in buying, it really helps. I got this advice from a bunch of DVC owners and it turns out you really do need to experience it for yourself. ,It's kinda hard to explain but all the DVC owners I spoke to who said to try a stay at some DVCs first were right.

We were able to rent points and book a few one night stays during our vacation (it was 14 days so we have lots of time lol) and try a few out. We are trying out another one for our upcoming vacation. So hopefully when the time comes we will be making a decision that is right for our family

Good luck!

 

[meandmyprincesses]

Thanks everybody for the advice!

 

[thepops]

Also all of the resorts have DVC kiosks where they will set up the appointments for the tours. They might be able to get you a room to look at in the resort (i.e. use them as a go-between you and the front desk.)

 

[backyardponder]

I recommend renting a car if you don't have a car available and driving to all the resorts. Stop at the front desk, ask for a map of the resort and a recommended path to walk to get the resort's feel. They are all so different!

 

[chalee94]

Also all of the resorts have DVC kiosks where they will set up the appointments for the tours. They might be able to get you a room to look at in the resort (i.e. use them as a go-between you and the front desk.)

have you actually done it this way? i would expect the kiosk CMs to connect you only to the SSR model guides...i wouldn't think they'd have any idea what to do about the sold-out resorts...

 

[TiaMaria]

Add me to the list of DVC'ers that believe if you are unsure of where you want to buy that it is beneficial to visit or, if possible, to stay at a resort to get the "vibe". The model rooms at SSR for the other resorts are indeed helpful. But the actual feel of the resort and the amenities there are even more important in my book.

A PP suggested dropping by a resort for a lunch or dinner - it can be very casual if you like. That is a great way to get a feel for the atmosphere at different times of the day. Don't forget to peek at not just the front desk and pool areas, but ask to be directed to the Community Hall, where available and even the arcade area if you have kids. These are areas that you will eventually get to know well as an owner!

Enjoy!

 

[thepops]

have you actually done it this way? i would expect the kiosk CMs to connect you only to the SSR model guides...i wouldn't think they'd have any idea what to do about the sold-out resorts...

We did that at Kidani, and the CM at the kiosk said to wait a moment and then came back and took us to a room. Maybe they have some leeway since Kidani is still selling.

 

[NewDCLGuy]

Just want to confirm that BWV has a model room set up that anyone can just walk in off the boardwalk and tour. Probably the most low-key way to tour a room.

 

[PSC]

Yes - BWV does have a 2 bedroom set up for touring. Right off of the boardwalk - next to the brew pub.

 

[thepops]

Be careful though. They spray something into the air in that room that tends to cause add-on-itis.