VWL or BCV? Update. Yippee...... we bought!

[DeeP]

You are more than welcome. Thank you for your kind words!

 

[eporter66]

Brigitte - there are great people on this board with a wealth of knowledge and opinions. Everyone here is very helpful. Thanks for your kind words! I hope to be making the same decision someday to add on points at one of the DVC's!

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

I am so bummmmmmed. I had gotten great info from you kind folks on VWL and BCV.... decided on VWL...... called my rep to check into things and found out the VWL are very difficult to get into. Apparently the waitlist is 30 to 40 out. I really wanted to go w/ Disney and am unsure about the resale market. But maybe I need to check into it now. I suggested I have a different UY but I would have to buy 150 pts then I think. I asked him to check if I have a better chance if I buy 150 and he said he'd check.

He said I might have a better chance at getting into BCV which I also think are lovely. But I am thinking that if I don't get VWL, I may as well buy more w/ SSR, which are cheaper thru Disney than the VWL and BCV.

What do you all think? Stay w/ SSR and have all my pts in one basket, which will make it easier to bank and borrow and coordinate? Or check out the resale market for the VWL and have more difficulty coordinating points and different UY's, and maybe not getting all 100 pts right away, but having to wait til 2005 for all the points, but at least having the chance to go there in Dec? Or should I go thru Disney on getting the BCV?

Let me know what you think. I had no idea, after seeing 3 or 4 up for resale, that I would have to wait mos if not yrs to get into VWL thru Disney. I was stunned. But now I am thinking maybe that was a sign to stick w/ SSR. I did just read the post about the fella that just passed ROFR for VWL so I guess the resale mkt is better at getting you what you want. So let me know what you all think. I am so interested in your opinions on this matter. Thanks to all of you ahead of time for posting me.

 

[PamOKW]

I'm sorry you didn't realize that Disney doesn't have a lot of inventory to offer on the sold-out resorts. It is pretty rare for them to have points for sale. I'm not an expert on the resale market ,but I understand that when purchasing smaller contracts having to pay the closing costs takes a big bite out of the savings. I think closing runs in the $300-$400 range so if you were buying 50 points, that's another $6+ per point over the asking price.

I'd get more information from the people who bought resale and then decide whether you want to pursue buying at another resort or going ahead and adding on at SSR.

(Those babies of yours are just too cute!!! I love those little faces looking out.)

 

[jaysue]

I would go for a resale at VWL - if you plan to stay at the same time of the year every year then go for samr UY, if you plan to travel at different times than the same UY is not important

thanks
jaysue

 

[chris1gill]

We've been in your predicament before. My suggestion is that you wait it out on the waitlist for VWL!!! Unless you need the points this week, I'd wait it out... buying small resale contracts doesn't make much sense, since you still have to pay the 400.00 closing costs & that really adds to the cost of a smaller contract...

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

PamOKW, jaysue, and chris1gill:

Thank you for your suggestions as to what I should do. Seeing VWL on the resale market so often, I honestly didn't think it would be a problem to get in there. But I guess I was wrong. I like the idea of having all my points in one basket, and I also like the idea of having the ability to try other resorts... so which route do I choose? I was just reading the reviews on the different resorts on Allears and they all have their charm. I see only pros though, can't see any cons when dealing w/ DVC. I would just love to visit different ones once in a while. My very good rep told me he might be able to connect to my old contract and give me the same price I paid for my original points. Which means I would pay less for SSR than for a Disney resale for VWL or BCV. So that gives me some incentive there to stay w/ SSR. Maybe I can trade points w/ some of the Dis Posters once in a while even though SSR is soooo big and they can prob. get in any time they want, but it's worth a try. I'll keep in touch to let you know what I find out from my rep about BCV and what I end up doing. I could wait on the waitlist seeing as I am in no hurry right now like chris1gill said. Maybe I can buy SSR and go on the waitlist for VWL and buy that when it finally comes up. My husband may not agree, but it's that add-onitis coming on again.

Well, thank you again for your insight..... I love to hear what you would do in my shoes. I appreciate the time you took to help me out. I'll keep you posted. And PamOKW..... thanks for the comment on my babies...... they are the love of my life and I smiled when I read your post. Thanks for noticing them.

 

[Granny]

I like the idea of having all my points in one basket, and I also like the idea of having the ability to try other resorts... so which route do I choose?

As you have pointed out, there are lots of pros and cons in any decision. I'll just share what we did.

We bought originally at VWL. Love it, needless to say. We stayed at BWV and enjoyed that quite a bit as well. We decided we needed more points to allow us to vacation as long as we really wanted to, and bought a contract at BWV that is virtually the same number of points as our VWL contract. We liked the idea of alternating vacation locations so we wouldn't "burn out" on one location (as if that's possible!). The two contracts have different Use Years, but that really isn't that tough to work with. The people with four or five UY though...I tip my hat to you!

Here's my suggestion...

Make a list of all the purchase options you have and what they mean in terms of benefits (SAB, all points in one basket, ambience of VWL, etc). Write down as many good things as you can think of about each decision option. Then go back through and rank them in order of importance over the next 40 years. It's not easy, but it'll force you to choose what's really important to you in terms of ambiance, convenience, amenities, etc.

Once you've gone through that exercise, I think you'll know where you want to buy. And if it means the resale market, I wouldn't hesitate a bit. That's where we got our BWV contract and it was a very good deal and almost as painless as dealing with DVC direct.

Good luck!

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
I forgot to mention, Disney Enthusiast, congratulations on producing redheaded offspring!

Brigette.
As for your dilema for VWL-BCV-SSR, IMO if you can't find a re-sale with VWL points, I would stick with SSR and have all of your points at 1 location. I know a lot of people have 2 resorts-2 use yrs and don't have any problems.

I just think I wouldn't want to add another thing to worry about keeping banking deadlines,use yrs,etc to keep track of. You will also have the advantage with all of your pts at SSR, in case you want a GV some day at SSR, you will have the pts available with banking or borrowing.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Well, I faked you all out. All of this going back and forth between SSR, VWL, and BCV...... we finally made a decision...... and you'll never guess what it is........ OKW! No.... just kidding. But we did do something we didn't think we'd do. We bought 100 pts at BCV!

My rep called and said again that there was no VWL available or BWV, and he liked the idea of us doing 100 pts elsewhere to guarantee us the diversity we crave. He worked really hard at finding it and is going to break up a larger contract to accomodate us. He needed an answer that day to hold it because someone else was waiting as well for the remaining points. Of course, it was after we called him w/ our decision that I checked my Disboards and found Nick and Granny had written me. Thank you both for your advice..... As I've said before.... it means a great deal to me to hear from you experts.

Actually, my DH and I were 99% sure that we were going w/ SSR for the add-on, but then I got the call saying there were 100 pts available and RIGHT now, then another 100 pts in Oct 2004 (our original contract's UY, so at least we have that going for us Nick.... you were right about me not wanting THAT confusion of different UY's). We would get these 100 pts, and would only pay 2 wks of dues for 2003 (another perk). And I do enjoy the theme at BCV and most of my DH's family is from the Cape May, NJ area and so we feel right at home w/ all the white lights and gingerbread. I'm an old salt as well (my family sailed the Chesapeake for years) and so the beach theme brings back happy memories of my husband's childhood in Cape May and Ocean City and the yacht theme next door brings back memories for me of my sailing days around Annapolis and St. Michaels. I also really like the rooms w/ their granite counter tops and such at the BCV. Just beautiful and casually elegant.

The biggest perk of all....... my DH brought up the topic of maybe visiting WDW in January 04 w/ our 100 pts and borrowed 100 pts w/ BCV. Getting these points up front gave him the incentive of maybe dashing down there for 5 days. Yippee! He is rarely spontaneous and I am thrilled and that perk alone did us in. If we just go in Dec 04 like originally planned.... that'll be 3 yrs before a vacation. So I called and bought w/o checking my messages. Sorry..... Our rep is now checking to see how quickly we can close on BCV and if we can use our points before our original contract closes in May at SSR. He wasn't sure how it could be done, but he thinks we can do it.

So that is the update from us. And we are so happy w/ our decision. And I am going to put my name on the waitlist for VWL so in case we want to add-on in 2 yrs or so, at least we are on the list already and will get the call when something comes up. So I'll have to be VERY careful around SAB, but I know that up front. And I'll have to find one of the DVC's which are available w/ such short notice to try to get away this January. Any suggestions? Hopefully something will be open for us. I need a WDW trip.

Thanks again to all of you who have helped w/ our decision. It sounds like I didn't have as many choices as I thought, but w/ DVC.. everything is wonderful... so who can make a choice realistically? Thanks to Granny and Nick for your suggestions...... I was glad to hear from you both! Take care and Happy Holidays to you all.

 

[DeeP]

Congratulations!!! What a nice Christmas present for your family!
We are almost neighbors, we live about an hour from Cape May and about 15 min from Ocean City! I guess that is why we love both BWV and BCV so much, it is that whole sand in your shoes thing, LOL!
Happy Holidays!!

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

"Congratulations" on your 100 pt add-on.

 

[jaysue]

Congratulations neighbour (we own at BCV also)

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

Thank you DeeP, Nick@VB+OKW, and jaysue for your kind welcome and support. My husband made me really work for it in the end by wanting to "think" about it again, but he finally gave me the go ahead. Thank Goodness for the Family Christmas Party in NJ!!!! Our cousins who have owned at BWV since it opened and have 3 adult children talked him into the extra 100 pts saying that they can't imagine having less than 300 pts. They said the same thing I have heard from the Dis Posters that their only regret was that they didn't buy more points sooner. They have add-onitis too. They really worked on him for me so he was ambushed, but happy w/ the results.

Just to let all you posters out there know..... I asked them about the "reports" I've been hearing about the dirty rooms, ants, etc. and they have NEVER had a bad visit at BWV. They were sure I was reading exceptions to the rule, and assured me that I will be very pleased w/ my visits. They were even stunned to hear there were some bad trip reports. So that made me feel better. Apparently the really good trip reports sometimes don't get posted and all we hear about are the bad ones. So odds are, you'll have a great vacation in WDW while staying at the DVC's.

Now I need you wonderful, supportive neighbors to spread some pixie dust for me so I am allowed to use the 100 pts right away (my rep hasn't gotten back to me on that yet), and wish me luck at finding any one of the DVC's available for me in a few weeks. I'd love to go this next mo. rather than wait til next Dec and don't care if I stay in a studio or 1 bedroom or couch in the lobby. I just need some Disney.

Thanks again Nick for your support and for keeping in touch. And jaysue and DeeP: it is nice to meet you neighbors at BCV!

 

[Granny]

Brigitte...congratulations on your add-on 100 points. You're going to love BCV, and I'm confident you'll be able to visit VWL as well at the 7 month window, and maybe a little waitlisting!

I think you now own two great "second homes" with SSR and BCV. Enjoy them completely!

 

[eporter66]

Congrats - you did get one wish in that you are close to your favorite park EPCOT. I am sure it will not be difficult to figure out how to use those 100pts.

 

[LIFERBABE]

You really can't go wrong with DVC so I was not worried in the least!

I know about choices, and how hard it is to make one, but you will really love BCV. Yes there's SAB, but the beach is really great too. Your little one's are little enough to enjoy the sand bar area of SAB and just play in the sand.

We love to sit on the beach in the evenings (there are lounges and swings) while the kids play on the beach. Walking around the boardwalk is really nice too. There is so much to do in that area. Up until this fall, we always stayed offsite, but we always visited the BCV each trip. That's why I knew I wanted my home there.

Congratulations on your new add-on and Welcome Home Neighbor!

 

[BeckyV]

Brigette,

Congratulations on your decision. Someday if you want to trade reservations or points, we may be interested or someone else who owns at another resort. That's the beauty of DVC and timesharing. We own 130 at VWL, 225 at BWV, 110 at HH, 3 weeks of South African timeshares, and 3 weeks at a resort in North Carolina. We enjoy all of our resorts and trips.

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

The baby usually sleeps thru the night, but tonight she woke up at 2 am for her feeding and so I am here w/ you all right now during the wee hours of the morning. Also, my rep might call about using the 100 pts any day now and I must stay off the phone lines and internet until he reaches me. I am trying very hard not to call him, but to wait for him to get back in touch w/ me. But it's sooo hard.

Grannny: I was so glad you posted your support and congratulations! I am disappointed about VWL esp. after all that thought processing, but then again, I'm not disappointed because BCV is great too AND I got an extra 100 pts. I am thrilled I got the husband to go for 300 pts total when I was having trouble in Oct talking him into the minimum of 150. The DVC was only a twinkle in my eye in early Oct and now look at me. Thank you for all your help and guidance along the way.

Eporter: Exactomundo! I do love the liveliness and activity at the Boardwalk and it will be nice to be close to EPCOT. And even though you are in the middle of all the activity, BCV gives you a sense of peace and quiet. It seems to be nestled away, quiet and laid back, unless you want to take a 2 min walk and be a part of the action. Best of both worlds. Thank you for your congrats! Maybe when the add-onitis strikes you, we'll be neighbors once again!

Liferbabe: LOL! I have been doing the "Happy Dance" since I called and bought the 100 pts. I found that it really doesn't matter where we bought..... I'd be happy anywhere in Disney. I still can't believe my husband got caught up by the whirlwind and went for it. I must be the happiest person on Earth right now. I have been a Disney Girl since I was 2 yrs old and WDW first opened, but now I can call it home. Between our new addition to the family and the DVC... this had been a wonderful year for us. And I have noticed that beach! I saw clips of it from the WDW DVD for vacation planning and it looks marvelous. My children are at the perfect age to just play on the beach while Mommy and Daddy watch over them and relax. I am looking sooooo forward to parking my butt on it soon. Thanks for keeping an eye on me throughout this post and sending me such kind and generous messages.



BeckyV: Thanks for the offer... which does sound good! I have gotten to know so many delightful people on the website and thought how nice it would be to trade points w/ others to try out the different resorts. Like Granny said earlier, I can't imagine ever getting tired of one resort, but it is nice to try different ones just for the fun and experience of it I am sure. Hopefully I'll get into my beloved VWL at some point, but if not, I will certainly look you up. At least I know, through kind-hearted people like yourself, that I will have a chance to stay at VWL sometime in my lifetime.

Thanks to all and to all a good night!!!!!

 

[nisiemouse]

Congratulations! I think you will like owning at two resorts. After we closed on our OKW resale imagine my dh's surprise when I asked for 70 BCV points to bring us to 300. This number has worked out great for us. Glad you were able to talk your dh into it and enjoy those extra points.