VWL should we make this our home resort?

[peterox]

We are going to purchase a DVC contract through resale. We love VWL but I don't like the high maintenance fees. Is it hard to get a reservation at VWL 7 months out?

 

[dzorn]

Buy were you want to stay if you plan on booking 11 months out. It is one of the smaller if not smallest and can be difficult depending on the time of year.

Denise in MI

 

[maburke]

If you would be disappointed to not be able to stay at VWL, then you should make it your home resort. There is no reason to save 10% and be 100% disappointed.

 

[TheLists09]

I'm in the same boat. same conflicted decision. I'm leaning towards buying VWL. I kinda feel that since I want to be at Disney for Halloween and Christmas periods, that I'm not going to be able to book that 7 months out.

 

[bgraham34]

I can be tough booking less than 7 months out unless you go during the slow times of year. I did not have an issue booking with less than 90 days during the month of Sept and the end of January.

 

[wildernessDad]

If you want to go between Thanksgiving and New Years, then having the 11 month booking advantage at VWL is a must, imo.

 

[SEC]

We own at WLV and having the 11 month window is important if you want to stay in December. Last year I called at 10 months out for December and got the last 2 bedroom. They told me there were none at first and then they put me on hold.

 

[Sammie]

at certain times of the year it is very hard or impossible to get VWL at 7 months, I would buy there if that is really where you want to be.

 

[Havana]

If you would be disappointed to not be able to stay at VWL, then you should make it your home resort. There is no reason to save 10% and be 100% disappointed.

"Save 10% to be 100 % disappointed"
Very well said. I never thought of it that way.

 

[arthur06]

I was actually thinking of adding on VWL as well... haven't told this to DW yet, not sure she has addonitis quiet yet!

 

[maburke]

"Save 10% to be 100 % disappointed"
Very well said. I never thought of it that way.

Well, we had only ever stayed at OKW, but we decided to buy our first contract at BCV, because we loved that location and SAB. I had seen the models, but my DH had not. We walked into the room the first time (BCV rooms being smaller than OKW), and my husband just said, "I am so disappointed." After spending all that money!! He got over it, and we love BCV now, but I wouldn't wish that disappointment on anybody. You should love your home!

 

[ShuisFan584]

I've only booked VWL once. I booked a studio for 9 nights in August at just 2 months out. I had to waitlist 2-3 nights but it came through in less than a week.

However, other times of year might not be so easy. If it's where you plan to stay most often, it would be a good idea to make it your home.

 

[DebbieB]

Depending on your age, I would also take into consideration that VWL ends in 2042 rather than 2060 (?) for BLT.

 

[Brandis]

I own at BLT, but basically I'm pretty much open to try all the resorts. Have stayed at AKV in a value studio which I booked about 2 months before the stay. On our upcoming trip next week, we stay in a 2BR at VWL which I booked at the 7 month mark. Another trip is already booked for Jan. for a split stay in a studio at AKV and a studio in Vero, which I booked last month.

Next month, the 11-month window will open for another planned stay in Sept. 2011 where I will book 3 studios at BLT but hope to change it to a 3BR either at OKW or SSR once the 7-month window opens.

As long as you can be a bit flexible, I think it doesn't matter too much where to own.

 

[kimberh]

VWL is the smallest resort. Only 138 possible room configurations to be rented any given week. I have waitlisted a few times and I was way ahead of the 7 month window. I will say that I do think all of my waitlists have come through. We are finally going this Dec for the first time.

Buy Where You Want to Stay! I took this advice and VWL was the first DVC that I bought.

 

[Antonia]

We just bought VWL in August because we would not be 100% happy staying anywhere else.

We have always loved staying at VWL and the fact that it ends in 2042 does not matter to us since we bought in with the intention of taking our grandchildren.

I am really looking forward to our first trip with our grandson and watching the electrical water pageant from the WL beach! To me that area is just magical!

 

[Corwin]

We bought into DVC this year (via resale) and decided to take an extra trip to WDW to celebrate our purchase. We wanted to go during the Christmas school break (because we don't like taking our son out of school for vacations), so I called to make a reservation the day our points were loaded into the DVC system at about 8-1/2 months out--and had to wait list most of the days we wanted.

Fortunately, our wait list came through six weeks later at the 7 month mark (indicating to me that some people switched their VWL reservations to other resorts), but I wouldn't generally count on getting a reservation at VWL during the holidays at 7 months out.

In any event, we absolutely love the WL, and would be happy always staying there. We took the advice to "buy where you want to stay." We would not be happy getting "stuck" somewhere else. On the other hand, while we wouldn't mind trying some of the other resorts, we would never be disappointed if we had to stay at VWL.

 

[IknowDoYou?]

I agree with those who say "buy where you want to stay", but I want to put in my 2 cents regarding maintenance fees.

Keep in mind that though BLT is a lot cheaper on the yearly dues, the amount saved up front by buying VWL via resale is quite large. So large, in fact, that it would take many, many years to break even with BLT (unless you're buying VWL thru DVC directly). I don't have the exact number on hand, but when my wife and I were looking at adding on, I believe it took 20-25 years for their paths to cross. For most people, that greatly reduces their concerns. If anything, buying at VWL will save you money over BLT for the next two decades.

Ryan

 

[westcoastsunshine]

Hi,

My home resort is VWL and I am always
trying to get into Boardwalk so have to
wait until the 7month window.

 

[westcoastsunshine]

I have all my points at VWL and it is always
easy to rent out. Usually, I stay at Boardwalk
so I have to wait for the 7month window.
Actually, I would like to add on Boardwalk
points now that my children are all grown up.
VWL is really pretty over Christmas. Also,
my children loved the boats.

S