What is your FAVORITE DVC Resort?

[nettii]

Please tell me why you love your DVC Resort.My husband and I want to purchase a "used" dvc and we are not sure which resort would fit our family best. thank you!

 

[nettii]

I just posted we are ready to purchase a DVC. We travel to Disney once a year sometimes twice. We take other vacations as well. We like to stay in condos while on extended vacations. Weve stayed at other timeshare properties in the Bahamas and enjoyed it very much. We only want to purchase one time share. We know we cant trade into DVC but you can trade out. We would also like to try Vero Beach. So my question is have you done this (traded out of Disney)
Thank You!

 

[nettii]

OHHH so sorry I tried to make a new thread I have no Idea how I posted it on my own questionWell Im not going to re post.......................so if you would like to answer both I d be very happy! Thank You!

 

[disneynutz]

OHHH so sorry I tried to make a new thread I have no Idea how I posted it on my own questionWell Im not going to re post.......................so if you would like to answer both I d be very happy! Thank You!

Did you answer yourself?

Here is my recommendation for post #1. Read Read Read the DIS.

Learn as much as you can. At the same time, rent your next couple of reservations from existing owners so you can experience the different resorts for yourself. We stayed at several before we started buying and our actual experience was different than expected.

Becoming a DVC Member is not cheap and each vacation will still cost thousands of dollars so you need to make sure that you find a resort that you will be in love with.

Bill

 

[bwvBound]

Please tell me why you love your DVC Resort.

My favorite is Boardwalk Villas because we can walk from this resort to many of our favorite places: Conference Centers at Dolphin/Swan/Yacht Club; Epcot; Cape May Restaurant and Hollywood Studios.

We travel to Disney once a year sometimes twice. We take other vacations as well. We like to stay in condos while on extended vacations. Weve stayed at other timeshare properties in the Bahamas and enjoyed it very much. We only want to purchase one time share. We know we cant trade into DVC but you can trade out. We would also like to try Vero Beach. So my question is have you done this (traded out of Disney)

We've done much trading to various timeshares and make great use of both Interval International (II) and Resort Condominiums International (RCI). FWIW, I don't have the constraint highlighted in your message and gladly use our other (non-DVC) timeshare to do these trades. Overall, I'm quite pleased with our exchanges. Using DVC for exchanges to non-DVC timeshare properties has both advantages and disadvantages over my experiences.

Advantages: reduced exchange fees ($95 each transaction); no membership fee ($45-89/year); phone directly to your familiar and friendly DVC Member Services desk; destinations are "pre-approved" by Disney, implying some standard level of quality.

Disadvantages: Can't search online; Can't access other member perks offered to II/RCI members; Restricted inventory of destinations (refer to comment above about "pre-approved"); DVC is often a more expensive product to use as trader than might be required to snag a specific reservation.

That said, DVC gives you direct access to all DVC properties at WDW, Disneyland, Vero Beach, Hilton Head and (soon) Oahu w/out "exchanging." You may also use DVC to book Club Intrawest properties and other locations through Buena Vista Trading Company, Concierge Collection and the Disney (Hotel) Collection. Plenty of flexibility!

Have fun with your research!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

When staying at wdw we prefer BWV (our home) because of the more adult atmosphere and being able to walk over to Epcot.

When not at wdw we love both VB and HHI for different reasons. HHI has more observable wildlife all around and is within driving distance for us. VB is on the beach and has WAVES! I can ride the waves until can't anymore and walk up to the room for R&R.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I want to purchase a "used" dvc

"used"

I also bought a resale, could not afford it through Disney. My favorite resort and the one I bought into is OKW. I prefer the condo style accomodations rather than the hotel/elevator/long hallways type of stay. We stay at OKW every other stay. DS(13) prefers the BWV so when we do Star Wars week-end we stay there. The pros of OKW for me are it's lush lanscaping, huge patio/balconies, and the tropical, pastel, whitewashed decor. It's getting a major refurb this year so much the better. It's also close to DTD wich I really enjoy. Cons of OKW, it's not close to the parks like like BLT(MK) BWV & BCV (DHS & Epcot) but that doesn't really bother me much.

2nd question, no I bought into DVC strictly for Disney Resort which also include HH and Vero. It's the only way to really maximize your points unless you have a bundle of them! Opting out cost more money!

Good Luck!

 

[JenSop]

We own at AKV and bought there without staying at other DVC's ahead of time. We LOVE animals and we have had NO regrets. Our home resort is amazing!!!!! I love sitting out on the balcony and watching the giraffes go by - or the zebras, or any of the other animals. We also really like the pool area at Jambo - very lush and tropical feeling. Plus, AKV has some of the best restaurants on property (Jiko, Sanaa, Boma.)

 

[cosmos]

Please tell me why you love your DVC Resort.My husband and I want to purchase a "used" dvc and we are not sure which resort would fit our family best. thank you!

Wilderness Lodge: We like the theme, at Christmas and throughout the year. We also like the short boat ride to MK.

Beach Club: We like the location, walking distance to EPCOT or DHS. We also like the pool and beach area.

 

[pb4ugo]

it used to be that our favorite resort was the last one we stayed at...now it is the next one where we have a reservation!

we purchased at ssr becauseof its proximity to dtd...the bonus came a few years later when the treehouse villas were incorporated into ssr membership. we love to stay at okw because of the theming, landscape and condo style units. but we also love hhi resort for its theming, landscaping and laid back low country ambience. we like to travel to wdw in feb and hhi in nov. but now that we own a home in florida [we're snowbirds] we will be looking into other ways to use our points.

 

[Chic]

We bought into Saratoga Springs because of the lower cost in resale purchases, lower maintenance fees, and longer contract. We stay at all the DVC resorts so it's of no concern which resort is our home resort. You can typically book any DVC resort at the 7 month window. The only times it is difficulty to get 7 month availability is December, Spring Break and sometimes October. We currently like Bay Lake Tower the most because of monorail access. We have two young children in a stroller and the bus transportation is inconvenient when you have to remove the kids from the stroller when riding. All of the DVC resorts are winners so I would choose the lowest cost contract which is currently Saratoga Springs. The contracts are cheaper at Hilton Head and Vero Beach but the maintenance fees are insanely high.

 

[Nancy F]

Stayed there for the first time in April and LOVED IT!!! Glad we waited for a DVC on the monorail line.
Nancy

 

[dianeschlicht]

My favorite is OKW. We have owned there for more than 13 years, and added on at AKV a couple years ago. No matter where we stay, if it's not at OKW, we don't feel complete! LOVE the huge rooms, condo feel, lush vegetation, neighborhoods, views, and huge porches! I get tired of long hallways and that closed in feel of the other places.

 

[smcabee]

SSR is where I own and where I like the best. We love the setting and its away from all the hustle and bustle of the other resorts. After being the world many times over the year, we prefer to relax on Vacation. We find that we can chill out and just enjoy the scenery and each others company better at SSR.

Dont get me wrong, we enjoy the amenities and proximity of other resorts as well but thats whats great about DVC there is a resort for everyone.

 

[LSchrow]

figure that there are many, MANY owners who love their home resort best of all.......the only way to find which is your perfect fit is to stay at each yourself
that said, we own at BWV, BCV, and SSR. our absolute favorite is BWV, for the amazing of both quiet and exciting array of things to do, and the best views anywhere on property, imho (BW view), as well as standard view's lower points. BCV is loved by many, but we really don't care for it's noisy, hectic style. SSR is a beautiful, tranquil oasis, with the activity of DTD at your fingertips.
each resort has its pros and cons, the fun part is finding which of those pros matter, and which cons are immaterial when you stay at each.
enjoy

 

[bobbiwoz]

We have 6 homes in DVC. VWL is our absolute favorite (because of the theming, the landscaping and the location), but when we stay at the others, AKV, BCV, BWV, SSR, VB, we are so SURE that that one is "second."

 

[pmaz70]

We bought into Saratoga Springs because of the lower cost in resale purchases, lower maintenance fees, and longer contract. We stay at all the DVC resorts so it's of no concern which resort is our home resort. You can typically book any DVC resort at the 7 month window. The only times it is difficulty to get 7 month availability is December, Spring Break and sometimes October. We currently like Bay Lake Tower the most because of monorail access. We have two young children in a stroller and the bus transportation is inconvenient when you have to remove the kids from the stroller when riding. All of the DVC resorts are winners so I would choose the lowest cost contract which is currently Saratoga Springs. The contracts are cheaper at Hilton Head and Vero Beach but the maintenance fees are insanely high.

Hi, I just read your post in regards to a dvc purchase and found it similar to what I am experiencing. I am trying to decide which resort to purchase through resale, I love the BCV and that location, but the extended years on BLT and SSR make them desirable also. It sounds like you have experience booking at 7 months and my question would be how hard is it to get a 2 bedroom say at BCV, WLV, BLT or AKV. We usually travel during quieter times to avoid crowds. I would be willing to purchase at the lower price and extended years if for example I could book a 2 bedroom at BCV in jan MLK week at 7 months out. Any comment, info you have i appreciate .........Thanks....Steve

 

[dbs1228]

Steve
If you are looking to purchase buy where you want to stay! Travel habits can and do change for many reasons. If you love BCV then I would look at a resale contract there or if it is just the location maybe BWV.
I wish I had done more homework before buying and I am still not sure I bought where I am going to love to stay. We have contracts at BLT and will love the location when my DD's come but they are all in the mid to late teens. SSR we bought resale and I am so excited to stay at THV and I know that will be a place we will love. I have heard so many positive things about BWV and BCV I am excited to try them some time hoping we can get a ressie at 7 month. Right now just wanting to try all the properties!

 

[pmaz70]

Steve
If you are looking to purchase buy where you want to stay! Travel habits can and do change for many reasons. If you love BCV then I would look at a resale contract there or if it is just the location maybe BWV.
I wish I had done more homework before buying and I am still not sure I bought where I am going to love to stay. We have contracts at BLT and will love the location when my DD's come but they are all in the mid to late teens. SSR we bought resale and I am so excited to stay at THV and I know that will be a place we will love. I have heard so many positive things about BWV and BCV I am excited to try them some time hoping we can get a ressie at 7 month. Right now just wanting to try all the properties!

Thanks for the advice! I am thinking that the resale prices for SSR are so attractive right now and I would get the extra years, and also the maintanence fees are less. I have alot of flexibility on the times I can travel. My kids are 12 and 10 and they can miss a few days of school. I do like the DDD area, but the BC is still top choice. I think with the flexibility on my dates and times I can travel, the 7 month booking window may not be an issue.

 

[disneynutz]

Thanks for the advice! I am thinking that the resale prices for SSR are so attractive right now and I would get the extra years, and also the maintanence fees are less. I have alot of flexibility on the times I can travel. My kids are 12 and 10 and they can miss a few days of school. I do like the DDD area, but the BC is still top choice. I think with the flexibility on my dates and times I can travel, the 7 month booking window may not be an issue.

I expect DVD to change the booking rules before long. Disney knows that many members are buying at SSR and never intend to stay there. That hurts their sales at BLT and AKV. It also creates a high vacancy rate at SSR and a lot of extra work for MS.

I wouldn't buy expecting the rules to always stay as they are now. Over the last 12 months, Disney has made some major changes to the DVC rules and policies.

Bill