Where do I buy?

[Eyore4Ever149]

So some of you might have seen my post yesterday. Im reviewing options for considering a DVC purchase. From what I have read on the boards it appears that getting a contract at the resort you prefer is important because in order to get the resort I want I will need to book 11 months in advance (that amazes me since my other trips were decided on and booked within 6 months) But I'll believe you.

The DVC rep I talked to (slick as they come- must be that Brooklyn accent he had) basically blew me off when I asked about buying at a resort other than SSR.

I was impressed with the size of the DVC rooms- even the studios in comparison to resort rooms- WHY didn't I know about these before!!!!!

I LOVE the virtual tour (watched on our computer/tv) and was impressed with SSR rooms- I don't care for the fact that its such a monster of a resort, after staying at CBR I have switched to POFQ and CR and found the smaller properties to be more appealing to me. And since I already live in New England a pool with fir trees is NOT appealing when Im in Florida, but it's a nice big pool- is there only one?. But again- totally stellar rooms!

OKW rooms are really nice too, but big resort, good location in relation to parks.

BWV and BCV- rooms looked smaller and need updating badly, but Oh-so-close to Epcot, and small resorts- easier to navigate.

Im 32, my husband is 35 and my daughter is currently 4 months old. Our next trip will probably include my Mom-who can be a "nanny" of sorts to Megan, so the 2 bedroom look appealing. We typically travel in May, but other months that are off season, but warm enough to really enjoy the pool are appealing as well. Probably 5-7 day stays, one trip per year.

So if If you were me and considering DVC (resale or new) where would you purchase, and what would be a good price pr point for that place and how many points?

Thanks for reading this far and offering your input!!!!

 

[mydogdrew]

I'm not an SSR fan but if you routinely travel in May and are unlikely to book before 7 months then SSR is the clear choice. I agree that BCV and BWV show their age a bit but give SSR a few years and it'll be the same thing there as well. I would suggest that pricing for SSR will be more attractive as soon as the next DVC is announced. Sounds like it could be as soon as October 1st. I'd wait.

 

[spiceycat]

BCV is made to be grandmother's cottage - so the furnishing look old - that is way they are surposed to be....

Dvc does a rehab every 5 years. So nothing is old.

if you don't like the Atlantic area I wouldn't go with either BWV or BCV.
although those are the only DVC resorts in the Epcot resort area.

How about VWL? It is close to the mk.

I happen to love OKW. but I like lay back and relaxed - which OKW definitely is - this seems to get some people upset they want more action. SSR definitely has more action than OKW.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Spicey Cat Im intrigued by your comments. I DO like the Atlantic thing for the most part at BW and BC, its the fir trees at the pool at SSr that get me. I also like the larger rooms at OKW and SSR (based on virtual tour)

Do you find OKW a challenge to get around and what do you mean by "action"? OKW is very appealing to me, and Id love to hear more about it from a fan- what do you like about it and what do you think others would view as "missing".

Thanks for the tip on rehabs every 5 years. Good to know. I think I would certainly make an effort to plan further out if it helped me get a room. Im thinking we might like a trip in May-early June of next year or late Sept. Am I cutting it close for certain resales?

 

[CarolA]

OKW has the largest rooms by far. I don't think the SSR rooms are much bigger (if any bigger) then the BC or BW rooms.

So if SIZE is the major consideration then go OKW.

BC is a great location, but it is selling at a premium right now and hard to find smaller contracts on resale.

I love OKW. I like being able to park at my door, I like the quite etc. If you want 24/7 hustle then this might not be the resort for you.

 

[Granny]

I think you should buy OKW....it seems to be the resort with the fewest negative aspects for you based on your comments.

Or SSR if the extra 12 years is important to you. If you're really not going to be able to plan at least 7 months (preferably 11) in advance, then buy the place with the least expensive dues, IMHO. You won't be using the home resort advantage so why pay for it.

I'd blow off the DVC rep right back if he/she came on with a dismissive attitude. You can always thank them politely for their time and tell them you think the resale market is the way to go for you. Who knows, they might even magically be able to "find" some points to sell you from the older resorts.

 

[spiceycat]

Do you find OKW a challenge to get around and what do you mean by "action"? OKW is very appealing to me, and Id love to hear more about it from a fan- what do you like about it and what do you think others would view as "missing".

OKW is laid back and relaxing. but some people want more action - more things happening - more adventure. both BWV and SSR have more action. BWV has the BW. SSR has DD and PI next door.

there were complaints about the lack of activities at OKW. now it has activities but more for little children than teens (although there is some for teens not just every day). the teens can go to BW and DD every day.

I go on a vacation to relax - not plan every minute of the day. So Okw appeals to me.

now remember that OKW is planned on Key west in Florida. even when they update the rooms they will still look old - it is the design of the place.

SSR will look newer. It was designed that way.

OKW is bus transportation to the parks only - this some people don't like. but they really didn't like is that OKW has 5 bus stops - and they only wanted 2 - you got it one of the main building HH and one for them.... I like the many bus stops (okay at night when you are standing it can be a pain) - but it is better than trying to walk to a far away bus stop....

I love the quiet and peace. Love this place water views - some of the best that Disney has....(my opinion). the wildlife is great! you can see owls, hawks, eagle plus several of the song birds - plus the more common birds - a ton of rabbits - occasionaly a fox. armado, raccon, plus a bunch of others.

Disney designed this place for golfers - although I don't think many DVC member golf. I don't.

Now I stay in studios alot - but the 1-bedroom and up at OKW are so much better.....

 

[LisaS]

I also like the larger rooms at OKW and SSR (based on virtual tour)

OKW's villas are definitely larger than the rest but SSR's are no larger than those at BCV, BWV and VWL. Check out the floor plan and stated square footage at www.disneyvacationclub.com When the website loads, select a resort from the "See our resorts" menu and then click on "Accommodations" -- the page that comes up has links to floor plans of each villa type. The page also lists the square footage of each villa type.

 

[salmoneous]

Just going by Sq Ft, here are the sized of the rooms. First table shows the total square footage, second chart is the same thing "normalized" to the SSR resort. Looking at the second, you can see that SSR has the smalest room, though VWL and BCV are essentially the same size. OKW Studios and all BWV are somewhat bigger, and that 1BR and 2BR's at OWK are considerably bigger.

Personally I see OWK as having the biggest rooms, the cheapest points, and the cheapest point per night cost. If you like OKW, it seems like an easy choice.

Sq. Ft.

SSR OKW BWV VWL BCV
Studio 355 390 412 356 365
1BR 714 942 814 727 726
2BR 1075 1395 1226 1080 1083

Normalized

Studio 1.00 1.10 1.16 1.00 1.03
1BR 1.00 1.32 1.14 1.02 1.02
2BR 1.00 1.30 1.14 1.00 1.01

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you like OKW and buy to stay there, fine. If you mostly travel in May, you may also find that you can switch to another DVC at 7 months. Even though it is the Flower Show time, I have been able to switch into BCV for our May trips. That may not always be the case, but I've never been on a waitlist at 7 months out. This is for 1 or 2 studios, sometimes including a weekend, sometimes just weekdays.

Bobbi

 

[JimMIA]

If you like OKW and buy to stay there, fine. If you mostly travel in May, you may also find that you can switch to another DVC at 7 months. Even though it is the Flower Show time, I have been able to switch into BCV for our May trips. That may not always be the case, but I've never been on a waitlist at 7 months out. This is for 1 or 2 studios, sometimes including a weekend, sometimes just weekdays.

Bobbi

That's an interesting bit of info Bobbi. I was just pondering (as I often do ) about our May '07 trip. We'll be at OKW in November, and I'll bet DD4-going-on-24 would love SAB in May! I'll have to give that some thought.

 

[bobbiwoz]

There's a thread on DVC operations in which people are talking about their BWV, BCV waitlists coming through, all or in part for October. Now, that's Food and Wine and I'm sure some of those are ressies that people didn't think they would get!

Bobbi

Edited: THe thread is on DVCPlanning

 

[dianeschlicht]

Size of the units and laid back vacation would definitely mean OKW. We love the "vacation home" feel of the place as opposedt to the "hotel" feel of the other DVC resorts. The transportation has never been much of an issue for us from OKW. THere are 5 bus stops in the resort with the last one at the Main hospitaltiy are and main pool. That means that no matter which building you are in, you only need to catch the next bus that comes to the nearest bus stop to get to that area. Many buildings are easily walkable to HH as well. We actually prefer the area farthest from the main area because of the beautiful views and quiet. Plus it's the second bus stop, so early off when you are returning from a long day at the parks.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Okay, this is great info. Im surprised to hear that size isnt really an issue, from the virtual tour it just looked smaller.

I am a HUGE Flower Show fan and love going at that time of year just to photograph flowers and fireworks!

You are all giving me great info!!

Since our baby will obviously be little for a while, (and Im not the type to say she has to be X years old before going to Disney) a resort like OKW sounds really great. I love the open kitchen floor plan there. 5 bus stops- hmm, reminds me of CBR. I doubt I would rent a car, because then I would have to drag a car seat on a plan with me, and overall the busses and cabs do the job. I think our highly planned, thriller-ride focused vacations are over in lue of a more sedate vacation with our daughter.

You mentioned busses only go to parks- does this mean they do not run from OKW to DD or to Typhoon or Blizzard? I wonder why?

BCV and BWV are still of interest to me because of their proximity to Epcot and it seems they are going to be smaller resorts. More like POFQ. I loved being just steps away from bus stop, ferry boat or dining hall.

Any of thesse places have horse drawn carriages???? LOL. (not interested in WLV) At least I dont think so. I really haven't looked at them at all.

What would be a good price pr point for OKW vrs BWV or BCV? I would think a contract for no more than 200pts would work for us and more than 100 since I plan to stay in the 2BR.

Any of you take little kids (like 1 or 2yrs) and had them enjoy the trip?

SSR- I like the "race horse" motif, as Im a big horse fan, Ill have to compare activities to OKW. Neither my husband or myself drink or do nights out (except for La Nouba) and Im sure with a little one, dinners will be early and DD is an option, no matter where we are at.
The extra years aren't really important to us.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!- Keep the info coming!
Planning 11 months in advance this year will be easy. Its certainly easy enough to start planning earlier.

 

[CarolA]

OKW buses do go to DTD and the water parks.

There is also a boat from OKW to DTD that also stops at SSR (I think)

SSR has horse drawn carriages. Don't know the cost, but you can use them even if you don't stay there so that may not be a biggie.

My two favs are OKW and BCV. OKW for the size and atmosphere and BCV for the location! However, I have been watching BCV resales and unless the "rumored" CRV comes up and causes a drop I think it's overpriced and it is fairly hard to get directly from Disney, most use years have wait lists that you would have to get on.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Perhaps you know it, but here's the thread that has the information on the prices that people have paid for the resorts, and whether Disney has exercised ROFR on the contracts. This should help you decide what price will actually get you the contract that you want. It doesn't help to find a contract with a price that is on the lower end of what you think will "pass."

ROFR - A buyer has been found and seller and buyer have agreed on a price. Then the terms of the transaction is sent to Disney. Disney has the Right of First Refusal, that is Disney can buy the contract with the given conditions. If Disney buys it, the would be buyer is out of the loop, and the seller gets the terms from Disney. If Disney passes, the buyer then gets the contract with the stated terms.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=720134

Bobbi

 

[utahkennedys]

We chose OKW after a lot of research and visiting the other resorts we were interested in. We are doing an add-on, and it took me a long time to decide between OKW & BWV, but OKW won out. Here is why:

1. Theming - I grew up in Boston so I want tropical on my vacation to Florida. I want palm trees, pretty flowers, lush plants, etc. We live in Salt Lake City now so I really like to see this kind of pastel, island theming!

2. Size - The rooms at OKW can't be beat. Not only are they larger, but the 2BR villas have the best layout in my mind for privacy, especially if traveling w/ your Mom, etc. They are "angled" which I love. instead of having both bedrooms right off the living/kitchen area.

3. Balconies - OKW has the largest balconies. DD4 loved sitting out with Grandpa each morning while he read the paper and they ate b'fast together. Plus, the balconies are covered so you can even sit out in the rain or bright sun.

4. Atmosphere - OKW is very relaxed and laid back. WDW is busy enough for us, we want to relax on our down days and when we are at the resort. It is very quiet there and peaceful. Even the main pool is quiet.

5. Boat to DTD - We love taking this! Such a pretty, relaxing ride. We like DTD but HATE Parking there (especially in the evenings).

6. Parking - We love parking right outside our door w/ strollers, gear, etc. No big parking lots. We hated this at the Poly. We like to rent a car. But, we also found the buses at OKW just fine.

7. Low Points - The point values are the lowest at WDW (close 2nd by BWV standard view points), so we can stay in a larger villa.

You cannot walk to any parks obviously, but we love the location. It is convenient to everything for us. We love that it is set apart from everything else, but still in WDW.

I think it's a good idea to visit where you may want to buy, and if possible even stay there. I wouldn't buy a car w/out a test drive, and DVC is not a small investment, and it's long term...I knew when I went to OKW to visit while we stayed at the Poly that it was a good fit. SSR wasn't a fit for me, regardless of 12 extra years. VWL has no appeal to me. BCV is kind of "stuffy", and BWV was a close 2nd to OKW for me. Good Luck!!

 

[vbalacek]

We stayed at OKW with our children, then 1 and 3. I agree with many of the positives other posters have pointed out. (In particular, the space couldn't be beat!)

However, I do think the spread out design of the resort was somewhat a negative with small children (if you don't have a car). First, at least from where our villa was, it was quite a hike to get to Olivia's to eat or to get a cup of coffee. There also was no room service when I stayed there (which sometimes is great after a long day at the parks if kids are cranky).

Second, getting small children out of their strollers, folding up stroller and getting into the bus can be tricky (especially if you have more than 1 child, and they are close in age). I like the ability to take a boat (or monorail or walk) to parks because you can roll sleeping children right ahead.

That being said, this could be a 30+ year decision, so I maybe wouldn't base it solely on current usage. Right now my kids LEAST favorite park is Epcot, but that hasn't stopped me from getting on the waitlist to add-on at the BCV......

Good luck.