Which DVC resort is THE BESTto buy and why? New offer VS. a resale - HELP!!

[Grendalynn]

I am have been considering purchasing a DVC timeshare and have been poking around on the DVC boards for a while... I have been looking at the "new" SSR offer as well as the older Resales... DH likes the proximity of Wlderness Lodge, I like the looks of the Boarwalk Villas. We have not been throughthe whole tour and meeting a saleman process, but have seen the video.

I would love to get any and all feed back from DVC club members out there about the different resorts and the amenties they have/dont have and all the pros and cons....

Thanks so much! in advance!!

 

[SueOKW]

OKW is a great place to RELAX. The rooms are big, and the place is soothing. The verandahs are awesome, the views are good for tired eyes. The staff is great. The bus waits are not excessive. I love it so much that I can't think of any cons at all. It fits our needs perfectly. I suppose some cons might be - can't walk to a park, too quiet, too big.. those don't bother me at all. Right Diane?

We stayed there one time on a cash reservation - booked by a TA - because we needed a kitchen and room for 6. When I realized how perfect WDW was for my family, and how much it would cost to stay there again, we bought an OKW contract on the resale market.

Good luck with your investigation and eventual selection.

 

[Doctor P]

You will find people that love each and every one of the resorts, and you will find people who dislike every one of the resorts. One of the nice things about DVC is there are such a variety of options that you can find something that you will likely fall in love with. We have stayed at OKW and BCV multiple times each, have stayed at BWV once, and have spent a lot of time at WL and VWL going to dinner, shopping, doing a fireworks cruise, etc. I have also visited SSR and will be staying there for one night in March with my parents. I should also say that we generally like to stay in studios, though we stayed in a 1BR at BWV. Recognizing that one's tastes can differ, I'm not enamored with BWV. I felt it was a bit sterile for my liking, the rooms were smaller than expected (though the same size for the most part as VWL and BCV), transportation was not as good as at OKW, and the convenience factor and the proximity to the BW was OK but not a real selling point for me. I much prefer BCV to BWV due to Stormalong Bay, slightly easier proximity to Epcot, better theming (in my opinion), Beaches and Cream, Cape May Cafe and the fact that you don't HAVE to walk outside to get to lots of dining options. I also like the villas being separated a little from the main hotel at BC. I love VWL though we have not stayed there. The theming is exceptional (if you like the wilderness theming), the setting is gorgeous, and the convenience to MK is nice. Now that they have added buses to and from the MK, that is also a nice back-up when the boats get crowded or you don't want to ride the boat. I like the relaxed atmosphere at OKW and like the setting a little better than SSR. It's a more mature resort and therefore the vegetation and trees are much more natural and enhancing.

If the choice is between VWL and BWV, I would personally choose VWL. Unless the extended time means a lot to you, I think I would choose VWL over SSR. I like BCV and OKW a lot. If forced to rank where I would buy in right now, I would rank them this way (for me): OKW, BCV, VWL, SSR, BWV

 

[No1HawkFan]

Beach Club Villas:
1) Location (walk to Epcot and MGM)
2) Great Pool
3) Small Resort (better make reservation more than 7 months out)
4) Dues at $4.48 for 2006 (Ranks #4)
5) Sells for about $88

Boardwalk Villas
1) Location (walk/boat to Epcot and MGM)
2) Amenities (pool, restaurants, entertainment)
3) Larger resort (might be able to get in even if not home resort)
4) Dues at $4.69 for 2006 (Ranks #6)
5) Sells for about $84
6) Community Hall (Fantastic for families with children) <----thanks to chris1gill
7) Boardwalk Villas offer standard-view rooms that cost few points and the preferred rooms that offer a fabulous view <----thanks to LisaS

Old Key West
1) Largest villas (largest accommodations and also uses up fewest points)
2) 2nd Largest Resort (almost always available whether 2 days in advance or 5 months in advance)
3) If you bring or rent a car can park right by your villa
4) Dues at $4.24 for 2006 (Ranks #2)
5) Sells for about $75

Wilderness Lodge
1) Location (Boat ride to Magic Kingdom)
2) Amenities (Great pool at the Hotel and two restaurants)
3) Small Resort (better make reservations more than 7 months out
4) Dues at $4.61 for 2006 (Ranks #5)
5) Sells for about $85

Saratoga Springs
1) Location (if you need to go to Ghiradellis twice a day)
2) Largest resort (almost always available whether 2 days in advance or 5 months in advance)
3) If you bring or rent a car can park right by your villa
4) Dues at $3.98 for 2006 (Ranks #1)
5) Sells for about $82

Hilton Head
1) Sells for about $70
2) Small resort (if you want to go there for summer better own there and call more than 7 months in advace)
3) Dues at $4.34 (Ranks #3)
4) Location (Golf instead of taking kids to parks)

Vero Beach
1) Sells for about $64
2) 3 Bedroom Cottages (amazing accommodation and you won't be obtaining unless you own there)
3) Dues at $5.27 (Ranks #7)
4) Peaceful place for a 2 night stay after spending 3 or 4 days at Disney

 

[sajetto]

No1HawkFan, I'm glad you posted. That list is easy to read and makes the pros and cons easier to weigh. Thanks!

 

[No1HawkFan]

No1HawkFan, I'm glad you posted. That list is easy to read and makes the pros and cons easier to weigh. Thanks!

Thanks. Glad I was able to help.

FYI: How many posts do I have to make until it stops saying "Earning My Ears?"

 

[sajetto]

Thanks. Glad I was able to help.

FYI: How many posts do I have to make until it stops saying "Earning My Ears?"

I think 75 and then 500 for veteran

 

[Doctor P]

No1HawkFan, I'm glad you posted. That list is easy to read and makes the pros and cons easier to weigh. Thanks!

Unfortunately, the cons aren't listed, it's not an objective list, and there are factual errors. Other than that, it's fine, I guess.

 

[minniemoms]

Thanks for the list.
We made our first Ressies for our home resort at SSR. We are hoping that 7 months out, we can switch them out for one of the Epcot resorts, just not sure if that will happen, after reading all of this, It doesn't sound like that can happen. I think if I could go back, I would have bought at BC or BW, but I was just glad to get in and start using them.

 

[First Wave]

Unfortunately, the cons aren't listed, it's not an objective list, and there are factual errors. Other than that, it's fine, I guess.

The post noted what each resort offers (Pros). If it doesn't appear, wouldn't that make a missing item a Con?

This has been the most objective (IMHO) summary posted regarding the various resorts. Rather than saying it has factual errors, why don't you offer the corrections? That would make me feel like you had some interest in the reply rather than just getting a chance to post and roll you eyes.

First Wave

 

[chris1gill]

Well, the only thing I thought might be a factual error, was that (for instance) the BWV's say that you may be able to book if you don't own there... from our experiences, we've been able to book at every DVC resort, including BC & WL even though we only own OKW & BWV's.... there's really no hard & fast rule when it comes to staying at any of the DVC resort's that you don't own... honestly, I think it is luck & sometimes persistance....

One Pro missing from the BW is Community Hall, that is a fantastic pro for families with children!

 

[LisaS]

Another BWV "pro" are the standard-view rooms that cost fewer points and the boardwalk-view rooms that offer a fabulous view.

 

[Danthesand]

Unfortunately, the cons aren't listed, it's not an objective list, and there are factual errors. Other than that, it's fine, I guess.

I agree - here's my recommended edits (and yes, subjective spin):

Beach Club Villas:

PROS
1) Location (walk to Epcot and MGM)
2) Great Pool
3) Small Resort (better make reservation more than 7 months out)
4) Dues at $4.48 for 2006 (Ranks #4)
5) Sells for about $88

CONS
1) Many villas have so-so views, and even the best don't come close to competing with those of the BW view villas at BWV
2) Pool gets VERY crowded during high seasons, and isn't good for new, young swimmers
3) restaurants get overloaded quickly

Boardwalk Villas
1a) BW view villas have one of the best views of ANYTHING DVC offers
1) Location (walk/boat to Epcot and MGM)
2) Amenities (pool, restaurants - most dining options of any DVC resort, entertainment)
3) Larger resort (might be able to get in even if not home resort - yes, but not for a BW view villa, those go quickly, and during high seasons these have to be booked day by day, 11 months out)
4) Dues at $4.69 for 2006 (Ranks #6)
5) Sells for about $84
6) Community Hall (Fantastic for families with children) <----thanks to chris1gill
7) Boardwalk Villas offer standard-view rooms that cost few points and the preferred rooms that offer a fabulous view <----thanks to LisaS

CONS
1) long walks to elevators from some villas
2) Some complian about noise from the Boardwalk at night (we've never had a problem)

Old Key West
1) Largest villas (largest accommodations and also uses up fewest points)
2) 2nd Largest Resort (almost always available whether 2 days in advance or 5 months in advance)
3) If you bring or rent a car can park right by your villa
4) Dues at $4.24 for 2006 (Ranks #2)
5) Sells for about $75

CONS
1) Less of a resort feel than the other properties
2) Known for long waits for transportation

Wilderness Lodge
1) Location (Boat ride to Magic Kingdom)
2) Amenities (Great pool at the Hotel and two restaurants)
3) Small Resort (better make reservations more than 7 months out
4) Dues at $4.61 for 2006 (Ranks #5)
5) Sells for about $85

CONS
1) Very difficult to get into during many seasons if you don't own
2) Only a handful of villas have park views
3) Location is close to MK - and nothing else

Saratoga Springs
1) Location (if you need to go to Ghiradellis twice a day)
2) Largest resort (almost always available whether 2 days in advance or 5 months in advance)
3) If you bring or rent a car can park right by your villa
4) Dues at $3.98 for 2006 (Ranks #1)
5) Sells for about $82

CONS
1) In essence, this is "DVC Lite" - has a "big box" feel, not nearly as attractive a property as the other WDW DVC resorts
2) Location (per the above) - this and Key West have the same "not near the parks" problem

Hilton Head
1) Sells for about $70
2) Small resort (if you want to go there for summer better own there and call more than 7 months in advace)
3) Dues at $4.34 (Ranks #3)
4) Location (Golf instead of taking kids to parks) - Disagree - there's a lot more to Hilton Head than just Golf
5) INCREDIBLE beach/pool set up - this, not BCV, is the best "water" resort of ANY of the DVC properties
6) Relaxing environment - Disney without being "in your face" Disney

CONS
1) touched on above - tough to get into during June, July and early August (7 month ressies do open up for stays starting after mid August)
2) Getting to/from the resort is more expensive and involved than Orlando

Vero Beach
1) Sells for about $64
2) 3 Bedroom Cottages (amazing accommodation and you won't be obtaining unless you own there)
3) Dues at $5.27 (Ranks #7)
4) Peaceful place for a 2 night stay after spending 3 or 4 days at Disney (this resort is nice on its own, it doesn't have to be tied to a WDW visit)
5) Like HH, this is "not-in-your-face" Disney

CONS
1) Seems to get damaged by weather every 5-6 years
2) In a somewhat tired area of Eastern Florida (HH is the better "off property" resort for those looking for activity and attractions)

 

[Doctor P]

I would take issue with the evaluation of transportation. Having used the transportation extensively at ALL of the onsite resorts, OKW has, by far, the BEST transportation of any of the DVC resorts. It's not fancy, doesn't have amibience, and its all buses, but the transportation system is very, very reliable and generally on time. The boats at VWL, BCV, and BWV are very nice, but they are a very, very slow means of transportation to and from the parks (though they are reliable). The problem is that you only have two ways to get to and from Epcot and MGM from BCV and BWV without going way out of your way. VWL is no longer as bad since they added bus service to MK to supplement the boats. But, bus service to the other parks that are not close by from BCV and BWV can be a real hit or miss proposition (though it was better on our last trip to BCV). SSR was terrible bus service the last time I used it, but I am not going to trash it since I have used it less than any of the other resorts. Our experiences with BWV, BCV, VWL, and OKW have been with trips at various times of the year (July, September, pre-Xmas, Xmas week, New Year's).

 

[Beca]

I think this is VERY slippery slope here, as I would disagree with some of Danthesand's "edits".

First, I do not feel that BWV has by far the best dining options of any DVC resort. The dining options are one of my FAVORITE things about BCV. Between Beaches 'n Cream, Hurricane Hanna's, Cape May, Martha's Vineyard, and the restaurants at the Yacht Club (Yachtsman's Steakhouse and the Galley), there is certainly as much variety at BCV as there is at BWV.

Plus, IMHO...BCV is a much shorter distance to Epcot...it really does seem to be "right there" when you walk, so I have always considered the Epcot restaurants available to BCV as well. (Of course, they are available to BWV as well, they do just seem more convenient at BCV).

BWV does Jellyrolls, Spoodles, Flying Fish, ESPN, the "corn dog" stand, and the pool bar. But, all of those are OUTSIDE the resort, and can be a pain to get to in hot/inclement weather. There really is nothing inside the BWV lobby except a small gift shop. Even the Screen Door can be a hike.

I did not include the bakery and the candy store in BWV, as I see they are comparable the Marketplace (different, but comparable).

I would also disagree with the premise that the pool isn't good for new or young swimmers. I am really not sure what age you are referring to (maybe kids 6-8?), but my dd (now 4) has been playing in that pool for a year and LOVES it!! The area where you build sandcastles is really cool (she can spend all day there), and we keep walking her over to the sunken ship to look at the baby slide and pool over there....we're hoping that someday soon she will "try" that slide. There may be a time where she is "too old" for the kiddie stuff there, and not a strong enough swimmer for the older stuff, but I think that would be a very short period of time. As for very small children, I have never been to a resort pool where so much of the area had been designed with toddlers in mind, and in such an aesthetically pleasing way.

Now, Beaches 'n Cream...ITA there...that place is just busy. However, I think the menu change at Hurricane Hanna's has helped to relieve that a bit.

The OP is going to get LOTS of opinions on this. I just hope the OP keeps in mind that the "rundown" of the resorts that has been provided includes both fact and opinion.



Beca

 

[Grendalynn]

Thanks to everyone who posted! I am overwhelmed at all of the info out there regarding DVC's. I am still trying to talk DH into buying in and what a great opportunity it is and could be for our family...

As I said earlier, I/we have not been on a guided tour and hope to do so when we return next year after the baby is born. I have yet to hear from a DVC office staff member as I called last Saturday.... Guess they are not too eager to sell.

I seem to be leaning toward the Villas at Wilderness lodge and Boardwalk Villas as well. Or Old Key West. Saratoga Springs is just too far away and doesnt look to be very resort-ish. I want to feel llike I am on vacation and have the whole Disney "ambiance" thing going on....

Please feel free to contuniue to post your opinions and thoughts. Experience from others is all I have to go on at this point! And please post or PM along any pictures that you have of the rooms/villas, landscapings, pools, and the views at any of the DVC propertys. I would love to see them!

 

[rwcmath]

VWL is close to FW. This give you a natural area to explore when you rent bikes, it's perfect. Also, it's marina is absolutely the best! You have all of the 7 Seas Lagoon to explore. It's the only DVC that you can watch the evening water parade from, yes, it's a small parade, but we like to see it on every visit.

rwc

 

[LisaS]

Another "pro" for OKW are those wonderful verandas. At most DVC resorts, the villas have small balconies that are just large enough for 2 small plastic chairs and a little beverage table. OKW has large verandas with a round table with 4 chairs around it and a ceiling fan overhead. We loved eating breakfast out on the veranda in the morning.

At the other resorts, your balcony is very close to your neighbor's balcony. At OKW, the verandas are far apart from one another and well screened by vegetation so it feels very private.

 

[Grendalynn]

Daily bump looking for some pictures of the DVC resorts...

 

[LisaS]

Daily bump looking for some pictures of the DVC resorts...

Have you checked out the "Post your DVC Pictures Here" thread on the DVC Planning Forum? http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=996898

allearsnet.com has lots of photos of DVC resorts: http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/dvc.htm

Try tagrel's site for some great photo tours of a couple of DVC resorts.

The DVC site has 360 degree room tours of all the resorts: www.disneyvacationclub.com