Which property is your favorite and why?

[princess_disneymom]

I would like to know which property is your favorite and why. Just trying to gather more info while we are looking into purchasing.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Well we have stayed at all the DVC resorts at WDW except SSR. I have to say that we Love everyone of them for diffrent reasons. Each one of them are so diffrent and thats what I love about them. I know that we would love SSR to when we get to stay there.
We are not one of the ones that just has one favorite, every single one of them are our favorites.


I am sure that my answer did not help you at all but thats how we feel.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I like BCV because of Stormalong Bay, but the decor is alright in my opinion. Otherwise, we bought were we liked the most, AKV.

 

[Cajun28]

Ours is BWV for 3 reasons:

1) Location
2) Location
3) Location

We have stayed at 2 DVC resorts so far, BWV and SSR. We loved them both, and hope to stay at all the resorts eventually, but being able to walk to Epcot and DHS and being in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk makes it our favorite.

 

[jcodespoti]

Vero Beach...because thats where i am now.
That being said, they are all great. Tough njust to pick a favorite. f I had to, I guess it would be BWV...that was our first purchase.


Joe in CT...right now in VB

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

BWV's

The location!

The boardwalk view rooms
The lower points options (standard view vs preferred/boardwalk view)
The atmosphere of the boardwalk.
Being able to walk to DHS OR Epcot.

Being able to see Illuminations from your Boardwalk view room.

The slide at the pool!
Coming "Home" to a festive atmoshere after a day in the parks.
The entertainment on the boardwalk at night-- magicians, jugglers etc.

Also, I sure I will love BLT just as much!!!

 

[disneystick]

BCV for SAB and its closest to EPCOT, our favorite theme park.

 

[Tozzie]

AKV, the animals. I don't mind the disney transportation system and I love sitting on the Balcony looking at the animals. The only reason I purchased DVC was cause of AKV.

 

[JimC]

Resort selection is largely a matter of personal preference. We have enjoyed our stays at all of the resorts. Here is how we rank the DVC resorts so far. Not sure where BLT and THV will rank. Would like to stay there first and then decide.

1. AKV / OKW

AKV: savanna/animals, theme (African thatched-roof, hewn-timber lodge in a savanna setting inspired by the historic expeditions of 19th century), concierge (sunrise and sunset safaris), possibly the best executed immersive theme on property and Jiko

OKW: style (condo), theme (Caribbean influenced, Key West style Victorian), value (points, dues, villa sizes), laid back atmosphere and Olivia's (particularly when eating outside), boat rentals for canals and DD lake

2. BCV / VWL

BCV: location (adjacent to Epcot, near Studios and Boardwalk), SAB, theme (early 20th century Mid-Atlantic "stick-style" seaside resort), 11 month booking for December to enjoy CP/Illuminations and a short walk home afterward, great selection of restaurants from Studios to Epcot and the resorts in between

VWL: theme (early 1900s railroad workers' lodge, pre-dating the adjacent grand National Park Service lodge), very relaxing, another great December (holiday decorations) or January (cool weather) resort, restaurants at WL with Poly and Contemporary nearby, on the lake (views and boat rentals) and boat transportation

3. VB: Atlantic beach resort with an OKW feel to it, very relaxing, and not too far from Disney

4. BWV / SSR

BWV: location along the "Boardwalk" and reduced point rooms, same great restaurant opportunities as BCV

SSR: location (near DD and OKW), great resort to walk around, restaurants (DD and proximity to Olivia's), theme (Turn-of-the-century (circa 1900) Upstate New York grand resort destination)

5. HH: Very nice resort and staff with fine restaurants within walking distance or a short drive, split resort (separate beach house) not as desirable as a single beach front property but is well executed, just too far (six hour drive) for an Orlando resident to go for golf, tennis and beaches

 

[ohtarabell]

Very personal decision. I am a new member but have stayed at most disney properties (20 trips in the last 20 years), so I have a feel for location. I bought at AKV and BWV. BWV hold the most charm for us. It's a location and a feel thing. As others have said, walking from DHS and Epcot late at night just FEELS right!! We will usually park hop and end up in the evening at one of these two parks for the last show. I bought AKV for the access to animals and the brand new pool. I think this is something that is unique in the good old USA. The location is probably the worst of all DVC resorts. The resort however is spectacular. BWV is for fall and Holiday seasons (it has an unbelievable feel from T-Day through New years). AKV is for the warmer trips when I just want to hang out, chill out at the pool, and the parks are a secondary consideration.

I usually go commando touring at MK, so I won't buy BLT. I don't leave MK in the middle of the day anyway, and usually only end up there late at night once during a 5-7 night stay. Having said that, there is undeniable appeal to being able to walk/ ride the monorail to your resort from MK. Not sure a price can be put on how that feels (i have stayed at poly and the contemporary before and they are very convenient). If I had to venture an educated guess, BLT will be the most desirable resort and the most difficult to book if you don't own there. Having said that, there will be plenty of people renting points for staying there. I will stay there when I can, it's just not for me to own.

BCV combines the location of BWV with a great pool. I like it alot. It just didn't have the same feel that I get from BWV. If you want location and pool (especially with young kids) this may be for you.

I haven't stayed at SSR, but have spent a lot of time at DTD. I am staying there in 4 weeks and am looking forward to it. I can only guess that this is a great resort, especially if you intend to resort it/park it some, and shop a lot.

I have not stayed at OKW or even seen WVL, so I can't really comment.

Some make the decision based on point requirments and annual fees. Maximize the time we can be there and the resort is secondary. After all, it's all good! I can see the benefits of that logic, and maybe there was a time that it would have driven my decision (when I was younger and poorer ), but not at this advanced stage of life. Many say, "Buy where you want to stay", and I think that is the best advice. However, I wouldn't quibble with, "I want to stay at DVC, but I also want to make the most of my finances". There are just some trade-offs.

Sorry for the long winded answer. I had a little bit of trouble making my decision as well, and I had 20 trips under my belt before I made the leap.

 

[JimC]

My advice is to buy based on what is most important to you and your family. The decision will vary if it is theme, location, price, dues, total cost of ownership, villa size, style, amenities, contract length point requirements and the like.

 

[bwvBound]

Ours is BWV for 3 reasons:

1) Location
2) Location
3) Location

Ditto! However -- the only DVC resort included in my Photo Frame's memory is Vero Beach. If I had to choose only "only one" for a vacation: Vero, hands down.

 

[GANUT4WDW]

I agree with the other posters. We have enjoyed each one of the DVC resorts that we have stayed at for different reasons. In fact, we have really had pretty much great experiences at every Disney Resort that we have stayed at. We have not stayed at AKV yet but will in April and have not stayed at Vero but would love to.

I can say, also, that thus far, as long as we have been members (since early 2005), we have not had too much of a problem booking any resort that we wanted at 7 or 11 months out. That said, I realize that as membership grows, that may change. Which is why, most people on these boards will tell you to buy where you want to stay so that you have the 11 month window. I agree. As others have said, choose what is best for your family's budget and likes. I think that the Beach Club has the coolest pool that I have ever seen, however, that is not what would make me buy there. It's the location, location, location. The theming at each resort is awesome and maybe another consideration that you might want to think about. Let's face it, there's a world of difference between turn of the century themes and modern contemporary.

Another thing to consider is room size. I love the size of the rooms at OKW plus it has one of the lowest point per night rates in all DVC. Come to think of it, it has one of the lowest annual member dues as well.

Tough decision, I know. But I think that the biggest regret that you'll hear from all of us, is that we didn't buy sooner.

I wish you the best in your endeavor!

 

[dianeschlicht]

OKW because of size and brightness of units, location, and ease of getting to MOST parks.

AKV for the animals, but I'm not fond of the dark decor.

 

[tamclan]

Tough decision, I know. But I think that the biggest regret that you'll hear from all of us, is that we didn't buy sooner.

I wish you the best in your endeavor!

Definitely how I feel. Looked at BWV many years ago. Didn't pull the trigger but always in the back of my mind. Fast forward about 10 years and I buy it via resale. Got a good price but for more than I could have bought when I first looked.

In the interim I stayed at Moderate resorts for what the annual dues would have been.

Best of luck.

 

[lisareniff]

It's definitely BCV! Our first resort, tucked away in a peaceful corner. I love walking to Epcot and DHS, all the restaurants and of course SAB!

But maybe BWV is better it's right in the action has those great BW view rooms and lower standard view points and you can still walk to Epcot and DHS. Oh, and also those GV are to die for! And that clown vomiting kids makes me laugh.

Although, VWL is so calm and peaceful yet so close to MK, that it really has a place in my heart. That lobby really gives you the WOW factor. The theming is so spectacular.

The theming at AKV I really feel is the best and you get those animals 24/7 too! We love the restaurants and sounds and smells of the lodge. Maybe that's really our favorite.

But if were going to Florida, going to the beach is the best, and VB is right on the beach! Waking up and seeing the sunrise over the crashing waves right from your room can't be beat. How can you get better than that??

Maybe playing at SAB within walking distance to Epcot might be better?!?!

...or there are those other three resorts that I have tried yet....and a couple new ones on the way!

I think I will never be able to decide.

 

[Coach81]

Very tough call...

As of this moment.. we really enjoyed AKV. But we also liked OKW, and we can't wait to visit our home resort SSR in just a few months!

But the fav as of right now would be AKV.

Here's why:
1. Loved the African theme.
2. The Savannah was amazing.
3. Loved that they had so many people actually from Africa to meet and greet.

This opinion may change in a few months..

 

[crisi]

We own at BWV - and like it alot. The walk to Epcot is our favorite part....but after many stays there, its also just home.

But I have a great fondness for VWL. The WL was where we took our kids for their first trip - the lobby is wonderful. I love the decor. The community pool there is wonderful, its nice and quiet.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

OKW-Hands down favorite 90% of the time for that get away feel and the Key West Theme.
AKV-When you absolutely miss the Savanah (once every two years or so) Too Dark!
BWV-When the kids need the clown slide and we want to go back and forth to Epcot!

Otherwise I like them all but these are the 3 I frequent w/ any regularity!

 

[SpoonfulofSugar]

BCV is our most fav

1-- Stormalong Bay
2-- location between Epcot and DHS
3-- Beaches n Cream