Which would be better for a 1st timer?

[disneyandme]

My DM and I are thinking of going down to check out DVC and staying in a 1br villa while we are there. What resort would be best for us to experience DVC? I am thinking one of the Epcot villas, but I am open to suggestions.

 

[Donald is #1]

Is there one DVC location that you think that you would prefer? In other words, if you think you know which resort that you would purchase, then I would try to stay there so that you can check it out.

 

[Tink-aholic]

I agree with Donald is #1. Some DVC resorts are more "themed" than others, and you just don't know what will strike you until you go there.

Last year, we booked a week at AKL but were moved to Saratoga Springs because of construction. We bought into DVC based upon the AKV demo rooms at SS and the general amenities that are common to all DVC resorts. Though Saratoga Springs was nice, it didn't have the WOW factor that AKV had. We just got back from our first trip home to AKV, and I was knocked out by the theme elements. It was even better than I could have imagined it.

That said, I met a couple while we were there who thought it was waaaaaay too much and the theme was over the top. To each his own. I guess I am lucky that my DH fell in love with it as much as I did.

Good luck. I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you.

 

[cg1200]

The Epcot area is our favorite. We've stayed at BWV 3 times. The location is ideal for walking to both Epcot and MGM. The Boardwalk area is really nice with some decent restaurants and other activities.

 

[Saratoga Souris]

If you really don't need the kitchen

I would do a studio at OKW. With 4 people, you will get more "bang for the buck". IMHO the "pullouts" are not very comfortable.

For not many points, you will get 2 Queen beds. For all of the 1 bedrooms,
you'll get 1 King plus a "pullout".

You get 390 sq ft in an OKW studio

 

[DVC Mary]

What park will you spend more time at?

Are your kids coming w/ on this trip? If so, w/ young ones most people find themselves at MK a lot. VWL is the closest resort (bus or boat) to MK and the theming is fantastic--similar to AKL in it's design. AKL though has kicked it up many notches though--especially w/ the animals. We love VWL.

But if you might spend more time at Epcot & MGM then BWV or BCV might be nicer.

Everyone has their preferences. The nice part of DVC is trying the variety of resorts. For example, for SW weekends in June we stay at BWV so that we can walk to MGM & be there early to line up for special events. If we're going to the Food & Wine Festival then we also love BWV or BWV. If it's Christmas time or special nights at MK, we prefer VWL. Each resort does something different.

Tell us more about yourselves, what you plan to do, etc. so we can give you more specific feedback.

 

[disneynutz]

My DM and I are thinking of going down to check out DVC and staying in a 1br villa while we are there. What resort would be best for us to experience DVC? I am thinking one of the Epcot villas, but I am open to suggestions.

Rent where you like to stay and buy where you like to rent.

 

[flechette]

One thing - I don't quite agree with is tring out a studio at OKW. Even the most diehard fans have referred to it as the "least magical". A 1 bdrm there will spoil you with the size of it, possiblely for life <grin>

As this comes from an owner who hasn't had her first stay yet, YMMV~

Michelle

 

[kapeman]

Whatever resort you choose, I would strongly suggest a 1 or 2 bedroom.

This will highlight a couple of the biggest advantages DVC has over the Disney hotels, the full kitchen and separate bedrooms.
A studio, while nice, is more of a glorified hotel room and you won't get the full DVC experience unless you go with a bigger room.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[lizziepooh]

Depending on how long your trip is, you could split your stay and experience two different DVC resorts.

 

[castleri]

My DM and I are thinking of going down to check out DVC and staying in a 1br villa while we are there. What resort would be best for us to experience DVC? I am thinking one of the Epcot villas, but I am open to suggestions.

I think if it is 4 or 5 of you I would opt for the OKW 1 BR and then be sure to visit the SSR preview rooms and the ones at BW so you can see all the types that are available. If it is just two of you then any of the resorts would be good in a 1 BR.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

If this helps...

OKW - reminds me of our first apartment. Stairs to entrances and very private/remote. Lush landscaping that's beautiful. You really feel like you're in your own little corner of the world. Rooms are noticably bigger than any other WDW DVC resort. Can park by unit.
SSR - more similar to OKW, but closer to DTD. Certain sections (Congress Park) are right next to DTD. It's neat to be able to walk right over in 5 minutes. Again, beautiful grounds and very nice spa and workout facility. Rooms are elegant. Can park by unit.
BWV/BCV - In the heart of it all! Lots of things to do right outside your door and have more of a "hotel" feel. Walking distance to MGM and Epcot. Main pools at both are awesome! Cannot park right by unit.
VWL and AKV - Very beautiful and very "themed." There still isn't a time that I don't walk into VWL and think, "WOW!" Again, more of a "hotel" feel and a little more remote to me than some of the others. Cannot park right by unit.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Rent where you like to stay and buy where you like to rent.

Bingo! or Yatzee..... Couldn't say it any bettter.