Why do you love your home resort?

[kellyb2000]

or

Why did you Pick the home resort you did?

or

If you were going to buy DVC resale which would you try to get?


I'm looking into this for the first time and am wondering about pros and cons of each one.

And is it worth buying into if you don't plan on going to Disney every single year? I'm the disney person in my family - my husband....not so much. So I'm thinking that being able to swap out with other places (or however you word it!) would be nice.

Thanks for taking the time to help out this newcomer to the DVC board!

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Hope you get a bunch of responses - these threads are always fun.

We own at BWV and VWL. We bought VWL first through Disney; at the time, it was all that was available. But we're nusto for the theme, and enjoy the cozy, sorta rustic, feel. (I might mentioned that I stayed at the El Tovar at the Grand Canyon after we'd bought VWL, and the comparison was simply uncanny.)

We also own at BWV, and actually stayed there for the first time in June. The location, and the Boardwalk view, was a hit all around,and a nice compliment to WL.

BUT - I love the extra space at OKW.

Hold a gun to my dog's head and threaten me, and if I had to pick one, I gotta go with VWL.

And, we've traded out to a couple of other places, specifically Charleston Place and AKL. Some will tell you that this is a bad use of points, but that's what I got 'em for. Other non-DVC properties are probably better for trading purposes - more of an apples to apples kinda deal - but, even if you only plan to do Disney every other year, it's worth considering.

Have fun researching! You'll get plenty of opinions here.

 

[Chuck S]

If you plan on going to WDW every other year, I would consider a small contract, then you could bank points one year, and go tot WDW the next year, in effect giving you 2 years worth of points for your trip. Trading outside of DVC resorts is not the best use of your points and should not really be a determining factor in your purchase. An occasional jaunt to an outside location is fine, but I would not consider it on a regular basis. There are a lot of less expensive timeshares available that can be used for trading.

As far as which resort, each has its own good points. OKW has large rooms and a releaxed atmosphere. BCV has Stomalong Bay if you're a pool person, SSR has its proximity to DtD if you like nightclubs, BWV, of course, has the Boardwalk area with lots of restaurants and some nightlife, and VWL has boat service to MK. NOt all DVC resorts have the same amenities, OKW and SSR do not have room service, but you can order delivery from "off-site" locations. OKW does not,at the moment, have a pool slide, one is being added, so that may be a consideration for you.

If you're more the "occasional" WDW visitor and would prefer a beach/coastal destination most of the time, Vero Beach or Hilton Head DVC resorts may be a good option for you.

 

[Terry S]

The best use of DVC points is using them for DVC resorts. It is okay to use them occasionally elsewhere, but really the best use is at a DVC resort. As long as you go at least every 3 years you would be okay, you buy only enough points for you to combine all 3 years with of points and go one year! You can bank one years worth of points and borrow one years worth of points.

As for home resort that is such a personal thing. They are all beautiful, but for me, I bought at BCV because I love the themeing and atmosphere of this resort. It is very light and airy. The themeing is beachy, sandcastles and shells. It is also located within a 5 minute walk to Epcot and a short boat ride to MGM.

 

[MdmMim]

I own at both BWV and BCV. Why?
BWV--I love the themeing, the BoardWalk itself, the rooms, the decor, the short walk to Epcot and MGM, the pool bar . I even love the Clown at the pool area. The BWV was the first DVC resort I stayed at, and I loved it--still do!

BCV--I love being so close to Epcot, especially when Illuminations is over. The rooms are beautifully decorated. I have to admit, this place did have to grow on me, but I do enjoy it now.

My favorite DVC resort is the BWV; my second is OKW, even though I don't own there. (My DD recenlty became an OKW convert! She used to love BWV, now she is enthralled with OKW!)

My DH was not a Disney person when I bought, but he's hooked big time now! He's even an AP holder!! (My secret? When I was able to get him to go to WDW, I didn't push the parks on him. He got hooked on the resorts first, then the parks followed!) He's very proud to be a DVC'er now!

 

[kellyb2000]

Originally posted by MdmMim


My DH was not a Disney person when I bought, but he's hooked big time now! He's even an AP holder!! (My secret? When I was able to get him to go to WDW, I didn't push the parks on him. He got hooked on the resorts first, then the parks followed!) He's very proud to be a DVC'er now!

This is kind of what I was hoping would happen to us if I bought into it

 

[spiceycat]

OKW - when I first brought - that was all DVC was selling it was even called the DVC resort until BWV came along.

the large rooms, 2 beds in the studio - the couch (at the other DVC resort) is great for my solo trips - but when I travel with another person - that sleeping sofa can be a real pain......how quiet and relaxed this resort is - the CM's are GREAT - some of the best CM are at OKW (my opinion yours may vary)....If I want the parks they are just a bus or car ride away - very easy to get around - this resort never feels crowded - no matter how full it is....the large balcony - when I get a 1 or 2 bedroom I like to eat my meals out here... their is alot of wildlife here - at VWL they designed the resort so you would be sure to see the wildlife - OKW was not designed that way - but because it is so peacefully the animals just showed up.....

If you want to party - you can go to the main pool - if you want quiet - then one of the other pools - it is really a pretty wonderful place and the family's favorite.

I also own at VWL - I loved WL - so buying VWL was happening....I love this resort in December - it is beautiful no matter when you visit - but in December it is so special..... I complements WL - it is a very nice addition to WL.

BWV - I own here - it is not my favorite - I am not a party person - I brought here when it was brand new - because I wanted the room service I am staying here this Thanksgiving because my brother's family is also coming (staying at the Sheraton Vistana) and with teenagers I can begin to see the fun parts of this resort.

 

[lisareniff]

We own at BCV. We bought from Disney (Pre-SSR) but considered OKW resale. The theme of VWL didn't quite do it for a FL vacation and BWV seemed very similar at the time.

We loved BCV because....... Hotel style and ammenities.......extremely close to Epcot.....Walk or boat to MGM.......many many restaurants within walking distance.....close self parking.......small DVC building.....Storm-a-long Bay is great!......Quiet pool is wonderful and close ..... 2 queens in second bedroom of some units......sandy beach on cresent lake....beachy theme....

We were considering OKW resale because of the lower prices (inital and maint. fees) and Grand Villas. We decided on BCV because Disney was selling (easy) and liked being in the action while at WDW.

Which would be buy now? It would be a toss up between BCV and BWV. I haven't stayed at BWV but am intrigued by the std. view point usage and availability of GV while being in walking distance of parks and restaurants.

Since the signatures aren't working I should mention that my opinons are based on only one trip to WDW (BCV) in recent history and constant reading on these boards.

 

[MAC3]

We own at both VWL & BCV and we have yet to stay at VWL.

VWL was all that was available when we bought, we were staying with other DVC owners @ the BWV so I was a bit disappointed. Only because of the location factor.

I fell in love with BWV because it was awesome to be right in the middle of everything. You just can't beat that location in my book. Plus I love their pool.

When BCV opened, we bought there and that took care of my "location" issue. We have stayed their and like it.

But DH & DD favorite is OKW. The rooms are huge, the feel to it is absolutely relaxing and serene. Although we don't own here, it is the place we've stayed most often.

I think you have to take into consideration what your favorite area of WDW is and then make your choice accordingly. Check them all out and choose the one that you like the most!

You can stay at them all anyway! But the 11 month window is crutial at times.

Good Luck with your choice,
Lisa

 

[jarestel]

When we first looked into DVC, they were selling VWL. We took the tour of the "sample" VWL rooms at the Boardwalk, and then my wife and I went over to the real Wilderness Lodge to look around. Well, when we walked into the Lobby we just looked at each other and said "Holy Moly"! Needless to say, we bought points at VWL.
Since then, we've bought points at BCV and seen all of the other DVC resorts, and though we love all of the resorts, we never again had a "Holy Moly" experience at any other DVC resort. VWL is "it" as far as we are concerned and we would be totally content staying there on every trip for the next 38 years. ( though, we do stay at other resorts once a year or so, just for variety. )

 

[kellyb2000]

O.K., this may be dumb but remember I'm new to this - Most of you have answered that you own at 2 or 3 different resorts. Why?


BTW - thanks for all the replies!!!

 

[MaryJ]

We bought at VWL because we really like the rustic feel there. Our favorite vacation places are Colorado and WDW and VWL gave us the Colorado feel in FL! We have since used our points to stay at BWV, BCV, and AKL, but we love VWL so much that we are going to stay there in Oct./Nov. when we go to WDW for the Food and Wine Festival. No place else feels like home!

 

[MAC3]

Originally posted by kellyb2000
O.K., this may be dumb but remember I'm new to this - Most of you have answered that you own at 2 or 3 different resorts. Why?

Majority of DVC owners enjoy their vacations so much so that we all end up doing add ons because we've used up all our points. Sometimes the original resort isn't offered any longer, or we just want to have the 11 month window somewhere different too.

Lisa

 

[TimeforMe]

We own at HHI because we fell in the love with the place, plain and simple. We love the beach and the whole southern feel to the resort. Our family (like many) lead very hectic, busy lives and we all (my teens included) love to go there to just relax and unwind.

We all love WDW as well, but since my kids are older (14 and 16 now), we knew we wouldn't be going there every year. We have been twice since we bought though and have also done a cruise using points.

We're not going to WDW this year , but will be going to Vero in Feb. So.....to answer your question--no we do not go to WDW every year but as you can see are still very much enjoying using our points.

Also, we figured that being from CT that the drive to HHI is a little more manageable than to WDW.

 

[fixintodie]

We held off buying DVC hoping there would be one built on the Monorail. When the BCV was announced we decided it was the next best choice for us so we bought there.

 

[WDWLVR]

Home for us is Boardwalk. We bought there because that is what DVC was offering when we were buying (early 2000), but also because we loved how close it was to Epcot!

I love the whole area - the boardwalk itself, being able to walk to Epcot or MGM, right across from the Yacht/Beach club and all that offers.

We also own at Vero Beach. We bought an add on there because we sent my in-laws there once and they loved it (they love the beach and are not big Disney fans). It made sense to have points at a place we could send them as a treat.

 

[OneMoreTry]

We own OKW.

If I were going to add on it would be hard to pick. We haven't stayed at VWL yet. Of the 3 we've tried I would pick BWV for an add on so we could have points at 2 resorts -- and alternate.

However, when we've just stayed at OKW I always say it's my favorite, so in that case I might just add on at OKW.

 

[spiceycat]

I own at other resorts besides OKW - because of the Dec issue - lots of time - the first two weeks of Dec are gone long before the 7th month (when you can change) - I like to go in Dec - and I like the way VWL looks it is beautiful and a great location for MVMCP.

BWV is within walking distance of Epcot (boat too) - so if I want to do the Candlelight procession then I stay here. This will also be usefully now that I have learned to drink wine - for the food/wine festavial. Wine use to give me an awfully headache - but I recently learned that if I eat cheese with it - I will be fine.....

I own very few points at VWL (60) and BWV (50) - just enough for a studio for 5 days in the off season. Most of my points is OKW (240) - where everyone is happy.

 

[StormalongKay]

We bought BCV last Sep sight unseen! In our 5 previous WDW trips, we had always stayed with Disney (one time at OKW) and we knew we loved the theming. We had walked through the Y&B resort, knew the general area and did alot of reading on these boards. When we stayed at BCV for the first time this past March, we were thrilled!

Also, at the time we bought, we were getting ready to plunk down $5500 to do the 3night Wonder cruise (we're a family of 5). We figured, why not just apply that to our DVC purchase price and then cruise on points? So we did - not the best use of points (ate up 1 1/2 use years) but a magical experience for us!

We also bought into the BCV just as it was closing out. After seeing them all, we felt lucky because that really was our favorite. Our second choice would be VWL and we would consider buying a resale, but we're going to wait a few years to determine if we really will use more than the 300 points we already have. Our kids are small now, but as they progress in school, I won't want to pull them out for extended stays. So we'll depend on short trips to give us our Disney fix!

Good luck with your decision. I don't think any decision to buy into DVC can be a bad one.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You asked why folks own at two different resorts. It is to get the 11 month booking privelege at both.

We have two contracts, but both are at the same resort, OKW. When we bought, BWV was just coming on. We had a choice, but after having stayed at OKW before, and then looking at BWV, we decided we didn't like the hotel type of accommodations there, so we bought 230 points at OKW. A year later, we decided we didn't have enough points, so we wanted to add on another 150. Again we looked at doing a different resort, but decided it was just easier to have all our points at one place, so we had the 11 month access with them all. I am beginning to think we are one of the few who has two contracts at the same resort.

We love the room size at OKW and the quiet vacation home resort feel of the place. The cast membersa are GREAT there! I also like "getting away from it all" when we come back from the parks. It is actually very close to DTD and not much farther to Epcot. Bus service is great, so we feel like we are only a few minutes away from most parks with the exception of Animal Kingdom. We love the wildlife around the resort, and if you are on one of the water ways, it is marvelous in the morning!