Why we bought at VB, when typically it's advised against. . .

[*pixie*]

I see so many posts advising against purchasing VB and I just wanted to chime in on why we decided to. We already own at AKV, our favorite WDW resort. Over the past five years, we have discovered VB. It's been a great place for us to stay pre-cruise when leaving out of Miami, and we have also added on days there after staying at WDW. This last year, we realized we needed more points. When it was just the four of us (DH, DD21 and DS18), we had plenty of points, but over the last couple of years, the kids have started wanting to bring friends, significant others, etc. The other problem we have ran into with bringing extra people is it's just too pricey to spend a week in the parks. This summer, we booked a 2 bedroom at Vero Beach for 8 nights for myself, DH, DD21, DS18, and another 18 and 20 year old. We quickly got into a routine of breakfast in our villa, heading out to explore VB, back to the villa for lunch, the afternoon at the beach and pool, and then showers to head out for dinner somewhere. And because we had a couple of kids who had never been to WDW, we drove into Orlando on two days and did the parks. It was a really economical vacation compared to what we would have spent with six people had we stayed the week at WDW. People mention getting bored at VB after a few days, but we've never felt that way. Actually, the day before we left for home this summer, all four kids were commenting that it went too fast, wished we were staying longer, and how much fun they had.

Our kids are now in college, and DH and I are realizing family vacations are no longer just going to be the four of us and are going to start getting trickier, both time and money-wise. With our VB contract we just purchased, now we have enough points for a 2 bedroom every year, with the hopes the kids will be able to get away with us, whether it's for a long weekend or a week, plus some points for DH and I to take off for a couple of long weekends at VB or WDW. I realize how much higher VB MFs are, but I'm really looking forward to having that 11 month booking window so the kids will have plenty of time to get schedules lined out and flights booked.

I very much agree that purchasing VB is a not a good idea if you're wanting to book at WDW resorts. But for us, having AKV and VB points is going to be a nice combination!

 

[katandmouse]

It sounds like a perfect fit for you. Congrats!!

And your summer vacation sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[ELMC]

I realize how much higher VB MFs are

That gap is narrowing quickly.

but I'm really looking forward to having that 11 month booking window so the kids will have plenty of time to get schedules lined out and flights booked.

One of the main tenets on here for years has been to buy where you want to stay. You want to stay at VB, it makes sense to buy there! Congrats on your purchase, it sounds like it will work out nicely. And just know that I am a big advocate of using VB to stay at WDW, so you are not alone by any means!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We have thoroughly enjoyed our VB points, and when our DGC were young, we had three lovely stays in Beach Cottages. We too do not get bored when staying there.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If that is where you are happy, that works for you.

 

[Sandisw]

It sounds like the perfect fit for your situation because you want to be able to use and stay at VB...plus, you do have WDW points at AKL that can be used to stay there. I think some of the advice about not buying VB is for those that don't want to stay there but only want them for WDW stays. In that case, it may not be as valuable as is your case!

We looked into them last year because being retired, we thought it might be good to have an option for a beach vacation to do along with WDW...but decided, for now, since we may be buying a 2nd home on the beach in S. Carolina. But, if we don't do that, VB will be back on the table for us!!

 

[CarolynFH]

I don't think anyone feels that no one should buy at VB. I think what we're against is someone who wants to stay at WDW buying at VB because the price per point is relatively low. They need to be educated gently to the realities of booking WDW at 7 months and the MFs.