Wwyd?

[torian]

I'm torn.

My DH and I are seriously considering DVC. We have an 8 and 9 year old and we just got back from WDW (their first trip there!) and LOVED it!! They were already cueing up the next few resorts they want to stay at.

DVC does make sense to us- my DH would not stay at either the value or mod resorts (he feels they are too cramped and crowded- we stayed at the Poly). My kids also like the deluxe resorts

Anyway, we took the tour and our Guide was really nice. The only thing is, I don't like either AKV or BLT

My DH said we should buy at BLT because it has the longest contract. I say we should buy at a resort (meaning resale) that would otherwise be hard to get into at 7 months (WLV or BCV) and to heck with the hit we will take by buying a contract with years already used. That said, DH looked over the DVD again and said he would not mind staying at any one of them.

Also, we plan to go during non-peak seasons- we especially like the end of April when the Easter and spring break crowds are mostly gone. However, I did promise my son that the next trip would be to WL @ Christmas (end of Nov beginning of Dec) so he can see it all decorated (it's his fav resort). What use year would I look to get if I bought resale/thru Disney?


edited to add: How much weight do you put into MF? Should we just go for a resort/contract with the lowest MF with the idea that once the initial pmnt is paid, that is all we have to pay accomodation wise? I rea;ize the MFs go up each year- are they bound by the % they can increase it each year (eg: can only increae it 3% each year?).

 

[Dean]

Given those choices and situations (and assuming not long weekends), I'd suggest either buying BLT OR SSR. SSR is likely the best value of the two esp since you don't plan to stay at some of the peak times (early Dec is peak for DVC). I've always been a buy where you want to stay person but the prices and length of contract have crossed over to the point where I don't think that is as nearly as true as it once was. For a $30 or more difference at a resort that's likely to have as low or lower dues long term (SSR vs BLT), you can get in the system. Also, resale gives you the option of choices you don't have retail like less than 160 points and often more points in a given contract, esp compared to BLT. Still, if you must have a given resort most trips AND that resort is hard to get into, you still may want to consider buying there.

 

[Tigger1]

I would choose the resort you want to stay the most, 7mth/11mth rule could change if Disney sees it needs too.

As far as years being used up when you buy a resale, the ending date is the same for everyone wether you buy a resale or threw Disney. BCV contracts end in 2042, AKL ends 2057. I would have to see a large difference in contract prices to buy a resort that ends 2042 verses 2057.

I would not count on going off season once the children are in highschool. That would just be a 5 or 6 year time span in your case of your entire contract.

OKW does have some resale contracts that go into 2057. You might want to check out Saratoga, I am not sure if it ends in 2042 or 2057.

What ever your decision is I am sure you will be happy.

 

[Chuck S]

There are some things to consider. If you buy a shorter term contract, given your children's ages, they (and you) would still be able to use it until they are in their 40s. Perhaps their vacation habits or tastes will change, and they may not be big Disney fans as adults. On the other hand, they may be life-long Disney lovers, and want a longer contract.

Where do you want to stay most often? As you have said, smaller resorts are often more difficult to book at the 7 month window...so you may want to purchase there, as you are almost 100% assured of availability at 11 month, except perhaps during the busiest, most popular season when you will still be competing with a lot of other owners at that resort. But, bear in mind that your needs and desires may also change. While BWV and BCV may be your style today, in the future you may opt for a more relaxed, quieter vacation experience...but OKW and SSR are generally available at 7 months with no problem.

BLT has the advantage of location, especially for a younger family like yours that most likely currently focuses on the MK, but that will likely change as your kids grow up.

The best advice, really, is to buy where YOU, as parents, want to stay most often. And buy where you'll be happy if you could never stay at another DVC resort.

As far as use year, I really don't put a LOT of thought into that,as again, your vacation habits and time frames will likely change over time. What may be the "perfect" use year now, may not be so great in 10 or 12 years when your kids are grown and you don't have to vacation around school schedules. It really only comes into play if you have to cancel a vacation, and hopefully that won't be necessary too often during the course of your membership.

Ideally, though,you should look for a use year that is the month or two prior to your mot frequent vacation month. For instance, if you normally travel in June, a May UY would be good, because of you do have to cancel, you still have until the end of the following April to use the points, even if they go into holding status.

 

[torian]

Well, if I were to buy where I'd like to stay, I'd buy at GF or Poly But since I can't, I think the BCV are the closest to GF in terms of theming, and WLV the closest to Poly.

The BVC does have advantages - the pool for one. And all but one park (AK) is easily accessible via monorail/walking/boat. And in terms of the kids, I can see them spending more time at DHS/Epcot as they get older and less at MK, but still have MK accessible via monorail.

The only thing stopping me from buying at BCV is the 2042 contract end date. Like I said, my DH wants to get the most out of his money spent, and losing, what, 10 years from a contract?, does not appeal, especially since resale prices for BVC are still fairly high.

I can see my parents liking SSR or OKW, but my H and I are not at that stage yet where all we want to do is hang by the resort.

decisions, decsions.....

 

[Dean]

I can see my parents liking SSR or OKW, but my H and I are not at that stage yet where all we want to do is hang by the resort.

decisions, decsions.....

Owning at OKW or SSR you wouldn't have to stay there every trip. You'd book your dates then try to get something else 7 months out and wait list if needed. If you'll only be happy at certain places, I would consider buying there but it seems you're not buying where you want to stay only an approximation. There have been rumors for Poly and GF so you might want to consider a small ownership now and see IF that materializes or not.

 

[gkrykewy]

I wouldn't worry about use year so much. Also, Dean's point is good about SSR, but if your resort tastes do not include SSR, then I wouldn't buy there. Otherwise you'd perpetually have to call right at 7 months for every trip and *hope* something you want is available.

What I would do is pick one of the resorts you do like, and buy there (and not worry so much about the expiration dates).

Honestly though I might just go with BLT in your circumstances, given the attractive incentives and low MFs. But if you really *don't* like BLT, then my previous point applies

 

[ldo]

IF the contract end date matters, then that only leaves SSR, AKV, BLT and extended OKW. Now--these are all IMHO, and no offense intended to any resorts. With your ages, I would have said BCV---for the pools, the deluxe "feel" of the resort and the proximity to the Boardwalk area. Also, ask yourself if you want to be connected to a hotel--that will limit your choices down.
AKV is either a "love it" or not place--we love it. BLT does not appeal to me at all--I want a themed unique place--not a nice hotel on a monorail line. Plus, it costs more points to stay there. SSR and OKW are spread out and not connected to a hotel, and so, for me, they don't feel like a deluxe. But, what would compel me to buy SSR is the ability to book THV--which will be very hard to get at many times, I think. And you can save a lot of points by staying at OKW and the 1 BR at OKW is larger than others and a good layout for families.
I agree with others, don't assume that you will always be able to travel off-season. Schools are getting very strict and policies could change. HAve fun--so many choices! Elaine

 

[Slakk]

Well I am not really attached to any resorts but I own at AKV and BLT. I have stayed at every resort and like them all. I sold my SSR for AKV and now wish I had kept the SSR because I don't have the 7 month issue - we are flexible and so far (4 years) have not had an issue getting what we want.

Now I do have BLT specifically for MK view - that is going to be so hard to get at 7 months I did not want to take the chance.

Other than that I would buy SSR and do the 7 months. I just don't get when people stay at the same resort all the time and don't venture. My least favorite resort is BWV but we still had a lovely time there and will stay again I am sure.

We travel every year for F&W and bought BLT for that and then EOY for summer and usually try a different resort everytime. Works for us.

 

[chalee94]

You might want to check out Saratoga, I am not sure if it ends in 2042 or 2057.

SSR expires in 2054 BTW.

 

[Sandisw]

I would certainly go with the resort that you want to stay. If it is the end date that is the sticking point, think of it this way:

BLT would run about $98.00 per point right now (given incentives). You can get BCV for at least $10 - $15.00 less per point.

When they offered the extension to OKW owners, I believe (correct me if I am wrong), it cost them an additional $15.00 per point to extend.

Many think that they will eventually offer extensions for some of the other resorts (including BCV and VWL). If this happens, you can take advantage of it at the time and your price per point (initial plus an extension price) would be close to what you would pay now for BLT, a resort you don't really like.

Good luck on your decision!!!!

 

[torian]

Well I am not really attached to any resorts but I own at AKV and BLT. I have stayed at every resort and like them all. I sold my SSR for AKV and now wish I had kept the SSR because I don't have the 7 month issue - we are flexible and so far (4 years) have not had an issue getting what we want.

Other than that I would buy SSR and do the 7 months. I just don't get when people stay at the same resort all the time and don't venture. My least favorite resort is BWV but we still had a lovely time there and will stay again I am sure.

We travel every year for F&W and bought BLT for that and then EOY for summer and usually try a different resort everytime. Works for us.

My DH is of the same thought...and I agree that we want to try different resorts. Is it really been your experience that you had no problem getting what you want at the 7 month mark, within reason? I do see myself wanting to go down during the food and wine festival at one point and hope to find availability somewhere.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We really love the Epcot Resort Area. Truthfully, we fell in love in w/ boardwalk areaa on a previous trip. BC is really growing on us now. We like the food options.

However, the lower point charts and the lower sale price makes Boardwalk a much better value, than BCV, IMHO

Neither Dh or I swim.

 

[christa112]

Aren't they selling SSR again? They were selling in April.

 

[Cmbar]

I would certainly go with the resort that you want to stay. If it is the end date that is the sticking point, think of it this way:

BLT would run about $98.00 per point right now (given incentives). You can get BCV for at least $10 - $15.00 less per point.

When they offered the extension to OKW owners, I believe (correct me if I am wrong), it cost them an additional $15.00 per point to extend.

Many think that they will eventually offer extensions for some of the other resorts (including BCV and VWL). If this happens, you can take advantage of it at the time and your price per point (initial plus an extension price) would be close to what you would pay now for BLT, a resort you don't really like.

Good luck on your decision!!!!

That is some good advice to look at possible extension. However, they don't know if they will offer it, they will have different extension pricing based on whether you bought resale or direct with Disney. At least that is what my guide said and you do have to compare the maintenance fees. At BLT the MF are 3.67 and the BCV are 5.00. If they have the same length of year (based on your assumption that you extended) then the BCV will cost more over the contract. For an intial buy in of 160 points thats more than 10 k for the BCV. But if you like BCV for some that would make the difference.

We didn't like BLT at first. Contemp is the last choice on our resort list. However when we visited and saw all the updates to the 4th flr on the Contemp. we liked the trend they were going with. And you simply can't beat the view, the walk to MK and just the sounds of hearing the MK so close by. We love GF and hope they build one there. But we love the boardwalk area too and your kids will be growing into that a bit more in a few short years. I also would not plan on going off season much unless you are homeschooling or have the year round schools. When they hit the higher grades it is very difficult to pull them for extended periods.

I say buy where you love, if you don't love anyone of them then buy where you would be very happy to get stuck and what is the best cost for now and future. We love having the BLT fees so low. They will probably go up, but we are hoping for many more years where they won't. We think it is best of both worlds because we hope to be able to stay at other resorts at 7 months, but we will only be paying BLT fees.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[torian]

I say buy where you love, if you don't love anyone of them then buy where you would be very happy to get stuck and what is the best cost for now and future. We love having the BLT fees so low. They will probably go up, but we are hoping for many more years where they won't. We think it is best of both worlds because we hope to be able to stay at other resorts at 7 months, but we will only be paying BLT fees.

Good luck on your decision.

See, I think this is how I should approach this. Instead of thinking I have to buy *here*, look at it as buying into the opportunity to stay at ALL of the resorts.

In that case, picking a home resort becomes less of "buy where you love", but more of "what is the most cost effective way to get into DVC?" The low MF is a huge pull, although I know they will not stay low forever. And let's face it, I've only stayed at *one* resort on site in my life! As my H said, "I would not mind staying at all of them at one point or another". And we are hardly picky people!

 

[chalee94]

See, I think this is how I should approach this. Instead of thinking I have to buy *here*, look at it as buying into the opportunity to stay at ALL of the resorts.

In that case, picking a home resort becomes less of "buy where you love", but more of "what is the most cost effective way to get into DVC?"

this is a good plan. but be aware that you may get locked out of the smaller resorts at the 7 month window at certain times of the year...

if you absolutely HAVE to stay AKV-concierge or at VWL during christmas or BCV during food and wine, then buy there and book it at 11 months. otherwise, look for a good deal at one of the wdw DVC resorts and switch at 7 months if you can but just enjoy being onsite.

 

[torian]

this is a good plan. but be aware that you may get locked out of the smaller resorts at the 7 month window at certain times of the year...

if you absolutely HAVE to stay AKV-concierge or at VWL during christmas or BCV during food and wine, then buy there and book it at 11 months. otherwise, look for a good deal at one of the wdw DVC resorts and switch at 7 months if you can but just enjoy being onsite.

heh...my son wants to stay at WL so he can see the Christmas decorations...wouldn't you know! But it is a one time thing, so I'm not sure if I should have that dictate our home resort. He said he wants to stay at WL next, and would like it to be around Christmas, but not necesarily so. I guess I could ask him what is more important: staying at WL or seeing the decorations. If it is staying at WL, we book when we usually go (end of april). If it is to see WL at Christmas, book at another resort (home?) and go for a visit to WL...or call at 7 months and see if I can switch...

Am I getting this?

 

[HGD24]

Buy where you want to stay.

We own at SSR because that's what was for sale when we bought into DVC. We didn't know about resales so we didn't look into buying any other resort. Even though SSR is very nice, I don't feel like I'm on vacation in FL when I'm there. I grew up near the real Saratoga Springs so it feels like I'm back there, visiting family. I go to FL on vacation so that I can feel like I'm away, in a place with palm trees and lush greenery and beaches...I don't get that feeling at all at SSR.

We've waitlisted or tried switching resorts at the 7 month window 4 times. We've had one waitlist come through and were able to switch once. The other 2 times we were not able to switch resorts and I was a little disappointed. We are considering selling our SSR contract to buy AKV or a resale at BCV. We're giving it another year or two before we decide.

 

[Cmbar]

heh...my son wants to stay at WL so he can see the Christmas decorations...wouldn't you know! But it is a one time thing, so I'm not sure if I should have that dictate our home resort. He said he wants to stay at WL next, and would like it to be around Christmas, but not necesarily so. I guess I could ask him what is more important: staying at WL or seeing the decorations. If it is staying at WL, we book when we usually go (end of april). If it is to see WL at Christmas, book at another resort (home?) and go for a visit to WL...or call at 7 months and see if I can switch...

Am I getting this?

YEP!

Here's the other thing about DVC we love, we can always go back next year with another choice! Your children will love every DVC resort. Just do a lot of research on the resort you pick and you will know all the ins and outs. For instance we love SSR if we stay in the Grandstand section because we love the quiet pool over there versus the main pool. But we didn't know that without giving it a try. Will I go back to SSR soon, yes, but not yet because we want to try them all!

Oh did you even visit AKV?? We went on a adults only trip to Disney just DH and I and toured every single DVC resort just to be sure what we were going to buy.

Before we went we said "don't want BLT and AKV or VWL are too dark for my taste". We wanted to buy BCV. But after our trip we pleasantly discovered that are favorites were actually AKV, BLT and VWL. BCV is lovely and we really did like it, but for us things like food court and being in one building was important to us. We ended up with BLT because the MF were low, we got the great new incentive and it was easy, easy, easy to buy through Disney. Plus we got to put the purchase on our Disney card and get 170 bucks towards our next trip!

Lots of things to consider. I would say that maybe stay at one of the DVC resorts before you buy. You can rent, or you can book directly through Disney. This was helpful to us so that we could get a good feel of not having mousekeeping and such.