Home Resort?

[lovinlilo]

Greetings, all! This is my first post and I'm just filled with questions. I hope you can help me out.

We are waffling between resale and direct from Disney. Living in New York and visiting Saratoga Springs many, many times over the years the idea of buying into SS isn't as appealing to me. However, if its not too difficult to make reservations at resorts other than the home resort, than maybe I shouldn't be too concerned. Our preferred travel times are May and October if that helps.

Our resale preferences are Beach Club and Boardwalk.

Thanks for the help!

[ripleysmom]

Depending on when in May and October you may want to look at BCV or BWV. May may coincide with the Flower & Garden festival and October may coincide with the Food & Wine festival. If that is the case you will need the 11 month window to book what those resorts.

[jiggerj]

You can also purchase BCV and BWV direct from Disney as well as from the resale market if the points are available. From what I understand right now BCV's may take awhile on a waitlist-

One of the many reasons I purchased at BWV's is that I really like May and I really like Oct. for the festivals making those my preferred time to travel- Cant beat walking to Epcot!

[lovinlilo]

Thanks for the quick response! This is great.

The festivals have always been a fringe benefit but not a requirment of our visits.

I don't think I did too good of a job communicating my primary concern. When you select a home resort is it overly difficult to get a stay at another resort (not your home resort) for the time you like to go?

So, for me, lets say we like to visit in Oct. (and if I've read the posts correctly) my use year is Sept. If my home resort is SS but I want to stay at BC would it be easy and possible for me to book a stay there?

[withdisneyspirit]

Hi lovinlilo! I think what the other posters were saying is that you might have a hard time getting into BCV or BWV if you do not own there. The times you like to travel are popular times at those resorts so many other DVC members want to be in close proximity to EPCOT also, to go to those festivals:ale: The 11 month advantage is what will insure that you get in at those times. If you buy SSR, you will have to wait until seven months out to try to book your trip or switch your days at that time.

[jnrrt]

Just adding to the previous post:


You can usually book something else. The problem is that you don't know what it will be. And I have called and had nothing available. This is not common, but it does happen. If you are thinking, we just want variety, and we're willing to take whatever is available, you'll most likely be able to get something at 7 months. If you only want to Epcot resorts, and you're going during the festivals, you should buy there. You'll really need the booking advantage.

For us, it came down to buying at a place that we knew if that was all we could get, we'd be happy there.

The only other caveat is if you don't plan ahead at least 7+ months. If you're not going to plan ahead at least that far, the booking advantage is moot, and it makes sense to buy SSR because of the length of the contract.

[TW1]

Our home resort is HHI. We did this for several reasons, one being the 11 month booking window. It is difficult to get peak summer weeks in HHI at the 7 month window.

But we have never had trouble getting the resort we want in WDW at 7 months. There are tons of rooms in WDW and even during F&W or other special times and peak weeks I think you will find a room somewhere. Maybe not BCV or BWV, but SSR or VWL, etc.

Now, the final note is the contract. Read the fine print and you will see that Disney gives themselves an out in guranteeing transfer to other resorts, or in the case of HHI, even selling the resort all together.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Greetings, all! This is my first post and I'm just filled with questions. I hope you can help me out.

We are waffling between resale and direct from Disney. Living in New York and visiting Saratoga Springs many, many times over the years the idea of buying into SS isn't as appealing to me. However, if its not too difficult to make reservations at resorts other than the home resort, than maybe I shouldn't be too concerned. Our preferred travel times are May and October if that helps.

Our resale preferences are Beach Club and Boardwalk.

Thanks for the help!

Others have already made this point indirectly, but I am not sure if you understand one important issue. You can book accomodations at your home resort 11 months in advance. Any other DVC resort you can book at 7 months out. So if you REALLY want to stay at BWV or BCV you should buy at one of those resorts. You may or may not get accomodations at another resort at the 7 month "window", but you're sure to get them at 11 months at your home resort.

The mantra, for most, is "Buy where you want to stay". If it's not that important to you to stay at BWV or BCV, and you can accept that you may be "forced" to book and stay at SSR (if that's your home resort), it won't matter. But if you really truly prefer BWV or BCV then buy there.

There is a waitlist, so often if you book at your home resort due to nothing else being available you MAY end up getting what you want by going on the waitlist, but it is far from guaranteed. Especially certain times of the year, ie food and wine festival time, it can be hard to get into BCV or BWV at 7 months.

If you haven't already, I suggest you take a look at the info on our mouseowners site regarding this issue: http://www.mouseowners.com/WhichHomeResort.html

[lovinlilo]

Thanks, everyone, you are all very helpful. I read countless pages on Web sites but hearing first hand thoughts is priceless. I am in awe of your knowledge. :worship:

Well, since I haven't seen SS maybe I'll wait and take a look the next time I'm in the World. I really don't have a problem buying resale and I can be extremely patient when I want something. (I learned early on there is truth in the words good things come to those who wait.)

One other thing, and I hope I don't cause a maelstrom, but what DVC do you prefer and why? Tell me your preferences and why, please.

DH and I have an almost 3 year old and like a nice combination of active living and quiet solitude. We're usually just so happy to be at Disney that nothing else really matters.

[tjkraz]

..I hope I don't cause a maelstrom...

Too late. ;)

...but what DVC do you prefer and why? Tell me your preferences and why, please.

Of the 5 resorts on-site, one of the main differences is the construction style. Old Key West and Saratoga Springs are what I would call "condo style." They have many separate buildings with few units, parking very close to your door, multiple bus stops and lack some hotel amenities like room service.

The other three resorts are more "hotel style". They all have valet parking, room service, one building with interior hallways, etc.

Other notable differences include the look and feel of the resort, location, room sizes (OKW rooms are noticably larger than the others), point costs and contract duration.

We own our points at Saratoga Springs. If I had to do it all over again, I'd buy SSR points every time. We got a great price almost 3 years ago, 50-year contract and have had good success booking other resorts when we plan ahead.

That said, my favorites are something of a tie between SSR and the BoardWalk. I like the look of the BoardWalk and it's neat being so close to all of the restaurants and shops on the BW itself. But it can also be a LOT of walking. It takes 15-20 minutes on foot to reach either Epcot or MGM. When you do that 4x per day it really adds-up.

SSR has the nicest in-room furnishings of the bunch, and I even appreciate the somewhat industrial look of the building exteriors. It's very convenient if you have a car during your trip with the close parking. Having to rely on bus or car to get to most destinations (you can walk to Downtown Disney), it probably takes more than 15 minutes to actually get to a theme park, but sitting on your rear while moving around is a lot less strenuous than the walking.

SSR is a bit behind BWV in the "magic" category, but that's in the eye of the beholder. SSR has 100+ rooms with a great view of Downtown Disney.

[TW1]

Tell me your preferences and why, please.You know folks will love their home resort more than anything, right? :wink:

In general I've never heard from members who said they wish they had bought somewhere else. Everyone I've encountered loves something particular about their home resort, and for good reasons.

That said, since you are patient, enjoy your next trip visiting several resorts, have a meal, pool hop, shop, sit in the lobby, take the bus to get a feel for transportation, etc.

In fact many members do this well after they buy, just to enjoy the other locations and themes. Makes each trip a little different and makes planning the next trip more fun.

[PoohsPal]

Everyone will love their own resort for different reasons:

OKW - Largest rooms, relaxed atmosphere

SSR - Spa, vicinity to DtD (walk, boat, bus). Open and relaxed

VWL - Wooded, get-away type atmosphere, boat to MK

BCV - Vicinity to Epcot/MGM (Boat/walk), SAB, close to BW entertainment

BWV - BW entertainment, vicinity to Epcot/MGM (Boat/walk), more action

That's basically what I've heard for the on-sites. The offsites have their own character too.

There are 2 things to remeber:

1. You want to choose what fits you. We are all a little different.

2. Bottom line: Make sure that you buy at a resort that you will be happy with if you can't get elsewhere.

I waiver as to whether or not I should have bought BWV to get a standard view studion 11 months out. I love BWV and being able to walk to 2 parks. However, I always travel off-season and end my nights at DtD ('cause it's the last thing to close). That makes SSR a huge plus for me. So, as long as you're happy to stay at your home resort, that's what matters.

[jdvm]

We're VERY last minute and usually operate a month or two out. In fact, we can't imagine doing anything 7 months in advance or 11 months. We've pretty much been able to go where we want, when we want. You may find that your tastes change once you begin the process of looking at DVC as really a second home. Good luck.

[DisFlan]

We bought a resale at BWV for the reasons others have mentioned. We knew that's where we wanted to stay, and we didn't want to have to hassle over it. We like the other resorts, but we LOVE BWV. We didn't want to buy SSR and then "maybe" be able to get into BWV at the times we prefer going.

So study the other resorts and buy where you really prefer to stay most of the time.


DisFlan

[mushu]

I bought BWV form Disney because I want to be at the BWV in OCT. For F&W.

[Daitcher]

Greetings, all! This is my first post and I'm just filled with questions. I hope you can help me out.

We are waffling between resale and direct from Disney. Living in New York and visiting Saratoga Springs many, many times over the years the idea of buying into SS isn't as appealing to me. However, if its not too difficult to make reservations at resorts other than the home resort, than maybe I shouldn't be too concerned. Our preferred travel times are May and October if that helps.

Our resale preferences are Beach Club and Boardwalk.

Thanks for the help!



Based on this information SSR is definitely not for you. BCV is doable in May but October during the F&W wine Fest. it is very doubtful. Buy a BCV resale or BWV resale to ensure your stays there. I own SSR and live in Saratoga Springs, NY. I can tell you I regret my choice. I don't like SSR and the 7 month bookings are already getting tougher. posts on other boards and many people I've met at the "world" have stated they bought into SSR to just get into the system. They have no intentions of staying there. If even a small percentage of SSR guests are doing this it will create heavy competition at the smaller resorts at 7 months. I confess, I'm a SSR owner that is doing just that. I didn't intend it that way but we just don't like SSR. My 350 points go to 7 month bookings at the small properties. Really think this thing through. I really would have bought BCV had I known DVC was going to expand the SSR plans. I bought in before that happened. Good luck with this.


DAVE

[carolina_yankee]

BCV and BWV have their obvious appeals - the only thing I would suggest is that you do take a good look at SSR before deciding, if you think you might prefer going through Disney (special incentives, longer contract, whatever other reason you might have). It's still in development, and I think it promises to be one of the most elegant and relaxed properties on site.

As for the Saratoga Springs theming, it is Disney after all, so how much like the real thing can it be? LOL. You're on flat land in Florida heat! Though, the architecture and equestrian theming are there.

My own limited experience was that it was easy to book a preferred view studio at BWV at 5 months out for an early May trip while Flower & Garden is in full swing. BCV was fully booked. I understand the Food & Wine festival can be a little tougher.

Have fun researching and deciding - but don't take too long. Many people regret not buying sooner!!

Dirk

[cruise-o-matic]

Our home resort is HHI. We did this for several reasons, one being the 11 month booking window. It is difficult to get peak summer weeks in HHI at the 7 month window.

But we have never had trouble getting the resort we want in WDW at 7 months. There are tons of rooms in WDW and even during F&W or other special times and peak weeks I think you will find a room somewhere. Maybe not BCV or BWV, but SSR or VWL, etc.

Now, the final note is the contract. Read the fine print and you will see that Disney gives themselves an out in guranteeing transfer to other resorts, or in the case of HHI, even selling the resort all together.

Ditto....but don't forget the points are cheaper at HHI and when you buy resale, you get the advantage of having a tax credit from the prior year, so the MF's are not much more than OKW.

So far we have stayed in a HHI studio in 9/06 and BCV studio in 12/05. Tomorrow we leave for HHI again and have a studio for Easter week, back to BCV in a 2BR in July. Then in Oct, we're staying at VWL studio.

(Of course, I inquired about VWL for last December and BCV for the upcoming October....BWV was available in Oct, except for our last night. But none the less, we were thrilled with our BCV room and we'll be just as excited to be a boat ride away from MNSSHP.)

We booked our studio (there are only 21) this week inside the 7 month window and we're very fortunate to get 3 days and waitlist one day for the other 2. In August, we'll be taking advantage of our 11 month window to book HHI next summer.

IMHO, owning at HHI is very underrated.

[Deep-Thots]

Hi, Lilo --

The other thing you may want to take into account is how your vacation habits will change as your child gets older. Will you be pulling him/her out of school in May and October to do the World, or will you be going during the more popular school vacation times (Easter, Christmas, summers)?

If you think you'll be going during Easter and Christmas, you should definitely do a non-SSR resale so that you can get the 11-month booking advantage.

If you're going to be going at some point during the summer and will have some flexibilty, chances are pretty good that you'll be able to get something at one of the Epcot resorts in June, July, or August at 7 months out -- so you might want to consider going for the ease/incentives of an SSR purchase.

What resort do we own and why do we like it? DH and I, who are childless, nearly 40 year-old DINKs, originally purchased 200 SSR pts via resale (back when they were $77 ppt!!!!), added on another 130 pts there via DVC special, and just this month added on another 100 pts there via resale -- so we really love SSR. We love the furnishings, the upscale quality of it, the SPA, DTD (and DQ -- we're really just grown-up kids), and the fact that you can walk 10 minutes to DTD and pick up a bus to any resort for a great non-DTD dinner if you feel like it (like Cali Grille). We prefer the condo-style resort to the hotel-style resort (parking!!), though I'll be honest and say there are times I wish I could order belgian waffles via room service for breakfast. So, we could have added on another 230 non-SSR points, but we chose to stay with SSR.

Still, though, different strokes for different folks.

Kim

[Plutofan2]

If you can plan your vactions at least 7 months out and you will be disappointed in not staying at Beach Club or Boardwalk then buy there. If you never plan 7 months out then for the most part all points are equal. As there are more and more members it will get harder to get into the smaller resorts somewhere down the road. Good luck.