We wanted AKL it’s the resort of our heart - love love love it. Buuuut when planning for kiddo (stroller) years - changed our minds last minute for BLT. Low dues bigger up front cost but we can grab the standard view rooms as owners. Can’t beat BLT when you have littles that need nap time. We hope to buy another contract at AKL once we save up again 😊
My home resort is Saratoga Springs. I think my favorite so far is either Polynesian Village or Boardwalk, both for their closeness to a theme park. However, I couldn't be more pleased with the value per point on Saratoga... so I'm glad I own there!
You definitely made a great choice with Saratoga Springs, especially because they are just finishing the remodel. The rooms were okay before but now they look great! Given that you like to travel in the summer, you should be able to get some great rooms other than your home resort. Congrats again on your purchase!
Thank you for creating this very in-depth look at DVC! You're answering a lot of the questions we get on a day to day basis from our clients in a really simple and straightforward way. Excellent job on this!
Thank you so much! We have numerous educational videos on DVC here: ua-cam.com/play/PL1oGx7aOVSWpzi-Jf38ixUFmhzM03xuu-.html as well as room tours and resort tours here: ua-cam.com/play/PL1oGx7aOVSWqaTGvw6g65G96XO-31l3OW.html We've had a lot of interest in our DVC videos, so we will definitely continue making them. Later this week will have a new video coming out with quick facts about DVC. We also do videos with more in-depth analysis of costs and comparisons between direct/renting/resale. Thank you so much for watching and don't hesitate to send clients our way for DVC education, advice and tips! Best wishes!
Why would I buy Polynesian when it is $90/pt more expensive than OKW? Is it impossible to book a studio there at the 7 month mark? Ive heard that it’s not difficult so don’t understand the e yea cost. My ideal is 45 AKV, 30 BCV and 50 OKW direct. For early December trips,we can stay for a week with resort and park days and my little kids can see animals and play in a big pool.
I do think one of these days Disney will add one bedrooms to the Poly but who knows! That would certainly change the booking patterns. I do think if you want a holiday booking there you have to own there!
Regarding Polynesian, we have found that most of the year, it's possible to book a stay at Polynesian in a studio; however, early December is one of the busiest times for DVC booking specifically (do you think maybe DVC owners are on to something about traveling at that time of year? 😉). I think you will find that December, in general is very tough to book outside of your home resort. We have a trip coming up in that timeframe and wish to switch part of our reservation to another resort at the 7 month window and we're finding very limited availability (currently on OKW and Saratoga Springs). On the other hand, most other times of year, you can find availability at some resorts, if not many. If you're open to "split" stays (switching resorts during your trip, we do this a lot!), you could get contracts at different resorts, then book a few nights at each. I definitely would recommend following the "buy where you want to stay" advice if you plan to travel in December often.
@@TheMagicInTheMusic it’s half a year later and I am still trying to figure out our home resort. In designing our dream vacation, I want to stay at Riviera, Polynesian and Animal Kingdom. So scenario one is to buy 25 AKV on resale. And then in a year or two 25 direct in Riviera. And then 25 in Poly. Scenario two is to buy 50-75 resale points at SSR or OKW then try to go to AKV and Poly at 7 month. Then after a few years add 25 points of Riviera direct. Then buy any contract in a resort that we couldn’t get to at 7 months. I guess the idea is to become a full DVC member in stages over 5 years so as to not regret the decision, overspend or experience lifestyle creep. In our current plan, we would do Riviera/AKV in year one, Poly/AKV in year two and somewhere else (Aulani, Disneyland, Mexico, Europe) in year 3. So even with only 65 points we could stay in a DVC resort for 4-5 days and then off property for 3-4 days (or split with Universal or the Beach). It’s just so hard to predict what resorts will be unavailable at 7 months since Covid has changed so much. I figure if we are fine with reserving SSR at 11 and trying for AKV or Poly we should do that option since it is considerably cheaper.
I am new to all this DVC info. Not even sure where to start. What are some of the first questions I should ask to get start. These videos are helping, thank you!
I would highly recommend that you take a look at the videos on this playlist. DVC is definitely not something you want to buy on an impulse. You really need to take some time to understand it and see if it's a good fit for you. Here's our playlist for buying DVC: ua-cam.com/play/PL1oGx7aOVSWpzi-Jf38ixUFmhzM03xuu-.html Let us know if you have questions. Best wishes!
“The resort of last resort” 😂 that is brilliant AKL is amazing. I’ve never stayed there, but I went there for a painting event...I actually think it was called Painting on the Savanna...and I got to paint a picture of a turtle while drinking mimosas and watching the giraffes 🦒 I can only imagine how magical it is to actually stay there! I don’t think I’ll be able to join DVC any time soon, but if it ever happens I am 100% going for Beach Club or Boardwalk, that may be my favourite spot in all of WDW since it’s right in between my two favourites parks, and between the shops, bars and restaurants I consider the Boardwalk to be a mini-theme park of its own 😻
Another very informational video. Well done Jennifer!!! As you know, I am not DVC, but if I were to do it, I would really want Grand Floridian or Beach Club as my home resort :D
My family of four love the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I am seriously looking into buying a DVC membership with AKL as the home resort. I came upon your video and it is a great help with the importance of selecting the right home resort. Thank you so much
I love AKL... but as OKW and saratoga seem a lot cheaper, I think I'd still be swayed to one of those. I also like the idea of being near Disney Springs. One question though! If you have say 150 points at AKL and 150 points at OKW... how do you book at 11 months out? As presumably you can't use all 300 at AKL at the 11 month point? Thanks!
That's right. You can't combine those points until 7 months from your check-in date. We have multiple home resorts and we typically book part of our stay at one and part of our stay at the other. Since we love split stays, we often keep it that way and switch resorts during our trip BUT if you don't want to do that, you could combine the points and modify one of the reservations to extend your stay at one of the home resorts, if the nights are available at 7 months. Another option is to alternate using contracts at different resorts. For example, book at OKW one trip, then book at Saratoga Springs the next.
We own the Villas at the Grand Californian. We live in California & wouldn’t have thought about buying into dvc until one came available in Disneyland. We bought in 2010 and are so happy with our purchase!
@@TheMagicInTheMusic yes! Finally, they are building another DVC in Disneyland! We leave next week for our “home”! Can’t wait, Disneyland has been closed too long!
Is the DVC scheme available only to american residents? Can an American living in Europe purchase a DVC? I assume the Paris resorts are not a part of this scheme?
You can't go wrong with Animal Kingdom Villas! Like I mentioned in the video, the moment we set foot in the resort, I KNEW we needed to add on there. I would highly recommend that you check out resale. There's a lot of selection of AKV contracts on the resale market and it's very reasonably priced. Our children are elementary age and they love AKV! The animals are great, Kidani has an excellent kid's pool area (Jambo house pool is great, too!) and it's so much fun taking the kids around to see the animals. When you head out each morning or return to your room, it's always so fun to see what animals are hanging around! I'm sure you and your family will love it.
It depends. If you have multiple contracts at the same resort, you can combine those points to book at 11 months. If they are different resorts, you could book a split stay between two resorts, or book one trip on one contract and then alternate and book a different trip on another contract.
Dream home resort: AKL! combined with another home resort at poly or Riviera (or both!) Would be the perfect combo! I do also love copper creek but that would be an add on later in this dream scenario
Those are all fantastic resorts! I would say that Old Key West is the most cost-effective of the three, Riviera is conveniently located near my two favorite theme parks and has a very relaxing vibe, and Grand Floridian has fantastic access to MK and puts you right in the middle of the action.
What is your home resort? Whether you already own, are thinking of purchasing or are just dreaming, which is your favorite? Tell us below!
I really enjoy having an animal kingdom lodge home resort. It is a great combination of point value, low initial cost and the resort is spectacular!
Animal Kingdom Lodge! It’s our absolute favorite. You can’t beat that view and we love the theming.
We wanted AKL it’s the resort of our heart - love love love it. Buuuut when planning for kiddo (stroller) years - changed our minds last minute for BLT. Low dues bigger up front cost but we can grab the standard view rooms as owners. Can’t beat BLT when you have littles that need nap time. We hope to buy another contract at AKL once we save up again 😊
My home resort is Saratoga Springs. I think my favorite so far is either Polynesian Village or Boardwalk, both for their closeness to a theme park. However, I couldn't be more pleased with the value per point on Saratoga... so I'm glad I own there!
You definitely made a great choice with Saratoga Springs, especially because they are just finishing the remodel. The rooms were okay before but now they look great! Given that you like to travel in the summer, you should be able to get some great rooms other than your home resort. Congrats again on your purchase!
I know NOTHING about DVC this video was so helpful!! Great job explaining!
Jenn is a great educator! It has really translated to great educational videos! 👍
Thank you so much for watching! Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
Thank you for creating this very in-depth look at DVC! You're answering a lot of the questions we get on a day to day basis from our clients in a really simple and straightforward way. Excellent job on this!
Thank you so much! We have numerous educational videos on DVC here: ua-cam.com/play/PL1oGx7aOVSWpzi-Jf38ixUFmhzM03xuu-.html as well as room tours and resort tours here: ua-cam.com/play/PL1oGx7aOVSWqaTGvw6g65G96XO-31l3OW.html We've had a lot of interest in our DVC videos, so we will definitely continue making them. Later this week will have a new video coming out with quick facts about DVC. We also do videos with more in-depth analysis of costs and comparisons between direct/renting/resale. Thank you so much for watching and don't hesitate to send clients our way for DVC education, advice and tips! Best wishes!
Great video! Lots of good info! In a lot of ways I wish I could have seen our video before we bought way back when hehe 😜
Yes! Good point! We definitely bought our first two home resorts on "gut reaction", not that much logic involved! Lol!
I’m dreaming of Old Key West. I love the room sizes, the relaxed atmosphere, and the proximity to Disney Springs!
Great choice! They did a great job with the recent refurbishment there, as well.
Why would I buy Polynesian when it is $90/pt more expensive than OKW? Is it impossible to book a studio there at the 7 month mark? Ive heard that it’s not difficult so don’t understand the e yea cost.
My ideal is 45 AKV, 30 BCV and 50 OKW direct. For early December trips,we can stay for a week with resort and park days and my little kids can see animals and play in a big pool.
I do think one of these days Disney will add one bedrooms to the Poly but who knows! That would certainly change the booking patterns. I do think if you want a holiday booking there you have to own there!
Regarding Polynesian, we have found that most of the year, it's possible to book a stay at Polynesian in a studio; however, early December is one of the busiest times for DVC booking specifically (do you think maybe DVC owners are on to something about traveling at that time of year? 😉). I think you will find that December, in general is very tough to book outside of your home resort. We have a trip coming up in that timeframe and wish to switch part of our reservation to another resort at the 7 month window and we're finding very limited availability (currently on OKW and Saratoga Springs). On the other hand, most other times of year, you can find availability at some resorts, if not many. If you're open to "split" stays (switching resorts during your trip, we do this a lot!), you could get contracts at different resorts, then book a few nights at each. I definitely would recommend following the "buy where you want to stay" advice if you plan to travel in December often.
@@TheMagicInTheMusic it’s half a year later and I am still trying to figure out our home resort.
In designing our dream vacation, I want to stay at Riviera, Polynesian and Animal Kingdom. So scenario one is to buy 25 AKV on resale. And then in a year or two 25 direct in Riviera. And then 25 in Poly.
Scenario two is to buy 50-75 resale points at SSR or OKW then try to go to AKV and Poly at 7 month. Then after a few years add 25 points of Riviera direct. Then buy any contract in a resort that we couldn’t get to at 7 months.
I guess the idea is to become a full DVC member in stages over 5 years so as to not regret the decision, overspend or experience lifestyle creep. In our current plan, we would do Riviera/AKV in year one, Poly/AKV in year two and somewhere else (Aulani, Disneyland, Mexico, Europe) in year 3. So even with only 65 points we could stay in a DVC resort for 4-5 days and then off property for 3-4 days (or split with Universal or the Beach).
It’s just so hard to predict what resorts will be unavailable at 7 months since Covid has changed so much. I figure if we are fine with reserving SSR at 11 and trying for AKV or Poly we should do that option since it is considerably cheaper.
I am new to all this DVC info. Not even sure where to start. What are some of the first questions I should ask to get start. These videos are helping, thank you!
I would highly recommend that you take a look at the videos on this playlist. DVC is definitely not something you want to buy on an impulse. You really need to take some time to understand it and see if it's a good fit for you. Here's our playlist for buying DVC: ua-cam.com/play/PL1oGx7aOVSWpzi-Jf38ixUFmhzM03xuu-.html Let us know if you have questions. Best wishes!
@@TheMagicInTheMusic Thank you!
“The resort of last resort” 😂 that is brilliant
AKL is amazing. I’ve never stayed there, but I went there for a painting event...I actually think it was called Painting on the Savanna...and I got to paint a picture of a turtle while drinking mimosas and watching the giraffes 🦒 I can only imagine how magical it is to actually stay there!
I don’t think I’ll be able to join DVC any time soon, but if it ever happens I am 100% going for Beach Club or Boardwalk, that may be my favourite spot in all of WDW since it’s right in between my two favourites parks, and between the shops, bars and restaurants I consider the Boardwalk to be a mini-theme park of its own 😻
Yes I totally love the boardwalk! One of these days we will go to the dance club there! (After all this Covid stuff of course hehe)
The Boardwalk area is really great! Boardwalk or Beach Club would be great home resorts! We also love AKV, too!
Another very informational video. Well done Jennifer!!! As you know, I am not DVC, but if I were to do it, I would really want Grand Floridian or Beach Club as my home resort :D
Beach club is pretty great 👍
Those are great choices! We’re looking forward to our first stay at Grand Floridian this summer!
Great video! Super informative!
Thank you so much for watching!
My family of four love the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I am seriously looking into buying a DVC membership with AKL as the home resort. I came upon your video and it is a great help with the importance of selecting the right home resort. Thank you so much
I'm so glad you found it helpful. AK is a great choice! Feel free to ask any questions that might come up.
Well done!
Yeah she did a great job 👏
I love AKL... but as OKW and saratoga seem a lot cheaper, I think I'd still be swayed to one of those. I also like the idea of being near Disney Springs. One question though! If you have say 150 points at AKL and 150 points at OKW... how do you book at 11 months out? As presumably you can't use all 300 at AKL at the 11 month point? Thanks!
That's right. You can't combine those points until 7 months from your check-in date. We have multiple home resorts and we typically book part of our stay at one and part of our stay at the other. Since we love split stays, we often keep it that way and switch resorts during our trip BUT if you don't want to do that, you could combine the points and modify one of the reservations to extend your stay at one of the home resorts, if the nights are available at 7 months. Another option is to alternate using contracts at different resorts. For example, book at OKW one trip, then book at Saratoga Springs the next.
@@TheMagicInTheMusic That explains it perfectly thank you. Yes, I didn't think of switching but that makes sense, we also like to do that.
We own the Villas at the Grand Californian. We live in California & wouldn’t have thought about buying into dvc until one came available in Disneyland. We bought in 2010 and are so happy with our purchase!
We have stayed at GC and it’s SO convenient! We had a great stay there. You must be excited about the new DVC property coming to Disneyland!
@@TheMagicInTheMusic yes! Finally, they are building another DVC in Disneyland! We leave next week for our “home”! Can’t wait, Disneyland has been closed too long!
Is the DVC scheme available only to american residents? Can an American living in Europe purchase a DVC? I assume the Paris resorts are not a part of this scheme?
Yes, there are DVC owners all around the world, but all of the DVC resort locations are in the US.
I'm looking to have our home resort at Animal Kingdom. I think my little kids would love a Safari view room.
You can't go wrong with Animal Kingdom Villas! Like I mentioned in the video, the moment we set foot in the resort, I KNEW we needed to add on there. I would highly recommend that you check out resale. There's a lot of selection of AKV contracts on the resale market and it's very reasonably priced. Our children are elementary age and they love AKV! The animals are great, Kidani has an excellent kid's pool area (Jambo house pool is great, too!) and it's so much fun taking the kids around to see the animals. When you head out each morning or return to your room, it's always so fun to see what animals are hanging around! I'm sure you and your family will love it.
If you book at 11 months and have multiple contracts do you just rent the rest of your points?
It depends. If you have multiple contracts at the same resort, you can combine those points to book at 11 months. If they are different resorts, you could book a split stay between two resorts, or book one trip on one contract and then alternate and book a different trip on another contract.
And added Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
We will be staying at Grand Floridian for the first time this summer. We can't wait!
Dream home resort: AKL! combined with another home resort at poly or Riviera (or both!) Would be the perfect combo! I do also love copper creek but that would be an add on later in this dream scenario
You read my mind! We’re AKL/POLY/RIV owners! 👍
@@TheMagicInTheMusic based on all the info I've read and all of your videos I've watched, that is the perfect combination!
I think I would like to have a contract at Beachclub! I love that resort!
We stayed there last July. It was great! You can’t beat walking right into Epcot!
11k steps there and back. (Walk to DS from OKW)
Good to know! 😎👍
Good Job. BLT & OKW
Great combination! We love having multiple hone resorts to take advantage of access to different parks.
Home resort is Saratoga Springs, but if money was no object we would have bought at Bay Lake Tower
Saratoga Springs is a GREAT choice! I'm sure you'll get a lot of value out of that contract. 👍
Debating between Old Key West, Riviera, & Grand Floridian.
Those are all fantastic resorts! I would say that Old Key West is the most cost-effective of the three, Riviera is conveniently located near my two favorite theme parks and has a very relaxing vibe, and Grand Floridian has fantastic access to MK and puts you right in the middle of the action.