is your "home resort" really important?

[Dad of twins]

I saw on some resale sites you can get DVC points at Vero Beach for $60-$65 per point. I know there's the 11 month vs. 7 month thing, but for all of your experiences ... do you get shut out if you only have 7 months to book?

If you can't get a place at the 7 month point, then I'll pay the full $84. but if 7 months is enough ... $24 in pocket sounds nice.

Thanks!

[OKWTink]

Tough question to answer. The general rule is to "buy where you want to stay."

Having said that, you could make Vero work for you even if you intend to stay at WDW most of the time. The 11 month window can be critical, depending upon the time of year you plan to visit. Christmas? New Year's? Easter? Spring Break? Sometimes July 4? You'll probably need the 11 month window. If you are just going to go during off season or slower times, the 7 month window may usually work fo ryou.

Keep in mind as the DVC gets bigger (and OKW, BWV, VWL and almost BCV have sold out) it will get tougher to get the 7 month booking.

Also, check on the dues at Vero Beach. I think they are more than some of the other DVCs.

[Scoootch]

I totally agree with OKWTink --

It really depends on what times of year you like to be at WDW. If you will be going mostly when your kids have off from school -- holiday times or spring break or summer -- then Vero probably isn't the best choice as people compete as it is to get their home resort for the busy times even at 11 mos. out. If you are going to plan on going in the off seasons though like Sept. for example and just take the kids out of school, you most likely would do fine.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[Dad of twins]

another spin on it. does room size play a big factor on whether you can get a reservation. we'll probably always be wanting a 2BR. are those the most popular, and most difficult to get?
thanks!

[OKWTink]

The most difficult to get are the Grand Villas. Standard view at BWV goes very fast, too (studios first). After GVs, studios seem to go first at most of the DVCs.

I've only booked a two bedroom a couple of times and had no problems, so can't really say.

However, when booking a two bedroom, you may want to specify if you want, or don't want a "lockout." A lockout consists of a studio as a second bedroom. That provides separate entrance, separate kichenette, separate patio, etc. and is joined to a one bedroom via a door that can be locked on either side. This is nice when your party consists of other adults.

The alternative is a dedicated two bedroom with one entrance. This is good for families that don't necessarily need or want a separate entrance. The kitchenette area is a dressing room type space, but the rest remains the same.

[BigThunder]

It was important to us to be able to get into the BCV most often so that is why we bought there. If you are going in the off season it may not matter but I wouldn't base what is working for you right now for 20 years from now. Does that make any sense? A few years back going in November every year was perfect & no big deal. As my 9 year old gets older & closer to middle & high school age I realize we won't always be able to pull her from school & will eventually HAVE to go in the summer all the time. So when we were buying points we figured up what we would need to go during peek time, not during off season. Hope that makes sense.