I was as naive as a guy could be when we bought in 2001 at VWL. Our guide asked when we liked to go to WDW the most, said Dec and she said we would love VWL. Turns out she was right! Was asking for BWV but they were sold out. So we took what we could. So glad we did. Don't get me wrong, we bought resale at BWV many years later and don't regret that move either. But we are so happy we have the 11 mos window for VWL in Dec. Like Jen, I too have never had issue getting what we wanted at 11 mos if I am on the phone pronto that morning.
We have been fortunate enough to book a lot of places at 7 mos as well, but I study what will be realistic and not and go into it with knowledge it may not work. I tend to have a backup plan as well. For ex., we love BLT but I don't expect to be able to book it say Dec or Oct. Mar or May, yes. Thats reason we bought BWV, for F&W. So I agree, buy where you want to stay. Love the 11 mos window as its a guarantee of sorts that I can be there when I want. Its takes some strategy these days I feel, same as the 7 mos.
DVC has afforded me some great memories as twinklebug pointed out, and though like all things of this World, it has its flaws, the positives for me far outweigh the negatives. We all are fortunate, maybe lucky, I don't know, that we own a piece of Magic that enriches our lives where others struggle just to make a trip of a lifetime.
Yep, I was naive, too, the first time around. By the time I came to the DVC party, SSR was the resort that was opening, so that was where I bought. I knew nothing of the resale market or the fact that Disney could snag a contract at other "closed" resorts if you pushed for them. My first booked stay? VWL. I've told this story before, so I'll be brief, but my first actual visit to VWL was OOP. Wanted a suite since youngest daughter wasn't even 5 at the time, and wanted a separate room for her. After viewing rooms online at the deluxe resorts, I liked GF and Poly a lot, but they were either booked or too expensive. Ended up "settling" for WL, specifically a room at VWL, though I had no clue what DVC was at the time. It was an amazing experience, and back then they had a kiosk just off the VWL lobby near the elevators. The DVC channel on the TV intrigued me, and the CM at the kiosk answered some basic questions. Took a tour, went home to think about it, and a week later bought. After that, every trip I took was at VWL even though it was the 7-month point to book. Never an issue, though I never tried the holidays. It wasn't until 9 years ago that I bought VWL points, then added to those about 5 years ago.
Like you,
JT, we've had so many tremendous experiences: some small like the flickering lanterns and stirring music as we walk from the main Lodge to VWL; some large like our wedding at the Lodge. All are special. I do realize that my issues with many of Disney's recent decisions are first world problems, and for now, we'll keep plugging along enjoying what we can. We'll always dream of driving up to the Lodge and walking into the lobby, no matter what. I just hope to capture even more magic as the years go by.
I hadn't planned on going back to WDW for some time. But, an opportunity came up to spend a week at the Lodge to celebrate my 50th trip around the sun. More importantly, (God willing) I'll be celebrating a year of sobriety.
I tell people all the time that I did not save money by buying timeshares. I spent much more on vacations than I would have if I'd not owned anything. But, I got to spend a dozen years taking 2-3 vacations per year with my kids while they were growing up. Now that they are both in college, I can't imagine a better use to which I could have put that cash.
, Brian! Congratulations, too, on you year-long journey. We're privileged you shared with us, and you'll find us a good group with whom to share. You're correct, too, in that you don't really save money buying a timeshare--we wouldn't likely travel quite as much so we'd save in that way. Still, there's no doubt owning DVC has saved us money for our trips to Disney, not to mention providing us years of anticipation and merriment. Have fun at VWL (or Copper Creek if that's where you're staying)! Keep us updated!!
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