When we travel in a large group, we always book a HH GV at OKW. Tons of room. Huge kitchen. 1/2 the price of other GVs. Otherwise, good list, but AKL is just too far from anything
Our home resort is Old Key West. Rooms are so large! Usually stay in 3 bedroom villa with extended family. Honeymooned at Poly and have stayed at many other resorts. This year we’re staying at Riviera resort and can’t wait!
We have spent the last 2 New Years at Hilton Head and absolutely loved it. If you are going to consider a resort without a theme park attachment it's hard to beat.
Our home resort is the Poly and we love the resort. But we found out the one bedroom suites work better for our family and they aren't any there. We usually don't have a problem getting into Bay Lake 1 bdrm. 2 full baths and a short walk to our favorite park. We love it there!
I was able to go to the Polynesian for the first time this past spring and loved it. I’m currently at the Aulani resort as I’m writing this. While this resort is definitely far and above on Polynesian style it is so packed with guests that there is no available chairs at the poolside. My home resorts are Wilderness which I love and Saratoga which I hate. So I used those points for Aulani 😉!
Love Bay Lake Tower and Polynesian location. Old Key West space. Granddaughter liked Boardwalk. I want to stay at Beach Club for the Waterpark pool. We have a pool but everything is better at Disney! Love DVC! ❤️ 🏰 love the extra bathroom. 😃
Ha. Fiasco’s my favorite- but he’ll realize one day that 2 extra min (4 min both ways) is actually a big deal with strollers, crying kids, and foot sore grandparents in tow. BLT still has GFV (and everywhere else) beat on convenience to MK (and is monorail connected to Epcot too). Very worthy #2. Location, location, location.
Great segment all! Love BLT for the location and the newly refurbed Contemporary. Looking forward to the BLT refresh in two years too! And welcome back Fiasco! Hope you are feeling better and great seeing you at the controls. And one last comment.... Paul, does Amy really like Cape May Cafe? Amy, say it ain't so!!!! LOL.
Maybe DBCV is in need of refurbishment, as stated. It’s our home resort, but haven’t stayed there since 2014. Ironically, we’ve only stayed there four times since 2002 due to availability, even with it being our home resort. We have stayed at the Boardwalk Villas most often and it is a good alternative (probably better now as their rooms were refurbished a few years back). When we re-discovered Disney on our honeymoon back in 1991, the Yacht Club was where we stayed exclusively until we became DVC members. There are plenty of on property options for a good stay. The only DVC property that we avoid is Saratoga Springs. It’s a beautiful resort, just too spread out and we’ve always come home sick (usually upper respiratory infections, although one year my youngest came down with pneumonia). Never had this issue with any other resort on property (DVC or otherwise). Looking to have a long stay in the coming year (points are racking up from being banked). Cape May is usually one of our breakfast options. There are much better options for dinner nearby, we’ve only had dinner there twice in our 40+ plus stays on property.
I'm not surprised the GF isn't on the list. It's the smallest and almost the most expensive DVC resort. Few of us have stayed there. If the question had been "Which DVC resort has the best lobby, shopping and dining?" I bet it would've made the list. I'm seeing a rush on Riviera contracts in the near future. I think it's an undervalued gem. The affordable GF. I'm hoping to get a resale contract in 2022.
Interesting segment. I love Animal Kingdom Lodge but was surprised it was voted #1. So many people complain that its too far away from everything. One can say that is part of the beauty of it! Oh, and Fiasco I like your hair long. Don't listen to Pete! lol
Curious about your data- can you distinguish between DVC respondents w kids and those w/o? Maybe not as much data for those w/o. But i bet the results would differ among those w/o kids. Also the dispersal of data among the resorts may skew data. Just curious!
Animal Kingdom is cool for regulars for sure but absolutely my last resort for a trip due to access to other things. Not sure another resort is as bad but maybe OKW. I just hope one day Disney gets bus transportation up to speed with demand. I guess location just matters too much to me which is why we bought BLT but love Boardwalk area too.
People will forever rank GF low, because people pre-judge the resort as old and stuffy and snobby. The DVC rooms are really nice and you are walking distance to MK and Polynesian. Has monorail, fine dining, splash pad and zero entry pool. Its an easy top 5 for me!
yeah but it also partially true. I think price point is also part of it. I enjoyed it more as time has passed and would say its perfect for certain people for sure...maybe more people should give it a shot.
We stayed in a one bedroom at Jambo house with a savanna view, it was disappointing. Animal kingdom lodge was kind of run down IMO. I really like the Aulani and Grand Floridian
Don’t like the Riviera restrictions so will probably never buy but LOVE, LOVE the Riviera as my number 1! Have stayed there twice on my points and planning another!
VGF is our first home and our family favorite but they last two times we’ve stayed there the rooms were in bad shape. Disappointing as the flagship. Love every thing else about it
Not sure I get the huge drop of BC on the list, but as was mentioned that resort has a great deal of wear and tear on the rooms. Also, the fact that EPCOT has been under constant construction has had some effect. I don't disagree with AKL being #1. It is my favorite floor plan of all of the non OKW resorts, and love the extra bathroom you get. Plus...who doesn't like waking up to animals. That being said we are an EPCOT family, and will never give up our home at BC.
I personally love the Floridian. Just so relaxing and everything is right there. Put the kids in their jammies and watch the fireworks and have a bite to eat dock side then go to room and watch the water parade. we have stayed at Saratoga and did not like it. This was after staying at Floridian though. We have booked Poly for may only because Floridian wasn't available. Floridian is waitlisted. The wife is hoping Floridian doesn't come through she wants to try the Poly.
We were gonna be lucky receipients of one of Pete’s BRV contracts but Disney took it in ROFR. I was bummed cuz watching all of these shows for months is why we pulled the trigger on DVC!
Interesting I have GF, Poly, CCV, SSV, & Aulani. The GF is a beautiful, but I think the biggest disappointment is the view from the rooms. My one time stay was a lake view and all I got to see was the Polynesian resort. I had expected the GF villas would face Magic Kingdom as they do at BLT and the Polynesian!!! The Polynesian has the perfect spot imo but the biggest issue is only having the studio or the way overpriced bungalows. The cabins at CCV are tied for my favorite spot so far with the Aulani. I'm still trying to get a stay at Boardwalk but I may be cursed for not having them as a home resort.
We're looking off property; Disney is just too pricey. We do not have FLorida resident discounts so we've been trying to figure out when/where to cut costs. On my last trip, my flight got cancelled. I won't say the name but I did a last minute stay at a different "time share " that I've never heard of. It was great and even had laundry facilities in the room. Grocery delivery to my room/condo was no problem at all. So I'm just not seeing enough value to make the DVC jump.
For most people this is the case. DVC is for people that have to be on property and that is a costly requirement. I bought in last year resale and know its not the most practical decision. Ideally I will get out of it come 15 years from now probably. I bought BLT to have extended life on my contract so there is value when I go to sell and also assume I might as well pay for location since that is the whole reason I was interested to begin with. I would consider Poly/Grand for same reason. Boardwalk area is very nice and my favorite but short contract length was a no for me. Saratoga Springs deserves a hard look for the money, facilities, feel of the area, and close to Disney Springs... I just have a young new family so park accessibility was my number one concern. Save money as you are but for us we reached deep in pockets for what we felt made the trip more enjoyable in the long run.
I like the Beach club and storm along bay is awesome but way too many restrictions and no seating areas. Spending the day at the pool there feels more like a hazle instead of relaxation!
I think Rivera is just nice and new. I do not think it would hold up as well in the long run when considering the points rules. Also its the longest contract near Epcot and Hollywood which I believe is the biggest driver.
i don't think that the fact that Rivera is so close to poly is any indication that disney is validated in their resae restrictions because the question was favorite resorts not where do you want to own. you can love Rivera and never want to own there.
I still love Beach Club! But there are a lot less rooms at BCV, meaning less owners and less opportunities for others to stay there so maybe less people voting for it? I will always stay in BCV over BWV if available :)
Off property competes with lots of the on property resorts. But no off property resort competes with Animal Kingdom Lodge. There is no cheaper off property version.
If you are not a patreon member JOIN IMMEDIATELY! (No I’m not in any way connected to the show except that I’m a fan and I book cruises through Dreams Unlimited.) Seriously, the patreon shows are a hoot. There is a very short one related to this episode that had me falling out of my chair laughing.
I'm glad that you guys are back to your regular routine now that Fiasco is feeling better!
OKW…relaxing, quiet, close to restaurants and shopping at Disney Springs. Perfect for this retired senior🥰😎
When we travel in a large group, we always book a HH GV at OKW. Tons of room. Huge kitchen. 1/2 the price of other GVs. Otherwise, good list, but AKL is just too far from anything
Our home resort is Old Key West. Rooms are so large! Usually stay in 3 bedroom villa with extended family. Honeymooned at Poly and have stayed at many other resorts. This year we’re staying at Riviera resort and can’t wait!
We have spent the last 2 New Years at Hilton Head and absolutely loved it. If you are going to consider a resort without a theme park attachment it's hard to beat.
OKW for life! Just amazing sized 1-2 bedrooms
Our home resort is the Poly and we love the resort. But we found out the one bedroom suites work better for our family and they aren't any there. We usually don't have a problem getting into Bay Lake 1 bdrm. 2 full baths and a short walk to our favorite park. We love it there!
We have booked our pre-cruise Welcome Home stay at Jambo House for the Podcast Cruise in May.
AK & BLT...are our favorites and I own direct with BLT. We get a 2BR and love the fact that there are 3 full baths with a 2BR.
In October we stayed at AKL on the Savanna for 7 glorious days.It was amazing.And Pete I’m originally from Cape May NJ
Bay Lake - location, monorail, restaurants at Contemporary, 2 bedroom has 3 baths & supports 6 big people easily.
I was able to go to the Polynesian for the first time this past spring and loved it. I’m currently at the Aulani resort as I’m writing this. While this resort is definitely far and above on Polynesian style it is so packed with guests that there is no available chairs at the poolside. My home resorts are Wilderness which I love and Saratoga which I hate. So I used those points for Aulani 😉!
Once you stay at HHI, it will quickly become your fave! There’s nothing like it and the CMs are truly magical!
Love Bay Lake Tower and Polynesian location. Old Key West space. Granddaughter liked Boardwalk. I want to stay at Beach Club for the Waterpark pool. We have a pool but everything is better at Disney! Love DVC! ❤️ 🏰 love the extra bathroom. 😃
Rivera, Wilderness Lodge, Poly, Hilton Head and Aulani.
Hilton Head is on my list to check out, it looks really nice!
Ha. Fiasco’s my favorite- but he’ll realize one day that 2 extra min (4 min both ways) is actually a big deal with strollers, crying kids, and foot sore grandparents in tow. BLT still has GFV (and everywhere else) beat on convenience to MK (and is monorail connected to Epcot too). Very worthy #2. Location, location, location.
Great segment all! Love BLT for the location and the newly refurbed Contemporary. Looking forward to the BLT refresh in two years too! And welcome back Fiasco! Hope you are feeling better and great seeing you at the controls. And one last comment.... Paul, does Amy really like Cape May Cafe? Amy, say it ain't so!!!! LOL.
I personally love the treehouse villas, less people get enough of people in the parks.
Love that my home resort is AKL!
Nothing like the grand Floridian 😎
Riviera is just stunning in just about every way... DVC restrictions aside the resort is incredible
The grand Floridian hands down , the best overall resort!!!!
How about this thought: Do the newer resorts have more resale listings due to early buyers remorse?
I’m just glad to have a variety in accommodations. It’s fun to have a choice.
Maybe DBCV is in need of refurbishment, as stated. It’s our home resort, but haven’t stayed there since 2014. Ironically, we’ve only stayed there four times since 2002 due to availability, even with it being our home resort. We have stayed at the Boardwalk Villas most often and it is a good alternative (probably better now as their rooms were refurbished a few years back). When we re-discovered Disney on our honeymoon back in 1991, the Yacht Club was where we stayed exclusively until we became DVC members. There are plenty of on property options for a good stay. The only DVC property that we avoid is Saratoga Springs. It’s a beautiful resort, just too spread out and we’ve always come home sick (usually upper respiratory infections, although one year my youngest came down with pneumonia). Never had this issue with any other resort on property (DVC or otherwise). Looking to have a long stay in the coming year (points are racking up from being banked). Cape May is usually one of our breakfast options. There are much better options for dinner nearby, we’ve only had dinner there twice in our 40+ plus stays on property.
I wish I could give a thousand thumbs up 👍 for this fun and informative episode
I'm not surprised the GF isn't on the list. It's the smallest and almost the most expensive DVC resort. Few of us have stayed there. If the question had been "Which DVC resort has the best lobby, shopping and dining?" I bet it would've made the list. I'm seeing a rush on Riviera contracts in the near future. I think it's an undervalued gem. The affordable GF. I'm hoping to get a resale contract in 2022.
This was fabulous review. Enjoyed this show.
If you ask me, Boardwalk should have gone up just for the fact that they’ve removed Pennywise from the pool.
Interesting segment. I love Animal Kingdom Lodge but was surprised it was voted #1. So many people complain that its too far away from everything. One can say that is part of the beauty of it! Oh, and Fiasco I like your hair long. Don't listen to Pete! lol
Curious about your data- can you distinguish between DVC respondents w kids and those w/o? Maybe not as much data for those w/o. But i bet the results would differ among those w/o kids. Also the dispersal of data among the resorts may skew data. Just curious!
Yes artwork! I have 3 prints from the Rivera. One of the best experiences at Disney by far. You guys are awesome! :)
Found Animal Kingdom lodge too far from resorts. The kids loved the Boardwalk villas.
Animal Kingdom is cool for regulars for sure but absolutely my last resort for a trip due to access to other things. Not sure another resort is as bad but maybe OKW. I just hope one day Disney gets bus transportation up to speed with demand. I guess location just matters too much to me which is why we bought BLT but love Boardwalk area too.
People will forever rank GF low, because people pre-judge the resort as old and stuffy and snobby. The DVC rooms are really nice and you are walking distance to MK and Polynesian. Has monorail, fine dining, splash pad and zero entry pool. Its an easy top 5 for me!
yeah but it also partially true. I think price point is also part of it. I enjoyed it more as time has passed and would say its perfect for certain people for sure...maybe more people should give it a shot.
We stayed in a one bedroom at Jambo house with a savanna view, it was disappointing. Animal kingdom lodge was kind of run down IMO. I really like the Aulani and Grand Floridian
Beach Club needs rooms in the actual hotel, if you ask me. I would like views of the lake and SAB.
I agree with this wholeheartedly. BC suffers greatly from size and view restrictions.
Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani. My vote too. 🦒
Seems Beach Club pool crowds are a complaint.
Don’t like the Riviera restrictions so will probably never buy but LOVE, LOVE the Riviera as my number 1! Have stayed there twice on my points and planning another!
VGF is our first home and our family favorite but they last two times we’ve stayed there the rooms were in bad shape. Disappointing as the flagship. Love every thing else about it
Not sure I get the huge drop of BC on the list, but as was mentioned that resort has a great deal of wear and tear on the rooms. Also, the fact that EPCOT has been under constant construction has had some effect. I don't disagree with AKL being #1. It is my favorite floor plan of all of the non OKW resorts, and love the extra bathroom you get. Plus...who doesn't like waking up to animals. That being said we are an EPCOT family, and will never give up our home at BC.
Was Sue Saunders a DVC guide before?
I’m honestly surprised that Copper Creek is not on the list.
I thought it was #6?
Lol never mind hahahha- I thought it was top 10, but it’s 5.
I personally love the Floridian. Just so relaxing and everything is right there. Put the kids in their jammies and watch the fireworks and have a bite to eat dock side then go to room and watch the water parade. we have stayed at Saratoga and did not like it. This was after staying at Floridian though. We have booked Poly for may only because Floridian wasn't available. Floridian is waitlisted. The wife is hoping Floridian doesn't come through she wants to try the Poly.
We were gonna be lucky receipients of one of Pete’s BRV contracts but Disney took it in ROFR. I was bummed cuz watching all of these shows for months is why we pulled the trigger on DVC!
Sorry it was taken by Disney, Jodie :(
Interesting I have GF, Poly, CCV, SSV, & Aulani. The GF is a beautiful, but I think the biggest disappointment is the view from the rooms. My one time stay was a lake view and all I got to see was the Polynesian resort. I had expected the GF villas would face Magic Kingdom as they do at BLT and the Polynesian!!! The Polynesian has the perfect spot imo but the biggest issue is only having the studio or the way overpriced bungalows. The cabins at CCV are tied for my favorite spot so far with the Aulani. I'm still trying to get a stay at Boardwalk but I may be cursed for not having them as a home resort.
We're looking off property; Disney is just too pricey. We do not have FLorida resident discounts so we've been trying to figure out when/where to cut costs. On my last trip, my flight got cancelled. I won't say the name but I did a last minute stay at a different "time share " that I've never heard of. It was great and even had laundry facilities in the room. Grocery delivery to my room/condo was no problem at all. So I'm just not seeing enough value to make the DVC jump.
For most people this is the case. DVC is for people that have to be on property and that is a costly requirement. I bought in last year resale and know its not the most practical decision. Ideally I will get out of it come 15 years from now probably. I bought BLT to have extended life on my contract so there is value when I go to sell and also assume I might as well pay for location since that is the whole reason I was interested to begin with. I would consider Poly/Grand for same reason. Boardwalk area is very nice and my favorite but short contract length was a no for me. Saratoga Springs deserves a hard look for the money, facilities, feel of the area, and close to Disney Springs... I just have a young new family so park accessibility was my number one concern. Save money as you are but for us we reached deep in pockets for what we felt made the trip more enjoyable in the long run.
Trying to decide between Poly and Boardwalk. No more little ones, just teens and adults. Thoughrs?
Wilderness lodge is my fav
AKL represent 🤗
I like the Beach club and storm along bay is awesome but way too many restrictions and no seating areas. Spending the day at the pool there feels more like a hazle instead of relaxation!
I would love the piece in the okw jetted tub room with mickey and.minnie on the beach. Absolutely agree the dvc resorts should sell their artwork.
Id guess that the reason the Poly was so close to Rivera is because it was closed half the year.
I think Rivera is just nice and new. I do not think it would hold up as well in the long run when considering the points rules. Also its the longest contract near Epcot and Hollywood which I believe is the biggest driver.
The smell of Cape May is NO JOKE!
Hey Friends!! Is there a show from 2019 top 5?? I’m curious to hear about our favorite and Home Resort being number 1!!! 🧜🏻♀️
Wow, got poly for $145 on a small contract last year. It's gone up a lot!
i don't think that the fact that Rivera is so close to poly is any indication that disney is validated in their resae restrictions because the question was favorite resorts not where do you want to own. you can love Rivera and never want to own there.
I had to laugh at your comment about the Grand Californian. We bought 310 points in 2010. It's worth a little bit more now...
Is Derek the brother of Kevin? They look and act so similar.
The real answer is Aulani, but from the east coast? It's rough.
What’s wrong with Saratoga Springs?
I still love Beach Club! But there are a lot less rooms at BCV, meaning less owners and less opportunities for others to stay there so maybe less people voting for it? I will always stay in BCV over BWV if available :)
I’m always trying to get beach club. We love it
My favorite is Boardwalk. My wife’s is AKL . We own at AKL.😀
Off property competes with lots of the on property resorts. But no off property resort competes with Animal Kingdom Lodge. There is no cheaper off property version.
15:52 the part of the brain called the hippocampus is named after the mythological sea creature.
If you are not a patreon member JOIN IMMEDIATELY! (No I’m not in any way connected to the show except that I’m a fan and I book cruises through Dreams Unlimited.) Seriously, the patreon shows are a hoot. There is a very short one related to this episode that had me falling out of my chair laughing.
Great information thank you.
Why is it that whichever resort we are staying at, it becomes my favorite? LOL
Proud of you Pete for knowing your neuroanatomy
SSR = King of DVC
boardwalk over beach club? hmm interesting
My home, Animal Kingdom Villas takes the top spot!
Bay Lake-Location, Location, Location.
I'm surprised Beach Club didn't make the list.
What was the total number of votes counted?
Leave the kids in the woods🤣🤣🤣🤣! Yes, as a mother of Five kids , all grown, why did I never think about that!
Uh, Grand Californian?? What happened??
Biggest problem with Aulani is the cost to just go there.
BLT is so ugly but I know people like walking to MK without the VGF point chart.
We had direct at RR and added 100 points resale for $140
Service at the Grand has been non-existent.
Mr. Boardwalk, Derek D
Nice
Omg, who wants to be the person who buys Pete's contract?!?!?
Bay Lake Tower has no business being on this list. Bleh!