Rank the DVC Resorts

[Spivey378]

1. Villas at The Grand Californian
2. Copper Creek Villas
3. ????
4. Profit

 

[AstroBlasters]

Two things I find interesting:

1) Poly seems to have the biggest swings in ranking. Why is that?

2) Grand Flo
a) what makes it feel “stuffy”
b) are the paper thin walls only in the new tower?

 

[Jayunit09]

We are new members and have only stayed on rented points once and our own points once so far. So I will only rank where we have stayed out of fairness to the other resorts.

1. AKV (by a mile)






2. VGF
3. BLT

Both BLT and VGF are probably one and done to be honest. Didnt like anything besides the walk to MK about BLT and the points chart at VGF was too high (the 2 bedroom was amazing though). My kids being excited about the animals and my wife and I have always gone to AKV to eat/walk around even when we stayed off property with no kids. We own at copper creek and only chose it over AKV because of the 7 month window and we do like to travel in nov/dec.

 

[Pens Fan]

Two things I find interesting:

1) Poly seems to have the biggest swings in ranking. Why is that?

2) Grand Flo
a) what makes it feel “stuffy”
b) are the paper thin walls only in the new tower?

1) I can only speak for myself, but we love the resort as a whole and would love to stay there. But we never have due to the lack of 1 and 2 BR units which is what we prefer. We'd rather not stay in a studio and don't want to shell out the points for a bungalow. That's why we were so excited when the tower was announced as it appears that we'll finally be getting some 1 and 2 BR options there. Owning a lot of points at CCV already I doubt we add on at Poly2, but we will definitely try to book there at 7 months.

2) I can't really explain it, but whenever we go to VGF, I just feel out of place. We aren't fancy people and it's just not our style. Now, one thing I will point out is that the stuffiness I mentioned in no way, shape or form applies to the CM's there. We have had some wonderful CM interactions at that resort! They are warm and friendly, just as you would expect. But the resort overall is just a little too over the top fancy for our taste. But everyone's different. We have some good friends that adore it and stay there all of the time.

 

[gmi3804]

Interesting exercise. It's all subjective, of course, but there aren't any I don't like, for any reason, but my last three hold less interest to me than most of the others. I'm happy at any/all of those. My rank, taking into account accommodation quality, location, access to parks and activities, resort feel, ease of parking/transportation, etc. I own at BLT, VGC, and PVB. I've omitted HH and VB:

1. RR
2. Aulani
3, BLT
4. PVB
5. VGC
6. OKW
7. BRV
8. CCV
9. VGF
10. SSR
11. AKV
12. BWV
13. BCV

Interesting about this list is that I seem to lean towards less "theming," and where I do like a themed resort, it's at those that are at resorts that are really well done, less obtrusive, and more authentic to the theme, i.e., VGC, BRV, and CCV.

I've stayed at all except VGF, BCV, and CCV.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Agree this is interesting - but like any other 'favorite' polls on the boards, just about any and all resorts will be listed as a favorite and a least favorite!! For us, from actual experience: AKL, VGC, BC, CCV, OKW, and the rest of the WDW located resorts being tied, and places we don't need to return to for various reasons.

And there's good news in the lists above. We stay at AKV any chance we get - love it. Those who have AKV near the bottom aren't competing for the rooms we want to reserve! Just like we're not competing for Riviera rooms they want. It's a win-win!

 

[gmi3804]

Two things I find interesting:

1) Poly seems to have the biggest swings in ranking. Why is that?

Maybe because it's studios only? Let's face it, the Bungalows aren't in the running for most DVC members. I love it, it's the first resort I ever stayed at, in 1974, and it's (mostly) Classic Vintage WDW.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Maybe because it's studios only? Let's face it, the Bungalows aren't in the running for most DVC members. I love it, it's the first resort I ever stayed at, in 1974, and it's (mostly) Classic Vintage WDW.

Agreed. For us, it's low on the list because it's (currently) studios-only, and because our last experience was a room right by the ferry boat dock, and the lovely horn every 10 minutes from early morning to late at night..... The new tower might change those issues for us - as we do actually love the resort. Just not the current DVC options.

 

[gmi3804]

Agreed. For us, it's low on the list because it's (currently) studios-only, and because our last experience was a room right by the ferry boat dock, and the lovely horn every 10 minutes from early morning to late at night..... The new tower might change those issues for us - as we do actually love the resort. Just not the current DVC options.

I don't mind the horn. It's "atmosphere."

What was way worse was Poly's bone-headed decision to hold some kind of kiddie dance party one afternoon in area RIGHT IN FRONT OF the Moorea LV villas at my afternoon nap time. Because there's not enough for kids to do in the other 44,000 acres at Disney, probably.

:: old man yells at cloud ::

 

[Douglas Dubh]

Grand Flo
a) what makes it feel “stuffy”
b) are the paper thin walls only in the new tower?

I don’t think it’s “stuffy”, but I put it lower on my ranking because we noticed it seemed noisier than other DVC we’ve stayed in. I’ve only stayed in a regular GF room once and don’t remember noticing noise during that stay.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I don't mind the horn. It's "atmosphere."

What was way worse was Poly's bone-headed decision to hold some kind of kiddie dance party one afternoon in area RIGHT IN FRONT OF the Moorea LV villas at my afternoon nap time. Because there's not enough for kids to do in the other 44,000 acres at Disney, probably.

:: old man yells at cloud ::

Light sleepers don't like that atmosphere!! But I don't like afternoon naps interrupted either!

 

[gmi3804]

Light sleepers don't like that atmosphere!! But I don't like afternoon naps interrupted either!

I can sleep through an air raid. But not through kiddies doing the Macarena outside my window.

 

[Disney mac]

1. Poly (Terrified what is coming with the tower and how the atmosphere is about to be shattered)
2. AKV (cmon, just a cool place with cool people although it needs a drop down bed)
3. Boardwalk (location is spectacular with just a vibe that is great)
4. Saratoga (just a lot of nice people and family geared and the murphy beds are awesome)
5. OKW (huge rooms)
6. BCV (Stormalong bay, nuff said)
7. Vero (just relaxing)
8. Grand Californian (location and gorgeous)
9. Grand Floridian (Great resort, but some seriously snobby people which creates the stuffy feeling)
10. Riviera (so overrated and sterile. Worst resort if there is a thunderstorm)

Haven't stayed at the rest...

 

[Murron]

1. BWV location location location - home location
2. BCV location location location
3. VB Beach Cottage - home location
4. CCV Love the lobby/atmosphere
5. SSR Disney Springs & Golf - home location
6. AKV A savanna!
7. OKW Golf again! Our first contract.
8. HH Peaceful, golf, but want it refurbished! - home location
9. Riviera Too much dependency on the Skyliner
10. Polynesian We don't do studios
11. BRV They took away the beach & view =
12. Grand Flordian Just not our style
13. Grand Californian One and done - too far to travel
14. Aulani One and done -- too far to travel
15. BLT One and done. By far my least favorite.

 

[CSLucas]

I guess we are pretty different in our rankings - fine by me - makes our rooms easier to get!
1. CCV - to be fair, our only stay here we were upgraded to a cabin so that definitely tips the scales, but even without that I just love Wilderness Lodge!
2. BLT - We love it. Sounds like a lot of people don't, but for us the quieter tower coupled with the atmosphere of the Contemporary make this one a big win for us!
3. VGF (our "home") - Depending on our mood, this could be #3 or #2. I love that it feels like an instant escape from the parks. I love that we never have to worry about not getting a breakfast reservation at the 60 window mark. I find the resort relaxing and comfortable. The only down-side here is that it is pretty sprawling IMO.
4. RIV - this would be top of my son's list, but this is my list so it isn't . I just find it bland and a bit cramped, and for the points chart I want more.
5. BCV - our first Disney trip ever was here and we found the resort to not be friendly for first-timers. We haven't been back (although we did just buy a contract here now that our kids are old enough to enjoy the pool and for the proximity to International Gateway so I guess that will change soon!) - put it above HHI and AKV solely due to the location.
6. HHI - We enjoyed our stay here, but the resort feels in dire need of some TLC. We weren't there during the summer, but we heard some horror stories of how packed the Beach House gets. During the off-season a lot of things were closed, so it seems a bit of a lose-lose.
7. AKV- BY FAR our least favorite rooms, although we enjoyed the lobby.

 

[JoshF]

1. AUL
2. VGC
3. RIV

 

[mlayman7]

We haven't stayed at any resort outside of Orlando but my list..

1. VGF - walkway moved it to #1
2. BCV - point chart and location
3. AKV - only if you have a savannah view room
4. BWV - again location and point chart
5. Poly - love the theme the most and amazing location for MK and EPCOT. Wish there were more room options (might change?)
6. BLT - location so close to MK and standard view room point chart is great
7. RR - would be higher if point chart was more reasonable for it's location. Could understand the insanely high point chart if it was within walking distance to anything but it is not so it frustrates me about the standard view and preferred view are so different (both being high) but the standard view views are better but less points. Don't care too much about restrictions but why the high point chart??!!
8. CCV - too many cabins making it difficult to book other rooms at peak times plus don't like the bus only transportation and the boat transportation takes forever to the MK.
9 . BRV - same as above
10. OKW - nice big rooms but too remote unless you have your own vehicle which I never do
11. SSR - smaller rooms compared to OKW but same arguments but closer to Disney Springs

 

[Princess Merida]

1. Grand Floridian - beautiful, great location
2. Boardwalk - love crescent lake, fun atmosphere
3. Animal Kingdom Lodge - animals, great food
4. Beach Club - Stormalong bay
5. Aulani - haven’t stayed looks beautiful
6. Hilton Head - so much to do yet relaxing
7. Grand Californian - haven’t stayed yet
8. Boulder Ridge - haven’t stayed cool lobby
9. Copper Creek - love the lodge
10. Riviera - beautiful rooms, great food
11. Polynesian - island vibes, great location
12. Bay Lake Tower - great location, small studios
13. Vero Beach - haven’t stayed
14. Saratoga - haven’t stayed
15. Old Key West - haven’t stayed

 

[MartyParty]

1 Grand Californian
2 Aulani
3 Animal Kingdom
4 Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
5 Riveria
6 Villas Disneyland Hotel
7 Bay Lake Tower (theme park view)

Ok, you all are putting me to shame with all the commentary. Adding to my post with some background.

1 Grand Californian - Truly feels like a resort with the pools, restaurants, spa, etc. And its connected to Downtown Disney and Disney theme park itself. But I really enjoy the lodge's feeling of being in the Serra's or Yosemite. It is the ultimate Disney bubble. No buses, monorails, Ubers needed to get to the parks. We've stayed there twice.
2 Aulani - Had a trip planned but COVID cancelled. We have been to Hawaii and that for me puts this over the top. If expanding to the wider surroundings in the rankings I could easily be persuaded to make this #1.
3 Animal Kingdom - Love seeing the animals. Nothing like waking up early in the morning, making a cup of coffee and watching a zebra or giraffe stroll by your room. Theming is authentic. Restaurants are great. In fact, I'd be ok for a no park stay.
4 Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel - We were fortunate to visit HK Disneyland Hotel twice. Think Grand Floridian but its equal or maybe even more elegant. Beautiful grounds. Not crowded. 5-10 minute walk to the park. Food is amazing. And the price is about 75% less than the Grand Floridian depending on the US to HK exchange. The real bonus is you have mass transit subway / rail access to downtown Hong Kong from the resort. And that provides a whole another level of adventure: shopping, restaurants, casinos, museums, etc.
5 Riveria - We've tour it a couple of times. It feels upscale European. The whole aesthetic is first class. Access to the gondolas is a game changer as well. Dining is excellent. Love the pools. Another resort where I'd be happy to stay at and skip the parks.
6 Villas Disneyland Hotel - Bit of speculation on my part but what I've seen recently I think this is a game changer for the West Coast. Bit of a Riveria feel but more cosmopolitan in a Walt kind of way. Not as close to Downtown Disney and the theme parks as VGC, but its pretty close. I mapped it out and the walk to the theme parks is about the same as walking from Bay Lake to the front entrance of Magic Kingdom.
7 Bay Lake Tower (theme park view) - We were a missing the magic and stayed during COVID mask time at Bay Lake with a theme park view. It just felt like wow. Seeing the monorail go bye. Seeing the park lights at night. Personal viewing space for fireworks. And watching the park at night after closing felt really cool. Similar to Animal Kingdom, I'd get up before the family and drink my coffee on the balcony. But instead of animals to watch, I'd look at Cinderella's Castle, Space Mountain, and all the activities of boats and monorails passing by. Yes, the rooms need a refurbishment. If they get that right this resort will really shine. With the views and location alone we couldn't resist and bought 40 points making this the second resort we own at.

I could rank a few more but these are the ones I've connected with the most as I'm sure is the case with everyone else's lists. What a fun challenge to have ranking these wonderful places to stay. Fortunate to experience it frequently.

 

[LilyJC]

So tough to pick number 1, but…

#1 VGC (home resort): easiest for us to get to since we live VERY close. Purchased for rD but also enjoy random staycations.
#2 Aulani: I’m a homebody, but I am never ready to leave this resort no matter how long we stay! Hardcore debating whether to add some points here… Much cheaper vacation for us than WDW.
#3 BCV (home resort): love the walk to two parks (but mostly Epcot)
#4 CCV (home resort): love the theming and relaxing vibe, and Christmas time
#5 BLT (home resort): of course the walk to/from MK can’t be beat - especially after fireworks Just wish they’d bring back Brunch at the Top
#6 VGF: really considered adding on here, but we definitely don’t need any more MK points
#7 AKL: our family loves animals, loves the Kidani 1 bedroom, and loves the dining options.
#8 Poly: not a huge fan - I don’t want to hear “Aloha” if I’m not in Hawaii
#9 BWV: my hub’s least favorite - always issues with our villas every single time we’ve stayed there

I won’t rank OKW, SSR, or RIV as we’ve never stayed there and have no intention/interest in staying at those. Nothing against BRV, but we own CCV and prefer the theming and being in the lodge. Also nothing against HHI or VB, but Aulani is crazy easy and relatively inexpensive for us to get to so we’d opt for that instead of east coast.