Best Overall DVC Resort for 1-Bedroom Stays?

[Sandisw]

Being that RiV and VGF are my top resorts, the 1 bedrooms there are tops for me.

But, if I take that out of it, it’s BLT!! Location and the 2nd bathroom is a huge win!!!

 

[VGCgroupie]

SSR SAPs give great value but will sacrifice some flexibility.

So an evolution of trips like you mention would likely be easier at any of the O14 resorts you could consider SAP+ resorts. So BLT, AKV, possibly Poly, CCV, etc.

With SSR there will be times you cannot get a room at some of these resorts. But owning at one of those resorts will almost never be blocked out of booking at SSR, for the small premium in the difference in the purchase prices. Basically with a SAP+ resort you could choose that resort or SSR easily with possible other options for the others, when at times a SSR contract may only be able to get into SSR easily

Yep I am now team buy where you will be happy staying. I would not be happy at SSR or OKW. price per point up front is minor over the life of a contract, and I hope people dont just assume they would be okay staying somewhere just because others are okay there like I used to. SSR and OKW are a whole different animal than any of the other DVC resorts in my newly formed opinion.

 

[jolynne28]

Fixed this part. SSR is strictly for value for most buyers, and then the fact that you want 1BRs usually will help with increasing flexibility. But SSR in general is the least flexible place to own resale of the O14 resorts.

I would recommend BLT and Kidani if you want an extra bathroom, BWV and BCV if you want a great location at favorable point costs.

If I had a $1 for every time you've hated on SSR I could buy more points there!

OP, as someone who bought their first contract there, I can tell you that we've stayed at basically every other resort on those points in the last year. @Tatebeck is pointing out that when the 2042s fall off, everyone will have less resorts to trade into, and all of us at SSR will more than likely be stuck there. While that assessment is legitimate and might become reality in 17 years, no one definitely knows what the lay of the land will be at that time. And your toddler will be an adult. You might enjoy the relaxed vibe and DS proximity of SSR and not care to trade out.

And to answer your question, I would recommend using those points to try as many 1 BRs as possible to decide for yourself what works best for your family. Everyone on here places value on different aspects of each resort. I can tell you that as a family of 5, who would greatly benefit from the extra bathroom in the 1 BRs at BLT, Kidani, and IT, we don't like any of those resorts enough to own there. And that is strictly our take, try them all and see what you love!

 

[Sandisw]

If I had a $1 for every time you've hated on SSR I could buy more points there!

OP, as someone who bought their first contract there, I can tell you that we've stayed at basically every other resort on those points in the last year. @Tatebeck is pointing out that when the 2042s fall off, everyone will have less resorts to trade into, and all of us at SSR will more than likely be stuck there. While that assessment is legitimate and might become reality in 17 years, no one definitely knows what the lay of the land will be at that time. And your toddler will be an adult. You might enjoy the relaxed vibe and DS proximity of SSR and not care to trade out.

And to answer your question, I would recommend using those points to try as many 1 BRs as possible to decide for yourself what works best for your family. Everyone on here places value on different aspects of each resort. I can tell you that as a family of 5, who would greatly benefit from the extra bathroom in the 1 BRs at BLT, Kidani, and IT, we don't like any of those resorts enough to own there. And that is strictly our take, try them all and see what you love!

It is still wise advice to not buy SSR if you are not okay staying there if trades can’t happen

It’s a great choice for SAP…we have 300…but we also own at our preferred resorts as well.

And, we could see some of those 2042 resorts have different trading rules in the last few years. No one knows.

 

[jolynne28]

It is still wise advice to not buy SSR if you are not okay staying there if trades can’t happen

It’s a great choice for SAP…we have 300…but we also own at our preferred resorts as well.

And, we could see some of those 2042 resorts have different trading rules in the last few years. No one knows.

The OP already bought SSR as their first contract, I was just trying to put a more positive perspective on it.

 

[Tatebeck]

If I had a $1 for every time you've hated on SSR I could buy more points there!

OP, as someone who bought their first contract there, I can tell you that we've stayed at basically every other resort on those points in the last year. @Tatebeck is pointing out that when the 2042s fall off, everyone will have less resorts to trade into, and all of us at SSR will more than likely be stuck there. While that assessment is legitimate and might become reality in 17 years, no one definitely knows what the lay of the land will be at that time. And your toddler will be an adult. You might enjoy the relaxed vibe and DS proximity of SSR and not care to trade out.

And to answer your question, I would recommend using those points to try as many 1 BRs as possible to decide for yourself what works best for your family. Everyone on here places value on different aspects of each resort. I can tell you that as a family of 5, who would greatly benefit from the extra bathroom in the 1 BRs at BLT, Kidani, and IT, we don't like any of those resorts enough to own there. And that is strictly our take, try them all and see what you love!

Considering I haven't even posted 2k times and assuming that every one of my posts hates on SSR that means you have found contracts for sale at SSR for under $2k? Please share your source because even I would buy a SSR contract at that price. But of course I know you are kidding.


But if I had $1 to spend on resale contracts for every time I have seen someone say something silly like:

• SSR is the most flexible resort to buy
• they bought SSR but they never plan on staying there
• they can always get what they want at 7 months
• they are thinking of buying a bunch of VB or HHI points just because they have the lowest purchase price,

Then I legitimately would probably have to make an LLC to skirt around the maximum point total allowed by DVC with the number of points I would have.


Also I have said multiple times that SSR is a great value, especially if you like staying there. And that it is still a deluxe WDW resort and I would always rather be there on vacation than at home! And that even I myself have looked at getting an SSR contract if an amazing deal pops up that I could use for 1BRs, grand villas, etc. Though then I usually end up looking at more BLT or AUL(s) shortly afterwards too.

Everything I was saying about SSR having the least resale flexibility of the O14 resorts is valid right now actually, but it also does get worse the closer we get to (and then also after) 2042.

In this specific case I think that OP will likely be fine. It is not a huge contract, and they have expressed interest in also owning at another resort that they end up loving, which is what many members will recommend. The fact that they are mainly looking at 1BRs and say they want to try various resorts makes me think they are flexible with their bookings, and then that will help as well. I didn't see them say that they disliked SSR or never intended to stay there either so they may be fine staying there when nothing else opens up.

I just want anyone looking at buying contracts to know what they are getting into. If everyone looking to buy a DVC contract bought at SSR expecting to swap out at 7 months every time, it simply would not work anymore. And I just don't know why so many people buy deeded contracts to a resort that they never want to stay at, when the only thing that is guaranteed by their deeded contract is the ability to stay at that very resort!

 

[Girlstar30]

I haven't done a 7 month swap yet but is it really realistic to think that people that buy SSR will literally find themselves having zero choices to stay anywhere else at 7 months but SSR one year and that is a reason not to buy? Just about anywhere else you stay on those points is coming up from what you paid i think thats very satisfying lol.

I have been able to book multiple great hotels at 5 months for split stays during a very popular time. I guess if someone was looking to stay somewhere else 1 week+ at 7 months that does make it more inflexible

 

[NVDISFamily]

The best in the portfolio - VGC theme park view. Sorry you didn't say WDW

And I'm also going to be silly (but with data!) about my WDW response. IMO after just staying there and looking at the charts..... the best 1BR at WDW is a 2BR at OKW.

Data -

​

It's a great value. Awesome vibe. Pool is solid.

Not looking at it that way other mentions.

RIV - beautiful room. Love the resort.
AKV-K. Very much looking forward to the remodel. Amazing resort. Seeing the animals outside of your room is amazing.
CCV and BRV - A stay at WL always brings a smile. High marks in many of your criteria.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I haven't done a 7 month swap yet but is it really realistic to think that people that buy SSR will literally find themselves having zero choices to stay anywhere else at 7 months but SSR one year and that is a reason not to buy? Just about anywhere else you stay on those points is coming up from what you paid i think thats very satisfying lol.

I have been able to book multiple great hotels at 5 months for split stays during a very popular time. I guess if someone was looking to stay somewhere else 1 week+ at 7 months that does make it more inflexible

The thing being talked about is if Disney changes the way trading and booking can be done, also as time goes on less and less SAP options are naturally going to be available and Disney can switch things up and you could be left with only your home resort as an option.

 

[Girlstar30]

I mean I would sell if they did that to any of my resorts because only being able to stay at one is a no for me so i guess thats why I dont see it as that big a deal, but i know some people would be fine with their favorite and only favorite resort (im sure most wont be).

When 2042 comes if its so hard to get into anything, its no longer a vacation "club" to me and im out. All of us will take a hit on resale value. Those that paid more for popular resorts will take less of a hit which makes sense and is what's going on now.

The thing being talked about is if Disney changes the way trading and booking can be done, also as time goes on less and less SAP options are naturally going to be available and Disney can switch things up and you could be left with only your home resort as an option.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I mean I would sell if they did that to any of my resorts because only being able to stay at one is a no for me so i guess thats why I dont see it as that big a deal, but i know some people would be fine with their favorite and only favorite resort (im sure most wont be).

When 2042 comes if its so hard to get into anything, its no longer a vacation "club" to me and im out. All of us will take a hit on resale value. Those that paid more for popular resorts will take less of a hit which makes sense and is what's going on now.

Some will take a hit more than others like SSR and OKW. There is a reason why BWV and BCV are still so much money compared to BRV. Location.

But you know you like SSR so its not as much of issue when someone likes to stay where they own.

 

[Girlstar30]

But when you pay so little compared to other resorts, even a 50% more hit of SSR makes sense regardless over a vgf contract that costs twice as much in terms of what the price should be later.

To me its all relative. I think people also have to think how much money you saved in 16 years buying SSR and staying at more expensive resorts and really see that it was worth it (if thats your plan and it works that way which from what i hear from others it does work to have SSR SAP)

Some will take a hit more than others like SSR and OKW. There is a reason why BWV and BCV are still so much money compared to BRV. Location.

But you know you like SSR so its not as much of issue when someone likes to stay where they own.

 

[cruisehopeful]

But when you pay so little compared to other resorts, even a 50% more hit of SSR makes sense regardless over a vgf contract that costs twice as much in terms of what the price should be later.

To me its all relative. I think people also have to think how much money you saved in 16 years buying SSR and staying at more expensive resorts and really see that it was worth it (if thats your plan and it works that way which from what i hear from others it does work to have SSR SAP)

It's definitely a way to do it. Even if you sell the contract for $1 in 2042, you saved a ton of money compared to buying the other contracts which are now expired. I still think you'll end up liking SSR by then, anyway. Especially if you have a car when you stay there.

 

[Girlstar30]

I do too I actually want to stay there in the next couple of years for the proximity to the golf course, DS, and I would be very interested if they would open the spa!

I haven't explored DS yet so i would like to, especially because we are foodies and there's so many restaurants! Im also interested in the Cirque show. Every year I say I will go and then something else comes up, but I will make it there soon

I want to def keep an open mind, but the resort itself does intimidate me. From my stays so far i have found that we like resorts that are compact and in the actual hotel the most (Jambo, Riv)

i know this is the complete opposite i also think i am the very least impressed with the theme of SSR out of all of them. I find the NY horse theme to be very strange for Disney but you never know, thats why its a SAP resort, my wife is super excited for the tree house that I am hoping for a Tarzan theme in the future (probably not going to happen )

It's definitely a way to do it. Even if you sell the contract for $1 in 2042, you saved a ton of money compared to buying the other contracts which are now expired. I still think you'll end up liking SSR by then, anyway. Especially if you have a car when you stay there.

 

[VGCgroupie]

It's definitely a way to do it. Even if you sell the contract for $1 in 2042, you saved a ton of money compared to buying the other contracts which are now expired. I still think you'll end up liking SSR by then, anyway. Especially if you have a car when you stay there.

But when you pay so little compared to other resorts, even a 50% more hit of SSR makes sense regardless over a vgf contract that costs twice as much in terms of what the price should be later.

To me its all relative. I think people also have to think how much money you saved in 16 years buying SSR and staying at more expensive resorts and really see that it was worth it (if thats your plan and it works that way which from what i hear from others it does work to have SSR SAP)

Lots of variables at play, depends on which other resort its being compared to, price per point up front even if significantly lower doesn't always mean the cheapest overall. The best thing SSR has going for it is the dues have been kept low as of now.

 

[PolyRob]

Lots of variables at play, depends on which other resort its being compared to, price per point up front even if significantly lower doesn't always mean the cheapest overall. The best thing SSR has going for it is the dues have been kept low as of now.

I think another big variable is room type and travel season. If you're always forced to book the more expensive villa with a higher room view you're using more SAP points than home resort points and it may not even be possible to secure something outside of your home resort during "fall frenzy" at Crescent Lake resorts for walkability to F&W, GF and WL when the holiday decor is up, etc.

Trends also change. The Wine & Dine Half Marathon moved before Halloween this year and that weekend was gobbled up in the 7-11 month window across resorts when it wouldn't have happened in 2024.

 

[Girlstar30]

Lots of variables at play, depends on which other resort its being compared to, price per point up front even if significantly lower doesn't always mean the cheapest overall. The best thing SSR has going for it is the dues have been kept low as of now.

I def agree. CCV and BLT provide the best overall value for resale in my mind Just too cheap to by 250 points at either so in come SSR

 

[Girlstar30]

I think for one bedroom lovers SSR is a great option. BWV is fairly easy to get into pool view during September. Don't get me started on BCV, I still think it doesnt really exist

I know for 2 bedrooms and all the value rooms its not ideal. One really has to look at their situation and flexibility. For me I think its great because we can travel at any time of year. I plan to ride the wheels off of this thing

I think another big variable is room type and travel season. If you're always forced to book the more expensive villa with a higher room view you're using more SAP points than home resort points and it may not even be possible to secure something outside of your home resort during "fall frenzy" at Crescent Lake resorts for walkability to F&W, GF and WL when the holiday decor is up, etc.

Trends also change. The Wine & Dine Half Marathon moved before Halloween this year and that weekend was gobbled up in the 7-11 month window across resorts when it wouldn't have happened in 2024.

 

[CVG]

I just want anyone looking at buying contracts to know what they are getting into. If everyone looking to buy a DVC contract bought at SSR expecting to swap out at 7 months every time, it simply would not work anymore. And I just don't know why so many people buy deeded contracts to a resort that they never want to stay at, when the only thing that is guaranteed by their deeded contract is the ability to stay at that very resort!

People adopting this strategy will typically be realistic in what's possible. Here's an experiment for you. Take a look at 2 and 3 bed availability in January (within the 7 month window) for one week stays. I can get VGF, PVB, BLT, etc. I can enjoy those having paid a fraction of the price for those points by buying at OKW or SSR.

For wheeler-dealers there are probably some great trades. A week in a 2 bed at VGF in Jan (431 points) might cost around $10k via the rental market. You might be able to buy a 150 point resale contract at VGF for $150 a point ($22,500) and then bank/borrow to get the required points for that stay (every 3 years). However, I could pretty easily find a double points contract at OKW for $80 a point on a 210/230 point contract ($18400). I could nab the one week at VGF with all those points. Even in the most ridiculous scenario, I could then immediately sell that contract for half price return (given it's stripped, commission, taxes, etc) and it's still cheaper than going through the rental store. But I might just keep it and use your VGF every two years instead of your three years. I only need to be a tiny bit flexible on my stays and I'm dollars in by going for OKW/SSR SAPs.

It may not work for more popular studios, but I'm looking at go big or go home!

 

[CVG]

And to answer your question, I would recommend using those points to try as many 1 BRs as possible to decide for yourself what works best for your family. Everyone on here places value on different aspects of each resort. I can tell you that as a family of 5, who would greatly benefit from the extra bathroom in the 1 BRs at BLT, Kidani, and IT, we don't like any of those resorts enough to own there. And that is strictly our take, try them all and see what you love!

Quite right. I bought a stacked OKW contract last year for $64 ppt and then used those to try out 5 resorts on a 2 week trip. It absolutely confirmed which resort worked best for us. It also confirmed that you could stay anywhere with cheaper SAPs so long as you have a bit of flexibility.