Buy Where you want to stay-now or later?

[3girlsfun]

Here is our dilemia.

We are a family of 5, will most likely be a family of 6 at some point. Right now when we go to Disney, we have 2 strollers, and all the stuff that goes along with young children. So, BLT is very appealing to us bc of the monorail and the perks of the proximity. So, where we would like to stay....now.

However, Saratoga Springs appeals to us in the later as the kids get older, and they treehouses are available. We want to have trips where we take the kids and all their friends with us, the treehouses would be such a great place for this. SS also appeals to us later bc the spa and workout rooms. So, where we would like to stay.....later.

What do you think buy for now, or later?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Why not by into both? Lets say you were going to buy 250 points, if you buy 125 at BLT and 125 at SSR you can use banking and borrowing to accumulate the 250 points alternating resorts each year.

 

[3girlsfun]

Didn't think about that. Well, I remember our Guide on the tour suggesting this too us except he suggested AKV and BLT.

GAH, this is such a hard decision!!!! I don't know how anyone ever decides.

 

[nolanboys]

As a family with 6, I have to pipe in here. We purchased SSR through resale. We really wanted the THV. Love the 3 bdrm and that you can sleep 9. I understand that BLT is more convenient for you now, but your kids are only young for a short time, and your DVC contract is around for a long time. There is also a good chance that you can get into BLT for your trip - not every trip, but at least some. If you do decide on SSR, look at resale contracts - you can save a bundle.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Plan more for the long term and save money with SSR resale.

 

[FindingFigment]

You'll need all of your points at SSR to have the 11 month booking window for the tree houses so I vote you buy SSR resale (1/2 the price of buying direct). That way you can afford to buy more. Which will help you book BLT while the kids are young. And since you might not be able to get the lower point rooms at the 7 booking window, you'll be able to afford the higher point rooms like Theme Park View.

 

[crisi]

I agree that the kids are young for such a short time. For a few more years it will still be a stroller nightmare, but that will pass. In the meantime, you can try and book BLT (or VWL which is a boat ride to the MK - not bad at all with strollers) or can drive so that you don't have to haul strollers around on buses.

 

[eljefe45]

Buy SSR Resale. Much cheaper, much better value. If the treehouses are where you want to stay you need the booking window. I know I'm working on getting me resale add ons that will equal the points I need for the 2 weeks I want in the THV. Hopefully you are looking at different weeks.

 

[dvcbrad]

We faced the same dilemma when we bought, which was back in 1998. We loved OKW, but thought the kids, and even us, might enjoy BWV as everyone got older, so we bought at both ... plus some at HHI. (In hindsight, HHI may not have been that great of a choice, but it seemed like a good idea at the time)

It pretty much has worked out the way we had hoped, giving us flexibility to go to BWV at 11 months (has been the case both for spring breaks as well as Epcot F&W) or to reserve at OKW for less points than other resorts, and to have enough available to be able to rent to help fund other trips ... cruise or other spring break locations, because as your kids get older, they tend to want to do something other than WDW. We've even been able to get spring break week at BCV at the 7 month window.

Not an easy choice, but if you can, I wouldn't hesitate buying at both and banking/borrowing to be able to, at a minimum, go to either.

 

[jpolak]

Buy which ever one is cheaper. We purchased SSR and have stayed there once. We have yet to have a problem getting what we want at the 7 month window. DW and I are both teachers so we have to travel during the busy times.

 

[Sandisw]

I think if that you are thinking that SSR would be the place for the long term, buy there.

Many are having success with BLT at the 7 month mark, especially if you are okay with the LV rooms. I think owning at BLT is important if you have to get the SV rooms, but if you just want to stay and are willing to take LV, I think you will have success.

Good luck!

 

[a742246]

If I were you I would buy resale at ssr. Its a nice resort and its a short walk or boat ride to DTD. For you the THV will probably the way to go in the future.
Good luck.

 

[dsneygirl]

We have had no problem getting BLT 3 different times at the 7 month. I would definitely look long term. We did many trips with strollers but now that is almost behind us and I really don't find it as bad as everyone makes it out to be.

 

[MrsG]

It is so hard to think long term. We couldn't afford to buy into DVC until our kids were in college. We first bought into BCV (still our fav resort), near our fav park EPCOT. What convinced us to buy BLT was the news we were going to be grandparents. You can't beat the proximity to MK and the ease of stroller use. We chuckled that it would also be great when we won't be able to walk well and we need scooters to get around WDW.

We have since added on SSR, AKV, and Aulani, all for different reasons (SSR for its proximity to DTD and now the perk of the treehouses - AKV because it was an offer we couldn't refuse and DD & DSIL love AK - and Aulani because it has always been our dream to go to Hawaii every few years and we are now able to give DS a honeymoon there). What I am trying to say is that over the years your needs change and you are very wise for thinking of this. 50 + years is a long time to plan ahead, but if you feel that SSR is your fav spot, go with it.

Good luck with your decision. Over time, you may be able to add on at other resorts as we did.