Can't Decide: SSR or VWL

[calypso*a*go-go]

Here's a question, I've read that as DVC grows, smaller resorts like VWL and BCV will become harder to book at the 7 month window. But really - if I'm on the phone right at the 7-month mark, won't the chances be pretty much the same as they are today?

I think this will be a larger problem as more people become members. Any time around school holidays will be increasingly more difficult. I feel that anyone making ressies at the 7mo. window will have to be very flexible about where they want to stay and what size unit they want. It will be a lot easier getting a room onsite at the larger resorts (OKW, SSR) than the smaller resorts (VWL, BCV, BWV). This is where "buy where you want to stay" comes into play as it may be the only option during peak periods.

I personally have debated whether or not to sell our OWK pts. and buy BWV instead, but have decided OKW will suit our needs in the long run due to the lower maint. fees/pt. requirements and availability of grand villas. I don't want pts. at both locations as we simply don't go often enough to justify the $$$ spent.

 

[RayJay]

Excellent points to consider... thanks DiznEeyore. Any other comments from others?

BTW, even though Valet is free I've always wondered how much are you expected to tip? Do you tip both when they take your car and when they return your car?

No one has mentioned the years yet, you are going to be 66 and your kids, if you have them in 2 years 35. Alot of things will change in your life in the next 37 years, think about it, I use to get caught up in the extra 12 year thing, but when I really thought about it, geez 37 years is a llllooooonnngggggg ways away.

Go with your heart, SSR is almost offsite to me. You want VWL, it's written all over the place in your post.

Have a great weekend
RayJay

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

I'd go for VWL!!!!!

Ms. Sparrow aka Allison

 

[iankh]

I went through the same thing. I was between SSR and VWL. The reality was that when I stay at a hotel, it is normally WL. We love it there. I love the feeling of seclusion, the ambience and the decor. I ended up buying a resale at VWL, and closed back in March.

 

[dsneygirl]

Just bumping this up I realize my DH (DisneyFunFan) didn't come back with our decision. We're waiting on ROFR right now on 170 points at VWL. It was a lot of discussion but I think we will be really happy with the outcome.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Good job dsneygirl...I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!!!

 

[MaryJ]

We just returned from a stay at SSR, and my DD, who is 19 and has stayed at BWV and VWL (our home resort) said, "I still like the lodge the best!" Now you would think that with that close access to DD at SSR and all the action on the boardwalk at BWV, a teen would like those places better. If you and your wife like VWL as much as your posts say you do, try to find a resale there. When you have kids, it will probably be in their genes to like it too! Also, keep in mind that for the first 10 years or so, the kids' favorite park will most likely be the MK, and you can't get any closer to it than VWL (I can feel that breeze in my face while I'm riding the boat just thinking about it.)

Edited to add: I posted this before I saw the results. Here's some pixie dust in hopes that you get past ROFR!

 

[poohj80]

- On the other hand, I read a comment about the VWL feeling like staying at a hotel (with the long hallways and distant parking) whereas SSR has outside walkways and you can park nearby. This too has made me second guess VWL.

We actually don't mind the long air-conditioned hallways of the other DVC resorts. At SSR, the exterior halls reminded us of the moderates and on rainy afternoons it took that much longer to get somewhere dry. Also, riding in a full elevator with no A/C on a warm evening is not pleasant. That said, we bought into SSR for the extra years (we too are still DINKS) but have traded into VWL in early December for the first time this year.

 

[dsneygirl]

Thanks everyone for all the pixie dust.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I think you should buy VWL, get the 11 month advantage at where you want to stay the most. If you like to finance through Disney, usually a plus with SSR, call the guide and get on the wait list for VWL, or, call the TSS and any other brokers and tell them to be on the lookout for a small resale. Good Luck!

 

[debloco]

Buy a resale at the VWL. That's clearly where your hearts are and for a purchase as big as this one, I would want my heart to be in it. If, after a few years, you find you really want SSR you can do an add-on then.

 

[iankh]

I bought a resale at VWL this past February and went through a very similar thought process. When all was said and done, I realized that when paying for a room, we always preferred to stay at WL. We love it. After admitting to that it was an easy discision. The 12 extra yeas at SSR really didn't matter all that much. I'll be gone from this earth by the time my VWL leasehold expires.

 

[dsneygirl]

We passed ROFR and are now just waiting to finalize. Hoping for our first trip home this fall.