I totally agree with this. Even with our dues having increased this past year, we are still below the others, because of the larger number of units and therefore, more members at the specific resort. I think that is why SSR will always be a bit lower than some of the others too.
Only time will tell.
Resale values have been in favor of OKW over VB as well. VB has been the cheapest to buy over the past 5-6 years by about $5 pp. With only HH being close to as cheap. That can be good if it works out but does reduce the resale value if one wants to sell.
It's not necessarily a VB vs OKW discussion. The principles still hold regardless. The OP was asking about buying with the idea of using those points at WDW. While not stated, we also assumed this was with the idea of saving money, not that the OP was particurly concerned about staying at VB. If that is the case, the logical discussion is VB vs OKW though not the only choice. The reason being is OKW will be the cheapest in terms of points costs, cost per point and yearly dues. When the goal is to get the cheapest points to use at WDW without regards to which resort on property, OKW is the obvious first choice for one who cares not where their home resort is. For those that want one resort most of the time, they should buy at that resort. Everyone must make their own decicion in the end.
Your perogative of course. IMO, anyone that doesn't at least take it into account is the fool. $150 is a fair chunk every year and it's more like $350 for enough points for a 2 BR for a week. Over 10 years that would be $1500 or $3500 depending on the number of points, nothing to sneeze at. We're talking 20% difference or so at current levels and it's likely the percentage and not the $1 separation will be what holds up. I have timeshares where the entire maint fee is barely over the $150 per year.
Dean,
We agree somewhat. As we've both stated, dues are a factor. IMO, the problem with VB is that it's off property. That means anyone wanting to use points to stay at WDW has to wait until the 7 month window for anything. This gives OKW points (or any other on property) a major advantage that is far more important than the current dues difference. We disagree though in the importance of the dues. IMO, the situation will become worse over the years for VB owners in regards to dues rather than better. My opinion of course, but that's what I believe. I have a number of reasons but will save that for another time.
We disagree on the importance of the dues. While there are no guarantees, common sense and a historical perspective strongly suggest that OKW and HH will have the cheaper dues over the long run AND that VB will be the highest. And I do see this as important in the decision making process, just not the only info that should be considered. This, the number of contracts available and the slightly lower price make OKW the likely choice for one wanting to get in the system as cheaply as possible to use for WDW stays if they don't care what their home resort is. OTOH, the differences do not outweigh the recommendation to buy where you want to stay. Even for the extra time at SSR, it is not a reasonable choice to buy at another resort with the idea of staying at different specific resort almost all the time. But everyone has the option of making unreasonable choices if they want, LOL.
A dinner for 2 at Artist Point says that OKW will be less than BCV, VWL and BWV in 10 years, are you as confident the other way? The other piece of info which I hinted at earlier is the natural history of what happens with upkeep at timeshares over time. There is usually an increase or special assessment at around 10-12 years out, OKW has had theirs and no one else has yet. If memory serves me, I think VB has actually had the largest increase over time. The other one to watch out for is VWL in part due to it's smaller size. I suspect it will end up the highest of the on property options.
That's cool. Though there are only limited issues to consider when purchasing one resort vs another. There are many more issues as to whether to purchase and how many points to buy. The only issues that come into play for home resort I can think of are the following.
Then we've done you a great service. Dues will go up over time, that you can consider guaranteed. As to whether DVC will work for you, you must decide. It depends on how you'd use it. As a rule, DVC doesn't save people money. It may give them better accomodations for about the same money. It also may cost them a lot of money if it forces WDW vacations that tend to be very expensive beyond the room price for things like park passes and expensive meals, etc. For some DVC is perfect, for others it would never rmake sense.Originally posted by Haley Whippet
Wow, I am learning alot about timeshares here.
I didn't know dues can go up, Something the salesperson failed to mention.
We were looking at points for sale, rather than a choice between VB and OKW. Because there is only 2 of us and we travel to Florida every other year, we thought we could be happy with 100 to 150 points..
My husband is concerned about buying into a timeshare because he dosen't like the idea of dues compaired to just paying to stay at a resort with housekeeping included. We were told at a TS housekeeping is extra..
He also thinks by staying at a resort you can get a good package with tickets included.
We have been discussing this a lot..
I think a timeshare would save $$ over the long run..
You are all very helpful..
Haley
Your choice, but my offer stands as I am confident of my evaluation.Originally posted by crisi
Dean, statisticians never gamble. We are never sure of anything, just more sure of some things than others.
And of this I'm not more sure of OKW increasing than any other scenario, just pointing out that the data could be interpreted in different directions than the "obvious" its always been this way and it will always be this way.
