$ doesn't make sense

[btrim]

and we love it! We have never had trouble with the buses at this resort. Of course we are healthy and can walk to DTD. That seems to be the longest wait for a bus. It is about a 10 minute walk depending on what part of the resort you are staying. We have stayed at OKW, SSR, and VWL and we have had good and bad things at all of them. Nothing that would keep me from going back, but I am happiest at WDW. If you aren't planning on using your points at WDW, I would consider a different timeshare. Of course, we did that several years ago and thought we would be able to trade into Disney and found out that doesn't happen very often. Now we own at SSR and use our other timeshare to trade other places. However, if I could sell it, I would buy more DVC points. You will find lots of people on this forum that love their "home" resort and have problems with other resorts, but you need to try them and make up your own mind. What suits one person might not suit another.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[crisi]

I'm not an SSR fan - though I've never stayed there. We own BWVs.

The rooms are - I'm sure - beautifully appointed. However, they are not to my taste, but there is no accounting for taste.

We ARE part of the people that really enjoy being able to walk to Epcot. So much so that although I perfer the decor and theming a VWL - as does my husband - we really don't consider switching resorts because we wouldn't be able to walk back after dinner in Epcot.

We are hotel people. We like the availability of room service, interior hallways, etc. In some ways, BCVs is way better for this - the Boardwalk restaurants are all out on the Boardwalk - but we've never found the short walk from the lobby to the BW a problem - a rainy vacation may make us regret that!

(We paid $63 a point about four years ago and had 38 years on our contract. This years dues were $4.60? at BWVs. So I figure my cost this year at $6.25 a point ($63/38 years +$4.60 in dues). I don't worry about time value of money. That makes your 144 point vacation cost me $901. If I can get a two bedroom unit on property for less than $250 a night, I'd be shocked.)

 

[yitbos96bb]

Thanks! I hadn't really thought of it that way.

Have you ever stayed at SSR? From the posts I'm reading, many are not impressed.

You know the old saying of how Opinions are like... well a part of the human anatomy...

You will find positive reviews and negative reviews for every restaurant, resort, and ride at Disney. They could be giving away free money, and some people would be complaining about it because it wasn't enough or it was money made in 2003 instead of 2005... you get the idea.

I like the reviews to find out what happens at a particular resort, ride, or restaurant, but ultimately they are pretty useless in that peopel have dramatically different tastes and that will reflect on the review. Some people hate Alfredo's, others love it. Some people dislike SSR because it doesn't have the level of theming that other resorts such as the Poly, or WL has.. or they are just not fans of the theming. But you will also find people that absolutely LOVE the resort... it is their favorite.

I have not stayed at SSR (we will in Dec 06-Jan 07) but I loved it when I went on the tour. Very nice... much better than the All star I was staying at on that trip (Business trip to Orlando... My hotel per diem was $99 so I stayed there, drove downtown for 3 hours of work and spent the weekend in the parks with my wife) and I would say nicer than Swan and Dolphin, and as nice as the WL regular rooms. I like the layout, but it is laid back... I think the theming fits and is accurate, but what it was themed off of is not as noticable as the Boardwalk or Poly or WL. I like SSR because DTD is one of my favorite places and it is a quick walk. I can bus easily to ANYWHERE on property from DTD.

I would give it a try and see how you like it. Plus, you can ALWAYS try to book at a non-home resort. Most people have no problems with this.

 

[Holly]

We own at SSR but so far have only used our points at OKW, and are taking out first trip home to SSR in March.
OKW will probably always be my favorite resort, but if I can't get OKW at the seven month window and have to book at SSR, I'm still perfectly happy with that! SSR really is a fabulous resort, even if I, like many others, don't *love* the theming.
Still, I bought into SSR with a great promotion and I will never regret buying there.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I'm not an SSR fan - though I've never stayed there. We own BWVs.

The rooms are - I'm sure - beautifully appointed. However, they are not to my taste, but there is no accounting for taste.

We ARE part of the people that really enjoy being able to walk to Epcot. So much so that although I perfer the decor and theming a VWL - as does my husband - we really don't consider switching resorts because we wouldn't be able to walk back after dinner in Epcot.

We are hotel people. We like the availability of room service, interior hallways, etc. In some ways, BCVs is way better for this - the Boardwalk restaurants are all out on the Boardwalk - but we've never found the short walk from the lobby to the BW a problem - a rainy vacation may make us regret that!

(We paid $63 a point about four years ago and had 38 years on our contract. This years dues were $4.60? at BWVs. So I figure my cost this year at $6.25 a point ($63/38 years +$4.60 in dues). I don't worry about time value of money. That makes your 144 point vacation cost me $901. If I can get a two bedroom unit on property for less than $250 a night, I'd be shocked.)

The other thing to remember is that the cost of reservations WILL go up, where as the DVC price will go up incrementally as dues go up. As long as you use it and don't waste, I think the savings are there... if you aren't going to use them, make sure you rent the points... don't let them go to waste.

 

[KLEONARD]

There is so much information here. Take your time and browse a little. Hanname and welcome to the DIS boards.

Edited by KLEONARD.

 

[DVCFAM5]

Hi all we just became DVC members at SSR.

I was very leary of the purchase in the begining. I looked at the cost to stay at different resorts within Disney for my family of five and found that our payback for the direct cost of the purchase would equate to staying at Disney in a 2 bedroom studio apx. 4.5 times.

I would not compare the cost with staying outside the park its just not the same experience. If you do use the cost of staying outside the park you might want to figure in the added cost of car rental, gas and parking.

We purchased 350 points so that we could go every year at a peak time. If we have left over points we will use them for a weekend away at a concierge collection property for my wife and myself, or we would rent out points to family/friends thereby getting some of a return back.

I also looked at the fact that these timeshares DO resell themselves. My sister has had a timeshare in Aruba for sale for 6 years. She finally gave up trying to sell it.

I am a rsidential real estate developer/builder and I realize that there is no, or very limited equity in this purchase but you are not purchasing property. You are purchasing a vaction destination for the next 49 years that can be passed down to your children.

Also the maintainance fees are a cheap compaired to owning a vaction home. We have owned a vaction home before and I will not purchase another one. Its hard enough to find the time to take care of our first home.

Anyway thats my 2 cents worth.

 

[disneylady]

To clarify things here, I have not "bought" into anything YET. Paperwork has no ink on it. However, my deadline is fast approaching and I have an immediate decision to make.

 

[bobbiwoz]

When my Dsis's SO found out about our purchase, he misunderstood the math as well. He didn't realize that we got the points every year. He thought we had a screw loose!

We are very happy with our purchase, and either way, buy now or not, keep coming here for information.

Bobbi

 

[CarolAnnC]

This thread has been edited due to sarcastic, argumentative and rude postings.

Please refrain from such posts and keep it to email. Thank you much.

 

[NMW]

I've noticed that a number of you prefer the BCV over the SSR. Why is that? We've stayed at BCV and yes, we loved it. I, however, have yet to visit SSR.

I think BCV, VWL, and BWV are very popular because they are attached to Deluxe resorts and all their ammenities. Valet parking, lots of dining locations room service, interior hallways inside one large complex. SSR and OKW are more like a condo development. They have many buildings that you have to walk or take the internal bus system to get to (think buildings at the POLY, but many, many more of them).

Also, BCV has Stormalong Bay, which many people love, and is an Epcot resort (close to Epcot and MGM). It also has a lot more places (Cape May Cafe, Beaches and Cream, Yacht Club Galley, Yachtsman Steakhouse-plus everything at the Boardwalk) to eat than SSR, which just really has a food court-type place with a limited menu. Although, SSR is supposed to be getting a full-service restaurant in the future. For some people it may the beach decor too.

 

[Disney Doll]

There are several threads going on here.

First..finances. The money you spend is for points which you will get every year for the life of the contract. All the contracts except SSR end in 2042. SSR ends in 2054. So, if you buy 200 points, every year on you will get 200 points to "spend" at DVC resorts. The points cost X amount of dollars, depending on how many you buy, where, and what the cost per point is. There is also a maintenance fee associated with the points...similar to a common charge for a condo. Once you have paid off the initial purchase price amount (which can be thousands of dollars) you will really begin to see the benefit of the DVC. For example, DH & I own 430 points total, at OKW. The initial cost of our purchase has been paid off for a couple of years. Now our only cost is our monthly dues payment, which is about $160, or about $2000/year. I don't have exact figures in front of me, so I may be a bit off, but I am relatively close. In 2004, when my dues were actually cheaper (probably more like $1600 for the year), I stayed a total of 21 days, some in a 1BR, some in a 2BR. That breaks down to about $77/night. There is nowhere on WDW property that you are going to be able to get deluxe level accomodations for $77/night.

As far as what resort...everyone has different likes/dislikes...it's a matter of taste. OKW is known for it's very large units, parking outside your door. BCV is known for being attached to a hotel, Stormalong Bay, and proximity to Epcot and MGM, and being on the Boardwalk. BWV is known for Proximity to Epcot and MGM, being on the Boardwalk, and being attached to a hotel. WLV is known for being attached to a hotel and proximity to MK. SSR is known for being the newest (some people really like new) and it's proximity to Downtown Disney. Each has their own charm. At each resort there are things that might be considered "negatives" to some folks, which to other folks might be considered "positives".

I have always been a proponent of "buy where you want to stay". If you love the MK, buy at the WLV. If you love the Ecpot area, buy at the BCV or BWV. If you like being on a golf course, buy at OKW. If you like Downtown Disney, buy at SSR.

I wil tell you without reservation that it is some of the best money DH & I have ever spent. I would cut back on a lot of other areas in my life if necessary before I would ever think of selling my DVC.

 

[bdb7607]

First - if you've stayed at BCV before, then you know if you "love it", if you do buy there, when we struggled on our recent purchase the thing that kept hitting us over the head was: buy where you want to stay most often!

Before you know it, you'll want to add-on at SSR to grab the "extra years"! Wait, that's us

Do what you want to do - everyone's opinion is just that, wherever you're most comfortable is the best, if you're uneasy about signing the SSR paperwork - let it slide, check out these boards for a month and then get something thru resale (timeshare store is who we used).


P.S. - Carol thanks for deleting what I read earlier this afternoon - My intention this evening was to address that very issue.

 

[Sammie]

I'm not an SSR fan - though I've never stayed there. We own BWVs.

The rooms are - I'm sure - beautifully appointed. However, they are not to my taste, but there is no accounting for taste.

We ARE part of the people that really enjoy being able to walk to Epcot. So much so that although I perfer the decor and theming a VWL - as does my husband - we really don't consider switching resorts because we wouldn't be able to walk back after dinner in Epcot.

We are hotel people. We like the availability of room service, interior hallways, etc. In some ways, BCVs is way better for this - the Boardwalk restaurants are all out on the Boardwalk - but we've never found the short walk from the lobby to the BW a problem - a rainy vacation may make us regret that!

(We paid $63 a point about four years ago and had 38 years on our contract. This years dues were $4.60? at BWVs. So I figure my cost this year at $6.25 a point ($63/38 years +$4.60 in dues). I don't worry about time value of money. That makes your 144 point vacation cost me $901. If I can get a two bedroom unit on property for less than $250 a night, I'd be shocked.)

Just curious how can you not like something you have never experienced?

 

[crisi]

Just curious how can you not like something you have never experienced?

I don't like the decor. I've seen photos, which are adequate to tell me I don't like the decor. No reason for me to go into the rooms.

I don't like the location. DTD does very little for me.

I don't like a condo feel. I prefer a hotel feel. I've stayed in condo like resorts - not at Disney, and I don't like them.

We don't rent cars at Disney....we are heavily dependant on walking, buses and taxis. SSR doesn't seem to be a good resort for that.

I don't like lack of room service. We seldom use room service, but its an option I really like having at my disposal.

Do I have to experience something to know I don't like it - or can't I make an informed decision based on photos, information, and similar experiences?

 

[Daitcher]

Why were my posts removed from this thread? The OP really needs to take some time to get to know the program before buying in. Why am I the only one to find it shocking that someone has paperwork in hand for a program they know nothing about? Would you buy a house you've never seen? Land in Florida that very well may be swamp land? I am begging the OP to cancel the contract before they make a terrible mistake. We have a nice group of poster here on the DIS because the OP needs a wake up call.


DAVE

 

[Daitcher]

This thread has been edited due to sarcastic, argumentative and rude postings.

Please refrain from such posts and keep it to email. Thank you much.

Sorry, didn't see this. I guess my post was sarcastic, argumentative and rude. Can you blame me???? A person has contracts in hand, ready to sign. They know nothing about the program, have never stayed at SSR and think each trip will cost them the buy in money. Guess what, they are still ready to sign. The DVC guides need to do a better job of educating potential purchasers. Thank you for the DIS, it helps educate people before they sign on the dotted line.

DAVE

 

[Daitcher]

I don't like the decor. I've seen photos, which are adequate to tell me I don't like the decor. No reason for me to go into the rooms.

I don't like the location. DTD does very little for me.

I don't like a condo feel. I prefer a hotel feel. I've stayed in condo like resorts - not at Disney, and I don't like them.

We don't rent cars at Disney....we are heavily dependant on walking, buses and taxis. SSR doesn't seem to be a good resort for that.

I don't like lack of room service. We seldom use room service, but its an option I really like having at my disposal.

Do I have to experience something to know I don't like it - or can't I make an informed decision based on photos, information, and similar experiences?

Boy Crisi, I think we've disagreed in the past on some things but I could have written this post. Your post sums up exactly how I feel about SSR. DVC, IMO, is far to much money to settle for a condo like resort. It should at the very least be full service. Thank god booking at non home resorts is allowed or I'd be out. It is BCV, BWV or VWL for our family.


DAVE

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I will only comment on how pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed SSR.

I same as CRISI prefer the Boardwalk, Beach club area and the ameneties offerred at those resorts.

I utilize Valet parking.

I enjoy room service.

I travel alone with small children and Indoor corridors are a must for me.

I did 2 nights at SSR in October in those 2 nights I got 3 towel animals. the room was beautiful and immaculate. I admit to being somewhat biased as I was in the Springs section with a wonderful view of the pool. So I was within a quick jump to all the ameneties available. I thought it was a wonderful property. I never did take advantage of teh downtown Disney situation although I think that would be somthing my older teen DD would capitalize on.

I would stay there again. as far as my list it would go,
BWV
BCV
SSR
OKW
and I can not comment on VWL as I myself have never stayed there. I booked several times and cancled. I am not sure why?

SSR is a great property!

 

[greenban]

Sorry, didn't see this. I guess my post was sarcastic, argumentative and rude. Can you blame me???? A person has contracts in hand, ready to sign. They know nothing about the program, have never stayed at SSR and think each trip will cost them the buy in money. Guess what, they are still ready to sign. The DVC guides need to do a better job of educating potential purchasers. Thank you for the DIS, it helps educate people before they sign on the dotted line.

DAVE

Dave I understand you feeling that way, and it is certainly your right to feel however you would like.

Having said that, I also choose to believe, your frustration (which was expressed as sarcasm and disbelief) comes from a desire to help the OP.

However, it is their money and they can do what they want with it. They don't need our approval or permission, and unfortunately parts of your replies came out seeming petulant and perhaps jealous on your part. Please note, I'm not saying that you are Petulant or jealous, nor that you were deliberately mean spirited, but to be fair, parts of your reply could have been interpreted that way, and that is why I believe, your replies were deleted!

-Tony