Family of Five (then Six) - Best Path Forward

[Bozni]

We're in the market for DVC, and I'm trying to decide the best way forward.

Facts:
Party makeup: 2 adults, 3 kids under 7, and 1 infant (due next month)
Travel Period: January or Early Dec
Home Resort Preference: SSR? (I think)
Point Threshold: 150? 160? 200? (help me decide)
Open to Split Stay: Maybe in a few years

We believe OKW 1BR, SSR 1BR, and AKL-KV 1BR are viable options until the baby turns 3. Size of room, availability, and point cost are all agreeable to us. After that is where the wrench comes in.

The only 2BR under 200pts for our desired travel period are:

• AKLJ/AKLK (Standard/LO) - 192pts
• AKLJ (Value) - 156pts
• BWV (Standard) - 198pts
• OKW - 195pts
• SSR - (Standard) - 196pts

Note: We've pretty much decided that from a value perspective SSR is going to be the way we go unless we see a point chart related reason for a different home resort.

Those things considered, I have some questions:

• Should I get 150 SSR points now for these first three trips and then add 50 once we start needing a 2BR?
• Should I get 200 SSR points now so I don't have to add later?
• Should I get 160 AKL points and plan on staying in a Value 2BR? How scarce are those rooms?
• Are adjoining/connecting (whatever the ones with a door between the rooms are called) studios a thing in the DVC world?

Thanks!

 

[kilik64]

Id do at least 200 SSR if that's where you are set for having as your home resort. If you can squeeze it, I would do 225+ just to have flexibility and a little bit of a cushion in case future point chart changes negatively impact you. You can do some now and add rest later, but something to consider is what the cost might be in the future vs now too for that.

 

[Sandisw]

I would not count on AKV value as they go fast and the time you are traveling is one of the busiest of DVC.

You will only get connecting Studios at Poly right now. It’s a request but have never read it isn’t granted,

The new studios are being added at VGF and those could end up being connected but no way to know.

Both AKV and SSR require buses to and from every park so not as convenient as some of the other parks with little ones, However, at 7 months, especially in January, getting 1 bedrooms elsewhere is doable.

Personally, i like SSR over AKV, but to be fair, RIV and VGF/BLT are the resorts I stay at so I am biased,

Kids love animals so that is a big plus but the newly renovated SSR rooms are really nice!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

And Early December is traditionally a buy where you are okay staying. Even in a 1BR opportunities to switch are hard to come by.

 

[Marionnette]

We're in the market for DVC, and I'm trying to decide the best way forward.

Facts:
Party makeup: 2 adults, 3 kids under 7, and 1 infant (due next month)
Travel Period: January or Early Dec
Home Resort Preference: SSR? (I think)
Point Threshold: 150? 160? 200? (help me decide)
Open to Split Stay: Maybe in a few years

We believe OKW 1BR, SSR 1BR, and AKL-KV 1BR are viable options until the baby turns 3. Size of room, availability, and point cost are all agreeable to us. After that is where the wrench comes in.

The only 2BR under 200pts for our desired travel period are:

• AKLJ/AKLK (Standard/LO) - 192pts
• AKLJ (Value) - 156pts
• BWV (Standard) - 198pts
• OKW - 195pts
• SSR - (Standard) - 196pts

Note: We've pretty much decided that from a value perspective SSR is going to be the way we go unless we see a point chart related reason for a different home resort.

Those things considered, I have some questions:

• Should I get 150 SSR points now for these first three trips and then add 50 once we start needing a 2BR?
• Should I get 200 SSR points now so I don't have to add later?
• Should I get 160 AKL points and plan on staying in a Value 2BR? How scarce are those rooms?
• Are adjoining/connecting (whatever the ones with a door between the rooms are called) studios a thing in the DVC world?

Thanks!

Don't count on AKV value 2BRs unless you own there because they are all lockoffs and the studio side books up even before 11 months. Even those who own there have a very difficult time booking them.

Don't count on BWV 2BR std. views for the same reason: all lockoffs and e tremely hard to book unless you own there.

AKV, SSR and OKW all have dedicated 2BR villas which tend to be available at 7 months.

Don't base your purchase on being able to just afford the cheapest accommodations. Points charts get adjusted and you could find yourself short on points. Or you could end up not being able to book that cheap view and then you won't have enough for your vacation.

My advice would be to go with the 200-point contract from the get go. You can always bank the points you don't use each year and that can help cover point reallocation and the need for larger accommodations. You might even find that some years you have enough points to stay at one of the other resorts that aren't on your lust.

 

[MBTigger]

For resale, SSR Prices seem to be rising more than AKV. I would go with AKV at current resale prices. Even Direct, AKV is close enough not to sweat the difference. You might even get lucky with value rooms once in awhile. 200 pts at AKV.

 

[Stargazer65]

Congratulations on the family!
We were a family of 7, 11 years ago with a newborn. Down to 5, so we went from 2 bedrooms starting out to 1 bedrooms now. We only got 100 points and went every 3 years. Finances were tighter for 8 years so probably wise. Added on later as we decided to go more often and had more money.
If I were me again, I'd go with 150 point SSR, go every other year, and add on later after testing the waters.

 

[Brian Noble]

We believe OKW 1BR, SSR 1BR, and AKL-KV 1BR are viable options until the baby turns 3. Size of room, availability, and point cost are all agreeable to us

Have you stayed at a 1BR at one of these resorts in person? While the 1BR is technically doable for your group, you might find that it is a little tight in practice. Our first DVC visit was in an OKW 1BR with two school-aged kids. We had stayed at several other timeshares or "home-away-from-home" hotels (think Residence Inn) in 2BRs and found that not having a living room where no one had to sleep was a significant negative for us, even though we "fit". Negotiating who got the bathroom first coming back from the parks was always an issue too---the extra bath in AKV will be helpful here.

Given that it's only about a ~25% premium to go from a 1BR to a 2BR, I think that's a good value for a larger family. If you can swing it, I'd encourage starting with 2BRs. That's particularly true at SSR, which is one of the "2nd generation" DVC resorts, all of which share the same basic layout. (The others are BRV, BWV, and BCV.) IMO, the living area in this layout is too small for the unit, and the not-quite-full-size fridge with no ice maker is one of my pet peeves.

As for the number of points: it is worth thinking about how long traveling in the lowest point seasons will be easy to do. I know as my kids got older, it got harder and harder to work in vacations between school, extra curricular activities, etc.

 

[FSUSammy]

I would plan as if you are going to be staying at 2 bedrooms point-wise and if you can make a 1 bedroom work with that amount of points then BONUS. I personally think with a family of 6 (even if the kids are smaller) you will eventually want a 2 bedroom because 1 bedrooms will be tight. I would aim for resorts that have 2 bathrooms in the 1 bedroom as well because as the kids get older nothing sucks more than having the only bathroom in the room taken. I think that limits you to AKV and BLT.

 

[cate2]

I've never stayed at SSR but we have stayed in the one bedroom at AKLK and I think that it could be a comfortable fit for your family. They have 2 bathrooms - supper nice and both the couch and the chair pull out. A perk there is that that the 'quick service' breakfast is served at Sanaa, for a very affordable price you get to start your day at a nice table with great food overlooking the Savanna instead of a busy food court. I found the bus service to be fine from there and there was shuttle going between our resort and Jambo house constantly (maybe a 5 minute trip over).

 

[mlayman7]

We're in the market for DVC, and I'm trying to decide the best way forward.

Facts:
Party makeup: 2 adults, 3 kids under 7, and 1 infant (due next month)
Travel Period: January or Early Dec
Home Resort Preference: SSR? (I think)
Point Threshold: 150? 160? 200? (help me decide)
Open to Split Stay: Maybe in a few years

We believe OKW 1BR, SSR 1BR, and AKL-KV 1BR are viable options until the baby turns 3. Size of room, availability, and point cost are all agreeable to us. After that is where the wrench comes in.

The only 2BR under 200pts for our desired travel period are:

• AKLJ/AKLK (Standard/LO) - 192pts
• AKLJ (Value) - 156pts
• BWV (Standard) - 198pts
• OKW - 195pts
• SSR - (Standard) - 196pts

Note: We've pretty much decided that from a value perspective SSR is going to be the way we go unless we see a point chart related reason for a different home resort.

Those things considered, I have some questions:

• Should I get 150 SSR points now for these first three trips and then add 50 once we start needing a 2BR?
• Should I get 200 SSR points now so I don't have to add later?
• Should I get 160 AKL points and plan on staying in a Value 2BR? How scarce are those rooms?
• Are adjoining/connecting (whatever the ones with a door between the rooms are called) studios a thing in the DVC world?

Thanks!

I would get more points at AKL and/or look at Poly/BLT points. With kids that young they will love those resorts so much more than SSR. Sure you can possibly switch at 7 months but that is never a guarantee. The other thing is never base your decision where you are going to buy based on which resort just recently has been updated. SSR looks like nice now, Riviera resort looks great too. One is brand new and one just got renovated. 5 years from now all you will here is how Riviera rooms and SSR rooms are looking dated and everything needs replaced. Each resort will update on a set schedule, I believe it is every 7 years? We have 3 young kids and if they had a choice at any time of the year between staying at AKL or SSR, they would choose AKL every single time no matter what year in the renovation schedule DVC is in. If they could stay at the Poly or BLT and be close to the MK, they would have a more difficult time but I think they would be split on whether or not to stay at AKL or Poly. They would probably choose Poly over BLT. We own at BLT and VGF and are lucky enough to stay in 2 BR most trips. Last year was our first at AKL and they loved it. Every second we were at the resort they were out on the balcony looking at the animals, so enough points for a savannah view is a must! I would have no problem staying at SSR because I love the Disney Springs area but with young kids, being very close to 1 theme park is amazing. You still have to take a bus to AK if you are staying at AKL but it is such a quick trip. Maybe get the 160 AKL points now and stay how long you can and then add on there in the future when you are able to. We started with 150 points at BLT then added on every year/every other year and now I think we are right where we need/not want to be.

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

I think 250-300 AKL is your best bet. You’re going to be SMOOSHED in a one-bedroom with kids in sleeper sofas/chairs all over and the baby gear shortly.

As well, you can do early December/January for low points, but swimming can be iffy those times of year. All kids want to use the pools, and if the weather is chilly, at least the kids would be amused at AKL.

Also, as they get older, you may be locked into going February/April vacation or summer break if the kids get into sports or clubs. Your 160 points won’t go far enough if the borrowing restrictions stay in place.

i looked at the points charts, and if you did standard view, a two-bedroom is still 220+ for early December and January. You don’t want to always be 10-15 short every trip.

One thing that we are doing to save money is doing one linger trip to save on airfare versus more frequent trips. IDK if you’re driving to WDW or flying, but we’re stuck flying.

AK is gorgeous at Christmas, and if you ever decide to do a Jambo 3-bedroom, it’s so cool with all the balconies overlooking the savanna!

 

[Deb & Bill]

With six, you won't fit in the Polynesian studio. So you have three years to stay there and then you move up to Bungalows or get two studios. Six pretty much means a two bedroom villa.

 

[ldo]

We had akv and many times booked a 1br okw with 3 older kids/teens. Imho it’s plenty of space and the layout would work fine for your family until the baby is 3. Ssr and okw 1 br are usually available at 7 months. So I saw no need to buy there. The living room area at okw is bigger than akv or ssr. Once you move to a 2 br, you’ll Have plenty of space at any of those resorts. We’ve gotten akv values about 30% of time. Sometimes I had to piece it together with waitlist. Don’t count on it-it’s a bonus. With your size family, I’d get 200 points and look for a loaded contract.

 

[Bozni]

Thanks everyone for the detailed and thoughtful responses! You’ve all given me a ton to consider. We’re starting to lean toward 200 SSR.

 

[RoseGold]

I would have said SSR a few months ago, but now I say BLT and AKL. They have valuable booking categories, legacy charts, many more years on the contract, and don’t cost much more than SSR. If your goal is value, it’s hard to argue with AKL value. The chart will do the work for you. Walk it and enjoy.

And you can always book SSR if you need a resort of last resort.

 

[ldo]

I’d also buy akv for above reasons, but Ssr is a fine resort. I stayed at grandstands area with 3 kids your ages and it was a Short walk to main building and a fun little spray ground area. The paddock pool area with a slide and wet spray area/jungle gym is also great. These smaller pool/water play areas are good options when you don’t want the large feature pool. It’s fairly easy to trade info akv, Ssr or okw to try them all out whichever one you decide. Good luck!

 

[Mkaiser1]

We're in the market for DVC, and I'm trying to decide the best way forward.

Facts:
Party makeup: 2 adults, 3 kids under 7, and 1 infant (due next month)
Travel Period: January or Early Dec
Home Resort Preference: SSR? (I think)
Point Threshold: 150? 160? 200? (help me decide)
Open to Split Stay: Maybe in a few years

We believe OKW 1BR, SSR 1BR, and AKL-KV 1BR are viable options until the baby turns 3. Size of room, availability, and point cost are all agreeable to us. After that is where the wrench comes in.

The only 2BR under 200pts for our desired travel period are:

• AKLJ/AKLK (Standard/LO) - 192pts
• AKLJ (Value) - 156pts
• BWV (Standard) - 198pts
• OKW - 195pts
• SSR - (Standard) - 196pts

Note: We've pretty much decided that from a value perspective SSR is going to be the way we go unless we see a point chart related reason for a different home resort.

Those things considered, I have some questions:

• Should I get 150 SSR points now for these first three trips and then add 50 once we start needing a 2BR?
• Should I get 200 SSR points now so I don't have to add later?
• Should I get 160 AKL points and plan on staying in a Value 2BR? How scarce are those rooms?
• Are adjoining/connecting (whatever the ones with a door between the rooms are called) studios a thing in the DVC world?

Thanks!

Hi.
We’re also a family of 6 with similar age gaps I suspect (ours are 2, 5, 7 and 9).

I agree with the 99% of people that say buy where you want to stay. Especially if you plan on travelling at a busy period. That ability to book at 11 months will make the world of difference. There will undoubtedly be restricted availability at 7 months.

I would strongly recommend looking at the 2022 points charts for resorts and for the room you would want to stay in, for the number of nights you would want and When in the year you would want. Even if that’s not the same every year, but is likely to be similar for a lot of years. This will guide you on the number of points to get for different resorts. I would add a few on top of that too, because whilst DVC cannot increase the total points across a resorts points chart in total, they can and do move them about a bit so you might find that one year you needs a few more for your stay(s).

I would also strongly suggest you then look at the dues based on the above.

Consider the number of years worth of use you will get from differing resorts - you might only get 20 years from one but 50 from another! That significantly alters the purchase cost per year if use, but also significantly alters the total dues you pay over the lifetime of the contract! Unless of course you think you might sell on after a period of time.

Consider the transport to and from resorts (especially if for the next 4-5 years you’ll be using a stroller), but also consider if you will have a car with you. BUT....also consider getting around the resort itself! SSR is very big and spread out for example, which you might prefer or you might not.

Hope this is all helpful

I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for you and your family regardless.

One last thought is this: The cost of holidays in WDW are only going to go one way and if this is somewhere you genuinely think you’ll go to often, you won’t regret it!

 

[Bozni]

I would have said SSR a few months ago, but now I say BLT and AKL. They have valuable booking categories, legacy charts, many more years on the contract, and don’t cost much more than SSR. If your goal is value, it’s hard to argue with AKL value. The chart will do the work for you. Walk it and enjoy.

And you can always book SSR if you need a resort of last resort.

I agree that the value section of the AKL chart makes it very appealing, but from the sounds of it those rooms are nearly impossible to book, even at 11mo. Considering that, the lesser dues of SSR are drawing me in.

BLT's chart is keeping me away. 245 for a 2BR is going to be too rich for our blood.

 

[RoseGold]

I agree that the value section of the AKL chart makes it very appealing, but from the sounds of it those rooms are nearly impossible to book, even at 11mo. Considering that, the lesser dues of SSR are drawing me in.

BLT's chart is keeping me away. 245 for a 2BR is going to be too rich for our blood.

Yes, today for mid-summer 11 month booking, AKL value is completely booked, probably with all people walking. Value requires walking and paying attention. Still possible if you have time to plan and are planning a long trip and only have to manage it every few days, assuming walking stays allowed.

You'd have to plan this where your UY starts a few months before your trip. Walking doesn't play well with crossing UYs and it could take a few months to get in to even walk.