Finding a Resort

[mrgoodwrench]

Hello,
I'm just now starting to plan our first trip as a Family to Disney. The last time I was there was 1990. I need a room or rooms to accomodate 2 adults and 3 children 4,8,11 years old. After looking around the DIS boards, I'm going to try and rent points for a week at either Old Key West, or Saratoga Springs. Any input on these two resorts would be appreciated. I'm going to plan on a Dec 05' trip, ( I'm planning early). I was hoping this would be a good time as far as seeing the Christmas decorations,a somewhat lower park volume, and a much better value on the room. Again thanks for any input you might have.

 

[Dizz42]

Hey, Mr. GoodWrench, welcome to the DIS boards. What a great bunch of folks with a wealth of Disney info. I think you've started planning your December '05 trip just right. Renting points for Old Key West or Saratoga Springs would be great for your family. I would only suggest that you look into a two-bedroom unit. At Old Key West in particular, they are nice and big and would let all of you spread out a bit. Plus, the Master Bedroom would be a luxurious treat for Mom and Dad. Having your own car or a rental might also be a consideration if only for a bit more convenience. Don't get me wrong, bus service is fine but, man-o-man, has the place grown since 1990! You will be wowed. Good luck and many happy planning hours.

 

[PamOKW]

Hello,
I'm going to plan on a Dec 05' trip, ( I'm planning early). I was hoping this would be a good time as far as seeing the Christmas decorations,a somewhat lower park volume, and a much better value on the room. Again thanks for any input you might have.

I guess you're talking about early December? If so, you are right about seeing the decorations in a less crowded atmosphere. But, it has become a popular time for folks who stay in Disney resorts and most especially DVC folks. An owner can't book until 11 months from your check-out date but you are smart to look early.

If you are thinking about Christmas -- that's VERY busy and the points go up to the highest levels all year.

OKW and SSR are both terrific options!

 

[mrgoodwrench]

Thanks for the input, yes I do plan on going the first full week in December 05', I can't really say for sure till I get to bid on my vacation for next year at my work.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

Mr. Goodwrench.....

I have stayed at both Old Key West & Saratoga Springs in the past year. Either would be an excellent choice, although the rooms are significantly bigger at OKW.

The previous poster is correct. Whatever you do, get a two-bedroom villa. There is a lot more room & privacy.

We are a family of 5 too. Kids ages 8, 10 & 14. My wife and I take the master bedroom, my girls get the second bedroom and my 14-year old son takes the fold-out in the living room.

OKW is in the process of adding a new water slide. SSR is a new facility that just started opening its buildings in 2004. Have fun.

 

[tinkerbee]

OKW is a great choice it is a wonderful resort to stay in. The two bedrooms are large and very nice. It's a relaxing resort which will be very nice after a day at the parks. The new slide will be done at the main pool so the kids will enjoy that. Have a great time.

 

[AJKMOM]

Since that is apopular time, I suggest that you contact someone in January who has the 11 month window. I think the DVC fills up quickly.

 

[bongo59]

i agree OKW is the best place for your size crew..........but i think you could fit all 5 in a one bed room at OKW if finances dictate it...........otherwise a two bedrooom will be ideal. If you go off peak you can get a two bedroom for the cost of a studio in peak times so your timing may help you decide what to do

 

[mrgoodwrench]

Thanks everyone for your input. After doing some reading, then more reading, I'm think it would be much better for me in the long run to just purchase a DVC resale. For a December 2 bedroom in the first week, it looks to be around 110 pts. I don't plan on going but every other year, so I'm looking for a DVC at HH or OKW between 60-80 pts. This gets me a 2 bedroom everyother year, plus lower maint. costs. Then when the kids are grown, the wife and I can use a studio and maybe go twice a year. Sorry for the rambling. PM me if anyone has info on any DVC's that are not listed on the net. I'm keeping an eye on the current property's already listed in the timeshare store.

Happy Holidays everyone !!!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

For a December 2 bedroom in the first week, it looks to be around 110 pts.

Hi, mrgoodwrench. Perhaps I'm misinterpreting your intentions, but early December is between 218 and 270 pts/week for a 2br villa.

If you are mostly planning to use your points at WDW during the holiday season, I would not recommend purchasing at HH.

MG

 

[mrgoodwrench]

I was looking at OKW the first full week of December 2005, Sun-Thur 5 nights @22 points per night. Dec 4th- 8th. I show it being adventure season, the lowest rate bracket. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I sure don't want to buy a DVC and not be able to use it because I didn't buy enough points.

Thanks.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I was looking at OKW the first full week of December 2005, Sun-Thur 5 nights @22 points per night. Dec 4th- 8th. I show it being adventure season, the lowest rate bracket. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I sure don't want to buy a DVC and be able to use it because I didn't buy enough points.

Thanks.

Okay, I gotcha now. I assumed you were looking for a full week rather than Sunday thru Thursday.

MG

 

[Caskbill]

You quoted 110 points so I assume you already know that's a 2-B/R at OKW for a 5-night stay, Dec 4th - Dec 8th inclusive, in 2005. So it's not a full 7-day week. If you don't already know, those same dates in a 2-B/R unit at BWV standard view costs 120 points, at SSR it's 135 points, and at BWV preferred, BCV, or VWL it's 150 points.

Your idea to purchase and bank/borrow to use it every other year or so is a sound one.

If you're not aware of my planning tools feel free to download either of my free programs: DVC-Planner or DVC-Chart. Follow the link in the signature below. The planner program will do all the calculations and help you with the 'what if' type of vacation plans.

 

[mrgoodwrench]

Maistre,
Do you know if this week fills up 11 months in advance. I was looking at getting a HH DVC for the lower maint costs, and thinking I could still get this week at the 7 month window. Thanks again for the reply.

 

[bongo59]

you need to really think about that..........you should always buy the place you really want to stay..........i would not buy HH or VB because of the percieved value.............if you do a resale i would strongly rec the BCV because it is the smallest and most popualr du to the pool or SSR primarliy because your getting an extra 10 yrs their than any other DVC resort...........it truely is worth the extra cash...............you'll be kicking yourself within 18 months

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Maistre,
Do you know if this week fills up 11 months in advance. I was looking at getting a HH DVC for the lower maint costs, and thinking I could still get this week at the 7 month window. Thanks again for the reply.

I can't say for certain, but I do know this is a very popular time amongst DVCers. Personally, I wouldn't take a chance on the 7 month window for this time frame, but then again, perhaps I'm too cautious.

Purchasing at HH or VB is likely okay for WDW, but you must be very flexible on dates and resorts.

Good luck!...

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

you need to really think about that..........you should always buy the place you really want to stay..........i would not buy HH or VB because of the percieved value.............if you do a resale i would strongly rec the BCV because it is the smallest and most popualr du to the pool or SSR primarliy because your getting an extra 10 yrs their than any other DVC resort...........it truely is worth the extra cash...............you'll be kicking yourself within 18 months

bongo, although BCV is small, I believe VWL is actually the smallest on site DVC resort.

 

[mrgoodwrench]

I really have no intention of really staying @ HH beach that much. I just see the maint. cost so much lower there. Points are points, but If I can find 70-80 DVC pts at OKW for close to that of HH, I would jump on it. Most of the current listings are for over 100pts, I just don't need that many. Plus my wife does not want a big Maint. fee every year. Oh well, I'm sure one will surface some time, if not I'll just rent some points for next December.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

you need to really think about that..........you should always buy the place you really want to stay..........i would not buy HH or VB because of the percieved value.............if you do a resale i would strongly rec the BCV because it is the smallest and most popualr du to the pool or SSR primarliy because your getting an extra 10 yrs their than any other DVC resort...........it truely is worth the extra cash...............you'll be kicking yourself within 18 months

Yes, good advice. Buy where you want to stay most often, or especially during peak times. We like Vero during spring break because WDW is so crowded. Don't let a few $$ swing you the wrong way, it's alarge investment, you'll want to get it right to best suit your needs for many years.

 

[bongo59]

mr goodwrench i would strongly recommend that since you want a smaller amount of points that you call DVC and tell tehm you are intersted in buying two or three smaller add on contracts to get your target goal of points and get them at 2 or 3 different resorts...........the maintaince fees are not too bad......and at SSR they will be low the first couple of yrs..........as OKW ages so will the fees........VB and HH too me are as risky maintenence point wise due to weather concerns causing property damage..............plus they are older resorts as well closer to the salt water breeze that is toxic to houses............just more to ponder.