Help for someone purchasing SSR through Family and Friends

[metropawn]

I am looking to take the plunge into DVC and have explored resale options, but by the time you add in closing costs there just isn't much out there better than the 83.30/point available direct from Disney, especially since I prefer to purchase in at the 150-200 point level. I already have a referral so I am able to get this price if I want.

My only holdup at purchasing at SSR is I would like to be able to stay at the other properties as well and don't know how likely it would be that I would be able to book them on a consistent basis.

Typically my family will travel in October and we would need either a one or two bedroom unit depending on whether or not we bring our parents along. Is anyone able to provide any educated information about whether one or two bedroom units are available, especially at BCV or BWV, for this time of year at the seven month window I will have to use with SSR as my home resort? I have read, incorrect or not, that if anything the preferred views at BWV might be more accessible than the standard views because of the point difference, but that is fine by me as I am willing to use more points to get the view. Perhaps this is wrong, however. I am looking for information from people who have experience and would know.

I am certain that I will try the other resorts as well, but I have a feeling that once we have tried the others, BWV and BCV will be our first choices, simply because of location.

Thanks in advance for any opinions offered.

Charles

 

[shantay1008]

We bought into DVC during our first trip to Beach Club two years ago; I hadn't even seen Saratoga Springs, but I liked the idea of "forced" vacations, if you know what I mean. I think you should probably give SSR a chance because you might have to stay there sometimes. I have read many, many positive reports about the hotel, so that increases my confidence a lot. It's still Disney World, even if it's a "country" property.

Having said all that, I wanted my parents to experience Beach Club, so I did the thing where you call every day at the 7-month window and was able to get us a two-bedroom villa the second week in February. We like that time of year because WDW isn't too busy yet, but it's a great break from winter in Wisconsin. So we're spending four nights at SSR and four nights at Beach Club. Perfect for us!

You might want to check out the positive reports about SSR on the boards here. It might make you feel better about staying there if you aren't able to get a reservation at BCV or Boardwalk if that should ever happen.

Good luck with your decision!
Shannon

 

[metropawn]

I actually have already stayed at SSR. We rented points last year from a member and stayed in October. We checked in the day that Hurricane Wilma blew through. Tigger came sliding into the lobby on the floor and proceeded to have my six year old laughing in fits in about 30 seconds. Afterwards, we proceeded to our one bedroom unit right on the lake in front of Fultons Crab House where we stayed for three nights. We had a fantastic time and the unit was incredible.

To make a long story short, it was after that stay at SSR that my wife and I looked into buying into DVC. I know we would love it if we stayed there every time, but I am curious to know if the two Epcot resorts are available on the 7 month window in October. I am not above calling every day to reserve each room day by day. I am happy to do so. I am just wondering if these units are available.

Thanks again.

Charles

 

[shantay1008]

I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had already stayed there! I wouldn't think October would be very busy since kids are in school and there aren't even any three-day weekends or anything like that. I've read about the Food and Wine Festival being a busy time for WDW, but isn't that in September?

Beach Club really is wonderful, so I hope you get the chance to stay there. But I'm glad to hear that you had such a good experience at SSR (well, other than the hurricane, although your son seemed happy about it).

I had been thinking about adding on to Beach Club when we could afford it, but I read the rumors on here about a DVC at the Contemporary, so I might wait to find out more about that. It might be fun to have a place on the monorail and so close to the Magic Kingdom and the other resorts in that area.

 

[littlestar]

October is very busy because of the food and wine festival at Epcot. Food and wine started the last of September in 2005 and went into November. Epcot resorts at the 7 month window might be "iffy" for much of October. You could always book Saratoga and then go on a waitlist for an Epcot resort at the 7 month window, though.

If you are going to want to go on school vacations times and know you'd want the Epcot area, if I were you, I'd buy there. We just added on at BWV. My husband and I looked at Saratoga, but we just couldn't do it (Saratoga would be our last choice of DVC resorts to stay at). I'll be 83 when 2042 rolls around, so the extra years at Saratoga mean nothing to me. But staying where I want to stay for the next 36 years does. If I were 30 years old, it might have been worth the gamble for the extra years.

I have heard people say that getting one bedrooms seem easier than studios or 2 bedrooms, though. Especially Boardwalk preferred view. If you're pretty young, Saratoga might be the better deal.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

If you call exactly when the 7mo. window starts and call day by day you should have no problems. Also, if you are not only flexible on which resort (BWV/BCV), but also what view you would like (std. preferred, Boardwalk) that will increase your chances of getting an Epcot resort. Let's face it...every DVC resort is wonderful in it's own way, would you really go wrong if you had to stay at any one of them? (Translated: buy the contract! )