Help with choice of home resort

[suebeelin]

This is exactly what I am having the hardest time with! I keep going back to AKV because I like the theme so much more than SSR and can see a kid loving every minute staying there. I don't like the earlier expiration of BW to buy, but I want to stay here someday. The studio sizes at BLT were throwing me, but the more I look at pictures and the more I think of how easy a walk to the MK would be with a small child. Even if its a little more buy in, it does have cheap maintenance fees. That is the top of my budget. I won't spend any more than that. I just know we have gotten to where we like to stay deluxe and with how much it costs, I think this will be a good investment!

Would you "mind" staying at SSR if you can't get into another resort?

Most times you can get a studio or 1bd at akv (I believe std views are easiest to get but not sure), and to a lesser extent, BLT lake, most of the time. Bwv pool/garden is also usually an easier option. 1bds are also easier to procure than studios.

If you get SSR points, it won't hurt as much "financially" to use your points for a 1bd anywhere since you paid less per point/maint fee. And that 1bd BLT is HUGE and perfect if your dad comes along bc of the separate room.

Honestly? Your kid will like being at ANY deluxe resort.

When we stayed at poly, my 6yr old preferred the pool games over going to the parks. He insisted on being at the hotel at 3pm JUST so he could be at the pool.

For us, the remoteness of akv was very stressful. We ended up eating in the cafeteria every day, as it was too hard to leave the resort for dining purposes (our child was high maintenance). SSR would have been a better option bc at least you could walk to DD, now called Disney springs.

You are buying on the anticipation of what you THINK your future child might like . howrver, you don't know what the preference will be, and that preference could change!

My older sister bought into BLT when her daughter was 5yrs old. By age 8, her kids ONLY preferred the Epcot/Boardwalk area. Her daughter is 14 now, and the last 6 years, my sister ONLY stays at the Boardwalk area bc that's the only place her kids want... So her BLT points are never used at BLT after the first 3 years (ages 5-8). Over the last 6 years (ages 8-14), it's been pretty much bcv or bwv.

Hope this helps provide perspective! Another alternative is to buy SSR, see how your child's preferences develop, and then sell/rebuy. Again, my older sister has been using her BLT points pretty much exclusively for Bwv or bcv over the last 6 years, so ....

 

[hamilkm]

Would you "mind" staying at SSR if you can't get into another resort?

Most times you can get a studio or 1bd at akv (I believe std views are easiest to get but not sure), and to a lesser extent, BLT lake, most of the time. Bwv pool/garden is also usually an easier option. 1bds are also easier to procure than studios.

If you get SSR points, it won't hurt as much "financially" to use your points for a 1bd anywhere since you paid less per point/maint fee. And that 1bd BLT is HUGE and perfect if your dad comes along bc of the separate room.

Honestly? Your kid will like being at ANY deluxe resort.

When we stayed at poly, my 6yr old preferred the pool games over going to the parks. He insisted on being at the hotel at 3pm JUST so he could be at the pool.

For us, the remoteness of akv was very stressful. We ended up eating in the cafeteria every day, as it was too hard to leave the resort for dining purposes (our child was high maintenance). SSR would have been a better option bc at least you could walk to DD, now called Disney springs.

You are buying on the anticipation of what you THINK your future child might like . howrver, you don't know what the preference will be, and that preference could change!

My older sister bought into BLT when her daughter was 5yrs old. By age 8, her kids ONLY preferred the Epcot/Boardwalk area. Her daughter is 14 now, and the last 6 years, my sister ONLY stays at the Boardwalk area bc that's the only place her kids want... So her BLT points are never used at BLT after the first 3 years (ages 5-8). Over the last 6 years (ages 8-14), it's been pretty much bcv or bwv.

Hope this helps provide perspective! Another alternative is to buy SSR, see how your child's preferences develop, and then sell/rebuy. Again, my older sister has been using her BLT points pretty much exclusively for Bwv or bcv over the last 6 years, so ....

It really sounds like the best thing for me to do is head out to SSR and check it out. Make sure its somewhere we would like to stay if needed. The cost for buying there is definitely the most tempting. It's also nice to know we can try out some of those other places. My dad saw some special on tv about AKL and thought it looked like the best thing ever, so I'm sure we will stay there eventually!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Congrats on becoming a Mom next year! We loved POFQ and PORS so went for SSR. We bought direct in 2008 and have never regretted it. We love that you can walk to Disney Springs, it has several nice pools, good staff and a good quick service. AK is a bit remote for us. Nice resort though. We have since added on more points at SSR and VGF.

Although you might say just a studio it's nice to have the option of a 1 bed. What if DD or DS wants to bring a friend? The Poly only has studios. I think that is a big flaw in the plan!

I would go for SSR. We love it. It gets bad press but honestly don't know why.

 

[Dean]

This is exactly what I am having the hardest time with! I keep going back to AKV because I like the theme so much more than SSR and can see a kid loving every minute staying there. I don't like the earlier expiration of BW to buy, but I want to stay here someday. The studio sizes at BLT were throwing me, but the more I look at pictures and the more I think of how easy a walk to the MK would be with a small child. Even if its a little more buy in, it does have cheap maintenance fees. That is the top of my budget. I won't spend any more than that. I just know we have gotten to where we like to stay deluxe and with how much it costs, I think this will be a good investment!

I think the only resort at WDW that is going to be too difficult to get at least part of the time at 7 months out is VGF and even then there is potential there. There are some room types that may be off limits at other resorts like value/concierge at AKV, standard at BLT/BWV and BCV/VWL will be difficult part of the time. Of course some times of the year are far more difficult than others. I think it's realistic to think that SSR, AKV & OKW will generally be available at 7 months out and thus owning any of them means one should be able to stay at all routinely (most trips) if planning at 7 months out day 1. We don't know what the future holds but that's true on multiple related issues on both sides of the ledger. And with the change in booking categories, SSR just because potentially cheaper still. At the same number of points SSR is 20% cheaper than AKV long term with more dues risk long term and for many, no real benefit.

It really sounds like the best thing for me to do is head out to SSR and check it out. Make sure its somewhere we would like to stay if needed. The cost for buying there is definitely the most tempting. It's also nice to know we can try out some of those other places. My dad saw some special on tv about AKL and thought it looked like the best thing ever, so I'm sure we will stay there eventually!

I would.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Also, you talk about being concerned about a 2042 resort, but are also talking about BLT/AKV focusing on the interests of a young child.

There's some conflict in this, obviously, because young children do grow.

 

[han22735]

We were in the same boat as you when thinking about buying in. It was between AKV/SSR mainly due to price and longer contract life. Ultimately it comes down to will you enjoy staying at SSR if you can't get in somewhere else? For us that was a yes we wouldn't mind as we stayed there years ago and loved it plus with all the new things at DS I'm sure we will actually choose to stay at SSR soon.

We have stayed 3 times since buying SSR in april of 2014 and stayed at AKV(2 bed room) and the poly twice. Take a peak at the thread about availability at 7 months and you'll see for most of the year AKV is available unless you want value/club level.

 

[disneynutz]

Kids cost a lot of money and they take up most of your day. Our kids, now adults don't remember Disney prior to 7 years of age so any memories our the adults and not the kids. The worst thing that we did was buy on emotion, getting caught up with the idea of wonderful Disney vacations. The truth is, owning DVC has taught us that Disney is just like other companies, and their lack of simple things like a working website or mailing DVC member cards has taught us that they really don't care about us as much as we think they do.

I would continue to learn about DVC but wait and buy in the future after things settle down at home.

Bill

 

[suebeelin]

Kids cost a lot of money and they take up most of your day. Our kids, now adults don't remember Disney prior to 7 years of age so any memories our the adults and not the kids. The worst thing that we did was buy on emotion, getting caught up with the idea of wonderful Disney vacations. The truth is, owning DVC has taught us that Disney is just like other companies, and their lack of simple things like a working website or mailing DVC member cards has taught us that they really don't care about us as much as we think they do.

I would continue to learn about DVC but wait and buy in the future after things settle down at home.

Bill

This is very true. My oldest is 6, and finally understands Disney, but he is also asking for universal, Lego land and Atlantis now. We sort of feel stuck having a timeshare-- which we plan on selling our BLT stake (while keeping our bwv stake) in 5 years time, when the kids are 11 and 7. By that point, I think we may all prefer bwv if we do continue to go down there.

Who knows? I'm getting a little sick of Disney but with 400pts, I feel like I have to go once a year.... It's kind of like a ball and chain in many ways....

Ps- the 6yr old does not remember staying at bwv when he was 5... He only remembers poly from 3 months ago!!

 

[hamilkm]

All of these points are very valid. Currently single, I love to go to Disney 3 times a year. We also live close enough that long weekends aren't that hard to do. I'm thinking about 250-300 points which will give me 2 weeks in a studio now and a week during the summer in a 1 bedroom later. That way our second yearly vacation can be taken somewhere else. I have also been planning to use points in Hawaii maybe every few years instead of Disney.

 

[hamilkm]

So, I have gotten some great help/advice here. I have a second question. What is the opinion of buying a 50 point SSR contract direct from Disney (assuming I can get them to sell it to me)? My thought was to buy this small contract to "try" DVC out and also get membership benefits (yes I know these can go away at any time, but being able to buy Gold AP would save us a lot of money every year), then add a 250 point SSR contract from the resale market with the same use year in a year or two to get my optimal 300 points. This way if something happens I haven't invested much and at least have a guaranteed week at Disney once every 3 years.

 

[Dean]

So, I have gotten some great help/advice here. I have a second question. What is the opinion of buying a 50 point SSR contract direct from Disney (assuming I can get them to sell it to me)? My thought was to buy this small contract to "try" DVC out and also get membership benefits (yes I know these can go away at any time, but being able to buy Gold AP would save us a lot of money every year), then add a 250 point SSR contract from the resale market with the same use year in a year or two to get my optimal 300 points. This way if something happens I haven't invested much and at least have a guaranteed week at Disney once every 3 years.

I don't think it's a very good idea in the situation you've presented but I do think buy-ing in and trying it is a good idea if the other criteria fit (pay cash, plan at least 7 months out, etc). Usually it's best to buy resale first then retail if one wants/needs both because of the limitations it presents for finding a good resale contract. If you bought in this way and decided you didn't like it your ultimate cost after selling would be around $3K. If you bought 150 SSR (as an example) and decided it wasn't for you, your ultimate costs would be somewhere in the range of $2500 so about the same. But if it worked out and you proceeded, your example would cost you an extra $3K that it didn't have to.

I don't normally recommend multiple contracts unless one can get full size contracts JUST to have them split, basically above 300. But it does give you the opportunity to do multiple home resorts or even UY in some situations. For someone who's having difficulty I'd always suggest underbuying for something that'll work and SSR resale is the best choice for that situation. If one were going to go the route you're discussing, I'd suggest doing something different than SSR. Maybe Poly or BLT. 50 points is about the limit where buying retail makes sense, anything larger and the savings for resale is too large assuming resorts where there is a significant price break.

 

[hamilkm]

I don't think it's a very good idea in the situation you've presented but I do think buy-ing in and trying it is a good idea if the other criteria fit (pay cash, plan at least 7 months out, etc). Usually it's best to buy resale first then retail if one wants/needs both because of the limitations it presents for finding a good resale contract. If you bought in this way and decided you didn't like it your ultimate cost after selling would be around $3K. If you bought 150 SSR (as an example) and decided it wasn't for you, your ultimate costs would be somewhere in the range of $2500 so about the same. But if it worked out and you proceeded, your example would cost you an extra $3K that it didn't have to.

I don't normally recommend multiple contracts unless one can get full size contracts JUST to have them split, basically above 300. But it does give you the opportunity to do multiple home resorts or even UY in some situations. For someone who's having difficulty I'd always suggest underbuying for something that'll work and SSR resale is the best choice for that situation. If one were going to go the route you're discussing, I'd suggest doing something different than SSR. Maybe Poly or BLT. 50 points is about the limit where buying retail makes sense, anything larger and the savings for resale is too large assuming resorts where there is a significant price break.

I calculated about a $3000 dollar loss going this way as well but with the price difference in annual passes (Gold versus regular non discounted we buy now) estimated that loss would be made up in 6 years. I know this is assuming Disney doesn't take away AP discounts. I also know even if we decided DVC wasn't for us, I would keep the 50 points to use because we would definitely still be going to Disney at least every couple of years. We love it too much to stay away too long! I definitely would never buy an entire contract direct and the Poly is out of my price range. I will be paying cash, so I know exactly how much I have to spend.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Keep in mind that IF Disney were willing to sell you Saratoga, they do have a 50-point minimum, but charge $140 per point direct.

For a "try it!" contract traveling every other year, that is a huge per-point premium to use for member "benefits" you are unlikely to use.

 

[gdrj]

Some very good points this far. Let me add a few others/and or repeat a few:

1- Buy where you want to stay. For us transportation options (monorail, boat, bus) are important. We own at BWV and like that we avoid bus for two parks. We added a 2nd contract at Poly due to location, resort theme, and monorail. For my wife views from the room are important.

2- You mention visiting in October and Early December as well as Late Spring. Those our great times to go, and will work for you for the next 5 years or so. Kids school schedules usually don't line up with those dates. While your child is in school you will most likely end up visiting during peak school vacation times.

3- While you may never see the need to stay at more than a studio that's fine. I know when our children were young having a one bedroom was a key for us. Being able to have them a sleep in one room while the adults could enjoy the evening in the other room. Speaking from experience well rested kids make a big difference in quality time. Some of that time may be down time in the room, again extra space helps.

I'm not trying to discourage you or adjust what you do, everyone vacations differently, I just wanted to make you aware of how things and needs can change. When we originally bought studios weren't even a thought for us, I never understood why people would stay in them. Now with kids out of the house, studios are what we book, allowing for more vacation time. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[hamilkm]

Some very good points this far. Let me add a few others/and or repeat a few:

1- Buy where you want to stay. For us transportation options (monorail, boat, bus) are important. We own at BWV and like that we avoid bus for two parks. We added a 2nd contract at Poly due to location, resort theme, and monorail. For my wife views from the room are important.

2- You mention visiting in October and Early December as well as Late Spring. Those our great times to go, and will work for you for the next 5 years or so. Kids school schedules usually don't line up with those dates. While your child is in school you will most likely end up visiting during peak school vacation times.

3- While you may never see the need to stay at more than a studio that's fine. I know when our children were young having a one bedroom was a key for us. Being able to have them a sleep in one room while the adults could enjoy the evening in the other room. Speaking from experience well rested kids make a big difference in quality time. Some of that time may be down time in the room, again extra space helps.

I'm not trying to discourage you or adjust what you do, everyone vacations differently, I just wanted to make you aware of how things and needs can change. When we originally bought studios weren't even a thought for us, I never understood why people would stay in them. Now with kids out of the house, studios are what we book, allowing for more vacation time. Different strokes for different folks.

I have thought about a couple of these things. As far as studios most trips will be either my mom, child, and I or possibly just my child and I. Mom and I are used to saying in moderate rooms, so going up to a studio with just a small child, sounds big to me! I also know if my dad goes we will have to get a 1 bedroom (snorer!). I also know my dad won't stay more than 5 nights, not a week.

I've also thought about travel times and have decided when my child starts school we will go the end of May. Most schools around here get out the week before Memorial Day. They also get at least a 2 day fall break, so it will probably be a long weekend in the fall. The summer trip might get extended to 10 nights or something! I've been sure to look at points for summer as well.

 

[supersnoop]

So, I have gotten some great help/advice here. I have a second question. What is the opinion of buying a 50 point SSR contract direct from Disney (assuming I can get them to sell it to me)? My thought was to buy this small contract to "try" DVC out and also get membership benefits (yes I know these can go away at any time, but being able to buy Gold AP would save us a lot of money every year), then add a 250 point SSR contract from the resale market with the same use year in a year or two to get my optimal 300 points. This way if something happens I haven't invested much and at least have a guaranteed week at Disney once every 3 years.

I'd recommend buying 100-150 SSR points on the resale market. Give that a try, and if it doesn't work out, you can always sell it. I think you'd lose less that way over buying 50 points direct.

 

[Dean]

I calculated about a $3000 dollar loss going this way as well but with the price difference in annual passes (Gold versus regular non discounted we buy now) estimated that loss would be made up in 6 years. I know this is assuming Disney doesn't take away AP discounts. I also know even if we decided DVC wasn't for us, I would keep the 50 points to use because we would definitely still be going to Disney at least every couple of years. We love it too much to stay away too long! I definitely would never buy an entire contract direct and the Poly is out of my price range. I will be paying cash, so I know exactly how much I have to spend.

Certainly this plan as a stand alone would be appropriate for some but you're looking at needing a significant number of points going forward. I'd buy the resale points first and try the system then if the perks are of enough benefit for you going forward, do a 25 point retail add on, maybe VWL II during the initial offering. Or just do the resale and then immediately do the smaller add on. That way you have so many more options during the resale search and your ultimate costs will be less if you decide it's a good option to keep and about the same or less if you don't. This plan will likely save you at least $2000 over buying 50 first and then resale assuming the same home resorts and total number of points and could save you more in the full $3K range. Plus it'll get you in a position to have more points available earlier.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I also would not do the route of buying SSR direct to try it out. The second you've signed on the dotted line you're out approx 35% of the purchase price should it not work out. It's better to try with resale IMO so if it doesn't work and you need to resell the difference is not so great. Add a couple thousand to the price for direct 50 points and your at 100 points resale and the savings on the room will very possibly be much greater than the savings you'll get on the AP. Once you own you would be able to add on 25 points direct so 1/2 of that difference which shortens up the payback time with the AP discount. I can't quite come up with the 6 year payback you mention either. For yourself if the difference were to remain $200 between an AP vs the DVC Gold AP and lets say paying a direct premium of $2500 that's 12.5 years. You aren't looking at an AP for your potential child for 4-5 years and unless your mom will be on the deed or you reside at the same residence the Gold AP will not be available for her. And no one can say what the difference will be in 4-5 years - it's only with the advent of the Gold AP that it's been such a spread

 

[suebeelin]

I concur with everyone on not buying 50 direct points to try dvc out, and certainly not SSR.

If you are a dvc member, resale or otherwise, your minimum direct point purchase is 25pts.

Another alternative is to buy 25-35 poly points direct AFTER completing a resale purchase. That would give you 4-6 std studio rooms during the early December (low point) season every 3 years (75-105 pts every 3 years).

I really, really would NOT buy SSR direct. Poly is worth buying direct but not SSR.

 

[keolalessary]

Didn't get a chance to read all of the responses so sorry if this has already been mentioned.

Make sure to do your research on the specific times you want to go. Ask around to see if they are booked up before the 7 month window opens. You can always buy a home resort that offers cheaper purchase/maintenance and book at the other resorts you'd like.

We initially bought Aulani as our Home Resort because we live in Hawaii. We love it. We have used every point, every year and are already booked for next year as far out as we can. We tried to use our points at The Grand Californian but found it so hard to book at the 7 month window. I would have to stay up until 2am Hawaii time just to try and book 7 months out. It was so frustrating as I wasn't always able to get the rooms.

We purchased Grand Californian points from the Resale market to ensure we get the 11 month booking.

I don't think the perks that Disney offers to purchase DVC directly from Disney is worth the extra price they charge. It is not worth it to use DVC points to pay for any of the cruises or other options offered.