I was ready to pull the trigger.. but then a second thought

[labst60]

After HOURS of discussion yesterday, we thought we decided to go with 150 points at SSR.

That is going to be slightly more than we need now, but we know that evenually we will have to add-on.

I have loved all the pictures I have seen of SSR, it looks like it is going to be a fabulous resort with the pool and spa, but I was just nervous about the location. I love the Epcot location and part of me was worried I would regret not buying at BWV or BCV.

The single biggest selling point (besides the spa) was the additional years at SSR. Like I posted earlier, we are both in our mid-20's.... so that feasibly (god willing) could be a benefit for us.

I know I've heard here a million times... buy where you want to stay. That sounds SO easy, but in reality, isn't such an easy call. I want to stay at **BOTH**.

So.. late last night, my husband came up with the idea of buying 150 points at BWV or BCV then in a couple of years adding 60-80 points at SSR.

So, my questions are these:

Given the size of SSR compared to BWV or BCV, I would think it would be easier to get an SSR room w/ BWV or BCV points than vise versa (agree or disagree??)

Which do you prefer... BWV or BCV? I like them both very much, but (other than location) for different reasons. I don't care for the 2 queen bed set-up of an OKW studio... both BWV and BCV have the queen and a sofa, correct??

I seem to like the room decor better at BCV, but I am afraid that since EVERYONE loves SAB that the pool would never be a relaxing place... your experiences?? Maybe the quiet pool would be better??

What about the condition of rooms?? Which resort is in better shape regarding maintenance??


You guys have been so helpful... we really appreciate it!!

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I will tell you I am biased right up front. I own at BCV and love it.

I agree with your conclusion that it would be easier to book SSR. BCV is a smaller resort and therefore the 11-month window is very helpful. SSR, when completed, will be the largest DVC resort.

But, I would give serious weight to the 50-year contract at SSR. I am 48 and when BCV runs out I will be well into my 80's, or I will be suffering from chronic deadness. You would only be in your mid 60's when BCV runs out....a time you might really enjoy having this program. SSR would take you into your mid 70's, along with any other DVC resort they build in coming years. Good luck with your decision. (Remember, you would have to probably buy BCV as a resale.)

 

[labst60]

Doug,

What we were thinking is that if we added on 50-80 points at SSR, that would at least give us enough for a studio for 4 or 5 nights at SSR (bigger unit or longer stay w/ banking and borrowing) for years 38-50 (once the BVW or BCV contract runs out). I can't even believe I am seriously trying to decide where I want to vacation when I am 64!!

That way, we would have the convenience of the Epcot area when we wanted it now... add on points at SSR in a few years to give us more flexiblity when we have a family... then for those end years once the other contract expire, we would still have a small contract at SSR... but enough that we could get a few days of it.

 

[CarolMN]

Can't answer all your questions, but I'll take a crack at a few and get this bumped up closer to the top of the page.

Originally posted by labst60
After HOURS of discussion yesterday, we thought we decided to go with 150 points at SSR.

That is going to be slightly more than we need now, but we know that evenually we will have to add-on.

I have loved all the pictures I have seen of SSR, it looks like it is going to be a fabulous resort with the pool and spa, but I was just nervous about the location. I love the Epcot location and part of me was worried I would regret not buying at BWV or BCV.

The single biggest selling point (besides the spa) was the additional years at SSR. Like I posted earlier, we are both in our mid-20's.... so that feasibly (god willing) could be a benefit for us.

I know I've heard here a million times... buy where you want to stay. That sounds SO easy, but in reality, isn't such an easy call. I want to stay at **BOTH**.

So.. late last night, my husband came up with the idea of buying 150 points at BWV or BCV then in a couple of years adding 60-80 points at SSR.

So, my questions are these:

Given the size of SSR compared to BWV or BCV, I would think it would be easier to get an SSR room w/ BWV or BCV points than vise versa (agree or disagree??)

I agree. I'm a BWV owner and I know that if you want a standard view room (less points) or a Boardwalk view room, you will need the 11 month booking window to be assured of getting your dates and choice of room type. BCV, BWV & VWL are smaller than OKW and thus are usually more difficult to book at short notice than is OKW. Since SSR will also be a large resort, I believe that pattern will continue.

Ask yourselves: If you really want to stay in the EPCOT area, will those extra 12 years really make a big difference? Note that some have posted that the price per point is about the same for the existing resorts as it is for SSR if you take the extra years into account.

Which do you prefer... BWV or BCV? I like them both very much, but (other than location) for different reasons. I don't care for the 2 queen bed set-up of an OKW studio... both BWV and BCV have the queen and a sofa, correct??

Yes, the studios at both BCV & BWV have a queen sized bed and a sofa sleeper. However, the sofa sleeper at BWV is a double, while the sleeper at BCV is a queen.

Some of the dedicated 2 bedroom units at BCV have two queen sized beds in the second bedroom. That may make a difference to you in the future.

I seem to like the room decor better at BCV, but I am afraid that since EVERYONE loves SAB that the pool would never be a relaxing place... your experiences?? Maybe the quiet pool would be better??

The pools really boil down to personal preference. My DH & I don't spend a lot of time at the pool and when we have guests, we prefer one of the water parks. I'm told that with SAB, you don't need to go to a waterpark. However, the only time I've noticed SAB was not crowded was when the high for the day was 46F.

When we travel with my DB's family, I can honestly say that the LUNA park slide is a hit, as is the kiddie pool & hot tub. They also enjoy the activities at Community Hall.

What about the condition of rooms?? Which resort is in better shape regarding maintenance??

I've never stayed at BCV. Even so, I think this (maintenance)should not be a consideration. IMHO, DVC does a good job of maintaining the rooms and facilities. You will find reports to the contrary for all the DVC resorts. (In fact, you will find such reports about all the WDW hotels - if you follow the resort board at all, you will conclude that nothing is perfect all the time and that the resorts all seem to get "bashed" in turn, LOL).

We've not experienced any major room problems in many visits to the BWV and a few visits to VB. A call to Housekeeping takes care of any minor problems very quickly.

You guys have been so helpful... we really appreciate it!!

Best wishes - Hope to welcome you home, very soon!

 

[bobbiwoz]

labst60, good luck in making your decision. I groan just a bit because DH and I are approaching 60 and we just bought, in, so your comment about seriously trying to decide about where you want to vacation when you're in your 60's made me chuckle. I'm hoping for a Beach House for my 60th and GV at BW for our 40th wedding anniversary!

I love a wave pool (Typhoon Lagoon is my favorite) and so SAB will alway be missing just a bit for me, however, DH and I have always enjoyed lazy rivers.

Enjoy your decision making process, young'uns!

Bobbi

 

[mousefansmom]

Hi-
We were in the exact same mode just three months ago. We decided to buy 150 at SSR, and be patient and wait for the perfect BCV to come along. We chose BCV because we have kids who will utilize SAB and we loved staying in the Boardwalk area in January. This way if we can't get BWV we will still be close. We will close next week on our 170 point BCV, which we felt offered just enough extra points for us to have the flexibility we need. We just closed on our SSR two weeks ago. We figure by the time the BCV is no longer available to us, we won't be needing a vacation for that amount of points, we will be too old!!!

Good luck to you, we agonized over this for a month before we finally made a decision so I know the feeling. The one thing I do regret, and I know the sentiment has been echoed by many, is that I wish we had done this 5 years ago when we first started thinking about it!

Mousefansmom

 

[klafollette]

My husband and I are both in our 20's and just purchased 160 pts at SSR a month ago. We had been debating...and debating...and debating for years. What finally sold us was the extended time at SSR.

We just booked with no problems a BCV Studio during the Food and Wine Fesival...no problem...and could have booked BWV too. During our September stay in a one bedroom, we decided on visiting our home resort, but could have stayed at any other ones as well. I don't think you will have any problems buying into SSR and booking at other hotels, as long as you don't want to visit one of them during peak season.

I think you should buy into SSR with the majority of your points, then, buy your extra points at one of the other ones of choice via resale. If you do this, the majority of your points will be at the hotel that will be around the longest.

I live in the Orlando area, and SSR is in a great location. I visit the Downtown Disney marketplace often...and it is so exciting to see my home away from home accross the lake. With the transportation Disney provides, it makes it so easy to acces any place you want to visit. I know it is easy to walk out of Epcot to your hotel, but that is only one park out of many. All others you would have to shuttle or boat to.

I would buy into SSR...I don't think you would be disapointed!!!!

 

[jade1]

As far as SAB is concerned, we just returned last week and it was very busy but, 1) it is really large and spread out so when you swim there are plenty of peaceful areas 2) we often would spend an hour or so in the chairs on the white sugar sand beach reading and watching the boats and viewing the boardwalk from there with very few people there-very relaxing 3) having Beaches and Cream right there throughout the day was a great option also.