Is owning OKW and SSR just plain foolish?

[MiaSRN62]

if there is an increase next year. Hey I think all OKW owners should write an email to DVC DEMANDING room service - if you are paying as much maintence fees as BWV, BCV or VWL - then we should DEFINITELY have room service.... My opinion.....

Very good point and suggestion Pat I agree with what you said.

 

[WDWDad]

I think the original question should have been stated "Is it Foolish of ME to buy at SSR or OKW? I took offense that you are calling my decisions foolish.

We own at OKW and have stayed at BWV and BCV. Can not imagine we will ever stay at either again. We have three children 9, 11 and 14 (currently). DD has been going to WDW since she was 2 and knows the place better than the back of her hand. Both boys have been going since one was 6 weeks old and the other was 3 months old. We rarely go to the parks so proximity isn't necessary. Plus, the bus system gets us where we need to go when we want to go. You also can't beat the room size with 2 preteen boys and a teenage daughter. Did a one bedroom a couple years ago at BCV just to swim at SAB. Not worth it. No room for 5 people to breathe.


So, no it is not foolish of me to buy at OKW. (not sure about SSR) But it would be foolish of me to buy at BCV, BWV or WL.

 

[MrShiny]

One thing for SSR is 12 years more. At that basis, another resort is worth the same only if it's 25% cheaper. ($1 SSR = $0.75 other DVC today - and that will continue to fall. In 2030, $1 SSR = $0.50 other DVC)

 

[boatboatboat]

yup, 12 more years.

from a money perspective, ssr is BY FAR the best current value.

no doubt about it.

 

[HUFF590]

(I think the original question should have been stated "Is it Foolish of ME to buy at SSR or OKW? I took offense that you are calling my decisions foolish.)

I did my research I looked at the other resorts and I choose SSR!

 

[Maggie19]

We are concidering buying resale at SSR but the resort seems so spread out with a lot of walking compared to the others out there. The opinions here have been interesting to hear!

 

[tomandrobin]

We are concidering buying resale at SSR but the resort seems so spread out with a lot of walking compared to the others out there. The opinions here have been interesting to hear!

I am a proud SSR owner, and have stated this many times, that the walking distances are over exaggerated at SSR (with the exception of Carousel). I have stayed or visited all of the resorts, except BLT (first trip in Feb). You have to walk at all of the resorts and none of them are short. For most the average walk from room to central areas (pools, food, check-in) is similar. Probably the least walking is currently if you are staying at BLT.

Before one buys into any resort bashing, I suggest they to anyone that is considering buying DVC, to visit all the resorts they are considering, rent a room and try it out. None of the resorts are perfect. They each has their pluses and minuses, just like each individual family.

 

[vicki_c]

We are concidering buying resale at SSR but the resort seems so spread out with a lot of walking compared to the others out there. The opinions here have been interesting to hear!

You do realize that this thread is over 3 years old? I didn't read it, but some of what is said here I'm sure is no longer relevant or correct.

 

[coelacanth77]

How much larger is AKL than SSP? I wonder if I used SSP as my home base could I ever get into AKL at the 7 month mark? Thoughts or 1st hand experiences? Thanks,

 

[logan115]

You do realize that this thread is over 3 years old? I didn't read it, but some of what is said here I'm sure is no longer relevant or correct.

Ain't that the truth

There are many different reasons to choose one resort over another. I wouldn't fault anyone for choosing any resort to be their home resort.

Some (like me) look for the most cost effective way (SSR for us) since we don't have one resort we HAVE to stay at each time. Others will be upset if they can't stay at _______ so it makes sense to own there.

Chris

 

[chalee94]

How much larger is AKL than SSP? I wonder if I used SSP as my home base could I ever get into AKL at the 7 month mark? Thoughts or 1st hand experiences? Thanks,

probably yes, you could get into AKV on a regular basis.

if you wanted to stay at concierge or value rooms at AKV - they are more limited in number and your odds would go way down. at certain times of year, including all of december, it may be tougher to book AKV if you are not an owner.

in general:

if you'd still be happy if you couldn't get into AKV and were "stuck" at SSR, then buy at SSR: pts are cheaper and dues should stay cheaper.

if you can book 10-11 months out and you'd be frustrated if you had to stay at SSR, then buy at AKV. it's not worth saving a few bucks out of a several thousand dollar investment only to be disappointed.

 

[logan115]

How much larger is AKL than SSP? I wonder if I used SSP as my home base could I ever get into AKL at the 7 month mark? Thoughts or 1st hand experiences? Thanks,

Depends on when you're going.

FWIW - I own at SSR and recently booked AKV at the 7 month mark. I called right when MS opened at exactly the 7 month mark.

Chris

 

[minniekissedme]

We are concidering buying resale at SSR but the resort seems so spread out with a lot of walking compared to the others out there. The opinions here have been interesting to hear!

I am a proud SSR owner, and have stated this many times, that the walking distances are over exaggerated at SSR (with the exception of Carousel). I have stayed or visited all of the resorts, except BLT (first trip in Feb). You have to walk at all of the resorts and none of them are short. For most the average walk from room to central areas (pools, food, check-in) is similar. Probably the least walking is currently if you are staying at BLT.

I'm with Tom on this one Maggie. You'll have a longer walk to any of the buses from any other resort other than OKW. Most walks to the main pool or restaurants are no more than five or so minutes. And if you want just hop on the bus to get around and there is little walking. And it's very pleasant walking the paths.

How much larger is AKL than SSP? I wonder if I used SSP as my home base could I ever get into AKL at the 7 month mark? Thoughts or 1st hand experiences? Thanks,

I booked a studio at Kidani just today at the seven month window. I've also booked under seven months at AKV. Any holiday may be difficult and you won't count on getting concierge at seven but you have a great chance most other times.

Saratoga is my home resort and resale options now are an absolute deal. Good luck.

 

[coelacanth77]

This helps me feel very good on my decision... I like SSP location and the size could be a benefit at peek times vacations... the deals are great right now and that is one reason why I am trying to jump on this while I still can. Thanks again,

 

[Maggie19]

Thanks for all the great info SSR seems like the way to go!

 

[minniekissedme]

This helps me feel very good on my decision... I like SSP location and the size could be a benefit at peek times vacations... the deals are great right now and that is one reason why I am trying to jump on this while I still can. Thanks again,

Thanks for all the great info SSR seems like the way to go!

Good luck to you both! If you haven't already, give Shontell at DVCbyResale.com a holler. Tell her I sent you!!!

 

[Maggie19]

Thanks for all the great info SSR seems like the way to go!

 

[tomandrobin]

This helps me feel very good on my decision... I like SSP location and the size could be a benefit at peek times vacations... the deals are great right now and that is one reason why I am trying to jump on this while I still can. Thanks again,

I think you are making the right decision.

Prices in the mid 60's can still be had for SSR contracts. Good luck with your search.

 

[logan115]

Good luck to you both! If you haven't already, give Shontell at DVCbyResale.com a holler. Tell her I sent you!!!

Have heard many people give Shontell rave reviews. We used Jaki and **** and they were great. Answered every question promptly and really helped us thru the process. Rachel at GMAC is another one that I've heard folks mention.

Obviously, you should also look into the TTS (banner at the top of the page) as well. I have only purchased one contract so my experience is limited (and possibly biased !!), but I'd recommend sticking to one of the "Big 4" mentioned here that specialize in DVC.

Chris

 

[minniekissedme]

I think you are making the right decision.

Prices in the mid 60's can still be had for SSR contracts. Good luck with your search.

And if you're going this route, absolutely without question, do your best to find a contract with banked points. Extra stays, give them to a friend, rent them, whatever, it's a no brainer to snag a few extra points rather than not. And should you need renting help, just ask!

bob