Looking at other DVC resorts because of cheaper points?

[disneyofcourse]

My last contract didn't work out and now I'm re-looking at Saratoga just because they are passing for so much less than the other resort I looked at and there are so many contracts available. Did the cost difference of one resort ever make you change your mind and go with the cheaper one? I'm kinda getting that feeling now! I like the look of Saratoga but I'm just so concerned about the busing issues I keep on hearing about! The other resort I bid on had boat and walking paths to get to the park which is awesome. However the look of the resort (IMO) was so-so. Saratoga gives me that relaxed vibe but it is so spread out. Another Plus is the tree houses are pretty interesting but of course those aren't guaranteed. Most of what I read brings up issues with everything being far away such as food, pools and buses. Reviewers almost always seem to mention slow busing issues.

But, then I think about the cost and how Saratoga would be thousands cheaper to buy into and cheaper each year with maintenance fees. Would you go with the location location location resort with higher dues and initial buy in cost or would you go with the cheaper buy in, smaller dues and be farther from the action. Maybe viewing others opinions will help me think about things in a different light.

I figured the budget board is the best place to ask the big money question since the cost can be up to 5k or more in savings.

 

[cvjw]

Just make sure that you will be OK actually spending your vacation at SSR. There are lots of times of the year that other resorts are easily booked at the 7 month mark, and other times of the year that they are not. I just had to cancel my Sept vacation and book the week after Christmas as my school board changed calendars at the last minute. If I only had SSR points, I would have had to stay there after Christmas. For us, the risk of staying at a resort that we like instead of love is worth that extra money!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

SSR is our home resort and after staying at some of the other DVC resorts we like SSR.
It is a bigger resort and gives you the chance to walk around and enjoy the resort. We enjoy renting a bike and riding around the resort or being able to bike over to OWK.

There are multiple pool locations to use.

We usually stay in the Springs section because it is close to the main pool.

We have not encountered a problem with the busses.

If you want to go to another resort simply hop on a bus going to DTD get off at the marketplace stop get off and take a bus to whatever resort you want to go to.

Love the fact that if you don't have a car but need to get some basic snacks/drinks for your room here is a simple trick. Take the DTD bus. Get off at the second bus stop at DTD. Walk across the street to the Hess gas station where we can pick up pop/ a case of water, donuts, fruit, ect. Hess also sells good pizza and hot dogs. So when we make our trip over to Hess we usually get a slice of pizza and a soda and go outside and eat it then we go back in and get our supplies. Our last trip we got 4 hot dogs, a bag of combs two 20 oz Pepsi for a total of $7.35 for lunch. Can't beat that lunch price. ** one other thing we usually take a duffle bag with us to carry our items. Then walk back across the street and hop on the bus back to the SSR.

The laundry area is huge. We stay in a studio and use the laundry room located by the main pool and it has mulitple washers and dryers. A large table for folding items.

 

[twinboysmom]

We love SSR and hope to be able to afford more points one day. I don't like buses and try to avoid them. We always drive so always have our own car. For what it is worth, the absolute worst bus service I had for a DVC resort was the buses that served the BWV and BCV. It took forever! They were crowded, had multiple stops including swan/dolphin and of course BWV and BCV. I also don't get the excitement of walking to Epcot from either resort. I don't enjoy having to go clear thru the world showcase in the morning but that is just me. Many others think it is a significant advantage. The best bus service we had was at AK Kidani.

As for food service, I think the quick service at SSR is quite good and enjoy the turf club restaurant. It is always easy to get into and offers some great choices. Depending on your location it can be slightly complicated to get to but once you figure it out it's not bad. It's either hopping on a bus or a quick walk. They explain how to do it when you check in.

SSR will now have two themed pools plus all the quiet pools. The new pool opening in the paddock section looks like it will be quite fun. And of course having the 11 month window for the THV is great. They are very difficult to get at 7 months. Being so close to downtown Disney is an added bonus.

When we bought in it was the only resort they were selling direct and was in the early stages. It has evolved into a very tranquil, relaxing place. I understand each DVC has it's own special something and I haven't found one I don't like yet and I certainly have no regrets about buying SSR. Good luck with your decision.

 

[rnorwo1]

We bought at SSR for the extended exp date, as it was not cheaper when we bought. We've only stayed there once, but we really liked it. We did not have any problems with the buses, which is hit or miss everywhere you stay.

Look at the dates that you normally travel and ask around on the DVC boards about availability during those times. The only time I couldn't get anywhere else was when I was trying to get two studios about 4 months out. Otherwise we've been able to stay at BCV and AKL, and will be at BWV this fall.

You also have to look at dues...The larger resorts are much cheaper, which will increase your savings over time. So unless you really must stay somewhere else to be happy and you go during a time when it's unlikely you'll get it at 7 months, then I'd go for the savings!

 

[marko]

I also own at SSR, but have stayed at most of the other DVC resorts. I know that most say buy where you want to stay, but with planning at the 7th month mark (with the exception of major Holidays and events like the F & WF), you should be able to secure reservations at other resorts. Last summer I was able to book a Boardwalk view studio at BWV, for the Fourth of July week. Good luck with your decision.

 

[PBader]

I am a member at OKW, VB & SSR. There are things to love about all the DVC resorts. I hear digs about SSR quite often on the boards, but we really like it there. We have never had a problem with the buses. I really like that it is so convenient to DTD. It is really easy to either ride the boat or walk to DTD to get a bus to anywhere.

We have stayed at all the resorts except for BLT & AKL. No matter where you stay you'll have a great resort and a great vacation. We have been members since 1995 and we have enough points. None of the newer resorts have caused us to purchase more points for the 11 month window.

Good luck with your decision

 

[disneyofcourse]

Great Info! I'm glad to hear it is possible to get different resorts at the the 7th mark. No way am I expecting BLT to be available but I would love to try all the resorts once I buy in. I'm big on the idea of walking to the parks to maybe grab dinner or something later in the day. The boards say its a 15 minute walk but I don't honestly know. That was one of the appeals of BCV & BWV. I believe you can also take a boat to at least one of the parks. Since I don't want to drive to the parks the transportation options are pretty much one of the most important things. I would go with BLT but I couldn't afford as many points!

I tend to do traveling in January, February, April , May , June or December so hopefully I can get into a variety of resorts since I'm willing to stay at a studio or one bedroom with any view and my travel times are pretty flexible.

I'm going to spend a few hours tonight looking up photos on the DVC boards to help me.

If anyone else has opinions please share

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The reason various resorts have lower prices is that it is not a deed in perpetuity by time limited. For example, the original OKW sales in 1991 now have only a little over 30 years remaining on them.

 

[twinboysmom]

OP, don't think you will never stay at BLT just because you don't own there. At the 7 month mark studios can be scarce and standard view rooms non existent but lake view rooms are usually available. For the months you mentioned traveling, spring break of course is tight but otherwise you should do ok. Be aware that the first two weeks or so of December need to be booked as close to the 11 month mark as possible and you will probably be staying at your home resort. Those are very busy times for dvc members.

 

[Vickibean]

OP, don't think you will never stay at BLT just because you don't own there. QUOTE]

I own at SSR, and just spent the Princess Half Marathon weekend at BLT in a MK view room. It was awesome!

 

[cseca]

Hello,
I don't know if you hang out at the DVC boards or not, but if you haven't popped in there yet I suggest you do. Just read the boards especially the operations one to see what's going on.

I'm not trying to scare you but there have been many changes made by DVD (Disney Vacation Development). And the most recent one is to restrict resales points usage bought after 3/20 to reservations within DVC resorts only.

Now, the concerns for current members now is really "What's next?". Basically when you sign the contract papers, all you are guaranteed is a booking window 30days prior to non home resort owners at your home resort.
Which means, they can take away ALL other perks including ability to book at other resorts not your home resort.
Again, nobody says they will do this but they legally can. So whatever you do make sure you don't mind staying at your HR for the rest of your contract life. You don't want to be miserable thinking that you were duped into buying a membership.
I know some people have bought at different cheaper property with the sole purpose of using it at other properties. But that perk could be taken at any time.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[chalee94]

The reason various resorts have lower prices is that it is not a deed in perpetuity by time limited. For example, the original OKW sales in 1991 now have only a little over 30 years remaining on them.

partly that.

but BCV contracts also have only a little over 30 years remaining and they go for quite a bit more than OKW contracts. demand levels, supply (BCV is much smaller than OKW and SSR) and inflation are also factors in contract price levels.

I tend to do traveling in January, February, April , May , June or December so hopefully I can get into a variety of resorts since I'm willing to stay at a studio or one bedroom with any view and my travel times are pretty flexible.

as another poster said, early dec is slower in the parks but DVC demand is super high - the point costs are down and the decorations are up - make sure you book your home resort 10-11 months out and make a request for a change the morning when the 7 month window opens.

edited to add: i did buy at OKW because pts were cheaper - but also because i like the 2 queen bed setup in the studios and the size of the 1BRs - i would be happy to stay at OKW if nothing came through at 7 months.

 

[disneyofcourse]

OP, don't think you will never stay at BLT just because you don't own there. At the 7 month mark studios can be scarce and standard view rooms non existent but lake view rooms are usually available. For the months you mentioned traveling, spring break of course is tight but otherwise you should do ok. Be aware that the first two weeks or so of December need to be booked as close to the 11 month mark as possible and you will probably be staying at your home resort. Those are very busy times for dvc members.

Great to hear!

 

[disneyofcourse]

partly that.

but BCV contracts also have only a little over 30 years remaining and they go for quite a bit more than OKW contracts. demand levels, supply (BCV is much smaller than OKW and SSR) and inflation are also factors in contract price levels.



as another poster said, early dec is slower in the parks but DVC demand is super high - the point costs are down and the decorations are up - make sure you book your home resort 10-11 months out and make a request for a change the morning when the 7 month window opens.

edited to add: i did buy at OKW because pts were cheaper - but also because i like the 2 queen bed setup in the studios and the size of the 1BRs - i would be happy to stay at OKW if nothing came through at 7 months.

I thought the OKW with the two double beds is such an awesome feature! I saw photos of it last night and its such a pretty resort. I have to say if I buy at BCV or BWV I'm thinking OKW comes in a close third in terms of favorite.

The 30 years left is fine with me, I can honestly see buying again in the future at another resort that Disney might build.