OKW and SSR 7-month Availability

[DVCERSINCEDAY1]

Do you ever expect these two resorts to be difficult to get into at the 7-month window other than, possibly, at key holiday times?

 

[Chuck S]

I think it depends upon how many non-WDW DVC resorts they build. There are at least 3 under consideration, though none are a "done deal."

 

[crisi]

Also, it depends on what kind of unit you want. Grand Villas at OKW are currently difficult to get at seven months. And what time of year you travel - while OKW and SSR had availability right at seven months for early December this year, it wasn't many weeks before people started posting NOTHING was available.

 

[CarolMN]

OKW will usually (almost always) sell out before SSR at the 7 month mark. Points are less at OKW and since SSR/OKW are similar (both are condo like resorts with nearly the same location), many SSR owners will move there at the 7 month mark if availability permits.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Do you ever expect these two resorts to be difficult to get into at the 7-month window other than, possibly, at key holiday times?

I posted a thread a while back asking if people would ever see the size of OKW and SSR eventually becoming an advantage instead of a disadvantage. If DVC builds other resorts outside of WDW and DL, some of those folks will want to travel to WDW/DL. However, they won't be able to book until the 7-month mark. If you own at SSR or OKW, you will almost always be able to book and get what you want between the 8 - 11 month mark. I don't know that you can say that with the smaller resorts. Therefore, everyone who owns at the smaller resorts and resorts outside of WDW are going to be competing for the same reservations at the 7-month mark.

If DVC expands considerably outside of WDW and DL, I could see OKW and SSR being more difficult to book at 7 months. However, I think something pretty drastic would have to happen since they are large resorts. Plus, you're going to have people wanting to trade out to other locations, so it should balance out in the long run.

 

[jpolak]

Keeping my fingers crossed. I am hopoing to book a dedicated 2 bdrm at OKW next week for presidents day week. I keeping calling MS to check availability and so far so good.

 

[Dean]

If DVC expands considerably outside of WDW and DL, I could see OKW and SSR being more difficult to book at 7 months.

Only if the new resorts have less overall demand than OKW/SSR.

 

[DVCERSINCEDAY1]

Regarding this availability, I have actually thought about buying a cheap-point resale at Vero to use at OKW, or if need be, at SSR at the seven-month window. Has anyone done this successfully?

 

[Dean]

Regarding this availability, I have actually thought about buying a cheap-point resale at Vero to use at OKW, or if need be, at SSR at the seven-month window. Has anyone done this successfully?

A number have, many more have discussed it. There really are several problems with this approach (buy cheap to use at WDW). VB dues are VERY high (about $1 a point more than most) and HH dues have increased a lot. My opinion is they will rival VB in 3-4 years but we shall see. And if you go that route, you have no 11 month window for WDW where even SSR or OKW members can get something at 11 months out and then try for something better at 7 months out, wait-listing if they desired and it's necessary. IMO, the price difference isn't enough to make up for these issues but you'll have to make your own decision. For those that plan to use VB or HH part of the time, it would be a much more reasonable approach depending on specifics.

 

[DVCERSINCEDAY1]

Thanks for this thoughtful input. I believe buying at WDW is best for me.