OKW points vs. SSR points. Why such a difference?

[BeachBaby310]

I just got my info book today and I noticed there is quite a difference between the points for OKW vs. SSR. For example, value season for a grand villa at OKW is 36 points while SSR is 67 and Boardwalk is 74. I can understand HH at 24 due to winter weather and no access to theme parks. Is there really that much of a difference between OKW and SSR. The accomadtions look pretty much the same.

 

[gonzalj1]

Popular opinion states that when Disney built the Disney Vacation Club (the original name of Old Key West) they had no idea that it would be as popular as it turned out to be.

The accomodations at OKW are by far the largest DVC accomodations anywhere. Also, the point requirements are the smallest.

As Disney continued to build additional DVC accomodations they were smart enough raise the point requirements and makes the rooms smaller.

 

[BeachBaby310]

gonzalj1, Thanks. I'm on the fence with purchasing at SSR or buying a resale at OKW. It's beginning to look like OKW really is the better deal. Have a great time in the Grand Villa!!!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I just got my info book today and I noticed there is quite a difference between the points for OKW vs. SSR. For example, value season for a grand villa at OKW is 36 points while SSR is 67 and Boardwalk is 74. I can understand HH at 24 due to winter weather and no access to theme parks. Is there really that much of a difference between OKW and SSR. The accomadtions look pretty much the same.

There is a difference in the room sizes, (Take a look at this post that comapares room sizes) (Link). But that's not the reason for the point difference.

OKW was the first DVC Resort and DVC blew it when they made the point structure low. You'll notice that for the second resort, the BWV, the points went much higher. It seems that OKW being the first DVC and Disney not having any experience at the whole point thing, set the bar low.

HBC

 

[BeachBaby310]

I'm considering the SSR because of the ability to finance thru Disney. Does anyone how hard it would be to book OKW at the 7 month window?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Probably not all that difficult. At least not now.

 

[melkimmom]

I checked today and OKW is available for 10 nights for May, with only 2 months and 3 weeks to go. Saratoga Spring was availbable too.

 

[BeachBaby310]

Happy Birthday Cat, Thanks for the link. It looks like OKW might be DVCs "best kept secret".

 

[DrTomorrow]

Happy Birthday Cat, Thanks for the link. It looks like OKW might be DVCs "best kept secret".

Not if HBC keeps telling everyone!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Not if HBC keeps telling everyone!

I'm trying to. Remember I generally stay at the BWV with the very long hallways and small rooms. I think more people should try OKW and I'm just providing those interested with vital info.

HBC

 

[BeachBaby310]

SHHHHHHH Everybody!! I wan't OKW all to mysellf!!

 

[Disney Doll]

OKW is generally pretty easy to book at. We have 2 contracts there...one purchased through Disney in 1997 and one purchased via resale in 2002.

Truthfully, we have never really had a problem booking at any resort. In general, we have always pretty much gotten what we have wanted.

 

[tjkraz]

I'm considering the SSR because of the ability to finance thru Disney. Does anyone how hard it would be to book OKW at the 7 month window?

Those grand villas can be hard to get at 7 mos. For other room sizes you'll probably never have a problem.

 

[Scoootch]

Those grand villas can be hard to get at 7 mos. For other room sizes you'll probably never have a problem.

I was just thinking the same exact thing.

 

[Doctor P]

The point differences are really only large for the Grand Villas. For studios, 1BR and 2BR, SSR and OKW are really pretty comparable on points for the most part.

 

[jade1]

It also depends what you need for space and the priority space is to you over other choices like location and food after 9PM. Our family of 4 would much rather save the points and stay at BCV,VWL or BWV 2BR than an OKW GV. Even if we stay at OKW we reserve a 2BR instead of a GV. If you will always need 3 bedrooms then I recommend you try for an OKW resale.

 

[Mississippian]

I'm considering the SSR because of the ability to finance thru Disney. Does anyone how hard it would be to book OKW at the 7 month window?

I just bought Boardwalk Villas through Disney, and am financing with Disney, at $89 per point. I did have to wait a couple of weeks, and there is no guarantee of being able to buy. You probably wouldn't have any luck with Beach Club, but you can probably buy the rest of the properties through Disney.

 

[lurontravel]

Did you just buy your initial contract through DVC at BWV's??? When we looked into buying, we were told that we had to purchase at BCV or VB b/c all of the rest were sold out. We wanted OKW or BWV's and specifically asked them and were told that we couldn't make our initial purchase at any "sold out" resorts. Just wondering.

 

[eileenfk]

I think that once the transportation improves (something that is fast, quiet, and often) that OKW will become the most popular DVC resort.
It has the largest rooms with the largest balconies
It has reasonably priced Grand Villas, so significantly cheaper then the other resorts that I don't expect anyone to book a SSR grand villa unless the OKW grand villas are already booked.

People will choose an Epcot or MK resort for location, therefore making those resorts smaller and more expensive, worked well.
I don't think it will work with Saratoga. I think that Saratoga owners will end up wanting OKW and it will become much harder to get rooms at the 7 month window.

Saratoga has a bed comfort advantage, but that is very short term.
Eventually the other resorts will have the mattresses replaced. At some point those nice foam mattresses in those couch beds will be worn down and another resort will have the best beds.

OKW has only one disadvantage, and that is location.
Therefore it is a far better buy then Saratoga which has the same disadvantage (unless one considers DTD a prime destination).
Therefore if the 12 years doesn't matter much (or is not worth the risk at this point), and DTD is not a prime destination, and there is not some elegance about SSR that one likes much better then the elegance of OKW, I would recommend OKW.
I have stayed at both resorts.

- Eileen

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

OKW has only one disadvantage, and that is location.

But that matters a GREAT deal. That and location and location.

If you ever put OKW type rooms near one of the parks, you wouldn't be able to find a resale.

HBC