OKW vs HH

[mdmom2004]

Hi all,

We're jumping in -- yeah! Finally! I need a bit of advice re: home resort.

We plan to stay mostly in OKW or SSR. Occasionally, we'll do HH or maybe BCV or BWV.

My question: the HH points are lowest, and the MFs are third lowest. The best package in my point range at HH is slightly better than the next-comparable at OKW (that's pricing out the value of banked points, MF differentials). So I'm inclined to save the roughly $2-3 K over the term of the contract and go with HH.

HOWEVER: Can anyone think of a reason why I should spend the extra $$ and select OKW as my home resort instead of HH? My "heart" is definately not w/ HH, but I don't anticipate difficulty getting a 1BR/2BR at OKW even at Spring break (our likely vacation time). The only thing I can think of is the 11 month OKW GV window issue (discussed in that recent thread). That, to me, is countered by concerns I've heard about not getting into HH in key weeks.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Cathie

P.S. LOVE this board.

 

[Tramp68]

Well, for one thing you need to consider Maintenance costs. Right now OKW and SSR are the cheapest per point. I am not sure what HH is but it does add up over 40 years. This along with the home resort advantage where you are going to use most of your points may make the extra money worth it.
The only other real issue is the length of the term. SSR goes an extra, umm, 14 years. (is that right? I know it is close)

 

[mdmom2004]

Thanks - that 2-3K differential I mentioned does factor in the higher HH MF costs (4.04 for HH compared to 3.86 for OKW). But still, with the cost of points difference, HH ends up to be less expensive overall. So all things considered (MF, banked points, etc.) we will pay 2-3K less to be in HH than in OKW.

We know we're not going to buy at SSR - for us it's between OKW and HH. (altho we can't wait to stay at SSR - what a gorgeous place).

Again, if we really plan to be at OKW and SSR, can anyone thing of any reason NOT to buy at HH? Aside from 11 mo GV window at OKW?

- C.

 

[mickeymom629]

We own at HH because it was the cheapest when we purchased. I have always been able to get a 2 bdrm. at OKW when we have wanted it at the 7 month window. Actually, I have been able to stay in the resort we have chosen each time. The only thing I haven't been lucky at is getting standard view at the BWV, but we only travel when the kids have breaks, now.

We have only stayed at HH 2 nights in Jan. 2003 after a cruise.

I am pleased that we are DVC owners and glad I don't have to pay more per year than I do! There are many choices when staying at WDW for DVC owners (if you are flexible), but only one HH!

 

[Daitcher]

The common theme you see posted on here is buy where you want to stay the most. I do not agree with that theory unless you must travel at peak times. I own at SSR and will never stay there again. I just booked BCV at around 5 months in a one bedroom. I also booked a week at VB in a Beach cottage at the seven month window ( wich by the way the naysayers said couldn't be done). I have never had a problem getting what I want. I will never visit WDW at peak times even when my now 3 year old son starts school. The 11 month window only factors in when you are forced to travel at a set time to a set resort. With any flexibility at all you'll be fine. Like another poster so rightly stated : there are plenty of choices at WDW but only one HH. Now the extra 12-14 or so years SSR offers should be factored into your price equation. Your age should also be a factor. Good luck, either way DVC is a fine program.


DAVE

 

[quentina]

Hi all,

We're jumping in -- yeah! Finally! I need a bit of advice re: home resort.

We plan to stay mostly in OKW or SSR. Occasionally, we'll do HH or maybe BCV or BWV.

My question: the HH points are lowest, and the MFs are third lowest. The best package in my point range at HH is slightly better than the next-comparable at OKW (that's pricing out the value of banked points, MF differentials). So I'm inclined to save the roughly $2-3 K over the term of the contract and go with HH.

HOWEVER: Can anyone think of a reason why I should spend the extra $$ and select OKW as my home resort instead of HH? My "heart" is definately not w/ HH, but I don't anticipate difficulty getting a 1BR/2BR at OKW even at Spring break (our likely vacation time). The only thing I can think of is the 11 month OKW GV window issue (discussed in that recent thread). That, to me, is countered by concerns I've heard about not getting into HH in key weeks.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Cathie

P.S. LOVE this board.

I own at HH and do not regret it. When we bought we swore that we would never go there again...Period. Well, after pricing the Virgina/Maryland condos, we thought we would give it a try.

We get my parents to drive our van and they pick us up in Savannah...Sorry, no 12 hour drives for me.

I need to say, we love it now. I am not sure what the change is that swayed us. Now we do, 1 weeek WDW, 1 week HH.

The other thing I will add is that I never had a problem booking at 7 months (well once, however, it was the first week of December and it was a short notice). At the 7 month window, there is always availability somewhere.

The only concern that I have about owning at HH is....What if there is massive flooding, hurricanes etc. How will DVC compensate us. I do not think this is a major concern and this could also happen at the WDW resorts, so, it is probably a needless concern on my end.

Oh, HH has the best rooms Now, I am not just saying that because I own there...They have porches versus balconies. I absolutley love that!!

Do what is financially best for you...this is what we did and we have no regrets.

Kim

 

[mgrebenc]

We started with OKW points. After one HH stay we added on there because we wanted to vacation there every summer. If you plan to visit HH in the summer the 11 month advantage is definitely a must. June, July and August book up very quickly there.

If we had to pick just one to keep it would be HH because I think we could book something at OKW almost anytime of the year but really need the 11 month window to book Hilton Head in the summer.

Mary

 

[OneMoreTry]

If you would want to stay at HH during the peak times, or if you want the HH GV's, buy there. Otherwise, buy OKW.

IMHO.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree in theory with what everyone else has said about usually being assured of getting into OKW at the 7 month window, short of the 11 month booking window or GVs. The problem is, that the more folks who become members and plan to stay on-site, the more important that 11 month booking window will be. Lots of folks are starting to "plan" for OKW stays to save points. I can see that being a problem for the 7 month booking window in the not too distant future. This would be especially true for low point cost times like early December.

 

[vanstoj]

I actually think that HH may be the one to start filling up as we add more members. It is one of the smallest resorts and the weather is usually good most of the year. One of the best kept secrets is HH in March, April, Sept, and Oct. While you might not be able to go in the ocean, it is usually less crowded and you can enjoy Savannah and Charleston and the other many things there are to do on the island. It is starting to become a year round destination and this is from someone who used to live on the island. It is so different from when I lived there 10 years ago, even in the winter months there is now more traffic all over the place.

Even if you can't get OKW, my bet is you will able to get SSR which is almost the same in points.

By the way, we own at both HH (80 pts) and Beach Club (230 pts). I am considering selling my small beach club contract (50 pts) but never my HH!

 

[mdmom2004]

Just wanted to say thanks to those who replied. I came close to going w/ HH but my heart wasn't in it. And there aren't any great resale contracts out there for OKW in the point range we want (150), so I'm tempted just to go ahead and buy SSR (which DH likes a lot).

Thanks again.

- Cathie

 

[AJKMOM]

We got HH at 7 months in August. Traded from BWV.