Questions Re. first purchase

[transplant533]

Hi folks, and thanks in advance for your help.

We have just placed a deposit on two ownership units (225 pts each) at SSR, but we have several unanswered questions:

Is it better for us to own a unit at two different resorts rather than both at SSR? This would mean we would have to enter the resale market for the second unit.

The salesperson we were working with said we would have a 75% chance of filling a res. if we attempted to book around 60 days out (95% chance if we were to book a non-Disney resort). This is important to us becausev we are quite impulsive in our travel plans and a seven to eleven month minimum window probably woiuldn't work for us.

Is it easy to find resorts in different parts of the world to trade for?

And finally, why do some on this board consider SSR to be an inferior property/location to some of the other DVC resorts.

Once again, thanks for your help,

 

[lillasmom]

I think the general idea is that you own where want to stay. In everything I have read, that seems to be the consensus. If you like SSR and plan to stay there when on site, then that's were to buy. Some like being able to book other resorts at the 11 month window, but like I said before, it's all about what you would like to do. I think being able to book 60 days out depends on when you are booking. There are times when you need the 11 month window, like Christmas and other busy times. I think if you are flexible with what you are asking for, it's possible for most times.

As for SSR being less than other resorts, I don't think that is true. I don't own at SSR but think it looks great. With the extra years, it does have a higher value and longer resale potential, if you need the security.

With regard to trading, other's will have to talk about that. I haven't done it. Never had points left after the Disney visits.

Good luck!

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by transplant533
Hi folks, and thanks in advance for your help.

We have just placed a deposit on two ownership units (225 pts each) at SSR, but we have several unanswered questions:

Is it better for us to own a unit at two different resorts rather than both at SSR? This would mean we would have to enter the resale market for the second unit.

Given your comments below about not booking even 7 months ahead of time, I can't think of a reason why the home resort would matter. Maintenance costs will vary by resort, but you can't really predict how individual properties will fluctuate. And with the extra 12 years at SSR, I think you're fine with owning there.

The salesperson we were working with said we would have a 75% chance of filling a res. if we attempted to book around 60 days out (95% chance if we were to book a non-Disney resort). This is important to us becausev we are quite impulsive in our travel plans and a seven to eleven month minimum window probably woiuldn't work for us.

Frankly I would take this with a grain of salt. DVC never releases occupancy figures to the public, so it's hard for anyone here to independently verify those numbers.

Old Key West and eventually SSR will be the largest properties. By virtue of having so many rooms, they are likely to be the last resorts to fill up. If you are comfortable with spending most of your DVC stays at those properties, you probably will not have an issue.

But I will forewarn you that there are times of the year that can be particularly hard to book. It will be much harder to get a DVC room on short notice during periods such as:

- Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday weeks.
- First half of December (cheapest DVC season).
- Late September through October (Halloween and Food & Wine Fest).

And finally, why do some on this board consider SSR to be an inferior property/location to some of the other DVC resorts.

BCV, BWV and VWL are within walking or boat distance from one or more theme parks. SSR and OKW are not within such close proximity to any park and would require either a bus or car ride to get there. That's 90% of the reason, IMO.

It's all a question of the sort of vacation you want. Most of the comments I've read about SSR have been very complimentary. There are folks who value being able to walk out of their hotel room and arriving at Epcot three minutes later. Others choose to leave the theme parks behind them when the day is over.

Nothing wrong with either perspective.

Other than that, some people have an affinity for the mini water-park at BCV. Some love the backwoods atmosphere at VWL. Some like the boardwalk area. Just as many like get get-away-from-it-all feel of OKW. Since SSR isn't even open yet, it's probably difficult for people to develop any real feelings, but I'm sure it will have its own fan club, too.