Saratoga Springs - Million $$ Question

[disneynutz]

I am an SSR owner and have stayed there more than any other resort. Yes, I have tried other DVC resorts (BWV and Kidani) but that is a choice available to all DVC owners. I did not buy SSR just to get into DVC and with the intention to never stay there. It is a nice peaceful resort and my 4 year old DS loves to stay there. I'm really sick of everyone always bashing SSR. If you don't like it, then don't stay there. The great thing about DVC is there is a resort for everyone.

I wouldn't say that everyone is bashing SSR. Unlike yourself, many SSR owners stay elsewhere, some have posted that they just don't care for SSR. That's not unique, it happens at other resorts too. Many people buy sight unseen, or get caught up in the emotion of buying only latter to realize that they prefer a different resort better.

That's why I always tell people that they should "buy where they love to stay". That means you should try out the resorts before you buy.

Selling your contract(s) and buying at another resort can be expensive.

Bill

 

[Nicoal13]

I wouldn't say that everyone is bashing SSR. Unlike yourself, many SSR owners stay elsewhere, some have posted that they just don't care for SSR. That's not unique, it happens at other resorts too. Many people buy sight unseen, or get caught up in the emotion of buying only latter to realize that they prefer a different resort better.

That's why I always tell people that they should "buy where they love to stay". That means you should try out the resorts before you buy.

Selling your contract(s) and buying at another resort can be expensive.

Bill

Sorry, you are right, not everyone bashes SSR. But it is a lovely resort, just not for everyone. That is why there are many choices for DVC.

I agree, "buy where you love to stay."

And if you can't get your fave resort, at least you can still get a room at SSR or OKW and have a WDW vacation.

 

[KBazzel]

I'm not a DVC member (yet ) but my DH and 2 DDs (8 & 5) stayed there last Sept. in a one bedroom. DH loved the resort and is now considering buying into DVC. Both of my girls liked it. They loved the pool. They enjoyed the walk to DTD. I think we'd all be very happy to go back there again.

Kira

 

[Anthony1971]

That's right, lots of people buy in SSR because it is cheapest in resale market, but they don't really like to stay there. (It's more of a moderate resort than a deluxe resort, with outside hallway) Once the 7 months window opens, they all switch their reservations to other resorts they actually want to stay at. So if you don't get what you want before the 7 month mark, all there is left are empty rooms in SSR.

Wow I always thought AKV more resembled a moderate as all deluxe resorts have other transportation options other than buses.

 

[kvogel11202]

When my folks bought DVC my dad really wanted AKV, but at that point they hadn't put the AKV on sale yet, so they bought SSR. One week later they announced AKV were for sale! He was very upset, especially at the guide, whom he had told he wanted AKV. We just went with the flow, booked a two bedroom for a 10 day vacation - we loved it! We've also had the opportunity to twice stay in the treehouse villas- we now couldn't be happier with SSR. For refernce, we range in ages, three grandkids- now 11,14,16 parents - 35, 36 and granparents- 59 and 63.

 

[minniecarousel]

I booked SSR at 11 months, with the intention of switching over to BWV at the 7 month mark (we love being close to Epcot) but my mother was quite ill and was being transferred to Rehab on that day. Our October vacation got forgotten for a few weeks. By the time I thought of it agian, all I could do was WL BWV. We're going during F&W, so it's no surprise that BWV isn't available. It's just that we're taking younger DS & DDIL, and we wanted to at least have a split stay. We'll enjoy our home resort if nothing else comes up, but it sure would be nice if a few days at the begininng or the end of our trip comes through!

 

[kikiq]

For those of you who do like SSR. How did you find it to be with kids? It looks very prim & proper to me. We enjoy more of the "family feel" resorts. That is why we love OKW so much. And yes, OKW was totally booked for 1 and 2 bdrm. units for Dec. 4-10.

I feel that OKW and SSR are family friendly. Plenty of open space, pools, and playgrounds for kids to play. If you rent bicycles, you can ride without worrying too much about running into people on the paths. There's a basketball court and tennis courts. The community hall CMs are the best and my niece just loved it there. You can see all kinds of water fowl walking along the path to DTD. I tried to move our family gathering to an AKV GV in 2008 for 4 days. I was voted down all around from the oldest (84) to the youngest(7). They wanted to stay at SSR the entire time.

 

[Dean]

Ok, I'm new to these boards but not new to DVC. Why is it that the last 4 times we've booked our vacation only the Saratoga Springs has been available?????
I'm stressed now, we want to travel 12/4-12/10 which I now find out is "highly coveted time" and we're waitlisted. What is the "current" general experience here with the waitlist? (Other than I read how highly flawed the timing is)! We were waitlisted once and got matched a week later.
I'd appreciate any advice. 4 years ago when I booked this same time period I had NO problems at all and got my first choice resort only 4 months out. Wow, what a different story this time! I'd appreciate any advice offered.
Thanks for listening to my partial vent here

As I've said before, I think DVC has seen a far greater than expected short term availability. My expectation going forward is that higher demand options will have little availability at 7 months out. Slower times will cont to be easier than the other times. I think your current experience is likely to be more the norm that what you saw a few years ago.

 

[Mamakinto2]

Just to continue where I left off. I called today (Thank you to the person who recommended calling again!) and voila - they had AKV for my first 3 days and OKW for the remainder - Perfect! So glad I stuck with calling & didn't sit and just wait on the list.
You are all so very right about this being the new norm. It's kind of sad now that Disney "down" or low season time doesn't much exist anymore! Thanks for all your help and recommendations!

 

[Dean]

Just to continue where I left off. I called today (Thank you to the person who recommended calling again!) and voila - they had AKV for my first 3 days and OKW for the remainder - Perfect! So glad I stuck with calling & didn't sit and just wait on the list.
You are all so very right about this being the new norm. It's kind of sad now that Disney "down" or low season time doesn't much exist anymore! Thanks for all your help and recommendations!

It's good for the club and for Disney in general that the demand of DVC is more even throughout the year.

 

[CandyMandy]

Boardwalk is not too far behind.

It would be nice if resale value always equated to internal DVC member demand...but it doesn't. Every other owner at SSR is constantly trying to get into the Epcot area resorts - which has resulted in making the standard and Boardwalk view villa categories at BWV among the toughest ones to get for prime (and even many secondary) season ressies at 7 months.

And if anyone wants to debate that, I can put them in touch with two particular DVC MS CMs who take those SSR member phone calls daily and will give you an earful about how tired they are of saying "no availability."

 

[bobbiwoz]

It would be nice if resale value always equated to internal DVC member demand...but it doesn't. Every other owner at SSR is constantly trying to get into the Epcot area resorts - which has resulted in making the standard and Boardwalk view villa categories at BWV among the toughest ones to get for prime (and even many secondary) season ressies at 7 months.

And if anyone wants to debate that, I can put them in touch with two particular DVC MS CMs who take those SSR member phone calls daily and will give you an earful about how tired they are of saying "no availability."

I won't disagree about availability of standard and BW view villas, but those are precisely the reason most BWV owners bought. I know that's why we bought, for us, it was the standard view point charts. I imagine it's mostly BWV owners who have those ressies. When I realize what a bargain my standard view 2 bedroom is for NYE time, I am so glad we have them and I'm (almost) ready to go out and buy some more.

Bobbi

 

[TisBit]

For those of you who do like SSR. How did you find it to be with kids? It looks very prim & proper to me. We enjoy more of the "family feel" resorts. That is why we love OKW so much. And yes, OKW was totally booked for 1 and 2 bdrm. units for Dec. 4-10.

We took our kids to SSR, they had just turned 4 and they had a really good time. While we don't stay at the resort a lot, we were there for 12 days in a two bedroom with my parents in Congress Park. It was nice to have the water feature right near by (didn't pool much cause it was november and a bit chilly). The resort was pretty quite with the outside hallways and we enjoyed being able to walk to downtown disney. I am a big fan of going to downtown and just people watching or window shopping all the cool stuff.

We are going back to stay do a split stay at THV and BWV this trip. Honestly I would like to try all the resorts, but have absolutely no problem staying at SSR.

As for availability, it is the largest resort and a lot of people that have never stayed there knock it pretty hard, so everyone feels they shouldn't stay there, so that equals availability. There are some small things that could be improved at SSR, but I think with the addition of another theme pool and quick service restaurant, most of those concerns will be addressed.

 

[disney9696]

Just to continue where I left off. I called today (Thank you to the person who recommended calling again!) and voila - they had AKV for my first 3 days and OKW for the remainder - Perfect! So glad I stuck with calling & didn't sit and just wait on the list.
You are all so very right about this being the new norm. It's kind of sad now that Disney "down" or low season time doesn't much exist anymore! Thanks for all your help and recommendations!

Hi,

Congrats on getting those 2 resorts. Quick question: what size room at AKV did you get, what view, and was it in Kidani or Jambo ??? Reason I am asking is we also need AKV from 12/5-12/10, and I was wondering if there's any hope for us....
THANKS !!!!

Lisa

 

[LIFERBABE]

I won't disagree about availability of standard and BW view villas, but those are precisely the reason most BWV owners bought. I know that's why we bought, for us, it was the standard view point charts. I imagine it's mostly BWV owners who have those ressies. When I realize what a bargain my standard view 2 bedroom is for NYE time, I am so glad we have them and I'm (almost) ready to go out and buy some more.

Bobbi

Agreed, I think you cant put availability in a box. Most members dont just own at 1 resort. I own BWV for the standard view option also. If Im going to pay preferred points, I would rather stay at BCV where I own also. If I want Club Level I stay at AKV and if I want a THV or DTD view I stay at SSR. I do use my points at 7 months but if it is something I really want on a regular, I buy points there.
Looking at SSR owners trying to switch at 7 months, is 1 dimensional and not at all gives a realistic view of what is happening with availability.

 

[dvc_john]

I'm getting tired of being categorized as an SSR owner who doesn't like SSR and is always trying to book other resorts.

I've never used an SSR point for anyplace other than SSR. Period.

In fact, I've met several BCV and BWV owners who prefer OKW and use all their points there. So it's not all one-way.

Also, if exterior hallways is the definition of a 'moderate' as one previous poster claimed, then most Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, and Sheraton timeshares in the state of Florida are 'moderates'.

 

[dvc_john]

Every other owner at SSR is constantly trying to get into the Epcot area resorts

Don't include me!!! And don't say 'every other owner' unless you've talked to every other owner! I'm an SSR owner, and I use my SSR points at SSR.

 

[blondietink]

We bought at SSR 6 years ago as it was the only resort being sold at the time (didn't know about resale). We have never stayed there yet, although I really wouldn't mind. We have always been able to switch to something else at the 7 month mark. Actually I just called last week to use up my points for this year and got a studio at AKV's for August. I think you just need to be flexible in what you are looking for and when you want to go. We usually go for a 1 bedroom and view really doesn't matter too much to us. We have gotten BWV's in October, OKW in early December, etc.. Our goal is to try as many different resorts as we can when there is the opportunity to do so. Now that the kids are teens, I am sure they will love staying across from DTD someday!

 

[Dean]

It would be nice if resale value always equated to internal DVC member demand...but it doesn't. Every other owner at SSR is constantly trying to get into the Epcot area resorts - which has resulted in making the standard and Boardwalk view villa categories at BWV among the toughest ones to get for prime (and even many secondary) season ressies at 7 months.

And if anyone wants to debate that, I can put them in touch with two particular DVC MS CMs who take those SSR member phone calls daily and will give you an earful about how tired they are of saying "no availability."

That there is unequal demand between resorts, units types and times of the year is a given and it really doesn't take a lot to cause inequality, esp at a larger resort.

Agreed, I think you cant put availability in a box. Most members dont just own at 1 resort. I own BWV for the standard view option also. If Im going to pay preferred points, I would rather stay at BCV where I own also. If I want Club Level I stay at AKV and if I want a THV or DTD view I stay at SSR. I do use my points at 7 months but if it is something I really want on a regular, I buy points there.
Looking at SSR owners trying to switch at 7 months, is 1 dimensional and not at all gives a realistic view of what is happening with availability.

While some take this approach, as I have to a degree, I don't think it's a significant number of the total membership.

I'm getting tired of being categorized as an SSR owner who doesn't like SSR and is always trying to book other resorts.

I've never used an SSR point for anyplace other than SSR. Period.

In fact, I've met several BCV and BWV owners who prefer OKW and use all their points there. So it's not all one-way.

Also, if exterior hallways is the definition of a 'moderate' as one previous poster claimed, then most Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, and Sheraton timeshares in the state of Florida are 'moderates'.

I don't think anyone is categorizing a given member, only discussing overall trends, even CandyMandy. The fact is that every single resort has owners that own there and prefer to use their points elsewhere including BLT, BWV, VWL, AKV & BCV. However, there are 3 resorts where the balance of members wanting to use their home resort, compared to those looking elsewhere at the 7 month window, is clearly off from the average. Those 3 are SSR, VB & HH. OKW is in between and would be right there with them except for the lower points costs. THV really didn't make much difference in this balance. I think the jury is still out on AKV. As for the moderate issue, it depends on how you classify them. From a location standpoint and to a degree, from an amenity standpoint, SSR & OKW and maybe even AKV are similar. From a room standpoint they they certainly are not moderates and compare more favorably to the deluxe than any other group. The two issues that set SSR apart and on top of this issue are it's large size (large number of points) and that it was later meaning it altered the landscape present at the time.

 

[kikiq]

I don't think anyone is categorizing a given member, only discussing overall trends, even CandyMandy. The fact is that every single resort has owners that own there and prefer to use their points elsewhere including BLT, BWV, VWL, AKV & BCV. However, there are 3 resorts where the balance of members wanting to use their home resort, compared to those looking elsewhere at the 7 month window, is clearly off from the average.

I have always respected your outlook and timeshare knowledge.

However in this case, CandyMandy was targeting SSR members even to the point of offering MS CMs to argue her point. I do agree with your assessment of how the those resort numbers affect the 7 month window if those members choose to change their reservations.