SS or OKW as a new buyer

[fzssyv]

Hi everyone. We have been reading all of the info available and boy is there alot! My question is: my DH and I have mostly decided to buy a resale--probably in the 75 point range. We don't want to visit WDW every year but we thought every 2-3 years would be great. We have 2 kids, 9 and 2 years old.

We are torn between SS and OKW. OKW overall seems less expensive and it has slightly larger rooms and the 2 queen beds. SS we visited on a tour last week and thought that it looked nice. We don't spend a lot of time at the resort--we mostly spend the day at the parks. We are looking for convenience to the parks (we don't think we can afford BW or BC) and convenience to quick service food, etc. for quick breakfasts. SS seems like the better deal and we think it's closer to DTD but it looks huge! I don't want to walk 30 minutes back to the room with the kids!

We just stayed at AKL last month and loved seeing the animals but I was disappointed with the length of the bus rides and the long walk back to the rooms and to eat. Obviously, BW and BC would be ideal if we could book them for summer stays at the 7 month window, but we decided that we would be happy with either OKW or SS and do not want to spend the extra money. HELP! How do we decide? SS long-term is more money because of the extra 12 years but does that then mean that OKW is a lesser value?

Sorry for the rambling message and would love to hear your opinons.

Thank you!
Jenny

P.S. Except for our amazing deal at AKL, we usually stay at 1 of the moderates, Coronado Springs or Port Orleans. We are primarily considering DVC as a money saver overall.

 

[chip&dale1]

When we purchased SSR we looked at it as something to pass on to our children . You must also consider as your family gets older how you will use the peoperty. To us SSR met that criteria better. we use WDW as a long vacation (2-4 weeks) rather than short breaks ,and as children get older ,no doubt down town disney will be of more an attraction. The nice thing about SSR is that after the crowds of the Parks, you can have space and peace. SSR is large but from our point of view that is good.In an age where we seem to rush everywhere isn't it nice to walk and take your time?After all you are on vacation.
Annual dues at SSR are reasonable and the standard of the resort is high.We visited OKW and felt it was charming but a little on top of itself.(Probably a false impression after the space at SSR)
Whatever you decide consider all your options taking into account how you want to use the property now and in 20 years time. Good Luck and we hope you become a member soon .... it's great!

 

[TisBit]

What I would consider is that SSR is a newer resort, while OKW is an older resort. SSR is much closer and convenient to DTD with all the shops and restaurants.

OKW has larger rooms and require slightly less points. I don't think there will be much travel time difference between the two resorts to the parks, but SSR is more spread out, so depending on where you are, the stops in the the resort itself could add some time.

I think both are reasonable options. Remember also, that OKW has offered a 15 year extension. While this promotion is running out to get it at a discount of $15 a point, those contracts may be coming up later, so if you buy a 2042 OKW contract, how well will it hold its value to a 2057 OKW contract or SSR contract in the long term. It would stink if five years from now no one could unload a 2042 for a decent price.

Just my thoughts on it. I prefere SSR for the DTD convenience. If we aren't right next to a park, I prefer to be right next to DTD. Seems OKW is more secluded to everything. You can get a boat (or bus I think) to DTD, but SSR you can walk, boat or bus, whichever is more convenient depending on where you are in the resort.

 

[chip&dale1]

Exactly my point.I get the impression that SSR will be the one to go for.Also due to the increase in DVC membership and the size of SSR you will still have that feeling of space. With all the DVC resorts to chose from ,lets face it, they are all exceptional and you just have to pick the one that suits your long term needs.The only thing i would say is do not buy DVC as an investment (in order to sell at a profit) buy it for your own enjoyment. Hope this helps.

 

[rsinj]

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[TisBit]

Only if you're a seller.

Your right, I don't plan on selling my contract ever, but I would hate to get into a pickle and find that within a couple of years you have lost so much....

I think it will be interesting to see what happens in resale now that there is a resort that has two different contract lengths....I would think Disney is going to see what kind of market affect it has in the next year or two before they extend another one.

 

[AKV707]

Let's not gorget that OKW is a condo style resort similar to SSR. Of the two, I like OKW better than SSR. The larger rooms, the lower points, the overall feel of the resort. But that is my personal taste. If you were looking to buy from DVC I would likely recommend OKW with the 2057 expiration. But buying resale, SSR has the 2054 expiration and OKW has a 2042 expiration. SSR might be the beter option in your case.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would wait until some of those extended OKW contracts come up on resale. The point schedule is so much better at OKW for a small contract owner, and will get you more of a stay for less points.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

It would stink if five years from now no one could unload a 2042 for a decent price.

I will be one who will be watching for those "depreciated" OKW contracts! People looking to unload, they will go very fast, for the "right" price. Who cares if its 2042 or 2057.