SSR Downside?

[sjdisneywedding]

BCV and BWV aren't adding any members (at least not without adding more units). So the availability at exactly 7 months should remain flat. In fact, with BWV and BCV people having a new destination to try (SSR), there may be just a touch MORE availability at 7 months than there is now.



I whole-heartedly agree with this theory.

I think, especially in the early years, many non SSR owners will be booking at SSR because its new, because its different. This will then open up their slots at their home dvc resorts

I know eventually there will be many more SSR owners trying to fill the few openings in the other resorts, but at that point 7 months is 7 months. No matter how many SSR owners there eventually ends up being, they still cant call any earlier than 7 months

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by sjdisneywedding
I dont quite understand this idea. Why do you think SSR owners will not maintain their 11 month advantage?

I think the idea behind this statement is that SSR will be so large that there really isn't any advantage to being able to book at 11 months. Yes, there will be more members, but the fact that there are 4x as many rooms as a resort like BCV or VWL means that it will often be the last on-site resort to hit 100% occupancy.

However, some of that could easily change. I'm waiting to see if DVC is willing to allow members specify a particular region of the resort at the time of booking. They already laid the groundwork for this by giving names to "Congress Park", "The Springs" and "The Paddock." Congress Park (the area overlooking Downtown Disney) would be very attractive to folks who may want more of a luxury stay. Meanwhile The Springs will be great for those who value the convenience of being right near the Carriage House and the main pool.

I figure at this point it's a 50/50 proposition at best. DVC itself really has nothing to gain by doing this, but it would establish a great reason to own SSR points and have that 11-month window. They did set something of a precendent by creating the "Preferred Boardwalk View" class at BWV, so perhaps there is hope.

All of you SSR-sters--if you think this is a good idea, bring it up at the weekly and annual meetings!!!

 

[worldshowcase]

In fact, with BWV and BCV people having a new destination to try (SSR), there may be just a touch MORE availability at 7 months than there is now.

I have my doubts about this. It seems that the Epcot resort fans are very happy staying in the Epcot resorts and have very limited desire to stay anywhere else. These resorts always book up very quickly. Both DVC and non DVC Epcot resorts.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by worldshowcase
I have my doubts about this. It seems that the Epcot resort fans are very happy staying in the Epcot resorts and have very limited desire to stay anywhere else.

Well, I can't claim to be an expert on the mindset of folks who own BCV and BWV. However, you'll note that I did say "a touch more availability" in my post. I didn't mean to imply that 20-30% of BCV and BWV owners would immediately flock to SSR. But I think it's impossible to conclude that ZERO BCV and BWV owners will ever choose to stay at SSR. Some element will--whether that amounts to 1% of BCV/BWV points being used at SSR or 10%, we may never know.

These resorts always book up very quickly. Both DVC and non DVC Epcot resorts.

I wouldn't say "always". In my two attempts to book BCV and BWV, I've been pretty successful, even on short notice:

1. Booked 1B at BWV on 3 1/2 months notice. Was actually offered a BOARDWALK VIEW room, but took a few days to make up my mind and had to settle for Garden View.

2. Booked a Studio at BCV on 5 months notice--for a DECEMBER stay. I was told BWV had "several" rooms available for same date.

 

[trampslady]

As I prepare to purchase the 130 offer at SSR tomorrow morning, I also can share some remarkable last minute reservations success stories. We own 270 points at BCV and usually stay there. We also own 50 points at HH for the 11 month window at busy times. However, we've stayed:

at BWV preferred view over Easter weekend this year booked only three weeks ahead of time. (studio)

stupidly cancelled three days of October BCV studion stay for this year (that was originally booked right at 11 month window). Called and waitlisted to get my three days back and had them all in place (with the other four nights) withing two weeks of being on the wait list. And, for those that have been keeping up with the boards, October (particularly during Halloween) has been very full everywhere.

Of course, these are exceptional situations and never guaranteed. However, the 130 point add on at SSR with $10 back per point, no payment until mid 2005, and two annual passes that I would be purchasing anyway just seemed a better deal that the 50 points at BCV for $89.00 per point. The way I figure it, we've got our 270 points at BCV for those stays that we really want BCV and Epcot access, and the 130 SSR points will ensure SSR when we want it---and it think it will ultimately end up being a very classy and beautiful resort--or for those last minute trips that don't require a particular resort. Bottomline, just extra points for extra stays!

 

[worldshowcase]

Only time will tell, tykraz.

 

[melanieewr]

Trampslady;

I think that you and I are both looking at this in the same manner...I too have left a message with my guide and I am planning on purchasing SSR in the morning. I have 600 BWV points and we don't use all of those currently, but they were purchased with the intention of our children and grandchildren using them. Therefore, the SSR offer makes sense because of the added 12 years which I feel certain I would never use myself because I would be too darn old! BTW, how did you get the fantastic PoP Century rate? I am waitlisted for an extra studio for friends going in October, but I have doubts that it will come through.

Thanks!

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by worldshowcase
I have my doubts about this. It seems that the Epcot resort fans are very happy staying in the Epcot resorts and have very limited desire to stay anywhere else. These resorts always book up very quickly. Both DVC and non DVC Epcot resorts.

The Epcot resort fans on this board are happy staying at their resorts. That does not speak of all the other members that do not read this forum. Hard to believe but there are many of them.

 

[trampslady]

Melanie--I am an airline employee and we get the same accommodation rate at Disney employees--when available. In fact, this was one thing I really had to consider long and hard (okay maybe a few days) before we decided to purchase DVC. However, it still made sense if you prefer to stay at the nicer resorts. For example I've watched the airline employee discount for a standard view room at AKL creep from about $120 per night to around $160-ish now! Just a room-nothing more. We love our BCV and look forward to our next visit in October, November and then again in December! However, I believe that SSR is going to be an outstanding resort once it's all complete.

 

[mydogdrew]

Originally posted by tjkraz
I think the idea behind this statement is that SSR will be so large that there really isn't any advantage to being able to book at 11 months. Yes, there will be more members, but the fact that there are 4x as many rooms as a resort like BCV or VWL means that it will often be the last on-site resort to hit 100% occupancy.

However, some of that could easily change. I'm waiting to see if DVC is willing to allow members specify a particular region of the resort at the time of booking. They already laid the groundwork for this by giving names to "Congress Park", "The Springs" and "The Paddock." Congress Park (the area overlooking Downtown Disney) would be very attractive to folks who may want more of a luxury stay. Meanwhile The Springs will be great for those who value the convenience of being right near the Carriage House and the main pool.

I figure at this point it's a 50/50 proposition at best. DVC itself really has nothing to gain by doing this, but it would establish a great reason to own SSR points and have that 11-month window. They did set something of a precendent by creating the "Preferred Boardwalk View" class at BWV, so perhaps there is hope.

All of you SSR-sters--if you think this is a good idea, bring it up at the weekly and annual meetings!!!

Yes - my point was that the size of SSR will result in less of an 11 month advantage than other resorts. I agree that new room classes would change this which is entirely possible. While I do expect many existing non-SSR owners will stay at the resort initially, I believe it won't take long before SSR owners will move to DVC1 sites once they realize that (1) it easy to stay at SSR and (2) we better take that room at BCV/BWV/VWL since it's available. You're right that if you are the first person on the phone at 7 months you'll have the same chance that you have today but I believe that rooms will book much more quickly.

I never really understood the SSR price increase. It appears that DVC has adopted the GM pricing model - keep raising the bar but offer more incentives. As you would expect, incentives to date are focused on the current owners. Is SSR really selling all that well? If I understand the current offer, it seems that the current deal is back to the construction pricing of a year ago after taking into account the incentives. One thing is for sure, DVC can not back off the $95 price now.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by mydogdrew
I never really understood the SSR price increase. ... One thing is for sure, DVC can not back off the $95 price now.

I totally agree. I was shocked to hear of the increase to $95 just before opening. I figured they would eliminate all promotions (except Magical Beginnings) and keep the $89 price point for a while. Oh well...

 

[melanieewr]

Trampslady;

I can see why DVC took you soooo long to consider and then buy!

I think for most of us if we just looked at our near future then we might not be so inclined to purchase. That's what happened to me in 1996 when I first considered purchasing and didn't and now wish that I had. I am very happy with the resale that I purchased 3 years ago, but waiting definitely cost us!

Where do you live in Dallas? We own a condo on the Texas Motor Speedway, so I was wondering if you live close to us.

Melanie

 

[jarestel]

With all of the speculation regarding future availability at the smaller, non-home resorts, I would remind you that it is entirely opinion and guessing at this point. Whether there is plenty of availability at non-home resorts or whether it becomes tougher to book VWL at 7 months than Cinderella's Royal Table in the future isn't really the point, as I see it. If you're going to plunk down a sack of cash for DVC, you might as well buy the resort you like, or think you like, the best. Why take a chance on having to worry about availability at all in the future, just to save a buck or two today? Seems penny-wise and pound foolish if you know what I mean. So "buy where you most want to stay", and you won't have to stress and worry about booking day-by-day at the 7 month window.

 

[trampslady]

Melanie--

Whew, add-on is now handled. We live in the Southwest Dallas area near Grand Prairie/Arlington area. Around 408/I-20. We actually live in Dallas proper but have several acres so it seems like the country--a little bit.

I noticed Arkansas on your name...what part of Arkansas? My grandfather is buried near Stamps Arkansas and we travel to Hot Springs and Eureka Springs quite often. It's a beautiful state!

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by jarestel
So "buy where you most want to stay", and you won't have to stress and worry about booking day-by-day at the 7 month window.

Unless, of course:

a) You don't yet know where you will want to stay until you've experienced all of the resorts (that's what add-ons are for!!!)

b) You don't have a strong resort preference.

c) Job or other obligations preludes the ability to book before the 7-month window. This essentially makes the Home resort meaningless.

 

[rinkwide]

Originally posted by jarestel
..."buy where you most want to stay", and you won't have to stress and worry about booking day-by-day at the 7 month window.

More exceptions:

d) If you're slightly masochistic.

e) If you're a complainer and enjoy griping about how nice it would be to stay somewhere else.

f) If you're miserly and would like to discourage your free-spending family from vacationing at WDW as much as possible.

 

[melanieewr]

These are all such good points about purchasing and I am sure there are several potential owners that will be helped by these posts. That is why we went the resale route to buy BWV since it was sold out through DVC. And honestly, we would probably never have bought if it hadn't been for these boards. I told our guide today that the disboards were DVC's best salesperson. He agreed, but I felt obliged to chastise him for not ever visiting these boards himself.

TrampsLady;

We live about 50 miles west of Little Rock and really love Arkansas, but I enjoy spending time in Dallas whenever we get the chance. Actually, our friends get to use our condo there more than we do. Of course we are always there for the Nascar races!

I am still considering the SSR add-on, even though I will be 80 and DH will be 85 in 2042. I still think it's a good buy for us since we have 4 grown children and I just found out yesterday that I will soon be a grandma!

 

[worldshowcase]

Originally posted by Sammie
The Epcot resort fans on this board are happy staying at their resorts. That does not speak of all the other members that do not read this forum. Hard to believe but there are many of them.

As I said, all the Epcot resorts have a history of being resorts that book up very quickly. This includes the DVC resorts. This is reflection of more than just the posters on this board!
Yes, there are times you can get last minute reservations at the Epcot resorts, just like you can at all the WDW resorts. But there are also many times it can be quite difficult to get an Epcot resort for the dates you want, the resort you want, the room/villa type. Again this includes all Epcot resorts.
They are popular resorts, I do not think anyone can dispute that.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Originally posted by worldshowcase
As I said, all the Epcot resorts have a history of being resorts that book up very quickly. This includes the DVC resorts. This is reflection of more than just the posters on this board!

Huh. I'd always heard that the monorail resorts - in particular, the Polynesian and the GF - and sometimes, the CR Tower - were the most popular and first to fill up. Learn something new everyday....

 

[artvandelay]

Originally posted by mydogdrew
Is SSR really selling all that well? If I understand the current offer, it seems that the current deal is back to the construction pricing of a year ago after taking into account the incentives. One thing is for sure, DVC can not back off the $95 price now.

I think it's selling well. They announced Phase III even before Phase II was sold out. My DVC Salesperson was telling me (I know, I know) that Phase I sold out faster than DVC estimated and that Phase II was also ahead of schedule.