SSR or OKW, HELP!!

[divehard]

We were only looking for 150 points, but we found what we think are two very good deals and are trying to decide which is best choice for our family. SSR 200 points or OKW 230 points (exp 2042). Total price is the same for either listing. Are the extra years or the extra points more valuable? We have 4 children and two have already left the nest to start ther own families. If we keep for 15 to 20 yrs and resell or split and give to kids. Is there m,ore value to the extra points over the years or the longer term. Honestly we're not 11 month planners, so home resort is probably not that big an issue for us. Any thoughts?

 

[arthur06]

We were only looking for 150 points, but we found what we think are two very good deals and are trying to decide which is best choice for our family. SSR 200 points or OKW 230 points (exp 2042). Total price is the same for either listing. Are the extra years or the extra points more valuable? We have 4 children and two have already left the nest to start ther own families. If we keep for 15 to 20 yrs and resell or split and give to kids. Is there m,ore value to the extra points over the years or the longer term. Honestly we're not 11 month planners, so home resort is probably not that big an issue for us. Any thoughts?

Couple of things you will hear...

#1. Many people will tell you why pay for points that you cant use for over 30 years, take the extra points NOW, and worry about 2042 later.

#2. You can't "split" the points. If you buy a 200 point resale, you will either have a 200 point contract or no contract. You can not change the deed to make it 2 - 100 point contracts.

HTH

 

[a742246]

If you are thinking of reselling in 15-20 years than I would buy SSR,
the resell value will probably be much higher than OKW due to the exp dates of each resort 2054 vs 2042.

 

[ercrbc]

230 pts at OKW is the better choice, IMO. Yes, you get 12 less years on the contract, but for the first 32years you will have an additional 30pts per year.
Assuming they both start with a full pt allotment in 2010 here is the number of pts you get:
SSR 8800 points (200*44)
OKW 7360 points (230*32)

So you would get 1440 MORE points through the life of the SSR contract. BUT you will get 960 MORE points at OKW up until 2042 (30*32). The extra SSR points won't come into play for 32 years, so what will their value be to you at that time? Will your kids really want to take on the MFs and keep going each year?

You also need to consider that it takes a lot MORE points to stay at SSR for a week than OKW. So for 32 years you can take LONGER vacations at OKW than if you bought SSR.

Plus there is the question of home resort advantage. You have a good chance of getting into either SSR or OKW at 7months, but the GVs at OKW apparently get booked up quickly at 11months. Of course the THV get booked up quickly at SSR, so ask yourself would you be more likely to book a THV at SSR or a GV at OKW at 11months?

My vote is OKW

 

[staceymay00]

We chose OKW over SSR because we think it will be a better fit for our family. Overall, after a lot of research, we felt we'd enjoy staying at OKW more and that was more important to us than extra years. Our contract ends in 2042. We might be glad it ends then since DH and I will be in our 70s; or maybe we'll wish we had more years, in which case we can buy another contract with a later expiration. To me it just seemed too far down the road to worry about. We also would choose more points to use now over the extra years.

 

[Coach81]

Go for more points!!!

 

[ldo]

We stayed at both SSR and OKW, and our last trip we chose OKW with 2 studios at AKV--11 persons (6 adults, 1 teen, 4 kids). We chose OKW b/c we could all eat dinner together a few nights at OKW (using table, outside patio and coffee table japanese style for kids--LOL). There is no way we could even attempt that at SSR. OKW layout is much better for a large family and the units are the largest in DVC. 5-6 can sit on the sofa and loveseat at one time and watch TV/Movie and the table is far enough away that adults could be at table plyaing cards/talking and another group could even be on the patio----this is good with extended families and different age groups.
I think 4 older kids would be crowded at SSR. Look at the photos on allears.net, if you have not been in SSR and OKW units before.
I also agree about the extra points now--given the declining resale prices, I would discount any future resale 10+ years away. If you are buying resale--you are already getting a significant discount off of what DVC is selling at.

 

[Jerry@dvcstore]

Either resort is a great choice. I feel that Saratoga Springs will offer the best overall Value but you can not make a wrong choice with either resort.

Good Luck with your decision.

 

[palaemon]

I think that unless you will regularly have 10-12 guests, the 3 bed THV is the best value for 8-9 people.

 

[hollis]

I own OKW points. Go to WDW almost every year and stay at OKW pretty much every time. Like it because the rooms are bigger, and like the individual building layout compared to hotel style buildings.

I extended my points to 2057 (from 2042) a couple of years ago when Disney offered that option. I imagine if you buy OKW and want to hang on to it, Disney may offer this extention again.

Back to your question about value, I personally think OKW is a better value (hence I bought it). Other than THV, I really don't see much advantage of paying the price for SSR.

 

[ekm]

You made a great choice. We've owned at OKW for many years. We have stayed at many of the other resorts, but OKW is still our favorite. The units are larger, as are the balconies, where we spend a lot of time. The balconies at SSR are not very useable.
Since the maintenance fees are lower at OKW, and you have more points, you will get more for your money. You still have many years of use until 2042.

 

[palaemon]

You made a great choice. We've owned at OKW for many years. We have stayed at many of the other resorts, but OKW is still our favorite. The units are larger, as are the balconies, where we spend a lot of time. The balconies at SSR are not very useable.
Since the maintenance fees are lower at OKW, and you have more points, you will get more for your money. You still have many years of use until 2042.

I agree, except OKW MFs are HIGHER than SSR, not lower.

 

[ekm]

I agree, except OKW MFs are HIGHER than SSR, not lower.

Sorry about that. I thought that OKW had the lowest MF's

 

[BillM]

We owned at OKW for 8 years and love the large rooms, balconies and 2 queens in the 2nd bedroom. During that time we also drove to DW in our own car. I think a car at Okw gives you much more flexibility to visit other resorts for meals, DD and water parks etc. And you can do DD by boat is you choose.
Being from Pittsburgh you also may be driving.
Okw is like a condo.
Obviosly OKW is my choice for your family, especially when you will have grandchildreen and you need extra space.