SSR Truly Cheapest?

[djohn06]

Also, if I want to stay at SSR RCI exchange is the best value. I can travel in short time spans (3 months or less) for under $700 a week at a 1 bedroom. Not sure what the DCL Comparison was. I may be newer to this site, but I have a fairly extensive TS portfolio and I pretty much know how to stretch a buck with airline miles, Disney dollars etc... My last trip to Disney I stayed at VGF in a 2 bedroom from my new AKV points that I got from a loaded contract where I paid no Maint fees. I spent $390 on flights for 4 people while lugging around $600 of free Disney dollars from Chase. Also, hopped on the ebates deal and purchased 4 - 10 non expiration fun and hopper tips for about $1,800. I am definitely not one that will get burned on point expirations. Finding great deals is my hobby.

 

[Dean]

We don't disagree about that. I agree completely that the purchase should make sense financially.

I think where we disagree slightly is that you are more hard-core about not financing. I would never finance a timeshare purchase myself, but I don't know enough about another person's financial picture or how well they manage their debt to express an opinion on them financing.

I do, however, think people considering financing owe it to their families to take a long, hard look at exactly how much financing increases the cost of purchase. There is no question that financing could tip the scales from making sense financially to not making sense.

For example, all of these examples we've been talking about of relative points costs are complete fairy tales unless your financing costs are included.

Ok, thanks for clarifying. Years past I used to believe there were a few situations where it made sense, mostly centered around buying retail when there was an upcoming price increase or planned trip and one had the guaranteed money coming to pay it off soon. I no longer hold those belief's mostly because the difference between resale and retail has widened enough to make retail an unworkable option for almost everyone and partly because I've come to realize many don't follow through on their plans to pay it off. You're right in that we disagree on that issue if you believe financing is reasonable. I don't have to know the finances to say there is no situation where financing any luxury purchase is a reasonable choice. Plus those that do tend to make the same type of choice over and over again financing cars, other toys, timeshares, vacations on a CC, etc. To me being able to afford it is being able to pay cash, not just pay the payments but has further qualifications as well. Here are the groups as I see them.

• Other consumer debt - shouldn't be buying a timeshare but frankly, shouldn't be going on vacation. Sacrilege I know.
• No other consumer debt and the rest of the financial house in order. Pay cash. IF one chose to finance in this situation, I still think it's a poor choice but the risk is a lot less.
• Have the financial position to pay cash but chose to finance at every turn playing Russian Roulette with their finances hoping they can make money on the spread. They might come out ahead, they might not but they might lose everything at some point and many have who took this approach.

I realize there are gray areas but not that much, it really is pretty simple but not very popular to delay gratification and do it right.

 

[djohn06]

Agree, it's always good to get some usable info out there. I'd add one other point that I've made elsewhere and I think applies to your situation. You've assumed best case scenario or close to it, anything that goes wrong will be negative to your assumptions. The 2 largest risks on DVC's side is that dues for AKV will outpace others (I think it will) and that your assumptions of availability are overly optimistic (I think they are). Then there's simply life happening on your side. One last point, you used the 1 BR, maybe that's what you'd generally prefer but as a rule, it's the easiest for availability within DVC. If that's what you generally want that will work to your advantage but it will be skewed in terms of availability compared to studio and 2 BR options. And indeed it does appears the studio is far less available than the 1 BR.

In fairness there are assumptions related to buying SSR as well but I feel they are less of a stretch and less risky.

I agree with all your points, except value availability. I used 1 bedroom only because that is what I use for my immediate family. I suspect 2 bedrooms have less availability, but still adequate choices. Personally, my scenario is to use my BLT points at BLT STD or try to get an RCI reservation if I couldn't get a Value room. Therefore, if I don't get value, I'm well covered. Then I can just make some money and sell my AKV points.

 

[mort1331]

Wow,,, I just hope for all of you counting on those values that you don't book at the same time. What a downfall that would be.
This is all tongue in cheek.
To invest in this large of a commitment for this time period, I would not look at the best case scenarios, but would look at the average. And I don't think the average would be values every time. The other thing to remember with some people showing whats available 8-10 months from now is if someone books a 2bdrm, there goes a 1bdrm and studio as well. 3 for the price of one.

 

[djohn06]

Wow,,, I just hope for all of you counting on those values that you don't book at the same time. What a downfall that would be.
This is all tongue in cheek.
To invest in this large of a commitment for this time period, I would not look at the best case scenarios, but would look at the average. And I don't think the average would be values every time. The other thing to remember with some people showing whats available 8-10 months from now is if someone books a 2bdrm, there goes a 1bdrm and studio as well. 3 for the price of one.

Ha yeah it would be.

My bets are hedged. No AKV Value.. I'm in A BLT STD. Also have my RCI ongoing search going which is the cheapest way to visit WDW if you get a match. I am triple protected. There is no scenario that has me losing money. Even have Starwood points to stay at Swan Dolphin for a couple nights if it came down to it. I can get a room at the Swalphin for about $60 a night.

I did check 2 bedroom value rooms at AKV and they had less availability but certainly doable dates if you have flexibility.

They had:

April 10-16, 26-30
July 7-16 and 24-Aug 7th.

If you have to have the 2bedroom, you would still be set with summer dates with a shot at spring, my favorite time to visit.

 

[Dean]

I agree with all your points, except value availability. I used 1 bedroom only because that is what I use for my immediate family. I suspect 2 bedrooms have less availability, but still adequate choices. Personally, my scenario is to use my BLT points at BLT STD or try to get an RCI reservation if I couldn't get a Value room. Therefore, if I don't get value, I'm well covered. Then I can just make some money and sell my AKV points.

I too enjoy the chase but that isn't true for most looking at the purchase question for DVC. They want more guarantees and less hassle, that's why I'm not advocating most go buy a timeshare to exchange in. Often they end up purchasing the illusion of a benefit unfortunately rather than a true benefit but at least we tried. My point was more that those are special situations that don't apply to most people because to get into a circumstance where they could get that type of price through RCI takes effort, commitment and an economy of scale to get $650 to $700 for a week in a 1 or 2 BR inclusive off all costs including up front costs that is not reasonable for most on a number of leveld. I do see 2 issues with your point on RCI exchanges. First is that it's not only SSR or OKW that are available with planning and second that one can't just swoop in 3 months out and routinely get something even at SSR. Personally I generally rent my points now and use exchanges and use the points for specialty situations, supplemental stays, etc. Just got back today after having two 2BR at SSR.

Wow,,, I just hope for all of you counting on those values that you don't book at the same time. What a downfall that would be.
This is all tongue in cheek.
To invest in this large of a commitment for this time period, I would not look at the best case scenarios, but would look at the average. And I don't think the average would be values every time. The other thing to remember with some people showing whats available 8-10 months from now is if someone books a 2bdrm, there goes a 1bdrm and studio as well. 3 for the price of one.

This brings up a point about timeshares in general and many other similar situations. The more it is discussed, the more people take advantage of it, the more likely it is to go away. In the end I can't simply keep it to myself and enjoy the benefits secretly, it's not in my nature and I'm not comfortable with the Don't ask, Don't tell policy that some sites have.

 

[djohn06]

I too enjoy the chase but that isn't true for most looking at the purchase question for DVC. They want more guarantees and less hassle, that's why I'm not advocating most go buy a timeshare to exchange in.

Very true for avg DVC type.

I do see 2 issues with your point on RCI exchanges. First is that it's not only SSR or OKW that are available with planning and second that one can't just swoop in 3 months out and routinely get something even at SSR. Personally I generally rent my points now and use exchanges and use the points for specialty situations, supplemental stays, etc. Just got back today after having two 2BR at SSR.

I have RCI Weeks. At the beginning of August, you could get a SSR 1 bedroom for 9 TPU's and 12 for travel during September. This wasn't an ongoing request either. If you check RCI a few times a week, you can almost always find a SSR resort at a bargain TPU.

This brings up a point about timeshares in general and many other similar situations. The more it is discussed, the more people take advantage of it, the more likely it is to go away. In the end I can't simply keep it to myself and enjoy the benefits secretly, it's not in my nature and I'm not comfortable with the Don't ask, Don't tell policy that some sites have.

Not sure what you mean about taking advantage of TS from people.

DVC needs RCI so that isn't going to go away. There would be too many empty rooms. DVC has their resort money from owners. No sense in letting a room sit empty. In fact, bulk DVC deposits thru RCI generally get filled right before the 7th month mark.

The timeshares discussions aren't like Credit Card Churning. Now the Card Churning stuff may go away, but as long as developers get their initial money, they generally care less about the secondary market. In Disney case, they just wants their parks filled. Hence the increase in DVC resorts.

 

[Dean]

I have RCI Weeks. At the beginning of August, you could get a SSR 1 bedroom for 9 TPU's and 12 for travel during September. This wasn't an ongoing request either. If you check RCI a few times a week, you can almost always find a SSR resort at a bargain TPU.

But that hasn't been usual or common.

Not sure what you mean about taking advantage of TS from people.

DVC needs RCI so that isn't going to go away. There would be too many empty rooms. DVC has their resort money from owners. No sense in letting a room sit empty. In fact, bulk DVC deposits thru RCI generally get filled right before the 7th month mark.

The timeshares discussions aren't like Credit Card Churning. Now the Card Churning stuff may go away, but as long as developers get their initial money, they generally care less about the secondary market. In Disney case, they just wants their parks filled. Hence the increase in DVC resorts.

No, I think you misunderstood. I was simply saying that once something is talked about, other people start to use it and the option evaporates in one way or another. In many situations the rules change, for others simply there's more competition. A good DVC example would be walking a reservation, a good past one would be those taking advantage of replenishing supplies leading to a change in policy and extra fees. I would disagree that DVC needs RCI. IMO DVC's best exchange play would be to beef up the BVTC with other top companies. Then it becomes much like the college football discussions where the current system is likely to hurt the little guys compared to the old system when many thought it'd help them. IMO they could simply eliminate an exchange company option and it'd have little affect on sales and with some effort, could be turned into a sales angle.

 

[JimMIA]

I have RCI Weeks. At the beginning of August, you could get a SSR 1 bedroom for 9 TPU's and 12 for travel during September. This wasn't an ongoing request either. If you check RCI a few times a week, you can almost always find a SSR resort at a bargain TPU.

Yesterday, there was an SSR 1 BR four-night stay starting 10/27/14 on the TUG Sightings board for 7 TPU.

Even though it's only for 4 nights, it was in RCI Weeks. Probably gone now, but a nice grab for someone.

 

[Dean]

Yesterday, there was an SSR 1 BR four-night stay starting 10/27/14 on the TUG Sightings board for 7 TPU.

Even though it's only for 4 nights, it was in RCI Weeks. Probably gone now, but a nice grab for someone.

When I looked last night there were six 1BR SSR villas for Jan and Feb.

 

[djohn06]

But that hasn't been usual or common.



No, I think you misunderstood. I was simply saying that once something is talked about, other people start to use it and the option evaporates in one way or another. In many situations the rules change, for others simply there's more competition. A good DVC example would be walking a reservation, a good past one would be those taking advantage of replenishing supplies leading to a change in policy and extra fees. I would disagree that DVC needs RCI. IMO DVC's best exchange play would be to beef up the BVTC with other top companies. Then it becomes much like the college football discussions where the current system is likely to hurt the little guys compared to the old system when many thought it'd help them. IMO they could simply eliminate an exchange company option and it'd have little affect on sales and with some effort, could be turned into a sales angle.

Ok. I understand your example. But, booking DVC resorts via RCI is a benefit for Disney. Disney isn't in the hotel business. They offer hotels to boost theme park attendance. There is no benefit to Disney to have their own exchange company. Disney is still niche. Let the pros handle the exchanges. Disney would make no money as an exchange company into a dozen resorts. Disney has already made their money on resorts as developer. All they want to do is fill their parks. This is demonstrated by the fact they open up resorts to Non Disney owners before DVC members who do not own at a particular resort.

I would be very curious to find out what the percentage is of people who stay at DVC via RCI. One thing is certain, if you have the TPU's and you put in an ongoing search, you have an excellent shot at a 1 bedroom at SSR, AKL and BWV.

When I looked last night there were six 1BR SSR villas for Jan and Feb.

Yeah I looked 2 weeks ago, I would imagine the March resorts are coming in soon. Earlier this year I got a 1 bedroom exchange at BWV during spring break, but it cost me 42 TPU's. I also got a VB studio for a week for 24 TPU's. I threw that one back actually.

 

[Dean]

Ok. I understand your example. But, booking DVC resorts via RCI is a benefit for Disney. Disney isn't in the hotel business. They offer hotels to boost theme park attendance. There is no benefit to Disney to have their own exchange company. Disney is still niche. Let the pros handle the exchanges. Disney would make no money as an exchange company into a dozen resorts. Disney has already made their money on resorts as developer. All they want to do is fill their parks. This is demonstrated by the fact they open up resorts to Non Disney owners before DVC members who do not own at a particular resort.

I would be very curious to find out what the percentage is of people who stay at DVC via RCI. One thing is certain, if you have the TPU's and you put in an ongoing search, you have an excellent shot at a 1 bedroom at SSR, AKL and BWV.

Disney makes money as long as the villa is filled and since they don't go after exchangers as fresh meat as some systems do, they don't benefit on that side either. Thus I don't see it makes any difference there. The only benefits as I see it currently is as a sales tool and as an outlet to rent out some of the units they need to move for cash.

DVC no longer does their own yearly audit but now simply use the RCI points audit. However, historically it's been 3-4% of DVC memberships yearly for II & RCI. The change over to RCI points occurred 3-4 yrs ago I believe.

 

[JimMIA]

...and since they don't go after exchangers as fresh meat as some systems do, they don't benefit on that side either.

That's always surprised me a little. DVC has a good product, and someone who is already involved in timeshares would seem to be a good target.

But I ran into the same thing at Vacation Village at Parkway a couple of months ago when we stayed there on a Last Call. They have a "Parking Pass Desk" rolleyes like Wyndham does, but when I went there, the guy just very cordially asked if I was interested in a tour as he handed me the pass. I said no, he said "Enjoy your stay," and that was the end of it. And no phone calls later -- very low key.

I guess the logic is that someone savvy enough to be doing exchanges or Last Calls is not their prime target market. Those folks know how to learn about DVC or VV if they are interested. For "tours" the timeshare salesmen are looking for people who will make an impulse buy and that's not the exchanger...hopefully.

 

[Countryrunner262]

For us personally, SSR is our favorite resort. AKV seem so far away from everything and would be the lowest on our list. We bought in at 68pp resale at SSR last year. That combined with some of the lowest Mf's made it a great value for us. We also stayed at VGF with our SSR points this past April, and honestly we like SSR better. Always surprises me to hear how people find it the "least desirable".

 

[djohn06]

For us personally, SSR is our favorite resort. AKV seem so far away from everything and would be the lowest on our list. We bought in at 68pp resale at SSR last year. That combined with some of the lowest Mf's made it a great value for us. We also stayed at VGF with our SSR points this past April, and honestly we like SSR better. Always surprises me to hear how people find it the "least desirable".

I haven't stayed at SSR yet, but I can definitely see SSR in the cards, especially on a kid-less trip. My wife really enjoys the theming there. My goal is to try them all and see for myself.

 

[hakepb]

For us personally, SSR is our favorite resort. AKV seem so far away from everything and would be the lowest on our list. We bought in at 68pp resale at SSR last year. That combined with some of the lowest Mf's made it a great value for us. We also stayed at VGF with our SSR points this past April, and honestly we like SSR better. Always surprises me to hear how people find it the "least desirable".

I think the new Paddock feature pool and QS improved the SSR experience, plus the SSR landscaping has improved greatly with age...

Long-term DVC owners will compare SSR to OKW (and OKW has bigger rooms with lower points there would be more SSR love if it took fewer points)..and many others are used to taking a monorail to the MK or walking to EPCOT at night, and you can't shoehorn a park proximity-based vacation plan into SSR.

 

[DizBub]

Long-term DVC owners will compare SSR to OKW (and OKW has bigger rooms with lower points there would be more SSR love if it took fewer points)..and many others are used to taking a monorail to the MK or walking to EPCOT at night, and you can't shoehorn a park proximity-based vacation plan into SSR.

One of the main reasons we like SSR and OKW are the dedicated buses to and from the parks, no sharing with other resorts. I know most people hate the multiple bus stops within these resorts but that doesn't bother us. Much rather that than trying to take buses from the Epcot resorts and even the monorail resorts.

Then there is the ease of visiting DTD from SSR and OKW. Almost priceless.

 

[Dean]

That's always surprised me a little. DVC has a good product, and someone who is already involved in timeshares would seem to be a good target.

But I ran into the same thing at Vacation Village at Parkway a couple of months ago when we stayed there on a Last Call. They have a "Parking Pass Desk" rolleyes like Wyndham does, but when I went there, the guy just very cordially asked if I was interested in a tour as he handed me the pass. I said no, he said "Enjoy your stay," and that was the end of it. And no phone calls later -- very low key.

I guess the logic is that someone savvy enough to be doing exchanges or Last Calls is not their prime target market. Those folks know how to learn about DVC or VV if they are interested. For "tours" the timeshare salesmen are looking for people who will make an impulse buy and that's not the exchanger...hopefully.

I thought I posted to this earlier but I don't see the response. IMO DVC could easily be FAR more aggressive in many ways and still be appropriate and professional. I believe they've left a LOT of sales on the table by sitting back and waiting for people to come to them. I also believe that approach has cost us a minimum of 3 additional off property resorts and likely many more.

For us personally, SSR is our favorite resort. AKV seem so far away from everything and would be the lowest on our list. We bought in at 68pp resale at SSR last year. That combined with some of the lowest Mf's made it a great value for us. We also stayed at VGF with our SSR points this past April, and honestly we like SSR better. Always surprises me to hear how people find it the "least desirable".

There are many facets to this issue. Big picture there are 2 SEPARATE issues, that of usage and that of ownership. For WDW resorts SSR is the least desirable overall even though it's a very nice resort. It's simply a numbers and percentage game. OKW would likely be the lowest if the points were the same but they are not. It is my opinion that they overpriced SSR from a points standpoint.

I think the new Paddock feature pool and QS improved the SSR experience, plus the SSR landscaping has improved greatly with age...

Long-term DVC owners will compare SSR to OKW (and OKW has bigger rooms with lower points there would be more SSR love if it took fewer points)..and many others are used to taking a monorail to the MK or walking to EPCOT at night, and you can't shoehorn a park proximity-based vacation plan into SSR.

Every change will have the potential to affect demand but there really is only so much they could do and even less they're willing to do. I do not believe the new pool won't affect people's willingness to stay there, only their requests. Disney Springs will likely have a minor effect only. IMO most of the things they could have done would have had to be planned up front, I've given some potential options perviously and will only mention lake homes at this point. A more water park type pool area that exceeded SAB might help more but even then it'd have to be pretty major to make a real dent in the demand discrepancy.

 

[eporter66]

We have been DVC members for 10 years, and it all comes down to personal preference. One of the posts mentioned how the resorts become as important as the parks and overall vacation, and I would agree with that poster. We have vacationed in WDW at least once over the last 10 years, and at this point, although we do hit the parks (our daughter is 10), we love hanging out and relaxing at the resort during our stay. It is the most difficult part, the advice of buy where you want to stay is true.

We have found DVC to be fairly flexible, but up to this point we have traveled off season, so I am sure it is easier for us to get rooms. We have stayed at 4 resorts to this point (SSR, OKW, AKV, BWV). All offer something unique, and more than likely you will have a favorite, and sounds like you already do with AKV. Again - if the resort is important to you, buy where you want to say.

I read the advice many years ago, and after talking it over with my wife, we both enjoy WDW so much, we knew we would continue to come back. Both of us felt that we would be staying in WDW at a deluxe resort, how could we go wrong? We still feel that way to this day, we own at SSR, got in at what we feel was an excellent price, and love the resort. We dont like to change resorts during our stay, we are there to relax and would rather avoid the hassle of moving. It does seem over the last few years, it has been harder to book a 7 day stay at the 7 month window, but we have done it.

Booking our trip for this October, my wife and DD both wanted to go back to SSR, fine with me. Booked and Done. My DD loves AKV, but we stayed in Kidani 3 years in a row and she wanted to stay somewhere else.

I guess we are different - I have no issues as to what resort we stay at. The accomodations are great (we always get a 1 bedroom unless we have guests, then a 2). Each resort has something special to offer in my eyes, and I like them all for different reasons. If you ask me, if you love WDW, you cant lose as long as you have done your homework and know what you are getting for your money. But, the majority of posts will direct you to buy at the resort that most appeals to you, and I have no argument with that.

 

[DougEMG]

There are many facets to this issue. Big picture there are 2 SEPARATE issues, that of usage and that of ownership. For WDW resorts SSR is the least desirable overall even though it's a very nice resort. It's simply a numbers and percentage game. OKW would likely be the lowest if the points were the same but they are not. It is my opinion that they overpriced SSR from a points standpoint.

I've always thought the point chart for SSR was too high and that it should have been nearly the same as OKW. If they had of done that it would have been a way more popular resort.