SSR vs. OKW vs. HH

[cruise-o-matic]

OK, another comparison question:

I have an opportunity to buy into SSR with the current incentive of $85 pp.
Pros: DVC makes financing so darn easy, don't have to make payments or pay MF's until mid year. 2nd lowest MF's. And the points don't expire until I'm in my mid-80's
Cons: Can't afford as many points, so it's studio city or borrow. Going to be the biggest resort, so 11/7 month window has no real advantage except for DTD views. Supply/Demand effect on resale prices in a few years (though not intending to re-sale, but you never know). Cost per point is higher than resale.

OKW -
Pros: Cheapest pp price for WDW DVC resorts. Can buy contracts w/banked or 2004 points. Can get approx 10% more points for same $ as SSR. Lowest MF's. Can book at WDW more than 7 months out.
Cons: Gotta borrow against the home equity line (but at a much lower rate than DVC.) Hassle with ROFR. Pay MF's for all 2005. Points expire when I'm in my mid-70's

HH -
Pros: Cheaper than OKW, making it the best combination of price per point and MF's. Can buy contracts w/banked or 2004 points. Can book at HH more than 7 months out.
Cons: Same as OKW plus cannot book at WDW until 7 months out.

I've checked the major resale sites and there are a few appealing OKW and HH contracts but not sure which way to go.

Next year, if we get into DVC, we plan to go to HH in late June or mid-July. Then go to WDW either the 1st of Nov or the 1st of Dec. Then in late June 2006, back to WDW for DD's 9th birthday so she will be old enough to ride the horses at FW. Then back in the fall for the F&WF. Since we live in NC, HH is closer and depending on how much we like HH, we may alternate there each summer. I doubt we'd travel to WDW during peak times like Easter, 4th or Christmas.

Also, where we stay at WDW is not really important and we can be flexible with a 1br or studio on most trips.

Opinions please.

Thanks.

 

[spiceycat]

hey if your schedule is flexibility go with the best for you.

Sounds like HH.

the first two weeks of Dec (1 -14) are more popular and are harder to get at WDW than any other time.

 

[tjkraz]

For the situations you describe (and did an excellent job, I might add), I think you should probably eliminate the 7/11 advantage altogether.

SSR and OKW will both be relatively easy to book in years to come. And, if you would buy HHI to primarly use at WDW, again zero impact.

So, I think all of the options you have laid out are largely equal in terms of any booking "advantage."

The only caveat to this would be that if you buy OKW, you would get access to the relatively cheap Grand Villas there. If you don't see GV stays in your future, it's a moot point.

 

[joepoe]

I think you should buy where you want to stay. Secondly, if all you could afford to stay in were studios, and you had no plans to add on, you may want to consider not buying into DVC, but enjoying the Moderates like CBR and PO instead. They are wonderful and your vacation accomodation dollar goes farther for that type of room.

 

[johde]

I would suggest a small resale or 2. You may not know that you can buy fewer than 150 points if you buy resale. You didn't mention BWV but you might want to consider there as well. If you can use the 11 month window you can get a std view studio for fewer than SSR and slightly more points than OKW. I own 60 OKW points and have only once been able to get a std view at the BWV. The once down side of a small contract is the closing costs. They are almost as much as a larger contract.

 

[dmoore22]

The MF is a major consideration. Hence we chose an OKW resale with banked points and the seller coverd the first years MF.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

If we are traveling with our DD, then we would like to get a 1 BR, or a 2 BR when she gets older, so that maybe a friend could come along. If it's just me and DW, a Studio is fine, but she loves the full kitchen.

Can't see a need at this point for a GV. Possibly a 2BR if Sis or BIL's family wants to go.

MF's are important, that's why I'm only considering the 3 with the lowest MF's (and not Vero).

BWV and VWL would be nice, but if they have current year points they are gobbled up quickly and the prices are higher. Plus, I'm not in a position to schedule 11 months in advance to get a Standard View.

Thanks for your thoughts so far.

 

[quentina]

All of our points are at HH and I have never had a problem getting reservations at the 7 month window. I have also gone during busy times....Christmas, Thanksgiving and Presidents weekend (daytona 500). I am very glad that I purchased HH. Not only are the taxes lower...I am able to book HH for the busy season at the 11 month window. If you are not picky as to which DVD resort you stay at, you can always find availability someplace. We just love to be at Disney and do not obsess over the room/view etc. I say go for HH and save a few bucks!!

Kim

 

[buzz5985]

I have to agree with the HH option. LOL (We own at HH and BWV)

I had 89 points that I had to use next year, and when I asked my DH and DS (8 yo) where they wanted to go - I was surprised that HH won out. I wanted BWV - but I'm only the Mom.

And as a side - at the 7th month window for April - I was only able to get a 2 BR, (wanted a studio or 1 BR), so we are planning to invite more people. And last summer we stayed in a GV with extended family - and it was awesome.

Janis

 

[cruise-o-matic]

What are the HH dues for 05?

Has any HHer ever had a problem with booking ANYWHERE at WDW 7 months out?