Thinking of adding on - need some explanation of the SSR point chart

[kaytieedid]

We are a family of 4 - DH, DS(4), and DS(1). We own a small contract at BWV and LOVE the resort. We were looking at SSR b/c the price per point is much lower. We're thinking of doing an add on for 100 - 110 points where we could bank and go every other year for 1 week in a 1 br. After looking at BCV, BLT, and SSR, I'm trying to figure out the point structure for SSR:

As the point charts are now, I would need to buy the following:
100 SSR (to have 197 pts for a 1 br every other year)
106 BCV (to have 211 pts for a 1 br every other year)
105 BLT (to have 210 pts for a 1 br every other year)

I realize point charts can change, and to buy where I love to stay. My question is why are so many points required at SSR that it's almost comparable to BCV and BLT? I'm sure SSR is a beautiful resort and I would love to stay there someday, but OKW seems to be on par for location reasons (having to bus it everywhere) and the points required for stays there are much less.

Being able to walk to 2 parks is a huge selling point. I want to know what I'm missing about SSR, and why so many points are required for stays? I realize the price per point is much less, but I'll still need almost the same amount of points as staying at BCV or BLT. I can't get away with buying significantly less.

thanks!!

 

[chalee94]

105 BLT (to have 210 pts for a 1 br every other year)

you seem to be pricing standard view villas here at BLT - IMO that's optimistic that you'd be able to book these at the 7 month window - there just aren't very many and owners will tend to book them at 10-11 months. you'd probably need 241 pts for a lake view since there are many more of those at BLT.

i do think SSR is overpriced and was priced aggressively by DVC as it logically should cost a little more than OKW, IMO. similar locations and SSR seems slightly more upscale. but for SSR to have point costs similar to BCV does seem strange.

 

[wdrl]

We are a family of 4 - DH, DS(4), and DS(1). We own a small contract at BWV and LOVE the resort. We were looking at SSR b/c the price per point is much lower. We're thinking of doing an add on for 100 - 110 points where we could bank and go every other year for 1 week in a 1 br. After looking at BCV, BLT, and SSR, I'm trying to figure out the point structure for SSR:

As the point charts are now, I would need to buy the following:
100 SSR (to have 197 pts for a 1 br every other year)
106 BCV (to have 211 pts for a 1 br every other year)
105 BLT (to have 210 pts for a 1 br every other year)


Being able to walk to 2 parks is a huge selling point. I want to know what I'm missing about SSR, and why so many points are required for stays? I realize the price per point is much less, but I'll still need almost the same amount of points as staying at BCV or BLT. I can't get away with buying significantly less.

thanks!!

There are a number of factors that can persuade a reasonable person to purchase SSR over BLT or BCV.

• As one SSR owner told me, she loves being able to walk to Downtown Disney. Maybe for your family that isn't a big draw but for others it is.
  
• SSR is much cheaper than BLT or BCV. Resales for SSR are priced in the $60s, while BLT resales are in the $90. With DVD ROFRing many BCV deeds in the low $80, you might need to offer at least $82 or higher to secure a BCV deed on the resale market.
  
• SSR's Annual Maintenance Fees are the second lowest among WDW DVC resorts, with BLT having the lowest. If you bought 100 SSR points, you'd paid $452/year in MFs; the 106 BCV points will cost you $559.68, more than $100 than SSR.
  
• SSR's lease does not expire until 2054 while BCV ends in 2042.

Actually, it comes down to what you and your family really like. I believe that people should buy where they don't mind staying.

A word of caution: I recommend you buy a few more points at whatever Resort you choose. If the point charts undergo another reallocation in the future, you might find that a reservation that currently costs 210 points might cost 214 points in future years.

Good luck on making your decision!!

 

[drusba]

As noted comparing to BLT standard is somewhat inapplicable because standaards are only about 11% of all BLT rooms. However, your complaint that the points needed seem to be high because of location in comparison to BCV, VWL and BWV was actually one of the most vociferous complaints repeatedly made immediately after the SSR point charts were released before it opened. Disney was able to sell it anyway.

 

[kaytieedid]

Thank you everyone for your responses. There is a lot of good information I didn't take into consideration!!

 

[Dizny Dad]

Since you were specific on the number of points you are looking to add, I am assuming you are looking at buying direct from Disney.

Consider splitting your desired amount into two (2) small contracts, say two (2) 50 pt. contracts. Two contracts will cost the same from Disney as one bigger one, and allows you to reduce the number of points you have or make a change in the future with smaller amounts and with contracts that are easier to sell.

Your guide will sell two at the same time.

 

[Havana]

I agree with you, I think SSR is point heavy when comparing it to the location/offerings of BC and BLT. I wish it was more in line with OKW, but it does the have the walking to DTD factor. Maybe when the new Hyperion Warf opens it will be more of a destination spot.

I also agree with other posters, that we can not compare the point per night value to the standard view rooms. These can be very hard to get even at 11 months.

 

[kaytieedid]

I agree with you, I think SSR is point heavy when comparing it to the location/offerings of BC and BLT. I wish it was more in line with OKW, but it does the have the walking to DTD factor. Maybe when the new Hyperion Warf opens it will be more of a destination spot.

I also agree with other posters, that we can not compare the point per night value to the standard view rooms. These can be very hard to get even at 11 months.

what is the Hyperion Warf?

 

[wdrl]

what is the Hyperion Warf?

Disney plans to renovate the Pleasure Island area at Downtown Disney and is calling the new area Hyperion Wharf. Here is a link to a newspaper article about the renovations: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com..._pleasure-island-roll-beach-club-disney-roots

 

[FindingFigment]

Perceived value cannot be quantified.

What I would pay extra for, you might not. And vice versa, the things you think are worth it, I might think are a waste.

 

[kaytieedid]

Perceived value cannot be quantified.

What I would pay extra for, you might not. And vice versa, the things you think are worth it, I might think are a waste.

I guess my "main" question was why SSR is not more in line with OKW point charts (and even AKV) due to the fact that they are the ones you have to take a bus everywhere. At first I figured it was b/c OKW is older but AKV is newer than SSR and seems to have lower point values.

The way I categorize the DVC properties in my mind (whether right or wrong) is BCV/BWV and BLT/VWL then SSR/OKW/AKV due to proximity to attractions.

I just wanted to know why SSR may be more than the other "bus" resorts.

 

[FindingFigment]

I guess my "main" question was why SSR is not more in line with OKW point charts (and even AKV) due to the fact that they are the ones you have to take a bus everywhere. At first I figured it was b/c OKW is older but AKV is newer than SSR and seems to have lower point values.

The way I categorize the DVC properties in my mind (whether right or wrong) is BCV/BWV and BLT/VWL then SSR/OKW/AKV due to proximity to attractions.

I just wanted to know why SSR may be more than the other "bus" resorts.

AKV is in the same category as BCV and BWV when it comes to points, unless you are comparing the value villas which you can't do. SSR doesn't have value villas. Comparing the standard villa at BWV to the value villa at AKV is a more fair comparision. But from what I understand, these are smaller rooms that are only available in those 2 locations.

As for OKW...that is something I've wondered about as well. Why are the points so low there when the size of the rooms are bigger. I really do think the proximity to DTD may play a factor when the set up the points chart for SSR. But OKW seems WAY low...especially since DTD is only a boat ride away.

 

[palaemon]

AKV is in the same category as BCV and BWV when it comes to points, unless you are comparing the value villas which you can't do. SSR doesn't have value villas. Comparing the standard villa at BWV to the value villa at AKV is a more fair comparision. But from what I understand, these are smaller rooms that are only available in those 2 locations.

As for OKW...that is something I've wondered about as well. Why are the points so low there when the size of the rooms are bigger. I really do think the proximity to DTD may play a factor when the set up the points chart for SSR. But OKW seems WAY low...especially since DTD is only a boat ride away.

I definitely agree about the Standard View/Value View not being comparable to resorts with no view categories. I also think that SSR was the first of the "extended" resorts - ending in 2054. So, it's a lot newer than OKW. it's points should be higher.

 

[FindingFigment]

I also think that SSR was the first of the "extended" resorts - ending in 2054. So, it's a lot newer than OKW. it's points should be higher.

Can you explain? I understand why the purchase price should be lower at OKW if the contract ends in 2042. But why should the points be lower? If I stay at OKW in June, I get a bigger room that costs less points and my vacation will be over long before the contract expires. It just seems like the number of points it takes to stay somewhere should be indicative of what you're getting when you stay, not how many times you get to stay through the years. Or am I missing something obvious? I've been known to do that from time to time!

 

[Sandisw]

I guess my "main" question was why SSR is not more in line with OKW point charts (and even AKV) due to the fact that they are the ones you have to take a bus everywhere. At first I figured it was b/c OKW is older but AKV is newer than SSR and seems to have lower point values.

The way I categorize the DVC properties in my mind (whether right or wrong) is BCV/BWV and BLT/VWL then SSR/OKW/AKV due to proximity to attractions.

I just wanted to know why SSR may be more than the other "bus" resorts.

This was something that I noticed as well when we were deciding to buy. We knew we wanted to be at BLT and did consider purchasing SSR or AKV because it cost less with the idea that we could trade in during the summer.

In the end, however, the points for SV rooms at BLT (where we really want to be anyway) are comparable to BWV, BCV, and VWL (as well as SSR) for our current time of travel and went with buying BLT, even though it was more as we figured it would allow us to stay where we wanted to for the cheapest amount of points.

 

[palaemon]

Can you explain? I understand why the purchase price should be lower at OKW if the contract ends in 2042. But why should the points be lower? If I stay at OKW in June, I get a bigger room that costs less points and my vacation will be over long before the contract expires. It just seems like the number of points it takes to stay somewhere should be indicative of what you're getting when you stay, not how many times you get to stay through the years. Or am I missing something obvious? I've been known to do that from time to time!

Well, obviously you are paying for the length of the SSR contract too. It was the first one to go beyond the 2042 date, so BCV, BWV, VWL, HHI & VB all started with less than 50 years on their contracts.

OKW was the first and it was not originally called OKW; it was originally just called the Disney Vacation Club. Since this was their first resort, it had bigger rooms, and the point system probably wasn't too forward-thinking. How'd they know that in the first 20 years they'd be trading out with 10 other DVC resorts?

All that said, I think that SSR (point-wise) is actually cheaper than BWV, BCV, VWL, BLT, VB, AKV, GCV, AHV - but more than OKW and HHI.

If you look at the resorts with view categories, and average them out, BLT, AKV, and BWV would all be more expensive than SSR.

On top of that, SSR has the BEST value for a 3BR THV (the cost of an SSR 2BR.)

I love SSR: The theme, the layout, the location to DTD, and the cheap 3BR THVs. We like to have a car, so we drive most of the time, but otherwise, we rent a car, so the "remoteness" doesn't bother us. Were used to staying at other resorts that are similar in layout, and are not really fond of having to park and walk really far to our room.

 

[drusba]

OKW was the first DVC resort. It came when the world was just beginning to transition from the concept that all timeshares are all high pressure rip-offs to there really could be something valid to this and Disney was part of that movement. The risk of failure was much higher at the time because a Disney timeshare was an unknown. They were taking best guess with no prior experiience as to what was needed to sell. It was a success, although a slow one at the time. With later resorts, particularly at WDW, the rooms were made smaller and the points needed higher because they knew they could sell them that way. In other words, DVD "corrected," in its mind, the mistake it made with OKW by providing an abundance of luxorious space for too little a cost.

 

[nolanboys]

It is my understanding that OKW is much cheaper point wise because it was the first DVC resort and Disney was new to the timeshare business. They realized they could charge more points, but once the total points are set at a resort they cannot change - points can be shifted around, but the total must remain the same. We decided on SSR because of the THV, longer contract and cheaper dues. Good luck with your decision.

 

[csharpwv]

I never really thought that parking was much of an issue in choosing where we stayed on any given trip. BOY, did we learn the hard way!

Staying at Jambo House is a NIGHTMARE if you have a car with you on your trip. Your walk to your room could be half the distance to Africa! Over 1,200 steps from the front door of the resort to our room! INSANE!

Then, we stayed at Boardwalk Villas - and once again - the distance from parking to our room was CRAZY!!!!!!!

Looking back, our trip to Old Key West had the BEST parking situation of any resort that we have stayed at with a vehicle. (We rented for one day to get groceries, and go to Mass on Sunday)

I would imagine that Saratoga Springs is the same as OKW with the parking situation - though the only time we stayed there we flew down and used Magical Express and the Resort bus system.

If you are driving - and only have one vehicle - I would imagine that the THV's would be the optimal situation for those folks that choose to drive. Parking right outside the THV would be great! No long walks at the end of the day - no worries about parking - etc etc etc -

Those are all things that I personally factor into the 'value' of a resort.

I think the point charts that SSR are reasonable in that there are - and will be even more - options for recreation - swimming - kids water play areas - dining options (considering that you can easily get to DTD or use the great options at the resort). When you think that BWV doesn't even have a 'full service' counter service restaurant - that stinks in my opinion!

OKW doesn't really have a 'full service' counter service restaurant either - and that why I think the points are so cheap - there isn't a kids' water play area at the feature pool - there wasn't a pool slide to start with - and over all the 'luxury' factor isn't there at OKW.

When you walk through the halls at BLT it is far more 'hotel-like' and FEELS higher end that any of the other resorts - in that I equate the high end euro-design scheme as more luxurious than the design theme at Wilderness Lodge.

The 'fit and finish' is totally different at all the resorts - and I think SSR feels higher end than OKW. All granite countertops and vanities - full size fridge (unlike Boardwalk) - elevators at every building (unlike OKW) - lush gardens and fountains (unlike VWL) - There is a Spa at SSR (unlike all other DVC resorts with the exception of Aulani) SO - as you can see, there are many differences and things that set SSR apart - and why it should be a little higher point value than other resorts.

I would not base my decision on where to buy strictly off of point values. I would base my decision on the theme, the amenities, and what your family would enjoy using year after year after year.

Each resort definitely has it's own personality - character - and feel!

Which one matches you and your family?

 

[Dean]

I guess my "main" question was why SSR is not more in line with OKW point charts (and even AKV) due to the fact that they are the ones you have to take a bus everywhere. At first I figured it was b/c OKW is older but AKV is newer than SSR and seems to have lower point values.

The way I categorize the DVC properties in my mind (whether right or wrong) is BCV/BWV and BLT/VWL then SSR/OKW/AKV due to proximity to attractions.

I just wanted to know why SSR may be more than the other "bus" resorts.

Basically because they thought they could sell it at that price and that they thought (correctly) that they had undervalued OKW. Compare BWV and VB to OKW sometime.