Thinking of purchasing - BLT or SSR??

[Queenie122]

So, we've been thinking about purchasing DVC for a while. We've read the Passporter DVC guide, read the DIS boards (yay!!), and done a visit here in NY at a Disney Dreams location. On our last vacation we weren't able to do the tour, to our regret.

Now there is a deal - to double any points we buy through the end of April, good for use next year.

Next year we're planning a HUGE Disney vacation (It's a secret...wedding... ) and we're going to need space. I started by considering renting points to get a larger room for that trip.

We're thinking this would be as good a time as any to buy! It's not a done deal but we're really leaning towards buying by the end of the month.

Now comes our big decision - BLT vs SSR (I don't really like Animal Kingdom Lodge for this). I don't love the contemporary design at BLT but of course the location seems awesome, the monorail and I enjoy the shopping and restaurants at the Contemporary. SSR looks nice in the pictures, I have stayed at the Treehouse Villas before (looonnggg time ago) and enjoyed it, and of course, the points are cheaper. Plus it's got a whole more vacation-y vibe, I think.

Still, we're drawn to BLT for the location and the fact it's about to sell out (if that wasn't a selling tactic from our salesperson) and the fact it would be easier to rent out points for BLT if we had to.

But then at SSR we could get more points for the same price as BLT.

Just to complicate things, some vacations will be just the two adults, some will be two adults and one child (age 7) and some will be two adults and three children (this last option maybe every 3 years or so: ages 11, 7 and 7).

So, we're stuck. What would you do? What do you recommend? Do you have any tips to help us decide?? Obviously, we're on a timeline here

Help us DIS Boards you're our only hope!!

 

[DisOwl]

I think several posters would agree that you should buy where you want to stay! This will allow you to book 11 months in advance at your home resort. While you might be able to use your points at any of the resorts, you might not always be able to reserve a room at another resort 7 months out (especially during busy times) or get the room size of your choice.

We purchased at BLT because of its location and lower maintenance fees (at least for now!). We love walking to MK, riding the monorail to Epcot and restaurants at the resorts on the loop, and having access to the boat launch. Although not for everyone, we also like the decor.

Good luck with making your choice!

 

[JaneSparrow]

You sound like us.

We decided to buy BLT direct. Someday when we need to add points, we will buy SSR resale.

First trip to WDW on DVC and we ar not able to get our home resort - this is because our original plan to go in October was cancelled and had to be taken in July instead. So if you want to stay at BLT sooner than later then you have to buy there

 

[jgdsoarin]

We recently purchased SSR resale and spent a lot of time thinking about which resort fit our needs best. We had been on the tour during a vacation in December and saw models of AKV and BLT. We also had DVC friends staying at SSR at the same time we were there. We came back home and were leaning toward BLT because we thought it would hold value more in the years to come even though we weren't crazy about the contemporary high-rise feel. We did love the model of AKV, but ultimately chose SSR for several reasons: 1. We are older (48 and 57) with kids who are 12 and 18. We love the quiet resort/spa feel of SSR. We would be happy spending a few days there without stepping foot in the parks.
2. We like the fact that we can walk to DTD for dinners, shows, shopping, or people-watching.
3. We always take a car, so the ease of parking next to our unit was a factor. We don't need to rely on the bus system.
4. Soon to have 2 theme pools, plus the quiet pools and golf course.
5. Treehouse Villas (3 bedrooms for the cost of 2, plus very cool!)
6. And, lastly.... price!
We read over and over "buy where you will be happy staying." We knew that SSR would give us all that we wanted at this stage in life. We are hopeful that over the next few years, we can try out other resorts from time to time, but would be happy staying at SSR if others aren't available when we are able to travel. My advice is to spend time really picturing yourself and your family on vacation and be honest about what that needs to feel like for you. You'll make the right decision! Good luck!!

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

We like the price of SSR. But, we often like to stay at other places. AKL and BLT are favorites. So far, by using wait lists we have been always able to end up with the exact resort we wanted. Another pro for SSR is being able to book Tree house villas as 11 months b/c it is such a great deal on points...good lukc! Hope you love it as much as we do!

 

[Buckeye Fan]

It's hard. We just sold two contracts, and I'll be honest, I still struggled with where to buy after staying at all of them (with the exception of BLT).

I guess I have two questions. Where do you think you'd really like to stay in the next 10 years, and do you like a hotel feel or a condo feel? When I stay at SSR and OKW, it feels homier to me. Some people don't want that, but it's a huge draw for me. Also, I would rather be closer to DTD than to a park.

Honestly, I don't think you could go wrong either way, but if you are entertaining buying SSR and don't mind that you can't use points for cruises, Adventures by Disney or non-DVC Disney properties, I would highly encourage you to check out SSR resales. Some of them are going in the high 40s to high 50s per point. You could almost buy double the points if all else is equal. Plus, maintenance fees on both are low, which is great longer term.

Wishing you the best!

 

[ToddyLu]

It sounds like when you say "double points by the end of April" you are buying direct with an April UY...

We purchased direct in June of 2009 and have loved it.

I just want you to realize that DVC Direct will always give you the current UY points--then they will let you bank those points outside you usualy banking time. As JIM MIA always states--you are paying for them and the Guides can sometimes make you fill like they are only a current incentive--this "incentive" is in play all the time. Do you want an April UY? Do not purchase it just for double points--you can get those with any UY. We got a Dec UY which is what they were pushing in June of 2009--I am glad we did based on our travel habits. Please read the Understanding UY Sticky so you can be sure this is right for you.

We paid pro-rated MFs for our 2008 points. So they gave us the 2008 points which is what our current UY was at the time but made us "think" we were getting something for "free"....so our "free" 2008 were already part of our contract...they just used a timeshare speil on us. I do not resent this in any way and understand it is a marketing ploy. Just wanted you to know.

I would not spend thousands of dollars on somewhere I did not love--at the end of a day in DTD will you resent the bus trip back to BLT? A resort that you are not "in love" with per se...I would take the extra time and really review the resorts and amenities and sounds like you have already done that.

DH and I love our DVC. To us AKV is away from the excitement and the theming is more important to us that the location....so there is something for everyone. We would have paid more to have what we wanted and now that we have two DVC trips under our belt...I am glad we did.

Good luck to you

 

[ToddyLu]

Even if BLT sells out you will still be able to purchase points there--again it is marketing. They are currently selling ALL the DVC resorts. Sometimes you do have to wait until they have your number of points and the UY you want---but you can get any resort you want. That is why they are ROFR-ing BCV points because they can resale a popular resort direct. I hope this makes sense and helps you. Do not be afraid to stick to your guns if say you want a different resort just because the Guide is currently selling BLT, AKV, SSR and Aulani.

 

[mdsd8700]

We purchased BLT in June of 2010 at the time we were going back a little bit between SSR and BLT for the same reasons you are. I also posted a similar question just as you have. In the end we chose BLT because of the location and the longer contract. Although the modern decor is not our style, we do like the look of the BLT rooms. For us although SSR would have gotta us more points for our money, we ultimately knew that if we had to stay at SSR and were locked out of somewhere else at 7 months we probably would regret it. Although we want to stay at SSR and the THV look amazing we know that if we were "stuck" at BLT each trip that would be fine with us.

Also ToddyLu brings up a good point about the "double" points. If April is the UY you want than that is great, but if you are looking for something else, let your Guide know. As I said we purchased in June 2010 with an August UY so our banking deadline would have been in March. Since we were purchasing direct they let us bank the 2009 points immediately without any problem although we were past the banking deadline. Those points are being used for upcoming June trip.

Good luck with your decision. I am sure where ever you decide you buy you will be very happy and enjoy your many years of vacations to come!

 

[Queenie122]

This is all such great information and I'm learning about stuff I didn't know I didn't know!

It looks like there are other deals out there that I didn't know about... getting a discount by using a referral, possibly a gift card, etc. I also thought the getting last years points was a deal but it seems like they always do that? In other words, getting 2010's points as a bonus isn't really a bonus?

I'd love to keep hearing people's stories of what you did, especially in this situation. It looks like it goes both ways (choosing BLT or SSR) and most people are happy with their choice.

One of my thoughts has been - which resort would we need to absolutely have at 11 months out. It seems like BLT is in higher demand and that we would have an easier time getting SSR at 7 months out. Then again, the THV are tempting and I imagine for them 11 months out is preferred.

Argh! It's such a hard decision!! lol

(I've been told a few times now that we could potentially get any resort if we wait... I think my head would explode if I started looking into other resorts!!)

Use Year is a whole other issue. I really don't know how to go about choosing that.

 

[kenny]

First off, where on LI are you from? We are in Huntington. In process of moving to Northport.

As for the pts they aren't a bonus. They try and spin it that way but they are your pts. For example, we have an Aug UY. If we were to purchase now and get an Aug UY, we would get the 2010 pts. They are really THIS years pts because our UY is 8/1 - 7/31. So the 2010 pts are until 7/31/2011. Make sense? Many people (us included) bank them since we are not planning a trip right away so they seem like extra pts as well.

Anway, as others have said, buy where you want to stay.

We originally owned SSR. It is a great resort. Very relaxing, has tons of stuff to do, very close to DTD which is great for dining and shopping. We added on a small contract when BLT went on sale.

After we stayed at BLT once, we decided that is where we want to be. We still love SSR, but we knew if we could not get BLT we would be disappointed. So we sold our SSR contract and bought all BLT.

While we are not contemporary style people either (actually redoing the house we are moving into because it is contemporary), it works for vacation. It is nice, clean and upscale. You can't beat the proximaty to MK and monorail ride to Epcot. Plus the CR holds a sentimental value to us.

That all being said, you need to think long term and see where you want to stay most of your trips. SSR is great but aside from the THV, you can pretty much get everything at 7months because it is so large. BLT is much much harder. If you don't own their, standard or MK views are extremely hard to get.

I understand about the pt and price difference. My advice would be if you can purchase enough pts at BLT for the types of stays you want then getting more at SSR shouldn't be an issue. Remember, you can always add on later, and you have to pay maintainance fees on EVERY pt you own.

If cost is a factor then you can not go wrong with SSR. Otherwise it sounds like you prefer BLT.

If you have any specific questions about either resort, LMK.

 

[DenLo]

I too vote for the buy where you want to stay. If you don't like the decor at BLT, will it get to you after awhile? When you vacation with our without the children what are the favorite parks. Are they different? If different, I don't see the advantage of owning at BLT because MK is not always your favorite park.

The treehouse villas opened in 2009. So I'm not sure if they are the same THVs you are referring to. THVs would be great for your family of five. And having the home resort advantage at SSR would help to get a reservation there when you need more space.

And then there's resale. If you only plan to use your points for DVC stays, then you could save a bundle by buying resale.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If you haven't actually picked April for your UY then it sounds like the salesperson is really using the "double" points part as a big part of their sales pitch. As has already been explained receiving the 2010 points is actually only getting current points.

You should read this about Understanding UY to first determine if April is even a good UY or if you should have something else. And remember that UY does only come into play if you ever need to cancel a reservation but I think it's better to at least start out with one that appears to work the best.

Understanding UY link

Next - since your not completely in love with BLT you really might want to consider all of the resorts. For various reasons you might find out you'll still go with either BLT or SSR but this is a long committment and again - better to have a place you want to stay then one that you don't ever want to stay at. If you're happy most anywhere at WDW then buying the least expensive (and you need to consider both buy in and dues) is a strategy but I'd say make it a resort you at least don't mind staying at. Better if you like staying there.

I don't think I'd place too much weight on what can be more easily rented if you need to. As far as I know it's more than possible to rent any of the properties and unless you rent 11 months in advance and have the home resort priority it's not going to make a different b/c they are all equal at 7 months.

AND - biggest question of all. Are you planning on consistently using DVC to trade out to cruises or other WDW properties? If not then save yourself money and buy resale!

 

[mdsd8700]

Argh! It's such a hard decision!! lol

(I've been told a few times now that we could potentially get any resort if we wait... I think my head would explode if I started looking into other resorts!!)

Use Year is a whole other issue. I really don't know how to go about choosing that.

You have come to the right place to find out all the information, so keeping reading and inquiring about things. KAT4DISNEY gave you the link for UY so definately read up on that. As well she suggested you take a look at all the resorts. I would have to agree with that. Each is so unique in it's is own way and owners love their home resorts for many reasons. When making such a long term and costly commitment it is best to look at all your options. I know what you mean about your "head exploding" . I think we we all start this process it seems a bit overwhelming and there is so much to consider, but worth it in the end.

Keep us up to date on whatever you decide!

 

[hellerjw]

A lot of good information has already been posted but one other thing that you might want to consider is the high point cost of BLT stays, particularly the units with better views. As the number of points needed for stays is higher you will either need to purchase a higher number of points to start with or downgrade your unit size and/or length of stay to compensate.

If getting a particular view at BLT during the times you will most likely travel is very important to you then owning there is the main consideration. If you would be just as happy staying at AKV, SSR or OKW (where its fairly easy to book at the 7-month mark for most unit types) then buying in somewhere else will net you more points for the same money. For us being able to stay in larger units and/or for longer periods of time is the priority and it outweighs our need to have a particular view each time. For other folks its just the opposite, they want a particular unit type each time or they will be disappointed. Owning at a particular resort to achieve that is the priority for them.

I think it really comes down to how important a particular view at a particular resort is to you for each stay. At some resorts it is very difficult to book certain unit types or stays during various times of the year if you aren't an owner. Some folks own at BCV/BWV just so they can get the 11-month booking window during F&W. We own at HHI so we can book the summer months at the 11-month mark.

Its very subjective which is why the mantra of these boards is often described as "buy where you want to stay". If you buy in somewhere to save a few thousand but hate staying there then you have set yourself up for dissapointment each time. DVC is a luxury purchase after all, you might as well enjoy it. Its easy to get caught up in the long-term aspect of DVC contracts but in reality nobody knows what their travel habits will be like even 10 years down the road, much less 30-50. Buy in wherever you will be most happy for now.

 

[SabresFan]

One other consideration besides dollars per point is points needed per night (or per week). BLT needs more points than does SSR.

One week in a 1 BR villa at BLT during Magic Season
Standard View - 268 points
Lake View - 296 points
Theme Park View - 361 ponts

One week in a 1 BR villa at SSR during Magic Season
241 points (no distinction based on views)

Other seasons and other room types vary of course, but the ratios are somewhat consistent - BLT takes the most points, OKW the least, with the other resorts in between.

 

[MineeBaby]

We have been SSR owners for almost 5 years and have found that while the mantra "buy where you want to stay" makes good planning sense, we are in a position (military) where we can't make a reservation 11 months in advance. We have fared well making several last minute reservations (within a months notice) and been able to get in where we want to stay. It has worked out well for us so far, because we are also paying less money in dues than others who own at the smaller, more expensive resorts. I am not sure how much longer we will be lucky getting in wherever we want, but the fact that we aren't able to take advantage of the 11 month window won't be changing for a while. So, in the end, it makes better sense for us to go with a larger resort that is less expensive and, at the time, has a longer time until the contract expires.

 

[Queenie122]

Thank you so much! Every experience gives us something new to think about.

For us there seems to be no clear answer so it's been challenging figuring this out! In the end we didn't give in to the pressure to buy by the end of April but we are still very actively deciding what to do.

I'm not really sure I understand why we should be entitled to get last year's points "for free" but I trust the DIS boards collective wisdom on that one.

I think SSR's resort would feel more vacationy to us and we would go there and be happy if we didn't go to the parks but BLT has a great location (MK is our favorite park) and will have greater value points wise.

 

[RachaelA]

Thank you so much! Every experience gives us something new to think about.

For us there seems to be no clear answer so it's been challenging figuring this out! In the end we didn't give in to the pressure to buy by the end of April but we are still very actively deciding what to do.

I'm not really sure I understand why we should be entitled to get last year's points "for free" but I trust the DIS boards collective wisdom on that one.

I think SSR's resort would feel more vacationy to us and we would go there and be happy if we didn't go to the parks but BLT has a great location (MK is our favorite park) and will have greater value points wise.

I'm a DVC newbie as well. We were trying to decide between BLT and AKV. We ultimately decided on BLT due to location and the off chance that we'll want to visit Disney in a more peak time (and want the 11 month booking window for BLT).

Good luck deciding! PM me if you want to know more about the thought process DH and I went through when deciding. We still have to pull the trigger and actually buy, but I figure at least we decided on a home resort and we just need to buy before the member referral discount goes away at the beginning of June!