This Just In...2006 OKW dues up 10%

[DrTomorrow]

See but most people don't look at subsidy or even understand it.
Heck I don't totally understand it as I haven't really looked at it, what its about and educated myself. I know I should be educated on it but oh well right now.

But that is one thing my guide did mention when we were taking the tour, SSR had the lower dues then the other resorts. So I am sure it helps

I'll try this time.

Yes, the Guides are taking advantage of the fact that SSR dues are lower - as well they should. tjkraz's point is that, given the information we currently have, there's no evidence that DVC is doing anything to artificially keep the dues lower, for marketing - or any other - purposes.

 

[JimFitz]

I think he's teasing.

 

[lisaviolet]

at you as well. I was swinging from concerned to is he joking??? Back and forth and back and forth......

 

[J and R's mom]

Do you think that they will be explaining the reasons for these increases at the annual meetings?

 

[DebbieB]

Do you think that they will be explaining the reasons for these increases at the annual meetings?

Only if someone raises the question during the member question portion.

 

[JudithM]

Do you think that they will be explaining the reasons for these increases at the annual meetings?

Yes, I think they will address the reasons for the increase at the annual meetings.

 

[PBader]

We have been vacation club members since 1995. I don't think that any of our dues increases have been out of line. The costs of everything goes up every year and they are passed on. I also own 2 businesses and since 9/11, I have had my business insurance increase over 40%. I think that Disney is very fair in what they charge members. I can not remember what our dues were in 1995, but I expected when we purchased that at some point in time they would be very expensive and I do not think that it has come to that. Maybe it's just me, but I believe that we get great value for our dollars.

 

[treloarf]

Sorry, but I bought into OKW because of the low dues. Of course, 5 years ago there was no slide, but...........I stayed there 2 weeks ago. the place is old, outdated & I can't walk to the parks, or downtown Disney like Bwv, Saratoga. My bathroom in our studio was terrible, tube needed retiled & it was not all that clean. The refrigerater leaked (we had to put one of our 4 towels on the floor to soak up the water).

When I was at the pool, there were 3/4 lifeguards. Never had a lifeguard on the one side of the pool (not necessary) before the slide. Disney is out to make more money. Disney is expensive. If you don't have a vehicle & eat downtown, it's ashame what these restaurants are charging for a meal. It was so packed at McDonald's, the line was out the doorl What is that telling you.

We will be selling our unit. For $1000/year in dues (230pts), Illl be looking into the Marriott timeshare or some other timeshare more reasonably priced - at least I will be able to trade into the Caribbean or Aruba w/o having to book 2 years in advance. Sorry, I love Mickey but just can't do this price increase!! Plus when I did my reaseach, everyone said the average increase 2% to 5%!!!!

 

[SoCalKDG]

Is it possible that OKW dues will outpace BWV dues in the long run due to the fact BWV's share a number of facilities with the BWI side? They would share entry area and those grounds, check-in, main pool, pool bar, staff for all of those, etc. SSR and OKW are 100% responsible for everything, yes?

So if you own 200 points dues are up about $7 per month? I pay more than that per day for gas.

 

[cdpa4d]

I'm sure the increases are due to a lot of factors. A couple of the big ones.
1. Much higher energy costs.
2. Higher property taxes

As for SSR's dues, they do need to keep them down so new members will not be intimidated. It's funny how they came up with $3.98 per point. If they go to $4.00 that might push people away. Kind of like cars and other merchandise; $19,995, or $15.99.

 

[dizhoni]

Didn't I read on the boards a couple of months ago that OKW was replacing all the hardwood floors in the Grand Villas? At the time I thought that would really cost a lot and wondered if it would impact the dues---just a thought. Honi

 

[PamOKW]

I certainly hope someone raises the question at the Member Meeting. It looks like the biggest impact is from a 15% increase in Housekeeping costs and a 26% jump in Admin and Front Desk. There has never been this big a jump in these categories since the start of OKW. Did the union negotiate a new contract? Did they outsource? I can see the 23% hike in Transportation and the jump in insurance and taxes may be out of their control. However, with over 10 years under their belt, I can't see how Housekeeping and Front Desk got so out of control.

 

[byoung]

 

[jodifla]

Sorry, but I bought into OKW because of the low dues. Of course, 5 years ago there was no slide, but...........I stayed there 2 weeks ago. the place is old, outdated & I can't walk to the parks, or downtown Disney like Bwv, Saratoga. My bathroom in our studio was terrible, tube needed retiled & it was not all that clean. The refrigerater leaked (we had to put one of our 4 towels on the floor to soak up the water).

When I was at the pool, there were 3/4 lifeguards. Never had a lifeguard on the one side of the pool (not necessary) before the slide. Disney is out to make more money. Disney is expensive. If you don't have a vehicle & eat downtown, it's ashame what these restaurants are charging for a meal. It was so packed at McDonald's, the line was out the doorl What is that telling you.

We will be selling our unit. For $1000/year in dues (230pts), Illl be looking into the Marriott timeshare or some other timeshare more reasonably priced - at least I will be able to trade into the Caribbean or Aruba w/o having to book 2 years in advance. Sorry, I love Mickey but just can't do this price increase!! Plus when I did my reaseach, everyone said the average increase 2% to 5%!!!!

One year of a big dues increase and you're ready to jump ship?

Lucky for you, there will plenty of people eager to buy your DVC.

 

[fwm]

I think the reason for the increase is that DVC is reading these boards. They have seen all the OKW owners bragging about the bigger rooms. They must be figuring thatif the rooms are bigger the fees should be also, so this is just the beginning.

 

[DebbieB]

I think the reason for the increase is that DVC is reading these boards. They have seen all the OKW owners bragging about the bigger rooms. They must be figuring thatif the rooms are bigger the fees should be also, so this is just the beginning.

They really don't just "figure" dues. It's based on the expenses to run the resort and they cannot make a profit on it. Their figures are audited. They can't all of the sudden decide to charge more just because the rooms are bigger.

 

[PKS44]

"The increase in Front Desk costs are due to the addition of Front Desk Advisors to reduce guest check in times"

this is what DVC told me RE: BWV dues increases

 

[Chuck S]

"The increase in Front Desk costs are due to the addition of Front Desk Advisors to reduce guest check in times"

this what DVC told me RE: BWV dues increases

This may be true, look at all the threads there were a few months ago about having to "wait in line to check-in". Folks seem to forget that we have to pay the CMs. Even part-time employees cost $$.

 

[J and R's mom]

I think the reason for the increase is that DVC is reading these boards. They have seen all the OKW owners bragging about the bigger rooms. They must be figuring thatif the rooms are bigger the fees should be also, so this is just the beginning.

 

[mikki.young]

I know when DVC asked if members at OKW wanted a pool they said then it would add 2c a point on the dues for the lifeguards etc. Not that surprisingly it was rejected by a large majority but now a few years later they have gone ahead and done it anyway. I know they said they would pay for the building cost but I bet we will be seeing more than 2c in our dues costs.