VGF vs SSR for family of 5

[MartyParty]

Hi everyone! We are a soon to be family of 5 (I’m expecting our third this December) and we have a 7 and 4 year old. Last year was our first year at WDW and we are going again in September. Needless to say, I’m likely purchasing a DVC contract since I imagine we will be vacationing yearly here. I’m thinking in the near future when the kids are all getting older, that studios and even some 1 bedrooms will be out of the question. I’ve considered Direct VGF due to the incentives currently but the points for a 2 bedroom are high. SSR’s 2 bedroom are much more affordable on the point scale. I’ve been to neither and don’t want to waste paying for cash vacations when I could invest now in DVC. Any insight would be helpful, also I imagine we will sleep around especially while they are young and we can get away with smaller rooms.

Ok crystal ball time. This starts to delve in to the direct vs resale camps. Both have excellent arguments. One aspect we considered when buying is how long we'd keep these points (or pass along to our kids). You will save $'s going resale today in lieu of passing on direct benefits today. I whole heartedly agree that direct experiences likely don't out weigh the financial benefits. For us, like I said before, we enjoy those direct benefits but also have an eye on what DVC might offer in the distant future (5-10 years from now).

So, to the point. We bought Poly direct points in 2016 and could sell those direct points today at a breakeven cost. That gives me some comfort as an exit strategy if we'd like to cash out and move on. Same can be said of resale, but why not get the benefits of direct if it "might" zero out later.

This is all speculation of course as no one knows what the prices of direct or resale will be in the future.

If it's hard financial numbers today, then it's hard to disagree with resale.
If it's extra Disney perks and the unknown promise of future DVC direct benefits, then direct has some appeal.

I've said this many times over, if you like Disney and will frequent it often you won't be making a bad choice: direct, resale, SSR, VGF, etc.

Happy points hunting...

 

[BeachMouse1]

I’m no DVC expert but I own at VGF. I always try and keep on top of booking at the 11 month window even before the resort studios were open. Whenever trying to book a last minute trip there most often seems to be availability at Saratoga. Even just recently I realized I forgot to book a room for festival of the arts. We do studios. Only availability for our dates is Saratoga. So it sounds like you’re buying direct since you mentioned incentives. I don’t know what they are charging for SSR direct but if it’s close in price I would think VGF is the way to go. Again I’m no expert here at all and don’t know the ins and outs but we have used our VGF points at VGF, Poly, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Boulder Ridge. But when we do our 10 day trip every year we love having that home advantage at VGF on a monorail resort. Just my opinion of course

also we love taking the boat from VGF to Magic Kingdom such a nice way to get there. We drive to Disney and one thing we love about VGF is the transportation options. Monorail to MK and Epcot. So we drive to the world and park our car at VGF and really never need to drive again from VGF except maybe to the springs

 

[aceshigh73]

I’m no DVC expert but I own at VGF. I always try and keep on top of booking at the 11 month window even before the resort studios were open. Whenever trying to book a last minute trip there most often seems to be availability at Saratoga. Even just recently I realized I forgot to book a room for festival of the arts. We do studios. Only availability for our dates is Saratoga. So it sounds like you’re buying direct since you mentioned incentives. I don’t know what they are charging for SSR direct but if it’s close in price I would think VGF is the way to go. Again I’m no expert here at all and don’t know the ins and outs but we have used our VGF points at VGF, Poly, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Boulder Ridge. But when we do our 10 day trip every year we love having that home advantage at VGF on a monorail resort. Just my opinion of course

also we love taking the boat from VGF to Magic Kingdom such a nice way to get there. We drive to Disney and one thing we love about VGF is the transportation options. Monorail to MK and Epcot.

Id have to concur here. A young family, providing you can afford it, Its VGF. If we were 15 years younger with little ones, VGF all the way. There's almost no reason not to, unless you wanted to wait for Poly2.

Heck, Im even starting to talk myself into it even though 4 different guides couldnt sway me 2 weeks ago

 

[smrice95]

We stay in 2 bedrooms typically. We book at the 7 month window and have stayed at AKL, BLT, SSR, Beach Club, OKW, and CC. Sometimes we do split stays and sometimes we do all at one resort. Our split stays are because we want to stay at all the resorts, but with young kids a split stay may not be convenient. You need to decide if you want direct or not. That will make your decision the best. A nice feature is AKL - Kidani and BLT have a 3rd bathroom when your family gets older. Are you going to be a family that pounds the parks? If yes, then maybe VGF. If you go to Disney Springs every night for dinner, then SSR. Really, if you are going to resort hop, do what is long term best for your family. For me it would be direct (only because the price is so great and the additional years.) Also, if you are going direct, you may want to do it now and get your welcome home trip for your upcoming trip. Resale won't happen so quickly, but direct is almost instant. Good luck with your decision! I wish I did it when my kids were your kids age. We looked into it and we just never did it until they were graduating high school!

 

[pinkxray]

We originally bought in 2020(after saving and researching since around 2012.)

We are also a family of 5. Mostly stay in one bedrooms but will stay in 2 bedrooms as the kids get bigger. We originally bought SSR resale as SAP to see where we wanted to have a home resort. To be honest I never had an issue booking any resort usually SSR, if I stalked and waitlisted and we travel at typically busy times. It does take a little bit of time to piece together exactly what I am looking for sometimes if booking something in particular. For instance we stayed in a 2 bedroom at Copper Creek the last two Decembers. SSR is always available.

We recently added 210 VGF direct with intention of selling SSR as our oldest ages out of traveling with us. I love VGF and being able to book it 11 months out. I also love having direct points that will allow us to stay at Riviera, Disneyland villas and any other new properties. I‘m hoping to run out the clock with the VGF points so happy with the cost with the new incentives.

The one problem I’ve run into with VGF which you are aware is it is very point heavy. I am currently booking our spring break(which I have sworn I would never travel at, but we are already pulling the kids out for a week to do Aulani). VGF is so high that weekend that I am booking us in a studio for a weekend and moving to one bedroom on Monday. (Or just switching somewhere else at 7 months) Just be sure you have enough points. If you travel outside your normal, cheaper Sept. you might have to book a studio or one bedroom at 11 months at VGF and switch somewhere at 7 months to have enough to get a 2 bedroom somewhere else.(or buy more points, which is what we did…which also has us booking more trips….which now we need more points because we have none left through 2024….)

SSR is a lovely resort and the new 1/2 bedrooms are beautiful. The walk to Disney Springs is great and so are the pools and activities for kids. I really do love it there and if it gives the ability to have more points, great. I’ve just learned I love being near MK. Even as my kids get older and like other parks, I love waking up and watching the monorail pass the castle and the boats start running, while sipping my coffee at the GF marina.

 

[disney_mood]

The monorail does not go to DS. Most resorts it’s bus only using Disney transportation

SSR and OKW also have boats. And, SSsr allows the ability to walk!

If the cost of a 2 bedroom at VGF is intimidating you could always do 2 resort studios since a majority of them connect to another resort studio. No request is guaranteed, but it's highly likely this would be accommodated. You would get 4 dedicated queen beds, 2 single sleeper sofas, and 2 full bathrooms with a walkway to Magic Kingdom. The points for this would still be higher than a 2 bedroom at SSR, but much more manageable than a 2 bedroom at VGF.

I am a VGF owner so I am probably biased, but the size and location of SSR is off putting to me. I would much rather have my fallback reservation be the WDW flagship. MK is the only place on property that is not easily accessible via car or ride share. The walking path, monorail, and boat are invaluable at VGF. You can take a bus, drive your own car, or ride share to DS from anywhere on property. With children that young you have a decade+ of MK in your future. Direct points will also open up numerous membership benefits. While they are not guaranteed, $365 per person annually on an AP renewal, 20% on merchandise, and 10% on table service meals will easily make direct VGF cheaper than SSR in less than 5 years. Not to mention a longer contract length and unrestricted points that can be used at any new resort built.

That’s a very smart idea (the two resort studios). Also, very good points! I do not want to jump over a dollar to pick up a

If the cost of a 2 bedroom at VGF is intimidating you could always do 2 resort studios since a majority of them connect to another resort studio. No request is guaranteed, but it's highly likely this would be accommodated. You would get 4 dedicated queen beds, 2 single sleeper sofas, and 2 full bathrooms with a walkway to Magic Kingdom. The points for this would still be higher than a 2 bedroom at SSR, but much more manageable than a 2 bedroom at VGF.

I am a VGF owner so I am probably biased, but the size and location of SSR is off putting to me. I would much rather have my fallback reservation be the WDW flagship. MK is the only place on property that is not easily accessible via car or ride share. The walking path, monorail, and boat are invaluable at VGF. You can take a bus, drive your own car, or ride share to DS from anywhere on property. With children that young you have a decade+ of MK in your future. Direct points will also open up numerous membership benefits. While they are not guaranteed, $365 per person annually on an AP renewal, 20% on merchandise, and 10% on table service meals will easily make direct VGF cheaper than SSR in less than 5 years. Not to mention a longer contract length and unrestricted points that can be used at any new resort built.

Very good points and the two bedrooms joined is genius. I don’t want to step over a dollar to pick up a dime, so if I will save for years down the road (that’s the whole point of dvc in my eyes) then it’s worth it to pay a little more up front.

 

[disney_mood]

We originally bought in 2020(after saving and researching since around 2012.)

We are also a family of 5. Mostly stay in one bedrooms but will stay in 2 bedrooms as the kids get bigger. We originally bought SSR resale as SAP to see where we wanted to have a home resort. To be honest I never had an issue booking any resort usually SSR, if I stalked and waitlisted and we travel at typically busy times. It does take a little bit of time to piece together exactly what I am looking for sometimes if booking something in particular. For instance we stayed in a 2 bedroom at Copper Creek the last two Decembers. SSR is always available.

We recently added 210 VGF direct with intention of selling SSR as our oldest ages out of traveling with us. I love VGF and being able to book it 11 months out. I also love having direct points that will allow us to stay at Riviera, Disneyland villas and any other new properties. I‘m hoping to run out the clock with the VGF points so happy with the cost with the new incentives.

The one problem I’ve run into with VGF which you are aware is it is very point heavy. I am currently booking our spring break(which I have sworn I would never travel at, but we are already pulling the kids out for a week to do Aulani). VGF is so high that weekend that I am booking us in a studio for a weekend and moving to one bedroom on Monday. (Or just switching somewhere else at 7 months) Just be sure you have enough points. If you travel outside your normal, cheaper Sept. you might have to book a studio or one bedroom at 11 months at VGF and switch somewhere at 7 months to have enough to get a 2 bedroom somewhere else.(or buy more points, which is what we did…which also has us booking more trips….which now we need more points because we have none left through 2024….)

SSR is a lovely resort and the new 1/2 bedrooms are beautiful. The walk to Disney Springs is great and so are the pools and activities for kids. I really do love it there and if it gives the ability to have more points, great. I’ve just learned I love being near MK. Even as my kids get older and like other parks, I love waking up and watching the monorail pass the castle and the boats start running, while sipping my coffee at the GF marina.

Good points! I think I’ll start with 150 and then hope to travel in June when it’s a little less point heavy. Save for a couple years and then add on. By then the baby will be around 2-3ish and will be able to enjoy the Christmas festivities! Or I could always borrow I suppose from the following year until I add on if I find I want to do early December and enjoy the Christmas season before the other 2 grow out of Santa (which my daughter is getting close at 7, she’s inquisitive and asks a lot of questions but I’m still able to persuade her otherwise for now ).

 

[disney_mood]

We stay in 2 bedrooms typically. We book at the 7 month window and have stayed at AKL, BLT, SSR, Beach Club, OKW, and CC. Sometimes we do split stays and sometimes we do all at one resort. Our split stays are because we want to stay at all the resorts, but with young kids a split stay may not be convenient. You need to decide if you want direct or not. That will make your decision the best. A nice feature is AKL - Kidani and BLT have a 3rd bathroom when your family gets older. Are you going to be a family that pounds the parks? If yes, then maybe VGF. If you go to Disney Springs every night for dinner, then SSR. Really, if you are going to resort hop, do what is long term best for your family. For me it would be direct (only because the price is so great and the additional years.) Also, if you are going direct, you may want to do it now and get your welcome home trip for your upcoming trip. Resale won't happen so quickly, but direct is almost instant. Good luck with your decision! I wish I did it when my kids were your kids age. We looked into it and we just never did it until they were graduating high school!

I think this is my best bet. We are touring while we are there in a couple of weeks. I think this will also be the best time to inspire the other half He’s definitely more frugal than I, but, when immersed in the Disney bubble we know magic does happen

 

[bakerworld]

Lil kids = Magic Kingdom & you can't beat a short boat ride versus waiting for a bus.

I would purchase something walkable/boatable - enough for 1br and then borrow to stay in 2br, if needed. I friend of mine use to put the pac 'n play in the walk-in closet - LOL. It's worth the smaller amount of points knowing you can borrow and than addon vis resale because you already have your Blue Card membership.

 

[intamin]

Lil kids = Magic Kingdom & you can't beat a short boat ride versus waiting for a bus.

I would purchase something walkable/boatable - enough for 1br and then borrow to stay in 2br, if needed. I friend of mine use to put the pac 'n play in the walk-in closet - LOL. It's worth the smaller amount of points knowing you can borrow and than addon vis resale because you already have your Blue Card membership.

Idk if I would make the purchase based solely on what is easiest for little kids tbh. Your kids won't always be little and in the end you want something you all will enjoy as they get older as well. You can always book a 1BR or a studio view category above standard and have access to places that are more convenient like BLT while they're younger. Booking during the summer is one of the easiest time periods to book for DVC which works with kids because of summer break. I even managed to book standard studios at BLT for an entire week at the 7 month mark without owning there recently. Of course I don't think anyone can argue one of the most important qualities of a resort is location but if there's another resort that's calling your name it still may be worth considering. Now if VGF is your actual preferred resort and you want to stay there consistently then I think your answer is pretty clear .

 

[PolyRob]

That’s a very smart idea (the two resort studios). Also, very good points! I do not want to jump over a dollar to pick up a

Very good points and the two bedrooms joined is genius. I don’t want to step over a dollar to pick up a dime, so if I will save for years down the road (that’s the whole point of dvc in my eyes) then it’s worth it to pay a little more up front.

The current VGF deal is pretty great. If you will truly use some of the membership benefits and want to stay there it will make it worthwhile to get it direct over SSR resale. Once VGF sells out it will probably be higher resale than current direct prices and those contracts will be restricted from Riviera, DLH, and any future resorts. Tons of members on these boards with resale contracts are adding 150 at VGF to get the "blue card" status OR switching from looking for resale points to 150 direct at VGF because the price is so great and it's one of the last resorts with no resale restrictions.

 

[DanCali]

That's a hard choice and you've gotten some very good (and opposing) views.

With kids the ages that you have, I think you will want to maximize your WDW experience when you go to the parks. So there's definitely a benefit to buying VGF direct and getting all the perks that go along with that. Moonlight Magic, Epcot Lounge etc are little things that are probably not worth a five-figure premium, but (i) they can be fun in the moment, and (ii) you're not paying a five-figure premium given where VGF resale prices are. VGF also has studios that sleep 5, which SSR does not, although it sounds like you'll be looking for the larger rooms, which is understandable.

SSR is an affordable entry point to DVC, but would that be one of your top 5 choices to stay at when you go to WDW? If the answer is "no", then I would hesitate to buy there and always try to trade out at 7 months. That game can be fun for some but can also be frustrating for others. It is much easier to get into SSR or OKW at 7 months out than anywhere else.

A third choice you may want to consider is maybe some compromise between those two options - perhaps a BLT resale contract... No Blue Card benefits but it will have the VGF advantages related to MK proximity, 1BRs that sleep 5 (with 2 full bathrooms, which you'll probably appreciate with 3 kids), and a points chart that is substantially more affordable than VGF - in fact the Standard 1BRs at BLT are in the same range as standard 1BRs at SSR (maybe just 10% more points). You could probably get 200 resale BLT points for the price of 150 direct VGF points (with similar dues per point), which will also get you more bang for the buck.

 

[pineapplepalms]

We are also a family of 5 and our kids are 7, 4, and 2. With the current VGF pricing and the ability to pay using a 0% interest cc, I would say buy VGF direct. That will give you points that you can use at future resorts and benefits like the AP discount that, while not guaranteed, are useful as long as they’re around.

We own at both VGF and SSR and even though we enjoy Disney Springs and always go there once or twice during a trip, I much prefer the convenience of resorts that are closer to the parks, especially with little ones. If they are asleep in the stroller, it’s so much easier to just walk them back to the room than get on a bus where they have to come out and we have to carry them and a stroller. Monorail and Skyliner access are also convenient for just rolling the stroller on, although personally I prefer the Skyliner since at peak times it is not fun squeezing a big double stroller onto a crowded monorail. When we stay at VGF we try to avoid peak monorail times and now we have the option of walking.

If you find that you want more space and more points later, you could add on resale points at SSR or elsewhere to increase your options. While VGF is point heavy, it is also one of the resorts that has a good bed configuration for us and allows us to stay in 1BRs longer. The big kids can share the larger Murphy bed and the youngest can use the smaller one under the TV. We aren’t a fan of the older sofabeds, so when we stay at resorts like AKV, BLT, VGC etc. we typically opt for the 2BRs. Eventually more resorts will be getting the Murphy beds, but that will take some time. Bonus: the extra bathroom at some of them in the 1BR+ rooms.

I don’t know if young kids necessarily means a lot of MK time, but easy access to any park wins over bus-only access in my book. MK is my least favorite park (because we go to DLR a good amount and the other parks are more different) and we spend a lot of time at the other ones, but still love staying at VGF and it’s convenient for the time we do spend at MK. We like the dining options, holiday decorations, and the easy access to the other MK area resorts to visit for dining.