What would you do?

[disneyeveryyear]

History: DH and I bought 150 pts. at SSR while at WDW in December. We will talking our first trip "home" in November.

It will be DH, me, DS11, DD6 and DM. I have made my reservation at SSR for a 2 bedroom. I really loved the decor at SSR and think it will be a great place to stay.

However, the budget -minded side of me is telling me to rebook at OKW at the 7 month window to save 25 pts. I would then be able to bank 30 pts. for next year as opposed to 5 pts.

The pros for OKW are saving 25 pts., the regular dining table and more space. The pros for SSR are brand new, beautiful decor, close enough to walk to DTD.

What would you do in my situation? We do plan to stay at all of the resorts before we are done, but confused about where to stay this time.

 

[Caskbill]

That's of course a purely personal choice so no one here can make it for you. We can offer opinions.

OKW is a larger well established resort with larger accommodations, and a new pool slide

SSR is brand new, but currently still under construction so it doesn't yet have that full finished resort feel to it. A lot of it is still a large construction zone.

You might do OKW this trip, and then do SSR when more of it is finished. Even then chances are very good you'd still get into a brand new room.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Thanks Caskbill for your opinion. That is all I am asking for is opinions. I know that ultimately DH and I will have to make the decision.

Your point is valid. We could bank those extra 25 points and then plan a trip to SSR after the construction is finished. Interesting thought.

Thanks for being up so late to chime in!

 

[newholidayx2]

Hi Bev - Id take my first trip "home"

 

[Doctor P]

For my first trip, I would stay at my home resort.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'd go with SSR because it's "home." Our first DVC trip was to VWL using VWL points, and we both think that made the trip was extra special.

We have spent a night at SSR and we loved it. I am not adverse to saving/banking points, just not the very first time.

Bobbi

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

another vote for "home" We went in Nov when it was unfinished and are taking our second trip home again when it is unfinished. Still loved it plus it gave us the opportunity to use the resort completely without it feeling croweded.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Hey, you'll have 50 yrs of SSR. I'd go with the beautiful OKW to start. You'll have more spacious rooms in an already completed resort, so none of the kinks still to be worked out. The extra 25 points is a nice benefit too.

Either one would be great of course. I plan to try them all, and I have yet to try out either SSR or OKW since my family seems focused on the Epcot resorts (tho I did manage to get them to VWL this past week, which was Wonderful!).

 

[WDWLVR]

Since SSR is your home I would do your first trip there.

I know when we had our first stay home (Boardwalk) in our case it was magical. Hopefully it will be the same for you.

We too love to try all the resorts and so far have stayed at VWL, OKW, BCV, and VB in addition to Boardwalk. Boardwalk is by far our favorite and I'm thrilled we bought there. We hope to try SSR on a future trip. We were there for the grand opening and got to tour it - it looks like a beautiful resort.

Enjoy!

 

[CarolMN]

I'd also choose my home resort for the first trip. With SSR, there's an added incentive -

Assuming you like/want the DD view, IMHO, you have a much better chance of getting it before the additional buildings are completed. Once all the buildings are "in service", there will be a lot more competition for those rooms. Unless DVC decides to make them a guaranteed category (like the Boardwalk view), getting one in the future is a lot less likely than it is right now - especially with the "room ready" policy. Wouldn't you like to see what that particular view is like - at least once? LOL.

The good news is that whether you choose OKW or SSR or any other DVC resort for that first trip, you're very likely to have a wonderful time. DVC will change the way you look at WDW visits!

Best wishes -

 

[tjkraz]

Construction issues at SSR by November should be minimal. The 8 buildings currently under contstruction should all either be open or within a month or two of opening (meaning that remaining work is largely limited to interior finishing and landscaping.) Yes, they probably will be working on the final 6 buildings on the Fairway Villa site, but that's sheltered quite nicely from the rest of the complex as it stands today.

We had a great time at SSR and wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

You could drive yourself crazy over the next several decades trying to stretch your points to the max. And frankly, if you travel solely based upon point costs, you'll always end up back at OKW as it has the lowest costs for every room, every season. OKW is a great resort and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. But with the difference being so minimal, this is a decision that I wouldn't make based upon the costs involved. Follow your heart.

 

[athenna]

IMO, the think the first trip that you make should be to ''home''. I just think there is something special about that. Of course you'll love which ever you decide.
I am taking my first trip as a DVC member in April, and not hesitate at all to going to my home resort. Then I'll take it from there, cause I want to try them all out, too!
Good luck! Don't worry, you'll have a great time what ever you decide.

 

[JimFitz]

Go to VWL!! That's where we went for our first trip home and we own at OKW.

 

[disney junky]

Another vote for the home resort....

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Another vote to go home!!! Have fun!!!

Allison

 

[WDWJWEB1]

Another "vote" for your "Home" resort plus I think(IMHO)that your DS and possibly your DD would just love Disney Quest which is just a short stroll away.

Either way, hope you enjoy your vacation, keep us posted

 

[conciergekelly]

I am going to ssr for the third time in Feb (once in sept. got cut short cuz of hurricaine and dec, make up trip). It is a great resort. The construction didn't bother us at all. It is nice cuz we have always gotten the dtd view. It is beautiful. Someday that may be hard to get. Also we have always had the pool and AP to ourselves. That is also hard to get any where at Disney.

 

[DisneySpence]

Stay at SSR unless you really need to keep the extra 25 pts for next year.

 

[Granny]

First impressions are so important! IMHO, your first impression of DVC should be at your home resort. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the other resorts in future years.

I'd hate to see you "fall in love" with OKW and always be comparing other DVC resorts to that.

If saving the points is that important, then it probably will be that important every year. In that case, you might have been better off buying OKW if point usage is your primary concern.

 

[lllovell]

My first trip home is in April to OKW, but I am a SSR owner. (I know I know - crazy to take hubby there FIRST lol but the boys and I got to play there when my sister's family stayed last summer and we talked about it and they want to show him the beach place <--- my 4 year old's words).

We are going home to SSR later in the year and have toured it and I LOVE it. It is so well appointed, yet still Disney to me so I will be comfortable there with either hubby and I or with us and the boys rambling around! We love DTD and I am looking forward to our walks around the lake.

We are very flexible and want to stay in ALL the resorts before its over. I hope in some ways we never find a favorite since I dont want to be "disappointed" even slightly if we cannot get a certain resort for a trip.