Which home resort is the best value?

[C*Beans]

DH is considering DVC ownership. Never thought he'd agree to it! I have been researching, but it still is a little overwhelming!

We would buy resale, but am wondering which home resort gives the best value? We are a family of 4 (soon to be 5!) and live close by. We would probably go during the off times to maximize our points.

Thank you for any advice!

 

[drusba]

In the resale market that would be SSR. Its annual dues are in the middle of the pack of the DVC resorts and its purchase price resale is low right now. It has a 2054 end date whereas BWV, VWL, BCV, and most of the OKW resale contracts have 2041. Though Hilton Head and Vero Beach cost less resale, they are both 2041 end dates and dues are higher and with those you are not guaranteed to have a place at WDW by reserving at home resort 11 months out, with SSR you are.

Issue you have is 7 month window for staying at (or switching to if you reserved SSR at 11 months out) another DVC resort; there will likely be times when you cannot switch to what you want although more often than not there is likely to be a choice you will like. One thing to be aware of is your mention of "off-times." DVC and Disney off seasons are not necessarily the same. For example all of December, not just Christmas week, is a very high DVC demand time; Epcot food & wine times are also popular; whereas it is often easy to get something during summer at 7 months out.

Note if you had asked which is the "best" resort for you to buy then the usual answer is the one at which you intend to stay most often so you can always reserve it at 11 months out. But right now best "value" is likely SSR.

 

[chalee94]

agree with all of that - SSR is a great value so long as you are just happy to be onsite.

if your plan is to stay in a BLT-MK view villa or at BCV or VWL in early december since it's "off season"...you probably need to do more research. it can happen but those can be pretty tough to book with SSR pts.

 

[dizfan]

We are a family of 4 (soon to be 5!) and live close by.

Congratulations on your soon to be 5.

I forget the cutoff age, but think when your fifth turns 3 Disney will require you to book a 1BR.

One thing to be aware of, I believe AKV and BLT are the only resorts that currently have sleeping arrangements for 5 in a 1BR. My understanding is other resorts will allow you to sleep 5 (many bring blow up mattresses).

Additionally, AKV and BLT have a second bathroom in their 1BR units.

If you think your family will want a 1BR at AKV or BLT and plan to go during but popular DVC times (which doesn't match peak park demand), you may want to consider resale at AKV or BLT.

Everyone is different. Many are content with 5 in a SSR 1BR. For some, they want a AKV or BLT 1BR. Others would never try 5 in a 1BR at any property, so they go for a 2BR. Only your family knows what will be best for your family.

 

[C*Beans]

Wow! You are a knowledgeable group - thanks for sharing with me!! This is all very helpful information. We are taking a trip to Disney in Sept, so I will probably take some time and walk around the different resorts to get a general feel.

I will have to further look into the off times for DVC. DH had mentioned visiting early Dec, but might have to rethink that date now! Looks like lots of others have the same idea about that time...

I noticed that some AKL are also priced low, is that generally a good value as well?

Thanks again for what you have shared!

 

[majortom1981]

It depends do you have large gatherings then ssr can be the best value BUT animal kingdom villas has the value point rooms which no other resort has.

 

[mdsd8700]

We are taking a trip to Disney in Sept, so I will probably take some time and walk around the different resorts to get a general feel.

That is a really good idea. Actually being at the resort really does give you a good idea of what it is really like. At Saratoga Springs there are model rooms of BLT, AKV and Aulani so you can take a look at those on your trip. They are done very well, down to the outside corridors being just like the resort. There is also a 2 bedroom model at the Boardwalk. We enjoyed looking at them very much and we are already members.

Good Luck with your decision!

 

[chalee94]

It depends do you have large gatherings then ssr can be the best value BUT animal kingdom villas has the value point rooms which no other resort has.

one downside though, the value 1BRs do not allow 5 in the room (the value 2BRs would be a nice option, though.)

if the OP can find a resale OKW contract that has been extended to 2057, the OKW 1BRs now have the sleeper chair to allow occupancy of 5.

 

[drusba]

I noticed that some AKL are also priced low, is that generally a good value as well?

AKV has decent resale prices though higher than SSR. It could also be considered a value if you add reasons that relate to a particular resort: (a) it has excellent theming and the animals; (b) for those who want to go low point, there are "value" point cost rooms that are lower than SSR; they are value because they are smaller than other rooms; there are a low number and thus it is best to have the 11 reservation month window if you want them; (c) the standard and savanna view 1BRs have bedding for 5 not 4 like rooms at most the other resorts and thus as a family of 5 you will have the ability to always assure getting that type of 1BR if you reserve 11 months out; they sleep 5 because they add a large chair in the living room that turns into a bed (note the "value" 1BRs have bedding for only four and don't have that large chair); (d) the Kidani 1BRs are huge and have 2 bathrooms.

There was also mention above for possibly getting OKW with a 2057 end date. Some have that extension from 2041 to 2057 because Disney sold an extension several years ago. However, most on the resale market are 2041 and usually the 2057 ones whenever you can find one resale is at a higher price than others. Nevertheless, that would also be a good value choice if you can find one with a 2057 end date at a fairly low price. OKW's advantage is that its rooms are much larger than any of the other DVC resorts.

 

[SabresFan]

It all depends on what you mean by "Value". If you want the most points for the fewest dollars (considering both acquisition costs and dues), then SSR resale gives you the best value. That's why I bought there last year. For me, the main justification is "I can go to Disney and stay in a 1 BR Villa (typically 700+ s.f.) for the price of a 1 BR Deluxe at the Poly (typically 410 s.f.)" - so I NEED to save money over the long run, or why give up the flexibility and just pay as you go?

Now, I am not at all picky about theming. We also drive down so we have a car, which can make a big difference if you end up at SSR, since buses are the only transportation option to the parks from there. So if you are picky about theming or don't have a car, that might make SSR less attractive.

For me, it will take 5 trips to break even, buying at $60 per point. First trip is done (Standard View at Boardwalk in July booked at about 6 months - I could have also got AK Standard View, but not AK Value View, when booking then) and we are planning the second trip for next summer. So we'll be 40% of the way to break even. After that, my dues will come to about $150 per night for a 1 BR villa on property.

 

[Abdieso]

thanks for sharing.

 

[Disneypapa]

Just an opinion, but I like OKW. Low maintenance dues, large rooms and I prefer the design and theme of the resort.

 

[Sandisw]

It all depends on what you mean by "Value". If you want the most points for the fewest dollars (considering both acquisition costs and dues), then SSR resale gives you the best value. That's why I bought there last year. For me, the main justification is "I can go to Disney and stay in a 1 BR Villa (typically 700+ s.f.) for the price of a 1 BR Deluxe at the Poly (typically 410 s.f.)" - so I NEED to save money over the long run, or why give up the flexibility and just pay as you go?

Now, I am not at all picky about theming. We also drive down so we have a car, which can make a big difference if you end up at SSR, since buses are the only transportation option to the parks from there. So if you are picky about theming or don't have a car, that might make SSR less attractive.

For me, it will take 5 trips to break even, buying at $60 per point. First trip is done (Standard View at Boardwalk in July booked at about 6 months - I could have also got AK Standard View, but not AK Value View, when booking then) and we are planning the second trip for next summer. So we'll be 40% of the way to break even. After that, my dues will come to about $150 per night for a 1 BR villa on property.

I agree with you that one does need to define "value". For us, it was similar to you in terms of being able to stay in larger rooms for the same or less than what we were paying for a hotel room. In the long run, we will save on top of that, but it is nice to be able to book those larger rooms.

We just came back from staying in a 2 bedroom for 5 nights with family. I don't think I would have ever been able to do that without DVC. So, for us, the value we get from DVC is the ability to go to WDW and stay in lots of different style rooms for years to come.

 

[PKK/MJK]

We have been DVC members since 1993. We are owners of OKW, Boardwalk, Beach Club, and SSR. While legnth of remaining contact may be an issue for some it doesn't seem to really matter. In the 18 years that have owned our children have grown up, 2 of 3 gotten married and now we are empty nesters.

We still have 30, yes 30 years left on our contract. Think about it. How long will everone in your family enjoy Disney. All of our children do. 2 of the 3 have their own DVC points and #3 is a CM.

We now use our points on cruises and large family get togethers.

Space, square footage is what you also should look at, check out a 1 bedroom at OKW, (they will give you a tour of the vacant rooms, if available) There is nothing more hectic than spending time in a room with 3 kids when it is raining. The layout of the OKW 1BR is beautiful.

As a result of the reduced living room space we have had to get a 2BR - (more points) during Christmas get togethers just to have space for our DD's and their family to have enough room for them to visit.

The 1BR is now rated for a family of 5. Due to extra space in the LR we know of people who have had several extra sleeping bags for friends who stayed over. (Not us course, wait until the BFF's are coming along)

Another thing we enjoy is spending time on the veranda at OKW either dining or chilling out. There is a table and seating for 4 with room for more. The other resorts have a small table and 2 chairs.

Like I said unless you see OKW rooms, you won't beleive it.

I sound like an OKW fanatic, but we have stayed at all of the DVC resorts. Each has it pluses and minuses. Look at all the resorts, but think long term we will be in almost 90 when our OKW contract is up, We hope to be still going to WDW after that.

Phil

 

[laura-k]

It depends do you have large gatherings then ssr can be the best value BUT animal kingdom villas has the value point rooms which no other resort has.

What are value point rooms ??
Sorry ,I didn't read careful ,
I saw Sabresfans post -I get it now-

 

[C*Beans]

THANK YOU ALL!!

This is a a whole lotta useful information that I need to mull over. I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond. You all are the BEST!

 

[downontheBW]

As PP's have said - it depends on what you mean by value. Whichever resort you choose, DVC is a large purchase with still more to pay each year in dues. And the variances may not be that large as a percentage of the total investment.

I like BVW because of the value with respect to location; in this case, being in the EPCOT resort area. $$$ aside, I'll vote for the value of being able to use less points for BWV standard room or spending a few more points and being guaranteed at Boardwalk view.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

As PP's have said - it depends on what you mean by value. Whichever resort you choose, DVC is a large purchase with still more to pay each year in dues. And the variances may not be that large as a percentage of the total investment.

I like BVW because of the value with respect to location; in this case, being in the EPCOT resort area. $$$ aside, I'll vote for the value of being able to use less points for BWV standard room or spending a few more points and being guaranteed at Boardwalk view.

I LOVE BWV because of the value with respect to location; in this case, being in the EPCOT resort area. $$$ aside, I'll vote for the value of being able to use less points for BWV standard room or spending a few more points and being guaranteed at Boardwalk view

 

[deerislemaine]

I agree that the other posters that OKW and SSR are good values. I also think that VWL may be a good option.

We live a long way away, but if we lived close by, we'd definitely use DVC as our "lake house" ownership. It would be great to be able to hope over to Disney for the weekend or just one night. When we have relatives visit, they usually drive, and it's nice to park at a resort with free parking by the villa. I think that the treehouse villas would be an amazing long weekend getaway. If that was valued and you wanted a peak time, then ownership at SSR (resale) would be good.

If you want to have 5 stay in one bedroom, then OKW would be a good value. We are a family of 5, and we have fit into a one bedroom at VWL. If you have an infant, you could definitely do it. We tend to want to stay in 2 BR villas because we're coming for 10 days and coming from Maine, but we'd probably change our habits if it was for a short trip.

Whatever you choose, I'm sure that you'll love it.

 

[Dean]

Ultimately the best value in terms of $$$, which is how I would define value in this context, for WDW trips is the cheapest contract that fits your needs adjusted for expiration for an on property resort. Almost always that will be SSR followed by OKW extended contracts, with OKW non extended and AKV close behind, all resale of course. I would buy the best $$$ value for a resort you are comfortable staying at most trips. I think one can get SSR in the $55 a point range if one puts an effort and in a year, that will likely be under $50 a point. I don't believe the price difference between the resorts that are not in active sales is enough to settle for a resort you don't want but I do believe the difference between resale and those in active sales (BLT, HI) is enough to take risks and make compromises. CA is a different animal due to it's small size and location.