Why are OKW GV's so much cheaper?

[Brandis]

Looked up all possible points combinations for our stay in September. GV would be ideal, but otherwise we'll just take a 2BR and a studio or 3 studios.

We'll be there for 4 nights. I noticed that OKW GV's are more than 100 points less than all other resorts with GVs.

Is it only because OKW ist the oldest resort or is there another reason as well? Like GV there being smaller than at other resorts or so?

 

[tjkraz]

There isn't any science to setting point values. The Developer (Disney) simply chooses a system which it feels will maximize the return on their investment.

Old Key West is the original Disney Vacation Club resort. Disney set the values at a level it felt was appropriate when first marketing OKW. Then when introducing later resorts, they went with much higher costs across the board--particularly on Grand Villas.

It's really just a case of DVD under-valuing the OKW Grand Villas 20 years ago. Legally there isn't really anything they can do to adjust that disparity. They have reallocated a number of times to balance things, but raising the costs of a Grand Villa means lowering all other rooms. As such, they are likely to remain the one pleasant exception to the other high-cost GVs.

 

[Brandis]

Thanks! Makes sense, I forgot that they can't just change the overall point costs.

Stayed in studios at OKW twice and liked it. So I think for our party of 6 it would be a great value.

 

[Donna M]

We are staying in one again in 2 weeks, can't wait! There are very large, bigger than the one at SSR, at least it feels that way. If you have the points go for it, you'll love it.

 

[riatees]

OKW GV's are bigger than the others. I think SS's are closest in size, I might be wrong. I love the layout at OKW also, they are great when you have family traveling with you. When we joined DVC in 1996, OKW was the only vacation club resort. We were told than that the number of points allocated for the resort could never change, but that points could be switched around to make different times or accomadations more or less. They way it works is if points go up at one time, they go down at another. I know there is a much better way of explaining it, and I'm sure someone else can say it better than I just did.

 

[DenLo]

OKW does have the largest GV's. OKW's GVs are less than 30 sq. ft. bigger than AKV Jambo House.

Here's the alphabetical list with rankings for the GVs at WDW.


3. AKV Kidani - 2201
2. Jambo - 2349
6. BLT - 2044
4. BWV - 2142
1. OKW - 2375
5. SSR - 2113

 

[dcamdad]

At original DVC inception I really feel the Disney had no clue in the value of the OKW GV's. OKW was the trial to see how people would react to the vacation club idea.

 

[KingRat]

DenLo,

Is your figure for the size of the Grand Villa at BWV an average of the seven? I believe two of the Grand Villa's are larger than the others. If you ever get to stay in one of these, it's an experience. When we checked in the cast member at the desk said "Ow Wow" and when you get to the room, you understand why.

 

[dianeschlicht]

DenLo,

Is your figure for the size of the Grand Villa at BWV an average of the seven? I believe two of the Grand Villa's are larger than the others. If you ever get to stay in one of these, it's an experience. When we checked in the cast member at the desk said "Ow Wow" and when you get to the room, you understand why.

I think you are talking about the single level GVs at BWV, and while they seem larger, I don't think the size difference between those and the two story ones is very much.

 

[drusba]

Looked up all possible points combinations for our stay in September. GV would be ideal, but otherwise we'll just take a 2BR and a studio or 3 studios.

We'll be there for 4 nights. I noticed that OKW GV's are more than 100 points less than all other resorts with GVs.

Is it only because OKW ist the oldest resort or is there another reason as well? Like GV there being smaller than at other resorts or so?

Frankly if you are thinking of a GV in September, you better call exctly at 9 am at 7 months out. They are often gone shortly after the 11 month window opens and thus chances are low to begin with but if anything is available at 7 months, you need to be the first caller for one.

 

[Brandis]

Oh believe me, the date is marked in my calendar. I'll call right at 3PM my time.

If none are available, I'll just go with a 2BR and a studio, maybe at Kidani. OKW is the only place where I can afford a GV with the points I have available I still could put the OKW GV on waitlist. Right now I have 3 studios at BLT but would like something bigger, that's why I look for other options.

Also as it is exactly during the days when the member cruise is going on I hope all other members will be on the Dream and not at WDW