AKL, CCV, SSR, or BLT

[Julia58]

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I have pretty much decided that we would like to purchase DVC (I was shocked that he agreed), and I have been reading through these pages trying to determine best home resort.

I have been really impressed with the knowledge here, so thought I would throw out some of our initial thoughts for any feedback.

Background on us - we are a family of 4 with 2.5 year old twin girls. We live in the Northeast, so a trip will always require some planning.

Our plan would be to go every other year for 5-7 nights; although, occasionally it may be every 3 years, and if we did occasionally have extra points, we would be fine renting.
I love Disney during low crowd times, like it during mid crowd times, and wouldn’t even want to be there during highest crowd times - therefore, never plan to be there for holidays such as the Christmas or Thanksgiving. I know DVC’s high season doesn’t completely correspond to general crowds though - I think we would typically travel in May, end of August, September, November, and December. This may change as our daughters get older though.

I think sometimes we would rent a studio and other times a one bedroom. I like the extra space and a kitchen with the 1 bedroom, but don’t know if we would always be in our room enough to make the point differential worth while. Assuming we would probably use the room more when our kids are young. We also like a good pool day. Occasionally we may bring family with us, but don’t think this would be common enough to get additional points for them - we would probably just rent additional in this scenario. We were thinking of starting with 100 - 125 points and potentially adding on depending on how it goes.

I think we have narrowed it down it down to the following 4 homes and was looking for any potential input. I know I have heard stay there before you buy, but as we go about every two years, and we have only stayed in two of the four, I don’t necesssily want to wait another 4 years to stay in the other 2 prior to buying.

Ultimately I am sure I would like some resorts more than others, but also generally happy staying at any Disney resort, and ideally would like to try out many as opposed to the same one year after year. Think staying in a one bedroom would make it easier to book outside our home at the 7 month mark.

AKL - stayed here before, loved the theming, loved the restaurants. Think the girls would love the animals. Like the potential to get value rooms, and the relatively low price per point. Didn’t so much love the time to get to parks other than Animal Kingdom

CCV - stayed at Wilderness Lodge; although, not specifically CCR and probably my favorite Disney resort I have stayed at. Like the proximity to MK as I think we will spend a lot of time here as the girls are younger. Like the low price per point over the age of the contract. Downsides are the slightly higher initial buy in price per point and higher points per room than the other choices.

SSR - like the lower buy in price while still a fairly long contract (with the hope of being able to use the points for other resorts in addition to SSR). My husband is a golfer, so proximity to golf courses are nice (although he hasn’t typically golfed while we were here, I think he may if we go more regularly), like the proximity to Disney Springs (again we haven’t been that often, but we like eating out, and think we would be more into heading over if close by). Less into the fact it isn’t as close to any parks. Also, feel like it is a generally less liked option; although I know you can still find plenty of appreciation. I haven’t stayed here personally.

BLT - this was kind of a last minute add based on what I’ve read. Another one I haven’t stayed at. Like the proximity to MK, and on the monorail with a lesser price point than GFV and rooms other than studios like PVB. Like the lower price point for standard rooms. Not so sold on the theming or pool. Think this is currently the highest price per point over the life of the contract that we are considering as well as higher initial buy in price.

Anyway obviously thinking a lot about this to write this looong of a post - feel free to skip over most and just send along any thoughts you have.

Thanks!

 

[Jimmy Geppetto]

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I have pretty much decided that we would like to purchase DVC (I was shocked that he agreed), and I have been reading through these pages trying to determine best home resort.

I have been really impressed with the knowledge here, so thought I would throw out some of our initial thoughts for any feedback.

Background on us - we are a family of 4 with 2.5 year old twin girls. We live in the Northeast, so a trip will always require some planning.

Our plan would be to go every other year for 5-7 nights; although, occasionally it may be every 3 years, and if we did occasionally have extra points, we would be fine renting.
I love Disney during low crowd times, like it during mid crowd times, and wouldn’t even want to be there during highest crowd times - therefore, never plan to be there for holidays such as the Christmas or Thanksgiving. I know DVC’s high season doesn’t completely correspond to general crowds though - I think we would typically travel in May, end of August, September, November, and December. This may change as our daughters get older though.

I think sometimes we would rent a studio and other times a one bedroom. I like the extra space and a kitchen with the 1 bedroom, but don’t know if we would always be in our room enough to make the point differential worth while. Assuming we would probably use the room more when our kids are young. We also like a good pool day. Occasionally we may bring family with us, but don’t think this would be common enough to get additional points for them - we would probably just rent additional in this scenario. We were thinking of starting with 100 - 125 points and potentially adding on depending on how it goes.

I think we have narrowed it down it down to the following 4 homes and was looking for any potential input. I know I have heard stay there before you buy, but as we go about every two years, and we have only stayed in two of the four, I don’t necesssily want to wait another 4 years to stay in the other 2 prior to buying.

Ultimately I am sure I would like some resorts more than others, but also generally happy staying at any Disney resort, and ideally would like to try out many as opposed to the same one year after year. Think staying in a one bedroom would make it easier to book outside our home at the 7 month mark.

AKL - stayed here before, loved the theming, loved the restaurants. Think the girls would love the animals. Like the potential to get value rooms, and the relatively low price per point. Didn’t so much love the time to get to parks other than Animal Kingdom

CCV - stayed at Wilderness Lodge; although, not specifically CCR and probably my favorite Disney resort I have stayed at. Like the proximity to MK as I think we will spend a lot of time here as the girls are younger. Like the low price per point over the age of the contract. Downsides are the slightly higher initial buy in price per point and higher points per room than the other choices.

SSR - like the lower buy in price while still a fairly long contract (with the hope of being able to use the points for other resorts in addition to SSR). My husband is a golfer, so proximity to golf courses are nice (although he hasn’t typically golfed while we were here, I think he may if we go more regularly), like the proximity to Disney Springs (again we haven’t been that often, but we like eating out, and think we would be more into heading over if close by). Less into the fact it isn’t as close to any parks. Also, feel like it is a generally less liked option; although I know you can still find plenty of appreciation. I haven’t stayed here personally.

BLT - this was kind of a last minute add based on what I’ve read. Another one I haven’t stayed at. Like the proximity to MK, and on the monorail with a lesser price point than GFV and rooms other than studios like PVB. Like the lower price point for standard rooms. Not so sold on the theming or pool. Think this is currently the highest price per point over the life of the contract that we are considering as well as higher initial buy in price.

Anyway obviously thinking a lot about this to write this looong of a post - feel free to skip over most and just send along any thoughts you have.

Thanks!

Here is an article that helped me decide.

https://www.dvcresalemarket.com/blog/best-economical-dvc-resorts-to-purchase-spring-2021/

 

[VWLforever]

Buy where you want to stay most of the time. Don't overthink it. Trading to other properties in studios can be dicey, depending on when you want to travel. It happens plenty of course, but if you own where you most often want to stay, you always have advantage to get those rooms. If there are two places you love, consider buying a smaller number of points in each of the two.

 

[JoeyPeligroso]

i love your choices and thoughtful approach to this! Personally, I am a huge fan of both CCV and AKL. That being said, I wonder if it would make sense to consider renting at some of your other options before this purchase? Prior to buying, I found it to be very helpful to rent and/or cash stay at a number of locations over several years before I made the choice to purchase CCV. Those stays really helped me to affirm my choice of CCV.

With multiple pre-purchase stays, I watched my boys come to appreciate both AKL and Wilderness Lodge, and that really guided me. Ultimately, CCV also made good sense for the point charts, length of contract at that time of my purchase, and because of the generally reasonable availability of AKL at seven months.

I think there could be some good things to be experienced in staying at or renting other locations for awhile as you look at some of these options and explore your family preferences. For example, my kids absolutely love BCV, but I realized that it wasn’t a perfect contract fit. So, we may just stay there with a cash hotel stay or a rental for future visits. You could even consider a split stay at several locations to see how one compares to another. One location may just ultimately feel like the best fit as you explore - and for me that fit was what I ultimately purchased.

These boards and the great commentary absolutely helped my choice and I still read about DVC here after my purchase.

 

[DVC Doctor]

Buy where you would love to stay the most

 

[Lorana]

I am biased, of course, because the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are two of my favorite resorts, and I own at both (well, all three, as I have both CCV and BRV).

Your description sounds to me like you love CCV the most, but would be happy at any of the other three (with a question mark around BLT since you haven’t stayed there). Given that getting a studio at CCV can be difficult at November and December if you don’t own there, this would be my recommendation. Its long expiration and good point charts make it a strong contender. It’s much easier to get AKV and SSR at the 7 month mark.

BLT is very different theming wise than CCV, and while I love its location, I’m not a fan of the theming. One of the things I love about Disney is theming, hence why CCV and AKV hold dearer places in my heart. Also, BLT has the smallest studios, which can be a factor as the girls get older.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the 1BRs at CCV only sleep 4 as well, so as the girls get older, if they want separate beds, you’ll need a 2BR. AKV, BLT, and now SSR all have a fifth bed (pull down single) in the one bedrooms. Also, both ALV Kidani and BLT have TWO bathrooms in the one bedroom, which may be a further consideration as the girls get older.

 

[Matty B13]

Always buy where you want to stay the most, DVC can and has come up with new restrictions. No sense on spending all that money if you can't stay at the resort you want to.

 

[wfjny]

Our story - purchased BLT back in 2009. Had three children including one teenager at the time. We lived on Long Island. Original plan, use DVC discount to purchase the AP. One year vacation in August, next year in July. We could fly, or perhaps drive and "visit" family along the way...

Then life happens...

Wound up moving to NC. Never thought I would leave NY. Our trips to Disney increased quite a bit, averaging 5 or 6 trips a year. Often off site, but a few quick weekend trips at DVC, plus our annual week long pilgrimage.

Kids started growing up, that teenager is now married and expecting our first grandchild. We have used our BLT points at quite a few places. All at Disney World. Always used our points. Never left any on the table.

Point being, as others have said, don't overthink it too much. I had all sorts of spreadsheets. My only conclusion, I wish I had bought DVC earlier.

 

[Julia58]

Buy where you want to stay most of the time. Don't overthink it. Trading to other properties in studios can be dicey, depending on when you want to travel. It happens plenty of course, but if you own where you most often want to stay, you always have advantage to get those rooms. If there are two places you love, consider buying a smaller number of points in each of the two.

Thanks!! And ha - Can you tell I am an over analyzer from this post?!

I actually was wondering about buying two contracts, but wasn’t sure if it made sense with the limited number of points we were considering..

 

[The Jackal]

Just remember if you get CCV the studios go at 11 months at 08:00 AM most of the year. So you would need to plan for that. Also at CCV the studios and 1 bedrooms only sleep a maximum of 4. You are at the maximum right now. Granted 1 bedrooms are the last category to fill up in general, a trade at 7 months is possible most of the year for that if you have a 5th guest.

 

[Ruttangel]

For information at AKV- 2BR value rooms are pretty much impossible to get as that requires a 1BR and Studio to be free together, which is never.
Value studios are very tough and 1BR are usually a bit easier, but they sleep 4 and not 5 like 1BR standard.

I just got a Studio Club level for next year, now that required 4 weeks of walking!
Good luck with your decision, go with what your family loves best

 

[Julia58]

i love your choices and thoughtful approach to this! Personally, I am a huge fan of both CCV and AKL. That being said, I wonder if it would make sense to consider renting at some of your other options before this purchase? Prior to buying, I found it to be very helpful to rent and/or cash stay at a number of locations over several years before I made the choice to purchase CCV. Those stays really helped me to affirm my choice of CCV.

With multiple pre-purchase stays, I watched my boys come to appreciate both AKL and Wilderness Lodge, and that really guided me. Ultimately, CCV also made good sense for the point charts, length of contract at that time of my purchase, and because of the generally reasonable availability of AKL at seven months.

I think there could be some good things to be experienced in staying at or renting other locations for awhile as you look at some of these options and explore your family preferences. For example, my kids absolutely love BCV, but I realized that it wasn’t a perfect contract fit. So, we may just stay there with a cash hotel stay or a rental for future visits. You could even consider a split stay at several locations to see how one compares to another. One location may just ultimately feel like the best fit as you explore - and for me that fit was what I ultimately purchased.

These boards and the great commentary absolutely helped my choice and I still read about DVC here after my purchase.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response, and glad you and your family found the right fit for you at CCV. It is truly a beautiful resort!

If we went a little more frequently, I would totally be on board with trying out a few more options to find the right fit. However, I am unsure if I want to potentially wait multiple years just to try out some additional locations. That being said, if I could sneak in another trip for “research” sounds like it could be a win across the board! With two two year olds, once I get somewhere I typically just want to stay put, but a split stay may work well just to get the feel for more resorts in a shorter amount of time.

if we can’t swing this above, think we will just go with what feels best for us and know at Disney we will have a good time and many memories regardless. All the insight has been so appreciated though.

 

[Chuck96]

Overanalysis is impossible for such an expensive and meaningful purchase. You've gotten great advice. I'm on the same journey, and can appreciate the work you've done.

As options go, I love WL and AKL as resorts, but I'm leaning towards monorail resorts personally since I want max "value" for my points (which means location). WL has that boat to MK which is valuable. AKL gets you the most bang for the buck, points-wise, and is a unique and wonderful resort. But it is one of the worst resorts for the park transit. If you are willing to drive (which I am), then AKL is not bad at all.

In a perfect world, my wife and I would have gone BCV, but that 2042 expiration removed that option from the wishlist. A lot of depends on what you want for yourself and for your kids, and for how long. You've done the hard work of points management and time of year considerations. The advice I see over and over (and over) is buy where you are comfortable staying every time. Assume that tradeouts are a luxury that is not guaranteed. It's down to where you'd be and what that means on a day-to-day basis. It sounds like you've eaten your vegetables in terms of analysis. With that insight, which choice feels right?

Good luck, tell us how the process evolves

 

[RoseGold]

CCV is notoriously difficult to book studios, because the cabins suck up so many points, and there are so few studios. If you goal is studios, my pick is hands down AKL on this list.

If your goal is 1BR, or you just want to sleep around, I'm a little more flexible. CCV would actually be my SAP pick right now. 1BRs aren't nearly as hard to get at 7 months, and maybe you'll get lucky this year and get BC or VGF or whatever. AKL accomplishes both of these goals, you'll always have a studio, and maybe you can upgrade to BC if it's there at 7 months. This is a buyer's market. You might be able to get sleep around points at SSR with a deal. SSR is by far the biggest, so if you're up for taking your time and putting in a bunch of offers, your odds are best with SSR. I wouldn't buy AKL planning to get value or club level, but wouldn't it be cool if you did...

Mathematically, my pick would be BLT. SSR has gone up so much lately, and I think BLT still has room to grow. The BLT priority categories are valuable, and the chart already looks dated. It's the best value that will ever be on the monorail. VGF2 or Poly Tower will only make it look better. Tons of BLT on the market, so there are deals to be had there too right now.

If you get a good buy, any of these are good values. A good contract with lots of "free" points can flip the math for any of these. And the cool thing about resale is that if that contract isn't for you, then just sell it.

I own a whole lot of SSR, and I've never been there. If the plan works, I never will.

 

[wilkydelts]

I own a whole lot of SSR, and I've never been there. If the plan works, I never will.

I would love to hear more background on this if you are willing to share. Such as when you travel, how many other resorts you have contracts with, how many points at SSR, etc

 

[rubybutt]

I am going to take a different approach and be more pragmatic. I think BLT without a doubt. Best price per point per year if you find the right contract. Lowest MF. 2 bathrooms in a 1 bedroom. Good point chart.

 

[RoseGold]

I would love to hear more background on this if you are willing to share. Such as when you travel, how many other resorts you have contracts with, how many points at SSR, etc

I travel off peak, mostly 1BR or high point value rooms that are easier to book, like BLT theme
park view. This takes a lot of points. I book last minute by DVC standards, so a few months out. I use SSR for sleep around points. I plan to sell in 10 years or so. Resale value matters to me.

SSR was the classic SAP for years, low dues and buy in and long-ish contract. It’s gone up lately so much, I don’t think I would buy it now, unless you really got a deal. Right now, I’d be doing CCV, BLT, even Poly for SAP. BLT stands out from those choices as having a very attractive chart and meaningful booking priority. AKL wouldn’t be my pick, because I’d be booking the 1BR/savanna anyway, which are easy to get.

I bought VGF summer 2020, when it dipped, but that pricing is bananas now! I wouldn’t suggest that unless youre dead set VGF, or if you believe like i do that VGF2 is opening at 275.

I also think there’s an argument to buy a 2042 and sell in 10 years. I see starter beach club contracts being very attractive against a house down payment at Riviera 2. BW in particular has a well priced 1BR. That old chart from boardwalk might do the work to keep overall cost down, with an unbeatable location, even if the contract loses some value. I don’t book with enough notice to be able to take advantage of these charts.

 

[Julia58]

I am biased, of course, because the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are two of my favorite resorts, and I own at both (well, all three, as I have both CCV and BRV).

Your description sounds to me like you love CCV the most, but would be happy at any of the other three (with a question mark around BLT since you haven’t stayed there). Given that getting a studio at CCV can be difficult at November and December if you don’t own there, this would be my recommendation. Its long expiration and good point charts make it a strong contender. It’s much easier to get AKV and SSR at the 7 month mark.

BLT is very different theming wise than CCV, and while I love its location, I’m not a fan of the theming. One of the things I love about Disney is theming, hence why CCV and AKV hold dearer places in my heart. Also, BLT has the smallest studios, which can be a factor as the girls get older.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the 1BRs at CCV only sleep 4 as well, so as the girls get older, if they want separate beds, you’ll need a 2BR. AKV, BLT, and now SSR all have a fifth bed (pull down single) in the one bedrooms. Also, both ALV Kidani and BLT have TWO bathrooms in the one bedroom, which may be a further consideration as the girls get older.

Thank you so much! This was all very helpful (and sounds like you have great taste!). I actually didn’t realize the 1 bedroom at BLT had a 2nd bathroom as well - only knew that about Kidani. That would be a big seller for my husband though - he is already terrified of sharing a bathroom with three girls.

 

[Julia58]

Our story - purchased BLT back in 2009. Had three children including one teenager at the time. We lived on Long Island. Original plan, use DVC discount to purchase the AP. One year vacation in August, next year in July. We could fly, or perhaps drive and "visit" family along the way...

Then life happens...

Wound up moving to NC. Never thought I would leave NY. Our trips to Disney increased quite a bit, averaging 5 or 6 trips a year. Often off site, but a few quick weekend trips at DVC, plus our annual week long pilgrimage.

Kids started growing up, that teenager is now married and expecting our first grandchild. We have used our BLT points at quite a few places. All at Disney World. Always used our points. Never left any on the table.

Point being, as others have said, don't overthink it too much. I had all sorts of spreadsheets. My only conclusion, I wish I had bought DVC earlier.

Thanks so much for the thoughts! I feel like I am already in the position where I wish we bought earlier. Initially before knowing much, I think I was scared off by the general word “timeshare” as I knew several people who really regretted their timeshare purchase (none of which were DVC). That being said, not going to worry much about it, and excited for all the future memories!

And congratulations on the new addition to the family - how exciting!!

 

[sethschroeder]

I think sometimes we would rent a studio and other times a one bedroom.

I would go with whatever one let me get enough points to book 1BR every trip if I was bringing the kids. I also was like you thinking we might do some trips in a studio with the kids but the more I thought about it I just decided that would not really be a vacation for myself or my wife. We want the ability to get away from the kids or have them go to bed at a different time from when we will.


If money/points were not an issue (ranked first to last):
CCV - #2 in Theme and #2 in access to parks
AKV - #1 in Theme and #4 in access to parks
BLT - #4 in Theme and #1 in access to parks
SSR - #3 in Theme and #3 in access to parks (also much easier to get at 7 months but its also the cheapest likely)