AKV or BLT

[DisneyHeather]

Ok so I have a reservation for December 2-12, 2013 in a standard 1 bedroom at AKV Kidani and at 7 months I need to change to a 2 bedroom. I really want to try staying at BLT but am worried I might not like it while I do know I like AKV.

There will be 4 adults and a 4 year old and a 2 1/2 year old. For two adults and the 4 year old it will be their first time staying on site and therefore in a DVC resort. I'm fine with the difference in point cost as long as I can get a standard 2 bedroom at BLT (if I can't then I don't have to decide as I'll stay at AKV)

What are your opinions on if I can even get a standard 2 bedroom at BLT for those dates at 7 months and do I try something new or stick with what I know??

 

[CarolMN]

I honestly do not think you will be able to get a standard view 2 bedroom at BLT for those dates. Early December is very popular, there aren't all that many standard views at BLT and I'm quite sure there are already waitlists for at least some of the nights you will need.

BLT 2 bedrooms are similar to AKV in layout. With 2 small children, the location would be convenient. If you can swing a Lake View, I'd give it a try. That said, you want more than 1 week. That's going to be a tough reservation to get since you can only book 7 nights when your window first opens. When you book at 7 months, there is no guarantee that the additional nights you want will be available.

If it were me, I'd stay put at AKV. I'm sure the little ones will love the animals and all of the special activities available there.

 

[DisneyHeather]

Thank you Carol. I don't have the points for Lake View so I'll just stay at BLT for another trip since I have plenty of time to try it out I was thinking it would be hard to get all the nights because it's more than 7 as well and I don't really want to do a split stay.

Maybe I'll have points to do DLR in 2014 then

 

[drusba]

At 7 months out for that time period in 2012, you could not have gotten a BLT 2BR of any kind. In fact you will likely face a serious risk of not being able to switch to a 2BR at AKV. That time period is the highest DVC demand time of the year and during the first week for 2012 there were nights missing for 2BR standard and savanna views at 7 months out. It is the only time of year when you might have a problem with AKV standard or savanna view at 7 months out.

 

[DisneyHeather]

At 7 months out for that time period in 2012, you could not have gotten a BLT 2BR of any kind. In fact you will likely face a serious risk of not being able to switch to a 2BR at AKV. That time period is the highest DVC demand time of the year and during the first week for 2012 there were nights missing for 2BR standard and savanna views at 7 months out. It is the only time of year when you might have a problem with AKV standard or savanna view at 7 months out.

Oh no!! That wouldn't be good...I'll just have to hope I can get one at AKV so they don't have to stay at a value.

 

[mmmagic7754]

AKV..

 

[Meggysmum]

BLT has no 2bed standard views (lockoff or dedicated) available for those dates. There is only 1 night in a lockoff out of your whole trip so I think it will be AKV!

 

[drusba]

Oh no!! That wouldn't be good...I'll just have to hope I can get one at AKV so they don't have to stay at a value.

The risk of not getting it all nights at AKV is the first week, Dec 2 to 9. For 2012 at exactly 7 months out standard had a couple days in that week already filled for 2BR standard. The second week was open at 7 months out. If you actually have to have a 2BR, then you might be going about it the wrong way. You want 10 nights. That means at 7 months out you will first have to cancel 7 nights in the 1BR and reserve the 2BR and then cancel and reserve for the remainder nights thereafter. You may actually increase your chances of getting a 2BR for the entire period by reserving all the nights during the first week that you can now in a 2BR and then at 7 months adding the extra nights.

You also mention value as the optional reserve. If you are referring to AKV, be aware there is no chance of getting a value room at AKV at 7 months out for that time of year. They are mostly gone for that period in 2013 already.

 

[DisneyHeather]

The risk of not getting it all nights at AKV is the first week, Dec 2 to 9. For 2012 at exactly 7 months out standard had a couple days in that week already filled for 2BR standard. The second week was open at 7 months out. If you actually have to have a 2BR, then you might be going about it the wrong way. You want 10 nights. That means at 7 months out you will first have to cancel 7 nights in the 1BR and reserve the 2BR and then cancel and reserve for the remainder nights thereafter. You may actually increase your chances of getting a 2BR for the entire period by reserving all the nights during the first week that you can now in a 2BR and then at 7 months adding the extra nights.

You also mention value as the optional reserve. If you are referring to AKV, be aware there is no chance of getting a value room at AKV at 7 months out for that time of year. They are mostly gone for that period in 2013 already.

I don't have enough AKV points to reserve a 2 bedroom right now I have to wait until I can use my VGC points. And when I say value I mean a value resort because if I can't get a 2 bedroom I'll keep my 1 bedroom for my family and they will book a room at a value resort. I know I won't be able to get a value room at AKV at 7 months out. I'll just warn them that I'll get the room if I can but if I can't they'll have to go back to their original plan. Thanks for all the information though

 

[drusba]

I don't have enough AKV points to reserve a 2 bedroom right now I have to wait until I can use my VGC points. And when I say value I mean a value resort because if I can't get a 2 bedroom I'll keep my 1 bedroom for my family and they will book a room at a value resort. I know I won't be able to get a value room at AKV at 7 months out. I'll just warn them that I'll get the room if I can but if I can't they'll have to go back to their original plan. Thanks for all the information though

Yes, it makes sense if the main desire is to assure you have your room for the entire 10 nights rather than necessarily getting a 2BR. Also, in these situations you always have some risk the guests who are not part of your immediate family may have to back out and thus having a 2BR reserved would not be the best, Note, if it becomes an issue you will have an option besides renting at a value hotel for the remainder of your group. The one thing that has proven certain year round, including for that first week in Dec, is that SSR will be open at 7 months out. OKW may also be open.

 

[DisneyHeather]

Yes, it makes sense if the main desire is to assure you have your room for the entire 10 nights rather than necessarily getting a 2BR. Also, in these situations you always have some risk the guests who are not part of your immediate family may have to back out and thus having a 2BR reserved would not be the best, Note, if it becomes an issue you will have an option besides renting at a value hotel for the remainder of your group. The one thing that has proven certain year round, including for that first week in Dec, is that SSR will be open at 7 months out. OKW may also be open.

I checked and as of now all my dates are there in a 2 bedroom but I know that could change by tonight let alone by the 7 month window. I'll just do what I can and I'll keep SSR in mind I hadn't thought of that if AKV wasn't available. And I already told them I needed a for sure, they won't back out a few days before the 7 month window or I won't be needing the 2 bedroom anyway. Thanks again for all you help