AKV or CCV - Help me decide!?!

[HallDisney2019]

For the last year I have been researching/analyzing a DVC Membership. Probably too much to some degree as I want to get the best bang for my buck and it has kind of taken the excitement out of the emotional buy. We are a young family, two kids (2 & less than 1). Looking to possibly purchase DVC contract.

1. AKV or CCV? From everything I have viewed, and based on preference, it comes down to these two. Dues are similar, price per point is about $20/pp difference (also depends on stripped or loaded contract). Using the CAGR Calculator from this board, based on 2 trips per year, my ROI is 6-years for both. Biggest difference, IMO, is CCV has 11 more years on the Deed.

1A. What always is in the back of my head is getting a SSR with the cost being so low (its like that little mouse on my shoulder which will not go away) - this is my analysis-paralysis talking

2. How many points would you recommend starting with? I hate to say this, but must; I would have to finance with the goal to pay it off within 4-5 years. I was thinking 200, but open. Maybe get smaller contract first?

3. Resale or Direct? Resale- think I can get $135-$150 (CCV) and $103 -$120 (AKV). CCV Direct is $195/pp (with incentive) & AKV is $178/pp (with incentive)

 

[HallDisney2019]

Maybe even an extended OKW? I know I am adding more resorts.....

 

[WDWEPCOT]

Rule of thumb - buy where you really want to stay !
Do you want to sit and look at zebras or your cabin ??
I own at AKL and love it so I am bias - if it’s stretch your dollars go for the longer contract - just make sure if you buy resale you buy where you really want to stay
Good luck ! Let us know what you pick !!

 

[Prince John Robin Hood]

Hopefully some CCV owners can chime in concerning availability but I know that studio availability is difficult. I'm not sure if it's primarily September thru January or all year but that could be a factor if you want studios.

 

[CastAStone]

For the last year I have been researching/analyzing a DVC Membership. Probably too much to some degree as I want to get the best bang for my buck and it has kind of taken the excitement out of the emotional buy. We are a young family, two kids (2 & less than 1). Looking to possibly purchase DVC contract.

1. AKV or CCV? From everything I have viewed, and based on preference, it comes down to these two. Dues are similar, price per point is about $20/pp difference (also depends on stripped or loaded contract). Using the CAGR Calculator from this board, based on 2 trips per year, my ROI is 6-years for both. Biggest difference, IMO, is CCV has 11 more years on the Deed.

1A. What always is in the back of my head is getting a SSR with the cost being so low (its like that little mouse on my shoulder which will not go away) - this is my analysis-paralysis talking

2. How many points would you recommend starting with? I hate to say this, but must; I would have to finance with the goal to pay it off within 4-5 years. I was thinking 200, but open. Maybe get smaller contract first?

3. Resale or Direct? Resale- think I can get $135-$150 (CCV) and $103 -$120 (AKV). CCV Direct is $195/pp (with incentive) & AKV is $178/pp (with incentive)

If you are looking for studios you should buy AKV. End of story. CCV is a scramble for much of the year as they underbuilt the number of studios and then sold buckets of 100-150 point contracts, which aren’t particularly useful for much else. AKV has plenty of studios.

You can also buy at SSR to stay at AKV as long as you’re OK mostly ending up in Kidani and not Jambo House; you probably can’t buy SSR to stay at CCV in studios. SSR is 3 fewer years sure but it’s cheaper in both initial costs and dues. If you do get stuck there, it has 2 zero entry feature pools with slides, 3 quality splash pads, 4 QS restaurants, a TS restaurant and adjacency to Disney Springs, and frankly I know it’s not everyone’s favorite but you could do a lot worse with small to medium kids.

 

[shoegal9]

For the last year I have been researching/analyzing a DVC Membership. Probably too much to some degree as I want to get the best bang for my buck and it has kind of taken the excitement out of the emotional buy. We are a young family, two kids (2 & less than 1). Looking to possibly purchase DVC contract.

1. AKV or CCV? From everything I have viewed, and based on preference, it comes down to these two. Dues are similar, price per point is about $20/pp difference (also depends on stripped or loaded contract). Using the CAGR Calculator from this board, based on 2 trips per year, my ROI is 6-years for both. Biggest difference, IMO, is CCV has 11 more years on the Deed.

1A. What always is in the back of my head is getting a SSR with the cost being so low (its like that little mouse on my shoulder which will not go away) - this is my analysis-paralysis talking

2. How many points would you recommend starting with? I hate to say this, but must; I would have to finance with the goal to pay it off within 4-5 years. I was thinking 200, but open. Maybe get smaller contract first?

3. Resale or Direct? Resale- think I can get $135-$150 (CCV) and $103 -$120 (AKV). CCV Direct is $195/pp (with incentive) & AKV is $178/pp (with incentive)

So, my boyfriend and I joined a few years ago. We are in our 30s... and hope to have little ones in the near future. We purchased the minimum direct from Disney (75 points at the time) at Copper Creek so we could have the blue card benefits. Then we purchased another 160 points on the resale market at the Polynesian and Animal Kingdom. I think we paid around $120 for our AKV points.

I would recommend Animal Kingdom for a number of reasons:
- More to do for children- its pretty much a resort plus a zoo
- The point charts are more generous. We can do a week there for around 100 points.
-The booking window is easy at both 11 and 7 months. If you want studios for a small/young family for the time being, they are hard to get at 11 months. Sometimes even for owners.
- The one bedroom units (when your family is big/old enough to need them) has two bathrooms
- The price per point is lower for resale purchases

If you plan to go a few times a year like we do, then the blue card I believe is worth getting because of the annual pass discount and the ability to stay at Riviera and any new resorts that are built. Last year we did 3 DVC trips and still banked points, so starting smaller is fine as long as you stay above 100. The smaller contracts tend to come at a premium.

We are thinking about buying a small resale contract at Saratoga because we were really impressed with the refurb. there- but the contracts are also shorter (unless you can find an extended one) and we would ideally like our children to be able to use it one day or force them to push us around in wheelchairs. We might add on there, but I'm glad i have longer contracts as well at CCV and AKV.

We personally won't add on directly with Disney again unless the terms change considerably. We like that we have our direct membership and perks, but that price is painful.

 

[Ruttangel]

The biggest advantage to AKV is the low point chart. It’s about 1 night better per week (7nights at AKV=6 nights at CCV)
200pts at AKV will be around $100 max on resale market at the moment.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Since you have to finance (and no, I am not recommending that) go as cheaply as you can. That means resale and it means AKV or SSR. You don't mention when you go but depending on the time you might be able to use the SSR points elsewhere. And if you're ok with staying at SSR then I would say that's a possible option. Otherwise if it's even in a preference for you between CCV and AKV then go AKV.

Also might want to start saving up for a contract and wait just a bit. IMO it's still difficult to say what resale prices will do within the next year.

 

[MICKIMINI]

If you are down to two resorts, go with the resort your family will love for many years. We still love OKW as much as we did in 1996 but have two pending BRV's. This is #9 and #10 (we flip occasionally when profitable). As much as I love AKV and bid on several recently w/o luck, as a young family, personally I would go with CCV resale. I saw one listed today for $139 (100 points). 100 points resale on AKV is running $125 or more as there are few resale contracts and I believe they are over priced. CCV location is more private than monorail resorts yet close to MK and the monorail and those resorts. I can't imagine that long bus ride with two little kids and AKV is fairly easy to get at 7 months anyway.

100 points at SSR for 10K, at AKV for 12.5K, at CCV for 13.9K. Over 30 years, the difference is small buy where you want to stay! There is no benefit to buying more than 100 points direct.

I always suggest buying two (or more) contracts. Start with a loaded contract with banked 2019 points (into 2020) and full 2020 points. It will buy you a few years (depending on UY) and then buy your second contract. You are safer with two smaller contracts in case you ever need to sell. Hopefully you will be able to pay it off in a year or two perhaps with a 0% 18 month credit card if you are diligent?

I'm very analytical as well, yet this purchase has to be an emotional purchase as far as your "home" goes. It doesn't make any sense to spend that kind of money unless you love it. If buying resale, don't get discouraged with declined, fair offers - just keep offering until you get what you want. Good luck!

 

[CastAStone]

I always suggest buying two (or more) contracts. Start with a loaded contract with banked 2019 points (into 2020) and full 2020 points. It will buy you a few years (depending on UY) and then buy your second contract. You are safer with two smaller contracts in case you ever need to sell.

I'm very analytical as well, yet this purchase has to be an emotional purchase as far as your "home" goes. It doesn't make any sense to spend that kind of money unless you love it. If buying resale, don't get discouraged with declined, fair offers - just keep offering until you get what you want. Good luck!

This part of your post should be in a sticky called “Excellent Advice for Newbies”.

 

[EM Lawrence]

Keep in mind that CCV only sleep 4 in both the studio and the 1BR. If you need sleeping surfaces for 5, or even if your kids don’t want to share a bed when they get older, you will have to book a 2BR. Mine loved to share a bed when they were little, but now I have teens so I always have to have 3 sleeping surfaces.

 

[davidl81]

Here are my personal feelings on what you are looking at.
We bought AKV direct in 2008 and did finance it through Disney. The interest kinda sucks, but we got 4-5 years worth of vacations out of it before we would have saved enough to pay cash so the math kinda works out on the financing.
we have added on at SSR each time afterwards just because the points are so cheap overall. That being said I am not a huge fan of SSR, it’s not a bad resort, it’s just not my favorite. But at 7 months for the most part you can always find a studio somewhere else. It may not be exactly where you wanted, but you should have options.
CCV is nice, but for a first timer buying resale and financing I would do either AKV or SSR. I lean SSR, but AKV to us has a lot more charm than SSR and the little kids will love it.

 

[Yinn]

For the last year I have been researching/analyzing a DVC Membership. Probably too much to some degree as I want to get the best bang for my buck and it has kind of taken the excitement out of the emotional buy. We are a young family, two kids (2 & less than 1). Looking to possibly purchase DVC contract.

1. AKV or CCV? From everything I have viewed, and based on preference, it comes down to these two. Dues are similar, price per point is about $20/pp difference (also depends on stripped or loaded contract). Using the CAGR Calculator from this board, based on 2 trips per year, my ROI is 6-years for both. Biggest difference, IMO, is CCV has 11 more years on the Deed.

1A. What always is in the back of my head is getting a SSR with the cost being so low (its like that little mouse on my shoulder which will not go away) - this is my analysis-paralysis talking

2. How many points would you recommend starting with? I hate to say this, but must; I would have to finance with the goal to pay it off within 4-5 years. I was thinking 200, but open. Maybe get smaller contract first?

3. Resale or Direct? Resale- think I can get $135-$150 (CCV) and $103 -$120 (AKV). CCV Direct is $195/pp (with incentive) & AKV is $178/pp (with incentive)

My perspective as a AKV owner, PVB owner, and soon to be CCV owner.

1. If I'm being honest, you'll probably get addonitus and end up with both. I went with AKV first in hindsight; it was a great first ownership experience. Rooms are readily available, let's you learn the use the system without much frustration. It is more expensive per point for annual dues, but the rooms per point are some of the best deals. So it evens out a bit.

1A. SSR is just a plain good deal. My financial calculations always pointed me to it. But, I have zero desire to stay there. So I'd rather buy elsewhere.

2. Looking back, I should have bought more to start. Started with 75 direct, added 200 resale, added 200 resale more. When I calculate my cost I should have just bought direct CCV to maximize my incentives. If I had to do it again, I'd probably buy about 200-300 direct CCV and supplement the rest with resale. The closing costs start adding up.

3. It's highly situational. CCV makes more sense to buy direct than AKV. The incentives are greater and the spread of direct vs resale is lower. I personally like the blue card benefits and use them, but also the idea that I can stay anywhere in the future with some of my direct points. But obviously I've added on a bunch of resale as deals show up.

 

[HallDisney2019]

Good afternoon-

It sounds like we have some SSR fans on this thread. On the resale market, I can get probably $5-10/pp cheaper than OKW resale contract. Difference is 3-years deed year (2054 vs. 5057).

If I were to entertain SSR, what are your thoughts?

As you may not be able to tell, I am not bias to specific resorts. I kind of enjoy staying at different resorts. That being said, if there are no openings at the 7-month window, I would have to lean on my home resort. I have not stayed at SSR, but to me, SSR and OKW are comparable. We really enjoy OKW, and there typically is always rooms available

Thoughts? Right now, listed at SSR is 165 points for $111/pp. I would hope I can negotiate $5-7/pp off. Good deal. I could combo this with a smaller contract as I believe 180-210 is a sweet start to begin with (2 contracts based on the feedback here). OKW-Extended I can get just over 200 points for right around $100, but only one contract.

AKV - we have only stayed once and enjoyed it.

I need help!

Thanks

 

[Yinn]

Good afternoon-

It sounds like we have some SSR fans on this thread. On the resale market, I can get probably $5-10/pp cheaper than OKW resale contract. Difference is 3-years deed year (2054 vs. 5057).

If I were to entertain SSR, what are your thoughts?

As you may not be able to tell, I am not bias to specific resorts. I kind of enjoy staying at different resorts. That being said, if there are no openings at the 7-month window, I would have to lean on my home resort. I have not stayed at SSR, but to me, SSR and OKW are comparable. We really enjoy OKW, and there typically is always rooms available

Thoughts? Right now, listed at SSR is 165 points for $111/pp. I would hope I can negotiate $5-7/pp off. Good deal. I could combo this with a smaller contract as I believe 180-210 is a sweet start to begin with (2 contracts based on the feedback here). OKW-Extended I can get just over 200 points for right around $100, but only one contract.

AKV - we have only stayed once and enjoyed it.

I need help!

Thanks

I personally find SSR difficult to accept around $110-$120/pt. My loaded CCV contract was $130/pt but more so my PVB was $128/pt, which are comparable in dues, longer contract term, and if it matters to you; on the monorail. So the spread in the mid $110's is far to close for me to be a deal. But SSR in the 90's is hard to pass financially if you're ok with staying there. That's just to me though.

You also hit on availability as an aspect. SSR is always available. AKV kind of is too. So where would you like to stay that you'd never be able to get into? For me, it seems to be BCV. If I wanted in BCV during my travel times my only chances are really to either buy it, or rent from a BCV owner.

Other than that, SSR looks nice after the refurb. The studios can sleep 5, plenty of availability and of course low purchase price and dues.

 

[CastAStone]

Good afternoon-

It sounds like we have some SSR fans on this thread. On the resale market, I can get probably $5-10/pp cheaper than OKW resale contract. Difference is 3-years deed year (2054 vs. 5057).

If I were to entertain SSR, what are your thoughts?

As you may not be able to tell, I am not bias to specific resorts. I kind of enjoy staying at different resorts. That being said, if there are no openings at the 7-month window, I would have to lean on my home resort. I have not stayed at SSR, but to me, SSR and OKW are comparable. We really enjoy OKW, and there typically is always rooms available

Thoughts? Right now, listed at SSR is 165 points for $111/pp. I would hope I can negotiate $5-7/pp off. Good deal. I could combo this with a smaller contract as I believe 180-210 is a sweet start to begin with (2 contracts based on the feedback here). OKW-Extended I can get just over 200 points for right around $100, but only one contract.

AKV - we have only stayed once and enjoyed it.

I need help!

Thanks

If you have stayed at and enjoy OKW, SSR is similar but has a more centralized layout (there are no regular rooms as far from dining at SSR as say the Turtle rooms at OKW), 2 feature pools instead of 1, and substantially more QS dining options (4 if you include the one at the Golf Course, which you should include because its open to anyone and serves breakfast). I think most people would tell you that Olivias > Turf Club, I haven't eaten at Olivias in years so I can't speak to that. Either has DS access, but SSR is of course closer. SSR has or will shortly have the 2nd bed that folds down from the wall; OKW will likely never have that because of the window layout. OKW studios have 2 real queen beds but the 1BRs will almost certainly have the sofabed forever. OKW has a sleeper chair as the 3rd sleeping surface in the 1BRs, when the SSR renovations are complete, it will have a mini murphy bed, smaller than the chair bed but more comfortable. Rooms are roughly similar in size to AKV.

https://www.fidelityresales.com/resort/disneys-saratoga-springs-resort has loaded SSR contracts for ~$100/point list price in your point size range. Make sure you're shopping around when you look for contracts.

 

[CarolMN]

Other than that, SSR looks nice after the refurb. The studios can sleep 5, plenty of availability and of course low purchase price and dues.

AFAIK, the refurbed SSR studios still sleep 4. (No Murphy bed under the TV). The refurbed 1 bedrooms have the under TV Murphy and sleep 5.

 

[Yinn]

AFAIK, the refurbed SSR studios still sleep 4. (No Murphy bed under the TV). The refurbed 1 bedrooms have the under TV Murphy and sleep 5.

You’re right! Sorry. Memory lapse.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Good afternoon-

It sounds like we have some SSR fans on this thread. On the resale market, I can get probably $5-10/pp cheaper than OKW resale contract. Difference is 3-years deed year (2054 vs. 5057).

If I were to entertain SSR, what are your thoughts?

As you may not be able to tell, I am not bias to specific resorts. I kind of enjoy staying at different resorts. That being said, if there are no openings at the 7-month window, I would have to lean on my home resort. I have not stayed at SSR, but to me, SSR and OKW are comparable. We really enjoy OKW, and there typically is always rooms available

Thoughts? Right now, listed at SSR is 165 points for $111/pp. I would hope I can negotiate $5-7/pp off. Good deal. I could combo this with a smaller contract as I believe 180-210 is a sweet start to begin with (2 contracts based on the feedback here). OKW-Extended I can get just over 200 points for right around $100, but only one contract.

AKV - we have only stayed once and enjoyed it.

I need help!

Thanks

I'm going to disagree on going with multiple small contracts if 200 pts is the max and you're buying resale unless you were to take a more conservative approach and buy one smaller contract and get that paid off as quickly as possible and then add on.

If you can get OKW extended for less than SSR do not let the single contract affect the decision. When you are purchasing direct it sometimes make sense to break up the contracts but 200 really isn't all that big. The point price itself stays the same but you do have an increased closing cost. When you are purchasing resale though the price per point is generally higher for smaller contracts so that negates the back end selling for more than a larger contract as the owner(s) before you already factored that in. And you also have double the closing costs (or more) if you purchase multiple contracts on the resale market. And more costs in estoppel fees etc if you do ever decide to sell all the points. If it were 300-500 or more then sure, it could be a good idea to shop around but 200 is not what I'd consider that large anymore as long as you have need of that many points.

OKW does come with a challenge on the back end if you hold onto the contract that long since there's a lot of contracts that are not extended. Nobody is certain how 2042 will affect the owners who do have extended contracts.

From everything I see on resale you should be able to find SSR for less than OKW extended plus SSR has lower dues so more bang for your buck.

 

[pinkxray]

I just bought our first contract and went with SSR.
When I first started looking I was really looking between AKV and SSR. Poly and BLT are also on my list but I ruled those out for our first contract.
I ended up picking SSR because we actually like the resort.
When my husband travels with us we don’t spend a lot of time in the parks as he isn’t a Disney fan. We rent a car and we can’t always book at 11 months.
I like SSR over AKV because I have options of things to do. Disney springs is right there and we also love all then all the pools.
Price was right too. AKV has recently bumped up in price and wasn’t worth it for me when we would be happy at SSR.
I am looking to add on a small MK resort for popular RunDisney weekends when my DH doesn’t travel with us because I like to be near MK and hit the parks harder when DH isn’t around.

Also check out the ROFR thread for recent prices. 160pts at SSR should not be higher than the 90s. Some people are getting in the 80s but I’m not sure if that’s over 200pts.

The 2054 end date wasn’t bad a huge factor since I will already be in my 70s by then.