AKV or SSR resale...5 kids

[wehrengrizz]

But have you considered how this affects the kids and schooling?

Yes, we definitely have this factored in. So far, our district is pretty flexible on letting folks plan ahead for family trips or make up work, but it's also another reason we don't want to book 11 mo. out.

I mention this because you will need to factor points needed if you do have to travel at other times of the year and this could play a part in what UY you purchase.

Our oldest has been planning to be in the College Program for 4 years now (he's 12) and I know that will change some things too. I figure we can do more Jan trips while most of the kids are little, and shift when we need to.

It is almost unrealistic to visit every resort prior to making your decision. Watch lots of youtube videos and you can get a good idea of what the resort has to offer.

THIS! We live in North Dakota and although I'd LOVE to shop around the resorts...that's not a thing. Good tip about watching videos though, as I absolutely know more and have visited more resorts than DH, since he sends me on solo trips

A lot has to go into your decision. SSR might be the best choice for you at this time, you do have the benefit of disney Springs right there with many dining options and nightlife if you want some non-park times.

This is actually one of our hangups. We don't really care about Disney Springs...but a non-park day at AKL would be perfect! (not that we can't stay there, obviously) However, as our kids get older, they may LOVE having that nightlife in walking distance!

Thanks for the input!

 

[Sleepy425]

We have 4 kids, and often bring my parents to help us out with them. We love the AKV-Kidani 2BR because it has the third bathroom. We have also stayed in the OKW 2BR, and while nice and spacious it is a different kind of vacation than AKV. The kids love the animals and community hall. I love that it is all one contained building. My husband would have some kids at community hall, and I would have some relaxing in the room. If one of the kids wanted to leave community hall and come back to the room, it was a straight shot down a (long) hallway. I would stand at the door to the room and they would come back (we luck out and have been on the main floor when we stay there). At OKW and SSR the buildings are spread out and there is traffic, so we have a longer time before they can have more independence there.
Oct-Dec and early Jan can be hard to get a 2BR at AKV, so consider that when choosing a resort. People always say how easy it is to get into AKV, but even with waitlisting right at 7 months we couldn't get in for Oct 2016. That's why we bought AKV points last year (our other resort is OKW).

 

[kniquy]

This is actually one of our hangups. We don't really care about Disney Springs...but a non-park day at AKL would be perfect! (not that we can't stay there, obviously) However, as our kids get older, they may LOVE having that nightlife in walking distance!

SSR will likely always be able to book 7 months out so if you want to stay there you really shouldn't have a problem getting it.

I was in the same position as you with picking resorts. We wanted a fairly low price per point contract - so that rules out many of the other more expensive resorts. Then we looked at contract length -- we plan on owning for a long time, but if we decide to sell in 10-15 years a 2057 contract will be easier to sell vs a 2042, so that eliminated some of the other resorts. We were left with AKV, OKW extended and SSR. We ultimately landed on AKV. The resort is a truely unique experience, has 3 amazing restaurants, poosl are nicer than SSR. The only draw back is the slightly higher MF, but we figure it is worth the little extra to actually go to a resort that makes you feel you are on vacation. I just didn't get that at SSR. There is a community hall at AKV so the kids can do some activities there, night viewing of the animals as well as cultural representatives to really immerse you in the culture of the resort. So if you are making you decision solely on financial then SSR makes the most sense. If you want a resort that will give you an experience then pick AKV. Sometimes it is best to book 11 months out (if you plan to go at a busy time) but at 7 months you can switch to something else. We are doing this for our April trip - a split between Poly and AKV. You are not locked in to where you buy. As your kids get older you might find split stays an attractive idea. I don't think i would do it with real little ones, but as kids get older and can take care of their own luggage it is a breeze to pack up, send your bags to your new resort and go on with your day. It makes it like 2 vacations in one!

 

[pineapplepalms]

If you don't intend to take advantage of the 11 month home resort booking advantage, SSR is the best value overall. We bought SSR resale for booking at 7 months and trying out various resorts over time. For the resorts we absolutely love (CCV and BWV), we bought there as well so we can bank/borrow and do 2 trips a year - 1 at CCV/BWV and 1 at a different resort using the SSR points. We love DS and wouldn't mind staying at SSR, since we value the ability to walk/boat to DS and would likely just rent a car for convenience. Also love that the grounds are beautiful and have plenty of walking/running paths. SSR is undergoing a refurb next year, and I tend to like the more modern look they've been moving towards (although it probably wouldn't be ideal to stay there during the refurb). And as you said, your kids might care more for DS as they get older. We love the variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options there and how nice it is just to walk around.

 

[wehrengrizz]

SSR is undergoing a refurb next year, and I tend to like the more modern look they've been moving towards

Thanks for that info too, I thought I'd heard they were refurbing some there but hadn't found more on it...then questioned if I was right haha!

I'm feeling more like SSR is going to be our perfect gateway to DVC at this point! I really appreciate all the input from everyone on this thread

 

[littlestar]

Since you won't be booking in the 11 to 7 month timeframe, I'd go with SSR resale. Cheaper dues and a good value - there are preferred and standard view categories at SSR. Studios book first so I've been able to book a dedicated two bedroom at SSR on short notice (lock-offs book first because of the studio component).

 

[Pluto777]

Yes thank you! DH has made a powerapps tool to calculate a billion different things...including the extrapolation of MFs increasing over time I think quite honestly SSR is our best bet, getting a massive contract would still cost less than a (50 pts less) contract at AKV....so I feel like it's a no-brainer yet both of us are not positive...just trying to make sure we'd be able to USE/rent annually!

I think Maintenance Fees (MF's) is EXACTLY the question you should be asking about. I'd be curious to know how you calculated a "extrapolation of MF's increasing over time" (could you share that maybe?). If your at 7 months, are not all points equal? The critical cost question for me was not just the initial buy in cost per point, but the MF's - because MF's occur EVERY year for decades to come. This is why again I ask if you could be kind enough to share your logic of approximating the future MF costs? Full disclosure; I own at BLT and SSR.

 

[wehrengrizz]

I think Maintenance Fees (MF's) is EXACTLY the question you should be asking about. I'd be curious to know how you calculated a "extrapolation of MF's increasing over time" (could you share that maybe?). If your at 7 months, are not all points equal? The critical cost question for me was not just the initial buy in cost per point, but the MF's - because MF's occur EVERY year for decades to come. This is why again I ask if you could be kind enough to share your logic of approximating the future MF costs? Full disclosure; I own at BLT and SSR.

Sorry I didn't see this until now! DH says he's happy to put it in a shareable excel document! I will post it here It was my intention once he made it to post on this thread, but I knew he had to reformat it.

Also, yes our thoughts have been that points=points=points at 7 months

 

[Donna M]

Have you looked into OKW? With 5 kids it has the most space. We were just at SSR in the 2 bd, and while I was sitting there looking around the living room I was thinking how tight it would be if all 8 of the people tried to stay there. I really like SSR, and own there, but I would stay at OKW with 5 kids.

Check out floor plans for the different resorts. Extra bathrooms are nice, but I would rather have space to sit down, or room for the kids to play.

 

[wehrengrizz]

Have you looked into OKW?

thank you! We started looking at OKW but haven't found as many with the extended contract end date....and those don't have as low of a cost per point I'm still on the hunt, however.

 

[Pluto777]

Sorry I didn't see this until now! DH says he's happy to put it in a shareable excel document! I will post it here It was my intention once he made it to post on this thread, but I knew he had to reformat it.

Also, yes our thoughts have been that points=points=points at 7 months

I'm still trying to figure out how anyone could make even an educated guess about future MF's... Look forward to your DH analysis.

 

[wehrengrizz]

I'm still trying to figure out how anyone could make even an educated guess about future MF's.

Ah I see what you mean. I don't know how he wrote out the formula, but I'm pretty sure he increased it by 3% (?) annually and added that on for length of contract. Again, I'm speculating. He's traveling for business but I'll bug him to send me that info

 

[Pluto777]

Ah I see what you mean. I don't know how he wrote out the formula, but I'm pretty sure he increased it by 3% (?) annually and added that on for length of contract. Again, I'm speculating. He's traveling for business but I'll bug him to send me that info

Thanks for getting back to me on that - I'm sure a lot of folks were also curious on this. I just wonder why 3%? Does he assume 3% on ALL resorts or JUST SSR? Does he assume that on the physical structure of a resort? Number of units per resort? Weather? Very curious on this..

 

[wehrengrizz]

Thanks for getting back to me on that - I'm sure a lot of folks were also curious on this. I just wonder why 3%? Does he assume 3% on ALL resorts or JUST SSR? Does he assume that on the physical structure of a resort? Number of units per resort? Weather? Very curious on this..

well if I didn't just open a huge can of worms...I'm more than likely wrong on my actual % but we looked at trends of increase by xx% each year as an average, he may have even used the % increase the DVC direct salesman gave us when he created the tool. We have been using it regardless of resort we were researching, but we were also trying to get a "total investment/worst case scenario" dollar amount. If anything whatever he used overestimated. I'm so sorry I brought this up and then don't personally have the details! We had discussed that we'd share when he was done, but I didn't get that lined up fast enough before "knowing things"

 

[Pluto777]

well if I didn't just open a huge can of worms...I'm more than likely wrong on my actual % but we looked at trends of increase by xx% each year as an average, he may have even used the % increase the DVC direct salesman gave us when he created the tool. We have been using it regardless of resort we were researching, but we were also trying to get a "total investment/worst case scenario" dollar amount. If anything whatever he used overestimated. I'm so sorry I brought this up and then don't personally have the details! We had discussed that we'd share when he was done, but I didn't get that lined up fast enough before "knowing things"

No worries, I truly appreciate anyone's input on what is a key important topic for me (the future of DVC MF's). Any type of insight or analysis from whatever source is a help to me so I thank you (and your husband). In my personal situation, my opinion is that this is the most critical - and most overlooked point in considering which resort to buy at DVC. I am trying, as best I can, to unravel the mystery of projecting future MF costs at all DW resorts. I hope that does not confuse.

In other words, my point simply is this: Is not estimating MF costs over 40 years (or even more in some cases) far more financially critical than the initial buy in price plus or minus a few dollars a point? If this is so, then THE critical question is how can one project the FUTURE MF's for any given resort with the most accuracy? I never attended a DVC sales presentation so I don't know what they say, but I am struggling to understand how any 'X' percent increase could be uniform across all DW resorts, when one considers the different ways in which they are engineered, spread out, elements they contain and number of units. Anyone who can help with any type of reasoned, projected analysis would be a great help to me; bearing in mind that any analysis of projected MF costs should likely take into account all the possible future expenses at a particular resort.

 

[CarolMN]

No worries, I truly appreciate anyone's input on what is a key important topic for me (the future of DVC MF's). Any type of insight or analysis from whatever source is a help to me so I thank you (and your husband). In my personal situation, my opinion is that this is the most critical - and most overlooked point in considering which resort to buy at DVC. I am trying, as best I can, to unravel the mystery of projecting future MF costs at all DW resorts. I hope that does not confuse.

In other words, my point simply is this: Is not estimating MF costs over 40 years (or even more in some cases) far more financially critical than the initial buy in price plus or minus a few dollars a point? If this is so, then THE critical question is how can one project the FUTURE MF's for any given resort with the most accuracy? I never attended a DVC sales presentation so I don't know what they say, but I am struggling to understand how any 'X' percent increase could be uniform across all DW resorts, when one considers the different ways in which they are engineered, spread out, elements they contain and number of units. Anyone who can help with any type of reasoned, projected analysis would be a great help to me; bearing in mind that any analysis of projected MF costs should likely take into account all the possible future expenses at a particular resort.

All projections involve assumptions (as you know). You can either assume something generic based on inflation, or use the average historical increase for the particular resort. You can find a listing of historical MF in post #5 of the DVC Resource Center thread. That's the most help I can provide, LOL.

FWIW, I personally just assumed that MF would increase at a slower rate than Disney's resort prices, and thus if it made sense financially now, it would maintain the relative value in the future. That has held true for me (since 1999). I also assumed I would not get any money back should I ever want or need to sell. I believe that Disney vacations are a luxury and thus DVC is a luxury purchase that should only be purchased with discretionary funds.

 

[disneynutz]

Buying a DVC is pretty much a crap shoot. Will your purchased resort stay your favorite? Will Disney continue to add extras that increase busy times? Will DVC continue to offer perks? Will something cause dues to increase beyond the norm? Will you be able to book other resorts at 7 months or will you have to settle? Will you continue visiting the parks as much as you do now? Will you and your family continue to want to vacation at Disney? Do you sell your resort that you bought but regret?

Bill

 

[wehrengrizz]

Is not estimating MF costs over 40 years (or even more in some cases) far more financially critical than the initial buy in price plus or minus a few dollars a point? If this is so, then THE critical question is how can one project the FUTURE MF's for any given resort with the most accuracy?

I do agree that the MFs are a HUGELY important consideration point, and quite honestly, the one that does seem to be the most overlooked. One thing that frustrated DH and me at the presentation was that the salesman kept telling us "it's only $xxx per year with this interest rate, and in 10 years you've made back your investment." But literally just didn't include MFs in that. We kept pointing that out and he glazed over it. We knew we'd research everything anyway so we didn't really let that get to us. We understand he's trying to sell something, obviously, but were hoping for a teeny bit more transparency and upfront info when we asked numerous times. Anyway, not here to complain, just trying to agree that MFs are a huge thing to consider. We also realized if we're "planning" to rent out points every other year (for example), then we can *hope* that the $/point that is paid to the owner for said rental would eventually increase somewhat. However, we calculated THIS portion with an unchanging $13.50/point, to again have the "worst case scenario".

 

[Pluto777]

I do agree that the MFs are a HUGELY important consideration point, and quite honestly, the one that does seem to be the most overlooked. One thing that frustrated DH and me at the presentation was that the salesman kept telling us "it's only $xxx per year with this interest rate, and in 10 years you've made back your investment." But literally just didn't include MFs in that. We kept pointing that out and he glazed over it. We knew we'd research everything anyway so we didn't really let that get to us. We understand he's trying to sell something, obviously, but were hoping for a teeny bit more transparency and upfront info when we asked numerous times. Anyway, not here to complain, just trying to agree that MFs are a huge thing to consider. We also realized if we're "planning" to rent out points every other year (for example), then we can *hope* that the $/point that is paid to the owner for said rental would eventually increase somewhat. However, we calculated THIS portion with an unchanging $13.50/point, to again have the "worst case scenario".

You wrote:
"...MFs are a HUGELY important consideration point..."
Ya darn SKIPPY! Just ask any owner at Vero Beach who is currently paying $8.53 a point. On a 150 point contract vs a SSR owner paying $5.86 a point that is $400.50 just this year. By the way I own SSR (and BLT), and I truly did consider MF's when I bought them; it is why a well thought analysis on future potential MF's is absolutely critical for me...

 

[Deb & Bill]

Is there a place I can find when the non peak times to book are?

The easiest times to book as of now are from mid-Jan (after MLK) to mid-Feb (before Presidents and Mardi Gras), late April after Spring Break through late May (but before Memorial Day), June through Aug isn't awful (other than July 4th), but a bit harder than the previous times, late Aug through mid-Sept (except for Labor Day weekend). Then comes Fall Frenzy, mid-Sept through after the marathon (and MLK) in January. Throw in all the Run Disney event weekends, too, as harder to book.