AKV or SSR

[megustadisney]

I'm trying to decide which to buy at and this is what I have comedown to...

COST- (unfortunately the most prevailing area) For SSR I can get 150 points for 12,000. For AKV I can get 160 points for 15360. Winner- SSR

Point Usage- I know I'm going to be bombarded for this one- AKV has cheaper point per ratios than SSR. I know that at AKV it's for economy rooms, but 55 for a 5 night stay in a studio is a lot more than 40 points for the same at AKV. Winner- AKV

Length of Contract- 2057 for AKV 2054 for SSR. Winner- AKV

Theme decor- Both are nice, its a tie

Space- AKV has space for more people in some of the rooms. Definite Benefit for my family. Winner- AKV

So after all of this, I'm still unclear. Even if my home was SSR, I probably wouldn't stay their often because of the high point per night ratio. If I had points at SSR, would it be easy to get reservations at other places 7 months in advance?

 

[drusba]

Your analysis that AKV has cheaper point costs than SSR overlooks a key point: about 80% of all rooms at AKV are going to be those having the Savannah view point cost (or higher for concierge and GVs) and those point costs are significantly higher than SSR; in fact, they are even a little higher most times of year than BCV, VWL, and BWV preferred view, effectively making AKV the resort with the highest point cost on site. Those value and standard point cost rooms are, like standard view at BWV, likely going to go quickly in the 11 month window. However, AKV has the savannah, impressive design, latest end date, and is unigue among the resorts and thus many have bought and are going to buy there despite the somewhat higher points (I am among those).

If you buy at SSR, what you can get at the other resorts at 7 months out depends a lot on time of year and type of room. All can be difficult for high DVC demand times -- like any time in December, and much of October, November, and spring break weeks and holidays. OKW is the one most likely to be open most times of year at 7 months out (SSR also if you are trying to get it at 7 months out). BCV and VWL as the smaller resorts have less availability (having tried thrice for relatives I have not been able to get either of those resorts at 7 months out for needed dates in January or February). BWV preferred pool and garden view is often available at 7 months out but not preferred boardwalk view or standard view. AKV value and standard will likely be even more difficult to get than BWV standard at 7 months out. Studios go faster than 1BRs which go faster than 2BRs; GVs are very often gone at 11 months out.

 

[CarolMN]

...(snip).....So after all of this, I'm still unclear. Even if my home was SSR, I probably wouldn't stay their often because of the high point per night ratio. If I had points at SSR, would it be easy to get reservations at other places 7 months in advance?

If you mean reservations at the resorts with lower point options than SSR, most of the time, the answer is no, it is not easy.

The standard view options at BWV are almost always reserved before the 7 month window opens.

Most here believe that the less expensive units (value & standard category) at the AKV will also be difficult to get at 7 months. There aren't going to be all that many in those categories - most units will be savannah view.

You may have some success at getting something at 7 months at OKW (because it is a larger resort and there aren't different cost for the same room type).

There is lots of competiton at 7 months to get the lower cost options - those who are successful most often travel at times that are not as popular, call day by day as soon as the 7 month window opens and are willing to risk the waitlist.

Sounds like you need to decide if inital cost is more important than staying where you want to stay. Have you considered a resale contract at the BWV or OKW? The only downside there compared to SSR would be the shorter contract length.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[megustadisney]

Thanks for all of the information. I would buy a resale for one the other places, 12-15 years less contract is a big difference

 

[3DisneyKids]

I think your assumption that AKV is lower points per night than SSR is inaccurate. As Carol stated, those low-point rooms are going to be few and far between.

SSR is considered fairly point-friendly in that regard.

 

[DeeCee735]

My recommendation is to buy where you'll want to stay the most. Most DISers will tell you the same thing. Over the life of the contract the difference in money will minimize and the satisifaction of ease of use and enjoyability at your favorite resort will be more important.
I am currently looking into adding on, but the only place I would really be happy with points outside of my home resort is HH. So we are leaning toward buying a small HH contract more and more. I'm not even looking at end of contract dates, I'll most likely be dead, and my kids will be in their 50's, so for us, it's not really a deciding factor. Of all the onsite resorts BWV - to us - beats the rest hands down, and my use year is sold out. I am debating on whether or not I should wait to see if some points become available there, or just buying at HH (which we totally love too).

Good luck with your decision and have fun planning.

 

[Caskbill]

You didn't mention maintenance fees. In all likelihood AKV fees will be consistently higher than SSR fees due to the fixed costs of running each resort. Since SSR is bigger fixed costs are spread out among more members.