AKV vs. BLT vs. PVB vs. SSR - Advice needed

[jolynne28]

oh thanks, I have that saved somewhere and completely forgot about it!

We also rented points to stay there, hoping we would hate it and never want to buy there……we did not hate it.

Yes this is my fear.

 

[stat]

We're fairly local so we do a lot of short trips. Last summer we did 4 nights/4 different resorts, which I don't recommend, but we wanted to try out everything and make sure we knew where we loved to stay. Oh we haven't done OKW, I always forget about that one, but I'm sure we will one day. We aren't huge fans of the monorail resorts, they always feel so super crowded and busy. WL is my fav of all time, but CCV did not impress us when we stayed in December, and having to book a 2BR there is kind of a turn off. We do like BRV, so I may get a small contract there specifically for a December long weekend stay each year.

I JUST started tossing around the idea of RIV direct, which has never appealed or made sense to me until recently. Talk to me about why you bought there. My husband really likes the resort, I'm not super impressed with it, but I do like the rooms I've seen and the location. I've been trying to book a short stay for our anniversary so we can try it out, but can't find anyone to rent from yet. I hate that I can't see availability b/c we're only resale.

Ah makes sense, I always wish we were local-ish!

First, before I get in trouble for being too off topic, I'll say for the OP:

1. SSR was a great choice for us starting out given the time value of money. The math for BLT is tempting now (the price gap has narrowed since I first bought in) given the lower dues and extra years. But the money you save with SSR earning 5% interest (risk free) beats out BLT from a purely financial perspective. But we're talking small dollars in the grand scheme of things so I'd buy the one you like the most.
2. I said SSR was a great choice starting out. Don't assume you have to make one choice or the perfect choice. You can always sell a contract, or add on new contracts at different resorts. Best of both worlds kind of thing.

As to the question about why we added a direct Riviera contract, the simple answer is our thinking flipped after a couple of years of DVC ownership:

1. Cheaper than I realized: I never did the "all-in" math. When I first bought SSR, seeing direct numbers near/above $200 a point immediately turned me off. I didn't dig any deeper and tuned out, completely missing the VGF fire sale of 2023. At some point I got back into reading these boards and learning about all the fire sale (after the fact) and current discounts. I ended up getting four: Visa $1000 off, Welcome Home, existing member, and Magical Beginnings. Coupled with a credit card sign up bonus, credit card points earned that I transfer to Hyatt for an effective 6% cash back, 90 day closing with my money earning 5% annualized interest, and the ability to immediately use the points... I forget the number but it was in the low $160s per point (ignoring closing costs). Buying late in the year with a December use year also helped reduce dues and made the MB rebate not feel like I was losing points.
2. Change of Heart: We explored RIV on a trip and I liked it more than I thought I would. Still haven't stayed there, but I love the skyliner and convenience to my two favorite parks. The point chart used to also scare me but I realized the Resort views really aren't that bad and having home resort priority to snag those actually makes it pretty affordable. I also love that both the studio and the 1 BR sleep 5, like at VGF. Finally, the resale restrictions stopped bothering me since I realized it would be the last contract I'd sell. And that I don't plan on selling. And that if I ever do, I'd probably still get a decent price.
3. Direct Perks: I wanted all of it. Financially I backed into what it would take to offset the extra cost got comfortable with that. E.g., lifetime dining/shopping discounts, sorcerer pass x5 (even just doing it a few times is serious money saved), Moonlight Magic (modeled as an After Hours replacement), etc. But the intangibles are meaningful to us, too: we've loved the lounges, ability to book CFW and VDH, resorts after they expire and re-issue or rebuild, etc. And now Membership Magic Beyond, which I know is debated but it absolutely saves us money (DL, Photo Pass, and OTU for $10).

 

[PlutoNotPlanet]

the money you save with SSR earning 5% interest (risk free)

Great insights on RIV direct! I am wondering how the interest of saved upfront money play into the calculation. Presumably, the value of the contract goes with the inflation, would it offset that?

 

[matt_in_nh]

SSR was a great choice for us starting out given the time value of money. The math for BLT is tempting now (the price gap has narrowed since I first bought in) given the lower dues and extra years. But the money you save with SSR earning 5% interest (risk free) beats out BLT from a purely financial perspective. But we're talking small dollars in the grand scheme of things so I'd buy the one you like the most.

Interesting analysis here.....I was set to buy SSR after stalking DVC for a couple years but by the time I decided I noticed the gap has diminished like you pointed out. We pulled the trigger on BLT but I think your analysis is fair. Things that pushed me towards BLT were that 1) I think BLT is going to be more in demand as 2025 comes to a close due to the refurb. 2) If I ever want to rent, renting BLT will be way better than renting SSR and 3) Having that 11 month window at a resort where it matters and 4) potential resale later will be better at BLT than SSR......2. 3 and 4 did not factor in my spreadsheet but I think they matter.

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

I would be more inclined to buy at BLT now that we’ve seen pictures of the refurb.

 

[stat]

Great insights on RIV direct! I am wondering how the interest of saved upfront money play into the calculation. Presumably, the value of the contract goes with the inflation, would it offset that?

Thanks! I'm not sure anyone has a great answer on how inflation comes into the picture. It depends on its net effect on dues, rack rates, and the DVC point rental market. Those three things don't always move in sync. But I think you're asking something like "if a lower cost contract (e.g., SSR) and a higher price contract (e.g., VGF) both increase in value, doesn't that extra absolute dollar increase on the higher price contract somewhat offset the interest earned on savings?" I'd say yes in theory, if we knew prices would increase. But that's not something I'd count on. I'd argue the runup in prices in the earlier part of this decade was mostly driven by post-COVID pent up demand. And the inflation of the past few years has coincided with DVC resale price decreases (correlation not causation, but still). And there's the matter of contract expiration dates getting ever closer which theoretically has an offsetting effect.

All that to say, if you want to see an examination of the time value of money I'd point you to this thread. I don't think it considers the future resale value of a contract if one were to sell, but it does consider the benefits of paying less up front.

 

[stat]

Interesting analysis here.....I was set to buy SSR after stalking DVC for a couple years but by the time I decided I noticed the gap has diminished like you pointed out. We pulled the trigger on BLT but I think your analysis is fair. Things that pushed me towards BLT were that 1) I think BLT is going to be more in demand as 2025 comes to a close due to the refurb. 2) If I ever want to rent, renting BLT will be way better than renting SSR and 3) Having that 11 month window at a resort where it matters and 4) potential resale later will be better at BLT than SSR......2. 3 and 4 did not factor in my spreadsheet but I think they matter.

All great points. BLT is much more likely to rise / hold its value, so getting in now is a great idea for anyone who might sell someday or need to rent out their points.

 

[LiamLogan2510]

Went ahead and signed the contracts on both the BLT 125 @ $115 and BCV 150 @ $105, now wait for ROFR

 

[bdrex28]

Currently debating buying resale DVC. Have two young kids and maybe have a third coming one day. Trying to determine of these resorts which people would recommend. Seem to be able to get a good amount of SSR or AKV for $90-$95 a point, with PVB ($150's) and BLT ($130's) being a bit higher in price. I know the distance from the parks is the biggest issue with AKV, but curious if others don't think it's a big deal.

I know there have already been a ton of responses and in truth it's a personal decision only you can make for yourself.

We bought SSR. We are very flexible on times we can go and we just purchased as sleep around points. We have stayed at SSR and for us it's just "OK". Boardwalk is probably our favorite. However this past week we were at BWV and we ended up deciding to stay an extra 2 days, I was able to grab a 2 BR at AKV and it was pretty good. We hadn't stayed at AKV for close to 10 years. We got very lucky our room was 7213 which was right by the bus stop on the main floor. That was nice. The view wasn't great but we didn't care. it was very convenient and we like the food options at Kidani and Jambo. (we were in Kidani). Would I want to own there? doesn't really matter to me because of our ability to be flexible and with waitlists I've been pretty lucky to get what I want.

If we were to buy another contract, I kind of might go with BLT only so I could book early there. But again, I've not really tried to book there and most likely I'd just get another SSR with the same use year.

Probably not much help, but I think it just depends on this: Are you buying SAPs or do you want to book at 8-11 months out with your home resort? If you want to book at home resort then buy where you want to be.

 

[PlutoNotPlanet]

Went ahead and signed the contracts on both the BLT 125 @ $115 and BCV 150 @ $105, now wait for ROFR

Great for you! BLT can serve as both home resort and SAPs. Non-stripped BLT@$115 is equivalent to SSR@$80 to me just as SAPs

 

[Brian Noble]

having home resort priority to snag those actually makes it pretty affordable

Warning: the resort-view studios aren't quite AKV-Concierge or Value bad, but they are not easy, even with home resort priority. That is only likely to get worse as the gap between points sold and units declared narrows. If you are a Villa Person, this is probably less of an issue, at least for now.

 

[LiamLogan2510]

Warning: the resort-view studios aren't quite AKV-Concierge or Value bad, but they are not easy, even with home resort priority. That is only likely to get worse as the gap between points sold and units declared narrows. If you are a Villa Person, this is probably less of an issue, at least for now.

How hard are the AKV Value to get at 11 months? That was the one reason I had considered AKV initially, but it seems tough.

 

[bdrex28]

How hard are the AKV Value to get at 11 months? That was the one reason I had considered AKV initially, but it seems tough.

I've always read it's one of the toughest to get. I have no first hand knowledge

 

[Brian Noble]

I don't own there, so can't give you personal experiences. But as near as I can tell, the Value studios are right up there on the "hard to get" list. 1BRs, not so much.

https://www.dvchelp.com/page/animal-kingdom-villas-jambo-house-availability-charts

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

Went ahead and signed the contracts on both the BLT 125 @ $115 and BCV 150 @ $105, now wait for ROFR

Congratulations!

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

Congratulations! BCV and BLT will be perfect locations for your family being so close to the parks while kids are young, and the BLT refurb seems really great. I think the BCV refurb they just had is very nice, too.

I know your decision is made, but I just want to echo what BrianNoble said about sharing rooms with the kids and how things change. You're in the early years where time seems infinite of high chairs and playpens and diaper bags and hourly snacks. It really does change in such a crazy way once the kids hit school and the calendar you're tied to, whether it's vacations or sports or band or cheer competitions, etc.

For us, the room layout makes a BIG difference to us, and it depends on what room category you're using. As a family, we don't do studios -- 1B is the minimum, and that takes points. We like to take extended family with us peak weeks (Thanksgiving, 2025 Riviera,) and the 2B there is gorgeous -- have stayed there before and own/love it.

We plan to pass our DVC on to our kids since we had them late in life, and they can either sell or rent for a profit once we're gone or keep it and use it for themselves into their middle age, but before we're dust in the wind -- and after retirement -- we plan to do a little snowbirding in January, and the new Duo Studio at the Poly tower is fabulous! I just toured it this weekend, and it's SO well laid out. I don't plan on cooking in retirement, LOL, and walkability to so many dining options is great.

DH HATES AK styling with a passion, but I love it. I just got back from a long weekend with our 12YO son and LOVED the balcony looking at the animals, the FOOD everywhere was wonderful, at every level, pool, hot tub, and the buses were AMAZINGLY quick and always pulling up to the station when we needed them. IDK if we just got lucky or what, but we haven't done buses, really, in about five years since buying at Riviera (Epcot/HS are our favorites, so we're very pro Skyliner,) but the buses have come a long way. No hesitation on those.

I'm glad you bought places that speak to you. I know SAP makes sense for a lot of folks who have to book at 7 months/don't mind split stays, and I actually really like the SS studios and resort, but I want the 11-month booking window at Riviera, and now Poly Tower.

Welcome home, and wait until your kids are old enough to have opinions on where they want to stay! It's fun to explore. Our AK son trip was so nice to do, him and I. I have our first couple's trip this Valentine's Day weekend with DH (after 13 years of marriage!) and a girls trip with our daughter in May at RR/GF -- she's bougie like her parents, LOL. I hope you have such a great experience!

 

[LiamLogan2510]

Yes, all same use year.

If you were adding on (considering adding on to the BLT June UY as we only have 125 points), how much premium would you put to adding on with another June BLT vs. a June SSR? Thinking having the direct BLT may give us the 11-month advantage there if wanting to go at a busy time, but maybe SSR could be worth it for SAP. We likely will be going 1 bedrooms at the smallest the majority of the time over studios.

 

[PlutoNotPlanet]

If you were adding on (considering adding on to the BLT June UY as we only have 125 points), how much premium would you put to adding on with another June BLT vs. a June SSR? Thinking having the direct BLT may give us the 11-month advantage there if wanting to go at a busy time, but maybe SSR could be worth it for SAP. We likely will be going 1 bedrooms at the smallest the majority of the time over studios.

Emmm, if you don’t mind the additional upfront cost, I think long term (ignore ongoing refurb) BLT@$130 is similar to SSR@$95 (not banked nor stripped) given that fact recently SSR sellers ask for more while a few more BLT resales being available.
Also depending on how much you like SSR resort or dislike BLT, give a few $PP less or more. If you want BLT as home resort, then the decision is even easier.
For example BLT@115 is better than SSR@80 to me

 

[stat]

Emmm, if you don’t mind the additional upfront cost, I think long term (ignore ongoing refurb) BLT@$130 is similar to SSR@$95 (not banked nor stripped) given that fact recently SSR sellers ask for more while a few more BLT resales being available.
Also depending on how much you like SSR resort or dislike BLT, give a few $PP less or more. If you want BLT as home resort, then the decision is even easier.
For example BLT@115 is better than SSR@80 to me

Curious, what's the math on that? Dues being 50 cents cheaper for BLT gets me maybe $8 in BLTs favor. Opportunity cost on the up front price difference walks that back another couple bucks for SSR. 6 more years for BLT reverses that a bit. Unless you're modeling higher rental income or qualitative factors I'd personally say BLT needs to be at 105 or 110 to match 95 SSR from a numbers only perspective. I say this as someone who just locked in a BLT contract The qualitative aspects won out for me.

 

[atthebeachclub]

If you were adding on (considering adding on to the BLT June UY as we only have 125 points), how much premium would you put to adding on with another June BLT vs. a June SSR? Thinking having the direct BLT may give us the 11-month advantage there if wanting to go at a busy time, but maybe SSR could be worth it for SAP. We likely will be going 1 bedrooms at the smallest the majority of the time over studios.

I would either want all SSR or all BLT for ease of use. It is just more convenient.