Another AKV vs SSR question

[nightshaderose]

My Partner and I bought into SSR (160 points) on 2/4. We picked SSR because of the better deals being offered at that point, and the lower maintenance fees. We're still within our 10-day chicken-out period, and while I don't want out of DVC, I'm thinking maybe we should switch to AKV. I personally adore AKL (the first time I walked into the lobby, I felt like I'd come home), and I really would like to stay in concierge during a birthday trip at the end of May in 2009 and do the sunrise safari. I'm afraid, with the limited # of concierge villas, that it will be impossible for me to get one unless I have the 11-month booking window, even then, after Kidani Village has opened. Switching to AKV would cost an extra $5/month in payment/maintnence, and I don't know what kind of use year I'd get (we currently have August, and a full set of 2007 points).

Do y'all think the concierge villas will remain impossible to get for those who own elsewhere?
In my shoes, what would y'all do?

Thanks,

Elizabeth

 

[DVC Mike]

I would buy the resort you would really prefer staying at, as it will be your default resort. The concierge rooms will typically be very difficult to book by non-owners due to the small quantity.

If you adore AKL, I would buy AKV.

 

[drusba]

There are only 5 2BR lock-offs (thus potential total of 10 rooms) in the concierge class at AKV. As the number of AKV owners grow, the odds of getting any of those rooms at 7 months out will likely become slim to none. In fact, you may need to do day by day reservations at exactly 11 months out just to get one as an AKV owner.

A question is how important is concierge. Personally, I would not buy AKV just to assure getting concierge all the time but some may consider that a key to purchasing. In the future, you are likely to see concierge, "value," grand villas, and possibly standard view rooms at AKV difficult to get at 7 months out. Once Kidani is done, 80% of all rooms will be savanna view point cost and owners from other resorts will likely find it easy to get those savanna view rooms at 7 months out most times of year. We added on at AKV even though our choice will be to just get savanna view rooms when we go. We like to avoid any risk that is associated with the 7 month window, we like the resort and being very close to Boma which we consider the best buffet restaurant on site, and there was this weird bragging right of being able to say, "Hey, I have a percentage ownership interest in a giraffe." (Not really but you can still say it.)


Purchasers are currently being offered either October or December use year at AKV (was October but have seen very new members mention December now). Note, you can ask for a different one. Also, use year does not affect when you can go (any time of year) or when you can call to reserve (always 11 months out at home resort, 7 at others).

 

[tomandrobin]

I agree with the buy where you want to stay camp!

If you want AKV club level, buy there. As more owners are added to AKV, non-resort owners will be shut out. But remember, most of the AKV rooms will be in Kidani Village.

 

[sweetminnie]

With the way you are feeling toward AKV I would definitely make the switch. If you stay with SSR I'd imagine you may always long for AKL and this could prevent you to fully enjoy your purchase.
Good luck.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I would switch to AKV.

 

[tinker_me_happy]

When I bought in August I had to choose between SSR and AKV. I chose AKV! For $5 a month more - TOTALLY worth it!!! If you still have time do the switch!

 

[DeeCee735]

AKV in a heartbeat! But that's just MHO


Good luck with your decision.

 

[nightshaderose]

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I've called my guy at DVC and left a message. When he calls back, I'll tell him I want to change!
I wouldn't be wanting to stay in club level all the time, but like having the option for those times when I want to spoil myself. And I can think of far, far worse things than having a savanna view studio be my default accommodations. It feels like home, so it ought to be home .
AKL/V

Elizabeth

 

[spiceycat]

you sound like you love AKV and would be happier there.

really think that not only the concierge, but the value and standard views - will be more important in future years.

can see the value at AKV being as hard to get as standard view at BWV.

the standard view at AKV will probably also increase in popularity.

 

[ccigliano]

Great choice!!! I ended up selling my 270 OKW points in 2005 to purchase the WLV when I could no longer get a room at the WLV after Thanksgiving into early December which is my favorite time at the Lodge. When I purchased OKW on a resale in 1999 the WLV hadn't been built yet but once I stayed at the villas - I was hooked. Don't get me wrong - I 'd be happy to stay in any DVC resort as the accommodations are more than adequate but I prefer the WLV. Congratulations and WELCOME HOME!!!

 

[sajetto]

Good news! You'll be so much happier going with the place you love! Congrats and Welcome Home!

 

[dbprimeaux]

We really love SSR, but you have to do what makes you happy . Good Luck!!

 

[LisaS]

...and there was this weird bragging right of being able to say, "Hey, I have a percentage ownership interest in a giraffe." (Not really but you can still say it.)

I like being able to say "I own at DVC's gnu-est resort."

 

[SanDeeKath]

Good choice to switch! You sound like you will love AKV and will fit right in! It's such a unique resort to visit that it will always be a favorite.

Katherine

 

[Inkmahm]

I would buy the resort you would really prefer staying at, as it will be your default resort. The concierge rooms will typically be very difficult to book by non-owners due to the small quantity.

If you adore AKL, I would buy AKV.

Exactly. That's why we own at three different places- they are the places we want to be able to stay.

Buy where you want to stay.

 

[nightshaderose]

I *just* missed the end of my change period, so I'm stuck with SSR for the time being (until I manage to buy some AKV points down the road) . It's not horrible, since I still have ownership, but still kind of disappointing. I guess (for now) for those trips that I want concierge for I'll be jumping over to the rent/trade board.

Elizabeth

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Darn...that's too bad Elizabeth. Did they let you have the bonus developers points? I hope so, but if not, they might not have done you any good if you couldn't use them sometime soon. Your best bet for concierge level might be to go ahead and make a definite reservation @ SSR, but waitlist for AKV at the 7 mos. window as people have to cancel all the time and you never know when you might luck out and get it.

Welcome home and enjoy that membership!!!