BCV vs AKV

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi - Please help me to decide!!! As a lot of you are aware, I am currently looking into buying into DVC.

I have definitely decided to buy 55 points at BLT (3 nights MK view studio is all we are likely to ever want, and the points cover this), but I am in a quandary about the remaining 105 points!!

DH wants AKV (we stayed there last year and he loved it!!), but I had my heart set on BCV (although I have never stayed in the Boardwalk area, I love the idea of SAB, walking to Epcot & boat to DHS). Ultimately it is my decision, as DH doesn't really care as long as he gets to go on vacation!!

However, I am a bit uneasy about the shorter contracts and higher dues of BCV (let alone the additional initial cost), so am wondering if AKV makes more sense?

The only downside I can see, is not being able to get BCV at the 7 month window. Although when the children up and leave us (not for another 16+ years!!), the two of us will be very flexible with dates and therefore assume we should be able to get BCV somehow??

What do you think - Is AKV the best choice for us???

(I know some will say get all the points at BLT, but as I know I definitely only want 3 nights there in a studio each year, it would mean waiting for the 7 month window and keeping fingers crossed - something I am not very good at, as I plan my vacations years in advance!! - I have been planning our next trip in Dec 2010, since May 2008 to give you an idea!!)

thanks for any advice!!

 

[disneynutz]

There isn't any guarantee that the point requirements will stay the same. With the point reallocation in 2010 our family is now short 33 points per year for the same vacation that we took in 2008 and 2009.

You go to WDW to enjoy yourself so buy where you love to stay. Don't worry about contract dates and cheapest dues.

 

[Sandisw]

Price wise, you will do very well with AKV and BLT right now through Disney (I am assuming you have a member referral) and can get both in the $90's.

You do get the longer contracts and as you said, can trade out at 7 months. If you really found it to be a problem, you can always add on at BCV later. Once you are a member, getting small contracts through Disney is easy.

If AKV is a place that your DH really wants, and you are okay with at this point, I think cost wise this is the best option. And, depending on your travel times, getting BCV may not be an issue at all (have read several posts where it is not).

Good luck and keep us posted!!!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

thank you both!! I think I have talked myself into AKV (at least until I change my mind again any way!!!) - I really need to get on and buy this, the more options I've got the worse it is!!

 

[bookwormde]

I have never had problems getting 2-3 days at BCV during the summer if that helps any, If you are trying to get week long stays or during peak periods it might be a problem but otherwise I would not be overly concerned.

bookwormde

 

[yitbos96bb]

I prefer BCV to AKV, but its all personal preference. There are those who will each claim one is the best of all of them. I always tell people to take which you like into account and which parks you use the most.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I had never a problem getting into BCV in a studio for 2-3 nights in May, September and maybe some others. However, when I knew that I would want a dedicated 2 bedroom with 2 Q's in the second bedroom, there are a small number of these, we bought points at BCV and are glad. This is an add on. We've taken the extended family there twice now, and plan another one in the summer of '10. Meanwhile, I have gotten a studio for 2 nights this September at the beginning of F&W with other than BCV points. You could be lucky, but for important vacations, I have points for where we want to stay.

Bobbi

 

[LIFERBABE]

Are you buying resale?

You are planning on buying BLT and AKV and totalling 160 points. If you are purchasing directly from DVC you will have to buy in at 160 points all at the same resort first and then your add ons can be smaller increments.

Resale you can buy whatever is on sale so this wont matter.

Just thought I mentioned it before you made a final decision

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Are you buying resale?

You are planning on buying BLT and AKV and totalling 160 points. If you are purchasing directly from DVC you will have to buy in at 160 points all at the same resort first and then your add ons can be smaller increments.

Resale you can buy whatever is on sale so this wont matter.

Just thought I mentioned it before you made a final decision

thank you very much for pointing this out - I have just been on the phone to the DVC rep and he has told me the same thing!!

He is also advising me to buy totally at BLT, which makes sense financially but I really don't like the idea of having to wait until 7months out to HOPEFULLY get AKV !! He is meant to be ringing me back in 2 hours and I am now more stressed and confused than ever!!

 

[LIFERBABE]

thank you very much for pointing this out - I have just been on the phone to the DVC rep and he has told me the same thing!!

He is also advising me to buy totally at BLT, which makes sense financially but I really don't like the idea of having to wait until 7months out to HOPEFULLY get AKV !! He is meant to be ringing me back in 2 hours and I am now more stressed and confused than ever!!

Your Welcome

I own both. That is a tough decision on which 1 to buy. Both have some really great things about them.

Is view important to you or would you be happy with a Standard view at AKV?
Will you mostly stay in studios? Will you want the lowest point rooms?

If you adore AKV and will be disappointed if you have to stay at BLT then by all means buy AKV. AKV gives you alot of options and choices but BLT offers some great activities and location.

AKV will not be a small resort and if you are not set on staying there for extremely busy seasons like Christmas/NYE, you should be successful at 7 months.

 

[mouse]

BCV is a small DVC resort and won't be getting any larger. As the number of DVC owners increases, the competition for BCV at the 7 month window will only get tougher. In my opinion, if you are worried about getting in BVC at the 7 month window, you should buy there. AKV will be a much larger resort. Therefore, once completed, it should not be too difficult to reserve there 7 months out.

 

[5forDiz]

30+ years left on memberships for BCV, BWV, VWL and OKW original expiration.
And it is very possible that DVC will offer extension on BCV, etc. just like they began offering at OKW (extended OKW contract expires in 2057 - that's same expiration as AKV). More than 30 yrs is quite alot of years and who knows how your family will feel about WDW even 10 years from now? think about now and the near future and buy where you'd love to stay or buy where you WILL NOT MIND having to stay if all you can book is your Home Resort during your owner's priority booking window - and if you can stay at resort(s) you think you'd like to purchase if you haven't already; you never know - it may not be what you are looking for at all.

Since BCV is a small resort and especially during Food & Wine festival is going to be a long shot to book at 7 month window. Shop the resale agencies for BCV and take a look at Donald is #1's ROFR thread to see what resale prices are making it through for BCV contracts ( iirc seen some recently in $80's )

DVC isn't going anywhere so it pays to take your time deciding so you are making the best possible decision that suits both you and your DH.