BLT Vs. AKV: JMHO

[Boss Hogg]

...we're flying across to WDW in Nov for a couple of weeks and have been considering whether to add on some more points to our SSR ones.

Having been reading up on the AKV vs BLT debate, I think we'd probably come down on the side of AKV.

My question is, does anybody have any knowledge on how far you can push the DVC reps on what you can get out of them? My simplistic mind suggests that they've got to be pushing AKV lie nobody's business to sell it out now BLT is on sale?

Just couching opinion really.
Thanks.

 

[TSMIII]

If you read the ads only a few rooms will have firework views and I think the monorails will be overcrowded at peak hours. Like I said, JMHO.

As for the fireworks, and all the people salivating at having a room overloking the MK to watch them, I just don't get it - the fireworks (Wishes) is only 12 minutes long!! All that money and all those points just to see 12 minutes of fireworks? And how good are those MK views really? Does anyone know if you'll have a nice pristine view of the castle and some other elements or will there be a lot of backstage and support areas visible?

I like the idea of being on the monorail and being close to the MK but BLT is not our style as we don't care for the "deluxe apartment in the sky" type of lodging or the 1970s vintage Brady Bunch decor of the rooms we saw in the pictures. If GF and Poly DVC ever come to be then count us in, but we're passing on BLT as the cost and style make it an unattractive option for us.

Now that's just us - clearly many people love BLT and everything about it and for them I'm happy. They finally got the resort they wanted. Now let's get cracking on the next DVC resort in the World!

 

[SuzanneSLO]

The lower MFs at BLT do add value. Assuming that AKV will be 3% higher next year (about $4.85) v. $3.67 and both will continue to rise at th same rate in the future, the discounted benefit of this difference over the next 20 years is about $25 per point.

Absent this, the higher average point levels to stay at BLT should result in about a 10% discount in purchase price per point. YMMV if you compare the actual rooms you are interested in booking, since studios seem to have less of a premium at BLT than, for example, 2 BRs.

Thus, if you can purchase AKV at $81 per point, the comprable price for BLT would be $97. Any price paid above this would have to be allocated to increased value of the home resort advantage at BLT v. AKV.

-- Suzanne

 

[wdwfanatic316]

Does anyone know when the points will expire?

 

[lowepg]

The lower MFs at BLT do add value. Assuming that AKV will be 3% higher next year (about $4.85) v. $3.67 and both will continue to rise at th same rate in the future, the discounted benefit of this difference over the next 20 years is about $25 per point.

Absent this, the higher average point levels to stay at BLT should result in about a 10% discount in purchase price per point. YMMV if you compare the actual rooms you are interested in booking, since studios seem to have less of a premium at BLT than, for example, 2 BRs.

Thus, if you can purchase AKV at $81 per point, the comprable price for BLT would be $97. Any price paid above this would have to be allocated to increased value of the home resort advantage at BLT v. AKV.

-- Suzanne

thanks- I was thinking the same thing....

Im at WDW right now and was planning to buy AKV during our visit until our guide sprung BLT on us! I had talked myself out of it assuming some of the rumors of much higher point/price.

I felt the MF difference was pretty compelling.... but then again- Im a novice.

Also, the contract length is 3 years longer too (I think).

But mostly, I'm trying to rationlize it- we love the MK and the location is compelling. We've stayed at WL and Poly and loved the proximity. btw- we're staying at BW right now- and - I gotta admit- love the access to Epcot/DHS as well though

oh, and I LOVE the newer (bigger) room layouts for 1 BR villas.

So many GOOD choices.

 

[lowepg]

Does anyone know when the points will expire?

my guide said 50 years.... they JUST were going crazt there today.... we can view the model room Sat/Sun I think....

 

[wdwfanatic316]

But mostly, I'm trying to rationlize it- we love the MK and the location is compelling. We've stayed at WL and Poly and loved the proximity. we've staying at BW right now- and - I gotta admit- love the access to Epcot/DHS as well though

oh, and I LOVE the newer (bigger) room layouts for 1 BR villas.

So many GOOD choices.[/QUOTE]

So many choices is a good thing but makes it so hard to decide! We're close to making a purchase but are trying to decide between AKV (because of the good incentives and longer contract), resale for BWV (good location but shorter contract) and BLT (location, location, location!!! and longer contract, but higher price and higher points). Also considering buying 160 AKV and adding on 40 pts or so at one of the other two.

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

Does anyone know when the points will expire?

2059

 

[LadyKay]

The expiration of the Ground Lease is listed as January 31, 2060. Assuming the familiar 50-year contract, this would suggest a resort opening in late-2009 or early 2010.

 

[tecodis]

Where is there a point chart and listing of the MF's for BLT@CR?

 

[dcfromva]

Does anyone know when the points will expire?

Jan 2060, I believe..

 

[lowepg]

Where is there a point chart and listing of the MF's for BLT@CR?

$3.6709 for 2009 per the BLT Financing quote I received today at an open house...

 

[edk35]

Not quite as good as walking back from Epcot or DHS to BVC or BWV! and without the much larger crowds.

I totally agree. I LOVE BEACH CLUB and I am so lucky my kids LOVE EC. Sure we love MK but my kids since they were little LOVED EC and still do and they are almost 18, 15 and 10.

 

[5forDiz]

Anyone know square footage of BLT's villas ?

I haven't seen any info on this as of yet ( or perhaps I just missed it ! ).

TIA

 

[edk35]

Anyone know square footage of BLT's villas ?

I haven't seen any info on this as of yet ( or perhaps I just missed it ! ).

TIA

The studio looks small to me.

 

[lowepg]

The studio looks small to me.

I just looked at the 1 BR, and they are noticeably bigger than the 1 BR we are in right now at BW.

They follow the same, larger layout of the new AK villas. 2 full bathrooms, twin + queen pullout in main room, bigger common area, etc. One notabe difference being the slightly curved walls...

 

[5forDiz]

I just looked at the 1 BR, and they are noticeably bigger than the 1 BR we are in right now at BW.

They follow the same, larger layout of the new AK villas. 2 full bathrooms, twin + queen pullout in main room, bigger common area, etc. One notabe difference being the slightly curved walls...

Thanks, good to know.

 

[Mississippian]

I would rather sit on 1 bus back to AKV, than to have to take 1 monorail to the transportation center, than have to switch to another monorail back to BLT from EPCOT.

Really? My experience is that the monorails run every few minutes, like every five. The buses run every 30, and sometimes not that. Plus I find the bus ride, particularly to AKV, just takes longer.

But if you prefer it, great.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

My opinion (and yes I am bias) is that the Animal Kingdom is unique, it offers something no other resort has, live wild animals out your balcony door (we bought enough points to stay in a 1 bedroom villa Savannah view). Sure the view from the new BLT (Contemporary Villa) will be nice, but the castle doesn't really change everytime you look out the window.

 

[homedangelo]

I hope you considered the long term maintenance fee commitments, given the upkeep ot the animals...