Considering buy-in: AKV concierge vs BLT MK view ?s

[thecooley]

DH and I are seriously considering buying into DVC. We're digging the incentives right now for AKV ($8 off, developer's points), but we're also excited about the prospect of being in such close proximity to the MK and the monorail at BLT.

We've been doing some comparing. While AKV has a lower upfront cost, the dues are higher than BLT. The points at BLT cost more, and it takes more points to stay there, but the dues are lower. However, I could see us enjoying both resorts for different reasons.

So I decided to do another comparison to see if I could sway myself in either direction. I did a double-take when I realized it actually costs fewer points to stay in a concierge level studio at AKV (119) than a MK view studio at BLT (139) in the cheapest season (which is when we go anyway). Am I missing something? Has anyone stayed in a concierge studio? What was it like? Should it be a deal maker (or breaker)? We're still deciding how to divide our points, so I'm trying to figure out why there is such a points difference between the two.

 

[GuySmiley]

DH and I are seriously considering buying into DVC. We're digging the incentives right now for AKV ($8 off, developer's points), but we're also excited about the prospect of being in such close proximity to the MK and the monorail at BLT.

We've been doing some comparing. While AKV has a lower upfront cost, the dues are higher than BLT. The points at BLT cost more, and it takes more points to stay there, but the dues are lower. However, I could see us enjoying both resorts for different reasons.

So I decided to do another comparison to see if I could sway myself in either direction. I did a double-take when I realized it actually costs fewer points to stay in a concierge level studio at AKV (119) than a MK view studio at BLT (139) in the cheapest season (which is when we go anyway). Am I missing something? Has anyone stayed in a concierge studio? What was it like? Should it be a deal maker (or breaker)? We're still deciding how to divide our points, so I'm trying to figure out why there is such a points difference between the two.

I think you got the basics, and the rest is really your personal preference. Any advice given is just other peoples' opinions. But maybe this will help: consider two smaller contracts, one at each, so you can bank pts and go to both every other year. 60pts at AKV and 70pts at BLT. You'd have to do it through resale though.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Since there are only 5 2 bedroom lock offs for AKV concierge, so a maximum of 10 DVCers getting to stay there on any given day, you have to take that into consideration as well. It should be easier to get MK view at BLT. Buying AKV doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be able to book concierge, no matter what the season.

Bobbi

PS. We do have a concierge stay in March. It's mostly for a weekend, so probably there were some owners put off by weekend points, but it was booked day by day, 11 months out. I haven't tried booking concierge since the new way of booking has been in place.

 

[nhdisnut]

We own at AKV and have stayed in a concierge studio. We loved it! I have a few pics if you follow the link in my signature. I also know that there have been a few threads (including one I did) with trip reports from concierge trips. Here's the link to my trip report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1856772&page=1&highlight=akv+concierge

I can certainly see the allure of BLT - something about walking to MK....but we do love the atmosphere at AKV....it's another world! I should also note that we have now booked concierge twice - at the 11 month window - and had no problem getting what we wanted.

Hope this helps!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Since there are only 5 2 bedroom lock offs for AKV concierge, so a maximum of 10 DVCers getting to stay there on any given day, you have to take that into consideration as well. It should be easier to get MK view at BLT. Buying AKV doesn't necessarily mean you're going to be able to book concierge, no matter what the season.

Bobbi

PS. We do have a concierge stay in March. It's mostly for a weekend, so probably there were some owners put off by weekend points, but it was booked day by day, 11 months out. I haven't tried booking concierge since the new way of booking has been in place.

I agree with Bobbi. Once AKV is fully sold, those 10 rooms are not going to last long. I would not give up a MK view for AKV concierge if that is what you are down to. Now if you like AKV over BLT that's another story, but concierge has to be heavily discounted in the equation due to the lack of rooms. AKV will be bigger than BLT so you can imagine the competition for concierge.

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

DH and I are seriously considering buying into DVC. We're digging the incentives right now for AKV ($8 off, developer's points), but we're also excited about the prospect of being in such close proximity to the MK and the monorail at BLT.

We've been doing some comparing. While AKV has a lower upfront cost, the dues are higher than BLT. The points at BLT cost more, and it takes more points to stay there, but the dues are lower. However, I could see us enjoying both resorts for different reasons.

So I decided to do another comparison to see if I could sway myself in either direction. I did a double-take when I realized it actually costs fewer points to stay in a concierge level studio at AKV (119) than a MK view studio at BLT (139) in the cheapest season (which is when we go anyway). Am I missing something? Has anyone stayed in a concierge studio? What was it like? Should it be a deal maker (or breaker)? We're still deciding how to divide our points, so I'm trying to figure out why there is such a points difference between the two.

To me the choice is simple. Enjoy unlimited snacks and beverages, sunrise safari's, personalized check in, and maid service, or........... look at the roof on space mountain. I'll see ya at poolside at AKV.

 

[DVC Mike]

Once AKV is fully sold, those 10 rooms are not going to last long. I would not give up a MK view for AKV concierge if that is what you are down to. Now if you like AKV over BLT that's another story, but concierge has to be heavily discounted in the equation due to the lack of rooms. AKV will be bigger than BLT so you can imagine the competition for concierge.

Yes, if you enjoy both AKV and BLT equally, I would buy at BLT since AKV is larger and will be easier to book, and the few concierge rooms are difficult to book.

 

[kimberh]

Concierge is very hard to book. I have been on the waitlist for May 3 and 4th since the 11month window opened. I called on the days but it was a little after 9. It still has not come open. I did get the rest of my reservation. I talked faster ( no joke.) If you are really wanting Magic Kingdom view, then I would buy BLT. The owners of AKV cannot count on booking Concierge.

 

[Tozzie]

Where do you really want to stay? I bought at AKV but that is what I wanted and I want no part of BLT. That being said first, will you be happy staying at AKV if you can't get a Concierge Room? Secondly the maintnance fees are projected and not written in stone and may be more when BLT finally opens.

As far as booking concierge, I booked for next August with one phone call and got my entire stay and I didn't call exactly at 9 (I kept dialling the wrong number for MS). I actually only booked concierge so I can go on the sunrise safari.

Only you know what is a good fit for you but remember you may have trouble booking concierge and if you travel in peak seasons you may also have trouble booking a MK view at BLT.

 

[drusba]

AKV concierge gives you concierge services. However, and if this is a factor in your consideration, it actually does not give you the best views at AKV. Three of the 2BRs face part of the sunset savanna and the other two face the pool. OK but not great for views.

The point difference for BLT is overall higher in relation to other resorts. For example you can get a prime boardwalk view at BWV for about the same cost as standard view at BLT. BLT has the Magic Kingdom and they believe that will lead to high sales despite the higher point cost. Where BLT will have an advantage is lower per point dues caused mainly by having higher point costs per night (and thus more points to sell per unit).

 

[bethy]

We chose AKV over BLT but for unusual reasons. We are West Coasters and our "home" park is Disneyland and our personal Magic Kingdom is in Anaheim. So for our trips to WDW (which we will also enjoy very much!) we wanted something as different from VGC as we could get. That would be AKV LOL! We are travelling next year during off season (early Nov) but I've already decided I'd rather have a good SV instead of Concierge due to the view issue alone. My girls LOVE animals which is another reason we bought AKV.

 

[ranthony]

If the AKV buy in is still 100 points then you could buy-in at AKV and then add-on directly from Disney for the BLT points.

The new member buy-in for BLT is 160 (I believe). So, you could have 2 home resorts and bank/borrow or do split stays to get the best of both worlds.

 

[thecooley]

Thanks to everyone for your opinions, comments, and pictures. We tend to overanalyze things so much that it helps to have the perspective of other people who have been there in person. I think we have decided to use the 100 point minimum at AKV to our advantage and purchase at both properties.

 

[ADP]

If concierge/club level service is important to you buy AKV. You can't beat the proximity to the Animal Kingdom theme park.

If the Magic Kingdom view is more important to you buy BLT. Walking or taking the monorail to the MK is a great plus.

 

[Laneychris]

Good Luck!

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Please see my signature below for yet another option.

 

[DVC Mike]

Please see my signature below for yet another option.

Yes, I took that approach as well.

 

[tomjul811]

I was recently in a similar situation and just bought 125 points at both AKV and BLT. I was originally told I would have to buy AKV and do an add on at BLT but after some negotiation I was able to do it all together.

 

[Lynn5700]

Tough decision you have! We own AKV and I'm happy we do but after seeing BLT I want to own there too lol. We will stay there though one day.

AKV is amazing. You feel like you are in another world and the place is gorgeous!

 

[lisareniff]

Thanks to everyone for your opinions, comments, and pictures. We tend to overanalyze things so much that it helps to have the perspective of other people who have been there in person. I think we have decided to use the 100 point minimum at AKV to our advantage and purchase at both properties.

Ah!! That's my kind of decision making!!