Final decision..BLT or AKV??

[tmli]

I have been looking into DVC for years, I think we are finally ready to buy!! I have spoken to a guide referred to me by a fellow dis'er, have been reading the dis boards thread by thread for the last week. One question remains.....

BLT or AKV? I don't have any "emotional" feelings one way or another for either. I am trying to figure out which makes the most sense financially at this point....and what will give me the most bang for my buck right now.

BLT is $112/pt less the $5 incentive plus developer pts. That would give me 160 pts to use now at SSR. I can get a Feb use year which means in Feb 09 I will get another 160 pts to use after Sept'09.

AKV is $104/pt less the 6.25 incentive plus developer pts. I would also get the 160 pts for SSR, but would also get my 08 pts (another 160 to be used after May09) and an additional 160 in my 09 use year.

A couple considerations....BLT has lower dues and probably always will. There is also an extra 3 yrs on the contract. I think it will also have a better resale value in the future if that ever became an issue. That being said, if I can get more pts to use now and have a lower buy in....does that make more sense?

What would you do? Has anyone done the math on this? I would appreciate any opinions or insight anyone cares to offer!!

 

[Mattsmommy]

Buy at a resort that you love. Buying DVC is a big decision and you don't want to regret your purchase later on.

 

[kristenrice]

BLT will probably be harder to book due to it's smaller size. AKV will be huge when it is done so it *might* be easier to get at 7 months.

If you want value/concierge at AKV, you really should own there. If you just want standard or savanna view, you should be able to book at 7 months, outside of peak seasons.

How many points are you thinking of purchasing? If it is 200 or more, I would look into a resale (if time isn't a huge factor) at AKV first (100 points) and then do a 100 point add on at BLT. That way, you still have your 200 points and you can have an 11-month booking window at both...in alternate years, utilizing banking and borrowing. Or, you could always buy BLT direct now and look into an AKV add on later.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[tmli]

Thanks for the input. We are only looking for 160 pts. We want to buy direct from Disney as we want to use the points for upcoming trips already planned this year and don't want to wait through the ROFR process. Eventually I would like to add a small contract at BCV which we will probably buy resale.

We don't love either resort....we love DVC. While at times we would like to stay at the harder to get resorts we are also fine with staying at SSR or OKW. Which brings me back to my dilemma -- which one is the better deal?

 

[SunnieRN]

There are a lot of variables. Do you have children? I have two grandsons who love animals, the zoo etc., so we chose AKV and will most likely add on a small contract at BLT (tomorrow we are deciding for sure), so we can spend a few days there each trip (or every other trip) also.
There is also the consideration of the number of points you own and when/length of time you want to travel.
AKV points can stretch much further.
Then on the other hand, if you are taking 5 day trips is it more convenient to be on the monorail for MK and epcot?
lol comes down to me in order of importance:
What will my grandkids love.
How long can I stay?
and.... location location location.
So we're buying both.
Clear as mud, right?

 

[anonymousegirl]

Please double check that you will be receiving 08 points if purchasing AKV. I was my understanding that DVC is only selling Kidani currently and Kidani UY starts Feb 09 so there are no 08 Kidani points. I may be wrong, so please check with a guide.

Also, if you do not have a particular favorite, then I believe BLT is the better of the two for a number of reasons.
1. Location is better, with easy access to two parks (MK and Epcot)
2. Monorail (a godsend when traveling back to the resort with tired kids)
3. More dining options, factoring in the monorail to Epcot, GF, Poly
4. Fewer rooms so 11 month home advantage is very important
5. BLT is the only DVC on the monorail so resale prices should stay high for if/when you decide to sell

 

[tmli]

LOL....see.... you understand my dilemma. I have one son who is 12 and for the most part could care less where he stays!!

Is trading points with other DVC members common? I am wondering if I own at BLT if it would give me a better "bargaining tool" if I wanted to book BCV at 11 months out?

 

[tmli]

I believe my guide said there were 2008 contracts left but I could have misunderstood. He was in his car on his way to get on the Wonder and we talked more about BLT.

Your points for BLT make sense. I hadn't considered more dining choices and the fewer rooms will make it harder to get. While my DS is getting older we do at times take my nephews and neice (one at a time) and the monorail would be advantage.

Please double check that you will be receiving 08 points if purchasing AKV. I was my understanding that DVC is only selling Kidani currently and Kidani UY starts Feb 09 so there are no 08 Kidani points. I may be wrong, so please check with a guide.

Also, if you do not have a particular favorite, then I believe BLT is the better of the two for a number of reasons.
1. Location is better, with easy access to two parks (MK and Epcot)
2. Monorail (a godsend when traveling back to the resort with tired kids)
3. More dining options, factoring in the monorail to Epcot, GF, Poly
4. Fewer rooms so 11 month home advantage is very important
5. BLT is the only DVC on the monorail so resale prices should stay high for if/when you decide to sell

 

[backyardponder]

Take a close look at how many points it takes to stay at BLT versus AKV or the other villas.

For example, for a one week stay at BLT, Magic Season, 1 bedroom, least expensive view, it is 270 points. Least expensive view at AKV is 189 points.

If you multiply these points by the annual MF, cost to stay that week at BLT is $1,004. Cost at AKV is $918. Don't let the low dues at BLT fool you!

 

[CalicoKitty2000]

We bought into BLT because of it being on the Monorail and all the other benefits everyone here listed. We bought them without seeing the models. We went over and saw the two models, and I honestly liked the feel of AKV better, but BLT seemed to have more comfortable beds. But, I also think it will be SO nice to just get on the monorail or walk back to the resort rather than wait for a bus. I'd go with whichever one you think you will stay at more, you can always try to trade for other resorts.

 

[kaffinito]

I was in the same boat. I just couldn't decide between the two. I also really love staying at AKV, so it was a tough call. In the end I picked BLT because:

1- With it's smaller size it will be harder to book at 7 months.
2- I also like the idea of staying in the MK area, although I haven't done so yet. The monorail and the walk to MK will be a nice thing for us to have, and I do like having all of the dining options so close.
3- Although buying AKV is a better financial move, buying BLT is a better DVC move since, like you, I could stay at any of the DVC resorts and be happy at all of them. I do want that "home court" advantage in booking though.

So I based my decision on what my gut said instead of what the $$$ said. I couldn't be happier with my choice and have no regrets!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[LIFERBABE]

If I had to choose btween the 2 It would be BLT for the location the extra years and the multitude of activities available in and around the resort
Bay Lake is the best place for boating FW is a boat ride or walk
Monorail access to the Poly GF etc
We enjoy AKV but also recognize it's limitations and mitigate them by owning other resorts

 

[3guysandagal]

First off, this is just an opinion!
No flames from AK lovers, please!
I have nothing against AKV and was thinking of buying there before deciding on BLT.
I have recently went through the OPs dilema and thought I would relay it.
Sorry for the length of it.
Please bear with me.......there may be a point here.......somewhere

We bought at BLT for 3 basic reasons.
Location
Location
Location

That....and DW really liked the models.
Go figure....
But really...it looked better in person than the videos.
I thought I would hate the bath sink/kitchenette idea in the studio, but on second thought, it is out of sight from the room....yeah...OK....

OK, Location, location.....

Which then breaks down into......

Walk to MK. (Also want to own BCV or BWV for their location as well!)
Monorail to Epcot. (Hey, ITS THE MONORAIL!!!)
Dining choices that are close or easy to access. (GF, Poly, WL, FW(what?), MK, and the Monorail to Epcot)
Possibility of a MK view (sweet )
A Bay Lake view may not be bad either. (for those peaceful, romantic stays...)
Lower MF's
More years
Finally, and not really what I intend to do, but, I dont think you would have any problems transferring/selling/Ren....I mean gifting, a ressie if the need arose to have to use any.
Did I mention a MK view?....at 11 months?.......Even a studio?


As far as AKV......Well.......close to the AK.
A few fine restaurants.
All the animals out your balcony (this is cool )
Cool Pool, as far as the renderings go.
ummmmmmm........

All right, moving on....

Now, there were other factors to our decision.
And I realize #'s can be juggled to show what you may want, BUT...

If you do the math (speculative only), AK will/could/may always increase (@3% avg) more over the years. So, that $1.20/pt difference in MF's now ($4.87/3.67) COULD increase to a $1.48 difference (+$44.80/yr more) at 3%, over 7 years.
Also, the extra $$ for the buy-in are saved in roughly 7 yrs (1.20/pt dif X 160pts=$192/yr less in MF X 7=$1344 not inc the 3%/yr)
IF the 3% increase should be correct over the 7 years, MF on AK could be about $236/yr more for a 160 point contract.

Right now, 2009 dues.....

AKV - 4.87x160=779.20/yr
BLT - 3.67x160=587.20/yr
192.00 diff

3% per year...7 years.....

AKV - 5.99x160=958.40 (speculative)
BLT - 4.51x160=721.60 (speculative)
236.80 diff

I do agree that it costs more pts per night, etc., but those can now be affordable with this dues difference.
That $192/yr MF's extra on AKV now, is a 50pt add-on (MF's wise) at BLT/yr (not including buy-in).
This of course rules out the savings of the initial cost difference between the 2 over the 7 years.....but....

BLT in 7 yrs, 160+50addon=210
4.51x210=947.10 vs 958.40 for 160 AKV (speculative)
It works for 2009 as well.


Hmmmmmmmmmm...

Lets just base it on equal MF's, 160+50=210 BLT vs 160 AKV. (close enough, 212 BLTpts really)

AKV 160pts = max 12 nights Savanna View studio Adventure Season. (W/O moving)
BLT 210pts = max 11 nights Magic Kingdom view Adventure season. (W/O moving)

AKV 160pts = max 11 nights SV studio Choice Season. (W/O moving)
BLT 210pts = max 10 nights MK view Choice season. (W/O moving)

AKV 160pts = max 10 nights SV studio Dream season (W/O moving)
BLT 210pts = max 9 nights MK view Dream season (W/O moving)

AKV 160pts = max 8 nights SV studio Magic season (W/O moving)
BLT 210pts = max 7 nights MK view Magic season (W/O moving)

So.......IS the MK view worth a day, for the same MF's.......

I guess I will have a more informed opinion when I actually experience it, as will I when I finally experience a Savanna View!
I'd imagine the Fireworks might be popular.........you think?
I am pretty sure we will enjoy it.

Now, back to those MF's.......

AK - The animals will always be needing attention etc, and that costs $$$.
Large area of land to maintain and landscape.
Large spread out building, how many elevators, pools, food court, restaurants.

BLT - Not sure about #'s, but a lot less elevators to maintain (Inspected every year I think), less pools to maintain and oversee (which could also be a negative to some who love their pools!), and less "landscape", more compact size (again, a neg to some), and it would seem most of the food areas are in the Contemporary, dont know if that counts.

So, I guess in conclusion............










Buy where you want to stay!

There..........

My 2 cents...........

And 2 hours to type!




But I feel better.....

Really.....

I do.

 

[757hokie]

I was facing the same dilemma and ultimately decided on purchasing 160 AKV pts resale now with plans for adding on 135 at BLT later. This will set me up for alternating years between the two resorts; one year at AKV with extended family in 2BR SV, the next year at BLT in a 1BR MKV, with the 11 month home field advantage at both. Sounds good...gives the best of both worlds...hope it all works out that way! Good luck.

 

[mechteach]

I have recently went through the OPs dilema and thought I would relay it.
Sorry for the length of it.
Please bear with me.......there may be a point here.......somewhere

Wow! We are just starting to sort of, maybe, perhaps, possibly consider buying into DVC and are looking at the costs/mfs/etc. for the different options available. Your post is super helpful in laying out some of the many issues - thanks so much!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

If I had to choose btween the 2 It would be BLT for the location the extra years and the multitude of activities available in and around the resort
Bay Lake is the best place for boating FW is a boat ride or walk
Monorail access to the Poly GF etc
We enjoy AKV but also recognize it's limitations and mitigate them by owning other resorts

Care to elaborate on those "limitations"?

 

[spiceycat]

brought at BLT - but hey love and I mean love MK....

begin able to walk to and from the MK is pretty wonderful.

that say AKV has value and standard views - which are GREAT and will save you points.

comparing standard view at BLT (probably parking lot or back of CR)
to standard view at AKV (swimming pool) -

Studios only
for a week in Sept
102 points for BLT
83 points for AKV

for value view it is even better - could be parking lot, swimming or savannah view.
72 points for AKV

the value view is smaller -- a good deal smaller - but hey it definitely saves on points.

the standard view is good at both Kidani and Jambo House
the value is good only at Jambo house - main lodge where the hotel part is located.

so for value AKV is a better choice - because you go or stay more often with 160 points.

that say if you feel about the MK like I do - then BLT is the only choice.

I love animals - hey do volunteer work at Humane Society. but really, really love the MK. so BLT is a must.

will probably buy an add on in a few years at AKV. but right now just love BLT.

so the better value NOW is AKV. but that say really think BLT will resale for more than AKV. just based on its location.

 

[spiceycat]

Care to elaborate on those "limitations"?

it is pretty far from MK or Epcot.

not to bad to Studios. but Epcot entrance is on the other side.

it is next to the WDW property line - so from standard view on the Kidani you will see the traffic along US 192. that does not bother me - but it might bother someone who wanted to get away.

there is no outside jogging at AKV - because of the animals and DIsney locating this resort far from AK - there is no walking to any of the parks.

that say Boma is one of my favorite restuarants. the lobby at AKL/V is just wonderful so expecting Kidani to be just as wonderful.

CR does not have a great lobby, so not sure what to expect at BLT.

now if BLT was not close (and I mean close it is the closest resort to the MK) to the MK - might have brought AKV. but it is.

the older that I get the more love MK. already own small piece at BWV so studios is covered, epcot can be reached by the monrail so it is covered by both BWV and BLT.

 

[tmli]

Wow, some great posts!! Thank you all so much for the time you took to respond and share your opinions.

I think we will be choosing BLT for all of the reasons mentioned here. We are already planning to use our developer pts in May at SSR and our 09 pts for October and December!!!

 

[mac_tlc]

Lot's of good points and opinions here. We are OKW owners since '92, but considering an add-on (again). Our choice would be AKV, mainly because of the 11-month opportunity to get a concierge room. Children are 21 & 14, so I'm not dragging anyone back to the room at midnight. I think it will be possible to get some room at BLT at 7-month window, although probably not MK view, its almost impossible to get a concierge room at 7-months. Some posts indicate its not easy at 10 months and 29 days!

Having seen both model rooms, I prefer AKV, especially the master bath. Not a big fan of contemporary styling and black and silver.

Actually, our final choice may be GCV, but that's another post......


mac_tlc