Help me decide re: AKV incentive - decision is dependent on SSR availability Oct 08

[peacefrogdog]

I had originally been planning to buy a 160-180 points BCV resale, with the hope of booking a trip in Oct 2008 (fully realizing that I wouldn't be able to get BCV/BWV/VWL during that time) using '08 points, and book HHI for March 2009 (hopefully using '09 points).

However looking at the types of BCV resales out there, there aren't that many and those that are available tend not to have '08 points available. Therefore I'd have to borrow in order to travel in Oct 2008, and then borrow from 2010 points to travel in March 2009.

I'm now looking at Disney's AKV incentives which is appealing because I could potentially use the Developer's points for my travel in Oct 2008 to stay at SSR (which I was anticipating staying in, even if I was able to get BCV points), and still have '08 points that could be banked to use for May 2009 and beyond, and then get '09 points for a future trip. I realize I wouldn't be able to use any points for the March 09 trip to HHI.

However the appeal of this incentive (for us at least) is highly dependent on SSR being available in Oct 2008 (specifically Oct 19-25). If I got developer's points in the next month or so, do you foresee problems booking a 2-BR villa at SSR during this time?

 

[ZekeKelso]

Since there is no guarantee, I'd make it a condition of the sale. Talk to you guide and explain that you will only buy if they can guarantee you a reservation at SSR for the dates you want.

 

[#1DisneylandFan]

In January we purchased AKV with the 2007 points included, as well as 160 developer points. As soon as it was finalized (end of Jan) I booked OKW for the end of March and I just booked AKV Concierge for November (both using developer points). I used the 2007 points for the November stay as well, in order to stay longer. I believe SSR is larger, so I would think you would not have a problem booking there for October using developer points. It takes a while to get confirmation, but they can let you know the availability right away. Good luck!

 

[MILEMRKR63]

I bought into DVC last week for SSR.

I love the resort and am pleased with my choice. I was up front with the guy and said if he could get me the SSR resort for the next 3 trips (all booked for SSR anyhow) I had coming in the next 3 months, and I could cancel my ressies made through central res without losing money, I would take the deal. He wasteed no time calling resservations securing the same room and time frame, and then got my 3 rooms cancelled through reservations without any penalty.

I am a happy camper and the money I am getting back for the next 3 res is well enough to cover a big chunk of the DVC total cost that I threw on my American Express.

 

[mikeandkarla]

You shouldn't have any problems getting a room at SSR in October. Of course reserve it as soon as you can.

 

[dizplanner]

It isn't your exact situation, but I just checked on a studio at all resorts (I'm currently booked at VWL, my home resort) for Oct 19-24 (5 nights) and SSR was the only resort that had availability for all 5 nights. BWV has two nights in the middle.

 

[abner1776]

My only question for you is: Do you think it's reasonable to make a decision for the next 35 years simply based upon what you can or cannot do in Oct '08?

You need to put Oct '08 on the back burner and decide what DVC resort do you want as your home resort...for the next 35+ years.

 

[peacefrogdog]

My only question for you is: Do you think it's reasonable to make a decision for the next 35 years simply based upon what you can or cannot do in Oct '08?

You need to put Oct '08 on the back burner and decide what DVC resort do you want as your home resort...for the next 35+ years.

Fair enough. Granted the only place we've stayed are AKL (didn't stay in the villas, just got a regular room) and HHI. However we loved everything about AKL. We had favored BCV initially based on friends' reports, and the proximity to Epcot, but have never stayed there. So if we had bought at BCV, there still would be some uncertainty about that being our home resort until 2042.

I guess the only way to know for sure about home resorts is to stay there (like we have for AKV and HHI) or try all the ones we're thinking about (don't think that's feasible). So either way, regardless of whether it is AKV or BCV we buy into, I think we're still taking a leap of faith.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you could only stay in your home resort, would that make a difference?

Is it more important to be close to a theme park (like walking distance or a short boat ride away)? Or is it more important to be able to get a GV? Or is it more important to be able to use less points rather than more for your stay? Is the length of the contract important? Will you be around in 2052 or 2057? Will the dues in 2040 be a big factor to you (wouldn't we all like to know that one )?

 

[lisaviolet]

So either way, regardless of whether it is AKV or BCV we buy into, I think we're still taking a leap of faith.

Yep. Sometimes you never know. Short form of story. I always wanted to be a BCV owner. And then I stayed there. Nothing was wrong. Nice place. It just didn't have the pull for me that I perceived it would. Weird how mind and body aren't always aligned on such matters.

I guess I'm not helping with your decision.

But regardless, congratulations. And here's to a bunch of wonderful vacations.

Lisa

 

[abeyst]

I'd buy a minimum-point contract at a place with incentives.

See, there's this thing called add-onitis that we all get (and trust me, you'll get, too!) You can always add on points at BCV (or any other resort) later.