Is it impossible to get an AKL value @ the 7 month mark?

[Jilian]

We're still looking into resorts and haven't settled on which one to buy at. We really like the AKL value rooms and will probably want to stay there until we end up with more points. We'd need a 1 BR or 2 BR (we are 2 adults and 3 kids - -youngest is not yet 2) and we are very flexible in when we can stay, just not between June-August. Would we stand a chance at getting a value room if AKL isn't our home resort? Or are we better off buying @ AKL to ensure we have a shot at a value? The prices @ SSR and OKW are hard to pass up!

 

[McBane]

We're still looking into resorts and haven't settled on which one to buy at. We really like the AKL value rooms and will probably want to stay there until we end up with more points. We'd need a 1 BR or 2 BR (we are 2 adults and 3 kids - -youngest is not yet 2) and we are very flexible in when we can stay, just not between June-August. Would we stand a chance at getting a value room if AKL isn't our home resort? Or are we better off buying @ AKL to ensure we have a shot at a value? The prices @ SSR and OKW are hard to pass up!

I have points at BLT and SSR, and just booked AKL for 1/5-1/9 (marathon weekend) at the 7 month window. Got a 2 bedroom Kidani with a savannah view. Nothing was available at Jambo, however. I'm sure January is easier to get than summer months, but I would expect marathon weekend to be a bit busier than normal January weekends. So far, we've stayed at BCV and WLV as well getting 2bedrooms at the 7 month window.

Either way you decide, I'm sure you will be happy with DVC!

 

[Mtnman44]

There are not many value rooms and they go fast due to the lower points costs. Personally, I think the standard view rooms at Kidanni are still a good deal, points wise and they are larger with an extra bathroom. Worth it to us.

If you want a reliable chance at getting an AKV value room, I think you'll need the 11 month booking window.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There are not many value rooms and they go fast due to the lower points costs. Personally, I think the standard view rooms at Kidanni are still a good deal, points wise and they are larger with an extra bathroom. Worth it to us.

If you want a reliable chance at getting an AKV value room, I think you'll need the 11 month booking window.

I agree. Without home resort advantage, you won't have a good chance.

 

[drusba]

Many have reported getting a value at 7 months; however, more have reported not getting one. Thus, for the purpose of making a purchase, you should not assume you will get it when you try to reserve.

 

[La2kw]

We've gotten them a couple times at 7months. In the summer.

 

[scubakat]

We just bought a small resale contract at AKV because of all the different room type choices.. and because we love the resort... We were looking at AKV or SSR contracts and in the end was convinced to "buy where we want to stay" after all the great information on this site. I guess the pp difference wasn't that much greater when you consider how long the contract term was and we got a pretty good deal so we were happy..

 

[Simba's Mom]

I've been fortunate enough to get an AKV value studio a couple times. Recently I tried at 6 months (flight changes) and had to waitlist, but the waitlist came through in a few weeks. It seems to me that some AKV owners book the value at 11 months, then switch to something with more room at 7 months. At least I hope that happens! When I travel solo, the AKV value studios are perfect for me, and DH says we can't buy more points. So all I can do is keep hoping they're available at 7 months.

 

[LisaS]

If you are buying only enough points to stay in an AKV Value 1BR/2BR every trip then buy at AKV and be prepared to book 11 months out. The Value category includes ten 2BR lockoffs and eight dedicated studios. They are located on either side of the front entrance along the Ostrich and Giraffe trails as shown on this AKV room map. If you want a Value 1BR or 2BR then you are competing for one of ten rooms. Those trying to book a Value studio have better odds since there are up to 18 of them if every 2BR lockoff is split up.