Is this a good price on AKL resale?

[Keishag]

Looking at your posts on several different threads, the best advice I can give you is to:

1. STOP
2. Cancel your offer on this contract
3. Spend the next 3-6 months researching DVC, how it works, how it fits in with your family's vacation needs, and whether or NOT you should purchase ANY DVC -- either direct or resale -- at ANY price.

With all due respect, I don't think you understand DVC well enough to make an informed decision, and I don't want to see you make another timeshare mistake.

I think we'd all agree there is definitely a learning curve to DVC. As I have said in one of those many posts you've searched out, we've been considering this since 2009 so I've been researching it for many years now. As far as "another" timeshare mistake, I'd say its pretty common to buy into a timeshare for its trading capabilities, correct? I bought a timeshare with Interval International years ago because Disney was ONE of their trading possibilities. It may be a mistake in your eyes, but we still use that timeshare for other purposes, it's just not possible to use it to book Disney onsite anymore. Hence the reason I said "we're screwed" with that one. I appreciate your concern, but really its not necessary.

 

[supersnoop]

I really wonder why people make such a huge deal about the AKV MF. Yes they are higher than most of the dvc but the difference the the MF of a 120 point contract vs the same as a BLT contract would be $135.60/yr based on 2016 MF.

Over the term of the contract, the difference in maintenance fees is essentially the same as paying about $45 more per point up front. Ignoring the desirability between the resorts, is the price difference between AKV and BLT more than $45/point? If not, BLT is the better deal, long term.

There are a plethora of other reasons why AKV is a poor financial choice, and only one good reason: staying in value rooms every time. If you're trying to go to Disney on the cheap and will always stay in a value room, purchasing AKV may make sense. Under just about any other circumstance, you're better off elsewhere.

 

[Supplanter]

I think we'd all agree there is definitely a learning curve to DVC. As I have said in one of those many posts you've searched out, we've been considering this since 2009 so I've been researching it for many years now. As far as "another" timeshare mistake, I'd say its pretty common to buy into a timeshare for its trading capabilities, correct? I bought a timeshare with Interval International years ago because Disney was ONE of their trading possibilities. It may be a mistake in your eyes, but we still use that timeshare for other purposes, it's just not possible to use it to book Disney onsite anymore. Hence the reason I said "we're screwed" with that one. I appreciate your concern, but really its not necessary.

lots of people here seem eager to tell everyone else they shouldn't buy in. Its condescending in my opinion. I loved your response!

 

[Supplanter]

I really wonder why people make such a huge deal about the AKV MF....

I thought animal kingdom sounded awesome but my fear was the cost associated with caring for the animals and later replacing animals that die. I could never get a clear answer on if the animals considered part of resort expenses or are those theme park expenses?

 

[supersnoop]

I thought animal kingdom sounded awesome but my fear was the cost associated with caring for the animals and later replacing animals that die. I could never get a clear answer on if the animals considered part of resort expenses or are those theme park expenses?

"Animal Programs" make up less than 8% of the AKV budget. That's about $0.50 per point. I can't see that getting out of control. AKV has a huge footprint; that's the main reason dues are so much higher.

 

[Supplanter]

"Animal Programs" make up less than 8% of the AKV budget. That's about $0.50 per point. I can't see that getting out of control. AKV has a huge footprint; that's the main reason dues are so much higher.

Thats interesting. I guess I wouldve expected it to be higher, but that probably subs about right. The resort is still pretty new so it shouldnt be too bad spreading those costs out over a couple million points. Ive never tried to buy a giraffe or elephant, but it seems like those could push costs up significantly as the animals age

 

[JimMIA]

I really wonder why people make such a huge deal about the AKV MF. Yes they are higher than most of the dvc but the difference the the MF of a 120 point contract vs the same as a BLT contract would be $135.60/yr based on 2016 MF.

MFs are just one consideration among many. If OP really, really, really wants to own at AKV for the booking window for a particular type of villa, it may well be worth the extra cost per point each year.

That's why I asked "Why AKV?" rather than "What are you...nuts!?"

Is there some reason OP specifically wants AKV? There may be...there may not be...or there may be a reason that in practice will turn out to be completely unrealistic.

I'm just suggesting that OP think this through carefully -- and I think they'd be much better off stepping back for a while and learning much more about DVC and all of the facets of a purchase.

 

[kniquy]

I'm just suggesting that OP think this through carefully -- and I think they'd be much better off stepping back for a while and learning much more about DVC and all of the facets of a purchase.

It doesn't sounds like the OP is uneducated on DVC -- they have been considering it since 2009. Many of the intricacies of DVC are learned as you go along in your membership. I think after figuring out which resort we wanted (or didn't want), our desired length of contract and what we wanted to spend we made our purchase -- after making our purchase we have further educated ourselves on this forum on all the ins & outs of banking, borrowing, wait listing, reservations etc. I don't think the learning ever ends as there are endless scenarios that members encounter.

If the OP has determined where they want to buy, the number of points they want/need to purchase, how much they can afford and how the increasing yearly MF may or may not impact them then hopefully they can make an informed purchase.

They are on this forum which is a wealth of knowledge in the buying process and beyond.

 

[Dean]

It doesn't sounds like the OP is uneducated on DVC -- they have been considering it since 2009. Many of the intricacies of DVC are learned as you go along in your membership. I think after figuring out which resort we wanted (or didn't want), our desired length of contract and what we wanted to spend we made our purchase -- after making our purchase we have further educated ourselves on this forum on all the ins & outs of banking, borrowing, wait listing, reservations etc. I don't think the learning ever ends as there are endless scenarios that members encounter.

If the OP has determined where they want to buy, the number of points they want/need to purchase, how much they can afford and how the increasing yearly MF may or may not impact them then hopefully they can make an informed purchase.

They are on this forum which is a wealth of knowledge in the buying process and beyond.

Maybe, I'd suggest that time alone is not enough. One needs to dive in and spend time but it takes active investigation.

 

[nluvwithdisney]

I say to be truly happy buy what you can comfortably afford and where you feel you want to purchase. Obviously everyone is not buying Saratoga and OKW because they didn't want to. Just because they chose to do something else with the money doesn't make them unwise financially.

This is still a timeshare by the way and a luxury purchase not a necessity.

I speak as a proud AKV owner!