Looking at taking the plunge.

[Mouse7116]

And I'm hoping to get some good advice before doing so!

I have been lurking here for a while and dreaming of buying in ever since AKV became available. However, the time was never right and now it looks like we will be able to do it.

We are definitely looking at resale and DH and I are debating the finer points of Use Year to make sure that at least for our current vacation habits, we are sitting okay and trying to take into account how our vacationing may change because of kids and school.

We are a family of 4 - two children currently aged 7 and 3. We normally traveled with my mother and aunt, however my aunt recently passed which leaves my mom flying solo. We have rented pointed the last couple of trips to check things out at AKV (because I love it there so and the boys are loving it too). We are thinking that with my aunt's passing that it would be better to have one room for all of us with my mom joining us. We have travelled well together for the last 10 or so years so I'm not too worried about that. However, I don't think that cramming us into a studio will be the best move. What do you think about the one bedroom vs. the two bedroom units? Do we lose more than having a second bathroom or is it better to have the two bedroom especially as the kids get older? We have talked with my mom in depth and looked pictures of the units and she was comfortable with the idea of a one bedroom, just the idea of having two bathrooms sounded more reasonable to her. (She is a spry 80 year old and I'm not really sure how many trips we will have left with her so the bulk of the contract will probably be DH, me and the two boys.)

The debate DH and I are having is whether a one bedroom or two bedroom would be better. My mom suggested 2 bedroom for the sake of having 2 bathrooms especially as the boys get older. My husband is concerned about the points difference between the two room and the maintenance fees that go along with it. I guess I have 300 points stuck in my head or perhaps 2 - 160 point contracts.

My first thought is that having enough points for a two bedroom wouldn't hurt anything and that it would be smarter to purchase 2 medium sized contracts in the same use year and then if it proves to be too much we could sell one off and still maintain a reasonable membership.

I then wondered about going ahead and renting points to book a two bedroom so we could try it as we have been discussing such as having breakfast in our room and perhaps a dinner and eliminate our use of the dining plan. Of course, I'm kind of antsy now that we are actually trying to make DVC ownership a reality but I don't want to go in wishing that we had done it differently.

Of course we can always bump down from a savanna view to value or standard and save on how many points we need, but we do enjoy the view. If you have bumped down fro a savanna view, do you miss it?

We're pretty set on AKV, it's just the dilemma of one bedroom vs. two bedroom and two medium sized contracts vs. one larger one. (although I really do think that the two medium ones makes more sense)

Please advise away and let me know if there is anything else that I am not thinking about!

 

[Deb & Bill]

And I'm hoping to get some good advice before doing so!

I have been lurking here for a while and dreaming of buying in ever since AKV became available. However, the time was never right and now it looks like we will be able to do it.

We are definitely looking at resale and DH and I are debating the finer points of Use Year to make sure that at least for our current vacation habits, we are sitting okay and trying to take into account how our vacationing may change because of kids and school.

We are a family of 4 - two children currently aged 7 and 3. We normally traveled with my mother and aunt, however my aunt recently passed which leaves my mom flying solo. We have rented pointed the last couple of trips to check things out at AKV (because I love it there so and the boys are loving it too). We are thinking that with my aunt's passing that it would be better to have one room for all of us with my mom joining us. We have travelled well together for the last 10 or so years so I'm not too worried about that. However, I don't think that cramming us into a studio will be the best move. What do you think about the one bedroom vs. the two bedroom units? Do we lose more than having a second bathroom or is it better to have the two bedroom especially as the kids get older? We have talked with my mom in depth and looked pictures of the units and she was comfortable with the idea of a one bedroom, just the idea of having two bathrooms sounded more reasonable to her. (She is a spry 80 year old and I'm not really sure how many trips we will have left with her so the bulk of the contract will probably be DH, me and the two boys.)

The debate DH and I are having is whether a one bedroom or two bedroom would be better. My mom suggested 2 bedroom for the sake of having 2 bathrooms especially as the boys get older. My husband is concerned about the points difference between the two room and the maintenance fees that go along with it. I guess I have 300 points stuck in my head or perhaps 2 - 160 point contracts.

My first thought is that having enough points for a two bedroom wouldn't hurt anything and that it would be smarter to purchase 2 medium sized contracts in the same use year and then if it proves to be too much we could sell one off and still maintain a reasonable membership.

I then wondered about going ahead and renting points to book a two bedroom so we could try it as we have been discussing such as having breakfast in our room and perhaps a dinner and eliminate our use of the dining plan. Of course, I'm kind of antsy now that we are actually trying to make DVC ownership a reality but I don't want to go in wishing that we had done it differently.

Of course we can always bump down from a savanna view to value or standard and save on how many points we need, but we do enjoy the view. If you have bumped down fro a savanna view, do you miss it?

We're pretty set on AKV, it's just the dilemma of one bedroom vs. two bedroom and two medium sized contracts vs. one larger one. (although I really do think that the two medium ones makes more sense)

Please advise away and let me know if there is anything else that I am not thinking about!

It's nice you are taking so much into consideration before you purchase anything. I think you are on the right track. And your idea about two smaller contracts sounds good. A two bedroom will make a lot of sense in the future when your boys are older. You might go ahead and rent a few nights in a one bedroom to see how it works.

 

[Minniesgal]

What we did was purchase enough points for a 2 bedroom every other year initially then added on once we were sure we were happy to have enough points to go moe often.

When the kids are little a 1 bedroom will probably be fine. Once they get to teenagers the 2 bedroom would probably be better. Once they fly the nest you may well want to go back to one bedrooms. You need to think of ways to use what you buy flexibly as your needs will change.

 

[ziravan]

Start with points for a one bedroom. Add on when kids are older.

 

[Dean]

And I'm hoping to get some good advice before doing so!

I have been lurking here for a while and dreaming of buying in ever since AKV became available. However, the time was never right and now it looks like we will be able to do it.

We are definitely looking at resale and DH and I are debating the finer points of Use Year to make sure that at least for our current vacation habits, we are sitting okay and trying to take into account how our vacationing may change because of kids and school.

We are a family of 4 - two children currently aged 7 and 3. We normally traveled with my mother and aunt, however my aunt recently passed which leaves my mom flying solo. We have rented pointed the last couple of trips to check things out at AKV (because I love it there so and the boys are loving it too). We are thinking that with my aunt's passing that it would be better to have one room for all of us with my mom joining us. We have travelled well together for the last 10 or so years so I'm not too worried about that. However, I don't think that cramming us into a studio will be the best move. What do you think about the one bedroom vs. the two bedroom units? Do we lose more than having a second bathroom or is it better to have the two bedroom especially as the kids get older? We have talked with my mom in depth and looked pictures of the units and she was comfortable with the idea of a one bedroom, just the idea of having two bathrooms sounded more reasonable to her. (She is a spry 80 year old and I'm not really sure how many trips we will have left with her so the bulk of the contract will probably be DH, me and the two boys.)

The debate DH and I are having is whether a one bedroom or two bedroom would be better. My mom suggested 2 bedroom for the sake of having 2 bathrooms especially as the boys get older. My husband is concerned about the points difference between the two room and the maintenance fees that go along with it. I guess I have 300 points stuck in my head or perhaps 2 - 160 point contracts.

My first thought is that having enough points for a two bedroom wouldn't hurt anything and that it would be smarter to purchase 2 medium sized contracts in the same use year and then if it proves to be too much we could sell one off and still maintain a reasonable membership.

I then wondered about going ahead and renting points to book a two bedroom so we could try it as we have been discussing such as having breakfast in our room and perhaps a dinner and eliminate our use of the dining plan. Of course, I'm kind of antsy now that we are actually trying to make DVC ownership a reality but I don't want to go in wishing that we had done it differently.

Of course we can always bump down from a savanna view to value or standard and save on how many points we need, but we do enjoy the view. If you have bumped down fro a savanna view, do you miss it?

We're pretty set on AKV, it's just the dilemma of one bedroom vs. two bedroom and two medium sized contracts vs. one larger one. (although I really do think that the two medium ones makes more sense)

Please advise away and let me know if there is anything else that I am not thinking about!

AKV seems to be a good option for you and it seems you're set on it. Let me add though that SSR would be cheaper and you should still be able to get in to AKV just not value or concierge. If you're planning most trips at AKV, I'd likely just buy there and certainly if you're thinking value but if you're looking at other resorts routinely, SSR might serve you just as well and be cheaper long term. Just a thought.

AKV value 2BR or AKV Kidani 1 BR will give you 2 BA which I think you'll need. I'd say the 2 BR is worth it if your mom is going even if you have to give up the view to get it. If you listed your usual length of stay, I missed it. Since you're looking at ? 300 points, I'm guessing your looking 6-7 days. IMO spending more to get smaller contracts simply for that reason is not worth it, I'd only do it if the cost isn't increased. Generally it's in the $10 a point range for this scenario. However at around 350-400, it does start to be advisable. Making the obligate assumptions, I'd suggest you consider looking for a loaded contract in the 170-250 range. Ideally in the 200-220 range. That should give you enough for value 2 BR or savannah 1 BR for a week yearly for about 5-7 years with banking and borrowing, possibly longer. Then if you see you need more, you'll better know how much more and might want to add a different home resort. Going even smaller at 150-170 would still be workable with this approach though more limiting though it would give you more options later, esp for a separate home resort. There are always options to stretch your points.

 

[ziravan]

Another benefit of buying smaller now and adding on for a 2 BR later is that the economy is cyclical in a 5-7 yr loop and DVC resale pricing is at a high right now.

Buy enough to get into the 1BR while kids are young, and add on when prices go down during the next downturn even if that takes a few years.

 

[mickeyman]

I just bought a 160 point contract resale for AKV for $75 per point. There are good deals to be had at AKV

 

[Mouse7116]

Thank you all, you have given us some more good things to talk about!

I did forget to mention how long we like to vacation, and it is around a week yearly. I was debating the cost of AP's until the recent change in them so perhaps sticking with regular park tickets will do just fine for us. Although, I was kind of pipe dreaming that if we had a few more points we might be able to take the boys down for SWW. Especially since the new movie is due to arrive and the smallest of us has started to get into Darth Vader.

Do you find that you miss your savanna view when you stay value or standard? Part of me is very torn. There are lots of places in resort to view the animals, but we have been spoiled staying savanna view when we go. Of course starting off with a smaller contract would allow us to grow later....just hoping I don't develop the dreaded condition of "addonitius"! We do love AKV - every time we've gone I've just felt so comfortable there. I guess it just speaks to me, although I had debated about SSR, but it looked like the resale contracts were similarly priced for the number of points I was looking for. Although I did not look very closely, just a quick perusal to see if there was a significant price differential.

One more question - for those that use grocery delivery. I had read that the deluxe resorts have fridges where cold items can stay until you are checked in to your room. Is that accurate? Have you found that having a grocery delivery works out well? We were talking about having breakfast in our room and since with either the 1 or 2 bedroom we have the full kitchen and can use that to our advantage. Of course, this changes the way we vacation quite a bit as we have been go for a week, savanna view, and dining plan kind of travelers. Part of me is looking forward to a bit of a change.

$75 a point sounds great! Maybe if I could get it at that price it would be worth getting enough for the 2 bedroom right away? I've been watching the ROFR thread to see if there are any trends, but that is the number I've been keeping in my mind. It seems like the size of contract that I'm looking for doesn't stay very long - especially if it's loaded.

I guess it's time to have another talk with the hubs and see if we can't make this a reality!

Of course, any other advice or opinions are very much appreciated and welcome!

 

[ziravan]

Yes, the resorts have cold storage.

AP might still be a good value. Book one week this year, and the next week 51 weeks later, then you are using AP on a 2 year arc and you're getting two weeks out of them. Lots of people do that here.

 

[Dean]

Thank you all, you have given us some more good things to talk about!

I did forget to mention how long we like to vacation, and it is around a week yearly. I was debating the cost of AP's until the recent change in them so perhaps sticking with regular park tickets will do just fine for us. Although, I was kind of pipe dreaming that if we had a few more points we might be able to take the boys down for SWW. Especially since the new movie is due to arrive and the smallest of us has started to get into Darth Vader.

Do you find that you miss your savanna view when you stay value or standard? Part of me is very torn. There are lots of places in resort to view the animals, but we have been spoiled staying savanna view when we go. Of course starting off with a smaller contract would allow us to grow later....just hoping I don't develop the dreaded condition of "addonitius"! We do love AKV - every time we've gone I've just felt so comfortable there. I guess it just speaks to me, although I had debated about SSR, but it looked like the resale contracts were similarly priced for the number of points I was looking for. Although I did not look very closely, just a quick perusal to see if there was a significant price differential.

One more question - for those that use grocery delivery. I had read that the deluxe resorts have fridges where cold items can stay until you are checked in to your room. Is that accurate? Have you found that having a grocery delivery works out well? We were talking about having breakfast in our room and since with either the 1 or 2 bedroom we have the full kitchen and can use that to our advantage. Of course, this changes the way we vacation quite a bit as we have been go for a week, savanna view, and dining plan kind of travelers. Part of me is looking forward to a bit of a change.

$75 a point sounds great! Maybe if I could get it at that price it would be worth getting enough for the 2 bedroom right away? I've been watching the ROFR thread to see if there are any trends, but that is the number I've been keeping in my mind. It seems like the size of contract that I'm looking for doesn't stay very long - especially if it's loaded.

I guess it's time to have another talk with the hubs and see if we can't make this a reality!

Of course, any other advice or opinions are very much appreciated and welcome!

Long termAKV will be significantly more expensive than SSR used the same way. You should be able to generally get standard/savannah view at 7 months out though it isn't guaranteed. Value and Concierge are a different story. AKV dues are 20% more than SSR which is likely to not only be compounded at the same rate but possibly slightly higher. The difference may be worth it to you, it may not, you'll have to decide but there's quite a chunk of difference over a long term. I'm thinking SSR will actually hold it's value long term better than AKV because of the dues but we'll see. Both reasonable choices in your situation, you'll just have to decide how much more you're willing to pay for the more guaranteed option vs the risk of reserving at 7 months out. Just make sure you can reserve exactly 11, months out for concierge or value else those become unlikely even owning there.