Looking for some advice...

[Supplanter]

My general valuation formula is quite simple: ((Price / Years Remaining) + (Current Maintenance Fees)) = (Annualized Net Present Value).

I just re-ran my numbers. I had to make some assumptions on price. Years remaining should fluctuate based on whether a resale contract is stripped or loaded. Strangely enough, AKV came out as the third-best value. The largest gaps are between the first three, and then between HH and VWL...

Yep, and you can get as in depth as you'd like with this chart, accounting for average increases in dues, likely sales price if you sell off the points, potential investment scenarios if you just rent points vs buying, etc... But in the end, they attack up about the same every time.

Ssr is the best value, and if you'll do at least 5-7 Disney vacations the next 10 years, dvc can save you money or upgrade your experience.
It just comes down to preference in choosing a resort. Then Figure out how many points you need for the trips you want to take.

 

[cbeary29]

Thanks all! I really appreciate all the tips and opinions. In the end it doesn't seem to come down to $ because that just splits hairs in a purchase like this, it seems to come down to preference. We are going to look at each location again a bit to see what we are thinking. I'm leaning towards BLT right now just because of location, but going to take another look at Wilderness. Hubby I think just wants to stay at least once at AK. Got to have that Savannah view experience.

 

[aoconnor]

My general valuation formula is quite simple: ((Price / Years Remaining) + (Current Maintenance Fees)) = (Annualized Net Present Value).

I just re-ran my numbers. I had to make some assumptions on price. Years remaining should fluctuate based on whether a resale contract is stripped or loaded. Strangely enough, AKV came out as the third-best value. The largest gaps are between each of the first three, and then again between HH and VWL.

Obviously, there are non-monetary factors that come into play, so every decision should be weighted accordingly.

View attachment 168994

THIS! For all the "hate" on AKV (mainly due to the high MF) I think it's actually the 2nd best deal in DVC. SSR is the cheapest, no one will argue there. But a good number of people, myself included, wouldn't be happy having to stay there often.

While it's true that BLT is technically the second cheapest option over the life of the contract, the buy in is ~$32 per point higher than AKV. So the MF is $1 less but it'll take you 32 years to make up the difference in buy in costs, not factoring in time value of money. If you factor in time value of money, the time to make up the difference is even longer- 40 years+ (less money due upfront which you can invest elsewhere).

I have a feeling most DVC buyers won't hold their contracts 32+ years to make up the difference.

 

[supersnoop]

If you factor in time value of money, the time to make up the difference is even longer- 40 years+ (less money due upfront which you can invest elsewhere).

Since we're using today's dollars to evaluate future maintenance fees, I believe we already account for the time value of money in that equation.

Since AKV is so large, I think it's safe to buy SSR or BLT with the intention of staying at AKV, and still coming out ahead.

 

[rg35]

I am an AKL owner. I would not get AKL solely for savannah views. They are cool, but after a while sort of a novelty.
That said, we love AKL.

Pros
The pool area is great, and there are a lot of activities (esp. for kids).
The grounds and theming are fantastic. The lobby at Jambo house is really outstanding.
AKL has three of the best dining options at Disney resorts (Sanaa, Boma and Jiko).
At Kidani, the resort is built over the parking, so getting into your car is not a furnace. It's basically like parking in a garage.
Very close to Publix and chain dining options (sit down and fast food) on W Irlo Bronson Parkway (530) if you don't want to eat at Disney restaurants.
1 Bedrooms have two bathrooms and a pull out chair to sleep a 5th person

Cons
Bus ride is long if you aren't renting or bringing your own car.
Some say the rooms can feel dark. I don't disagree, but at the same time it doesn't bother us.

 

[cbeary29]

When everyone says bus ride is long. We stayed at Pop this last time. Longer than that to MK from AKL?

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

THIS! For all the "hate" on AKV (mainly due to the high MF) I think it's actually the 2nd best deal in DVC. SSR is the cheapest, no one will argue there. But a good number of people, myself included, wouldn't be happy having to stay there often.

While it's true that BLT is technically the second cheapest option over the life of the contract, the buy in is ~$32 per point higher than AKV. So the MF is $1 less but it'll take you 32 years to make up the difference in buy in costs, not factoring in time value of money. If you factor in time value of money, the time to make up the difference is even longer- 40 years+ (less money due upfront which you can invest elsewhere).

I have a feeling most DVC buyers won't hold their contracts 32+ years to make up the difference.

I can't speak for others, but for me, I don't think it's meant to be a "hate" on AKV per se. We were also considering purchasing there (it was basically our second choice). If you like AKV, you should absolutely purchase there. I think some people buy AKV because it's "cheap", not knowing the impact of MFs on the overall costs. They eliminate a resort like BLT right off the bat because it's "too expensive", and I think that people should take a second look at BLT or another resort if that's the one that the really want (which seems to be OP's case). You should not buy BLT if you like AKV better simply because the long term cost per point of BLT is slightly lower than AKV.

 

[lovin'fl]

I didn't read this thread thoroughly but I will give my insight on the resorts mentioned and we have stayed at all 3:

VWL- love the theme of this resort. The boat to MK is nice, better than taking a bus. Dining here isn't bad and you can also take the boat to other resorts/MK for more dining options. This place is very calm and quiet. The point cost to book isn't bad (not like VGF or Poly). And, best of all, it is FANTASTIC from Thanksgiving to NYE with the decorations and caroling choir. You will have difficulty booking during this time if you don't own here. Also can be difficult during other busy DVC times. Negatives are that they are under construction until 2018 and they took down many of the beloved trees for that construction. Also contracts expire in 2042. Another thing that may be important is that studios sleep 5.

BLT- the theme here bothers some folks but I like it. It is a contemporary high rise like you'd find in any city...maybe kind of cold styling but I don't mind. The studios are THE smallest of all DVC and really only good for a couple and maybe a couple with one little kid, not much more. But I loved the layout as they have a a nice galley kitchen with counters and a mirror so I would get ready in there while DH was in the bathroom showering. I like looking at Bay Lake or at the MK (haven't had MK view though, but I am sure I'd like it). The 1BR villas have 2 bathrooms and a sleeper chair as well as sleeper sofa (2 BR therefore do as well). LOVE the Top of the World Lounge and the Contempo Cafe isn't bad for a CS. Fantastic other dining options at CR (Cali Grill) and on the monorail loop. You can walk to the MK. They have a longer expiration date (not sure what year but longer than 2042). Nice to own here if you want standard view rooms to save points or MK view rooms.

AKV- another wonderful theme. In fact, this is a resort we could go for a non-park stay and never be bored. Love the animals...love the dining...the pools are nice...and did I say that I love the animals!!!! The rooms are decent size. The 1BR here also have 2 bathrooms (at Kidani only) and the sleeper chair as well as the sleeper sofa (Kidani and Jambo). The busing only goes to Kidani and Jambo and no other resorts but it is far out from 3 parks (close to AK of course). Though we found the busing to be good because it doesn't have all the internal stops like SSR nor does it stop at other resorts like at BWV (with Swan and Dolphin). It is a large resort and we find it is easy to book at the 7 month window as long as you don't want club level, you got to own there to book that...value rooms are a great deal point-wise but they are smaller and in Jambo and you have to own there to book those too. IMO, savanna view is the way to go...love it! Though some folks will say to save points and book standard since there are so many viewing windows and patios all over the resort where you can see the animals. But, to me, there is nothing like sitting on your own balcony with a cup of coffee (AM) or glass of wine (PM) while watching the animals. These also have a longer expiration date.

 

[Dean]

Considering resale BLT or AKL...with a possible thought of Wilderness. Any tips or suggestions? Kind of new to this...

My firsts suggestion is to go through a series of thought processes before you get to home resort. Can you afford it? Will you use it ONLY at DVC resorts? Can you plan at least 7 months out? Do you have sufficient timeshare and on property experience to make an informed decision? If the answer to all is yes and you have spent sufficient time exploring such that you're ready to buy, then and only then is home resort a question. A few other points. Essentially NO ONE new to DVC will know their long term preferences even when they think they do so picking the right home resort up front is hit or miss at best but likely more like closing your eyes and throwing at the dart board. SSR is the best value but assumes a certain amount of comfort with certain resorts though that includes AKV which is fairly easy to reserve for certain room types at 7 months out and is roughly 20% cheaper long term than AKV. BLT will be the second cheapest long term and is likely the best value for those looking at a MK or monorail type option.

But that still doesn't change the "buy where you want to stay" rule. Much ado is made of AKL dues, and it's true, they are a bit higher than the other Disney resorts. The sheer size of the offerings there is the biggest reason why. If you love the AKL, that's where you should buy. The difference in our annual dues between our 190 pts at AKL and our 160 pts at VWL amounts to maybe $100 per year, and that's on 30 more points. Amortize that over the cheaper up front cost of AKL points, the longer contract duration, etc., etc., and you are looking at like 2043 before it makes any difference at all.

The ONLY resort where dues are really a cost-prohibitive factor, even with the cheaper upfront costs, is VBL. HH is a bad hurricane away from similar problems. Those are two resorts that, unless you want to stay there, you shouldn't purchase points trying to save money.

But all in all, this is a luxury purchase, so trying to save a few dollars between AKL if that's where you really want to be (The savannah views are AWESOME, so very relaxing, and in our opinion, well worth the price of admission) and another resort you don't love as much really makes no sense at all.

I think to compare fairly you've got to do one of 2 things. Either compare the same number of points OR the points for each resort for the same type of villa that one plans to use basically every trip at THAT resort. As I noted above, basically no new buyers know enough to truly buy where they want to stay, only where they think they want to stay and none of us know where we'll prefer in 10 yrs. I'd agree the price isn't likely to be enough different long term to FORCE a compromise for most assuming resale but it is enough to make one think about the cost, compromises likely usage. Certainly one can easily stay at AKV savannah view routinely owning elsewhere if planned at 7 months out. And while AKV has the value villas, few and basically no new buyers will use them enough to make up the cost differences compared to owning SSR and using for AKV. There is a value consideration on the RTU from the 2042 to the later times but likely not enough difference between 2054 & 2060 to matter no matter one's age.

 

[cbeary29]

My firsts suggestion is to go through a series of thought processes before you get to home resort. Can you afford it? Will you use it ONLY at DVC resorts? Can you plan at least 7 months out? Do you have sufficient timeshare and on property experience to make an informed decision? If the answer to all is yes and you have spent sufficient time exploring such that you're ready to buy, then and only then is home resort a question.

The answer is yes to all of the above. Thanks to all again for their advice and opinions!

 

[Dean]

The answer is yes to all of the above. Thanks to all again for their advice and opinions!

Good luck with your process.

 

[Axelskater]

My general valuation formula is quite simple: ((Price / Years Remaining) + (Current Maintenance Fees)) = (Annualized Net Present Value).

I just re-ran my numbers. I had to make some assumptions on price. Years remaining should fluctuate based on whether a resale contract is stripped or loaded. Strangely enough, AKV came out as the third-best value. The largest gaps are between each of the first three, and then again between HH and VWL.

Obviously, there are non-monetary factors that come into play, so every decision should be weighted accordingly.

View attachment 168994

Great job! Thanks for this straightforward and useful way to compare relative costs of resorts.

 

[Lynne M]

When everyone says bus ride is long. We stayed at Pop this last time. Longer than that to MK from AKL?

About the same, maybe 5 minutes longer?

 

[lisaviolet]

A few other points. Essentially NO ONE new to DVC will know their long term preferences even when they think they do so picking the right home resort up front is hit or miss at best but likely more like closing your eyes and throwing at the dart board.

I agree with this statement.

You can think you will love a resort, and then you stay there and it's not quite your thing. And vice versa. It happens. And preferences can change over time and stays.

I own at BWV and I have never ever wavered. Still a dream come true. But there are two that I thought were the best choices for me and after stays there, although they were great stays they were not the contenders I had in my head.

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But if you do want to give it some more thought -

I would think whether easy access to the MK is very important to you or not. And therefore I would cross off AKL if that is a dream come true, to be so close. Also, I adore going to resorts on my stays. And the MK area is lovely for doing that. You have CR, Polynesian, FW, WL and GF all right there. That configuration brings me a lot of joy on vacation. As does using the small boats that travel CR/FW/WL and MK/Polynesian/GF. You have to think about the things that give you joy. Also, the MK is a very easy transfer point.

The only reason I would choose AKL is if I wanted the low point cost of the Value rooms there or concierge booking is a dream come true. These are great features for owners, having that booking window. Otherwise every DVC owner can get a trip there once in awhile, no issue at all.

It is a lovely resort, none of my comments are a put down.

 

[bakerworld]

In the past we didn't think we could visit WDW without going to the MK but now we go a year or two between visits and we use our DVC a minimum of twice annually. AK's bus ride's are a fantastic opportunity to take a nap. We stay there every other year during Spring Training because we love the resort but rarely go that that park either.