PLEEAASE help me decide what to do!!

[TLP127]

SO, I refuse to rent points from anyone else. It is time that I am an owner!! Here are my options given from Disney today, please help me decide what to do!

1st. Buy at SSR. Get a better rebate and be given points retroactive to last January without dues. I am not returning to WDW until May, so I could rent points to my friend who is looking for some in September, which would give me extra money to put towards my purchase, and then use the points from next January for my May trip.

2nd. Buy AKL. Not as good a rebate. Points will start in September, so if I'm understanding this right, I will need to use them for my May trip. I will get slightly more time at AKL.

We like both places equally, but are not that found of the SSR counter service restaurant (a girl can only eat so many flat breads!). It seems that SSR is usually pretty easy to get a ressie at, but I think AKL may eventually be rather difficult.

Also, while we are okay in a studio for now, eventually, we will want more space. Should I buy the total number of points that I think I will eventually use now? Will the cost of points go up over the years if I wait?

Finally, I've read quite a few posts about people saying you should buy smaller contracts instead of one big one. If I'm thinking of 300 points, should I split them up? If you want to sell points, do you have to sell the total amount of points on the contract? Will I have to pay 2 closing costs if I get both contracts at the same time?

As a side note, I have to buy directly from Disney, because they will finance me. I recently started a business, and while I now have the income I need for paying all of my business debts and to be able to buy DVC, my credit file still reflects my maxed out credit. I was going to wait to buy until my credit score improved, but I just can't see handing the money over to someone to rent points anymore, when that money could be going toward my own purchase.

Thanks for any advice you can offer!!

 

[flyerron]

SO, I refuse to rent points from anyone else. It is time that I am an owner!! Here are my options given from Disney today, please help me decide what to do!

1st. Buy at SSR. Get a better rebate and be given points retroactive to last January without dues. I am not returning to WDW until May, so I could rent points to my friend who is looking for some in September, which would give me extra money to put towards my purchase, and then use the points from next January for my May trip.

2nd. Buy AKL. Not as good a rebate. Points will start in September, so if I'm understanding this right, I will need to use them for my May trip. I will get slightly more time at AKL.

We like both places equally, but are not that found of the SSR counter service restaurant (a girl can only eat so many flat breads!). It seems that SSR is usually pretty easy to get a ressie at, but I think AKL may eventually be rather difficult.

Also, while we are okay in a studio for now, eventually, we will want more space. Should I buy the total number of points that I think I will eventually use now? Will the cost of points go up over the years if I wait?

Finally, I've read quite a few posts about people saying you should buy smaller contracts instead of one big one. If I'm thinking of 300 points, should I split them up? If you want to sell points, do you have to sell the total amount of points on the contract? Will I have to pay 2 closing costs if I get both contracts at the same time?

As a side note, I have to buy directly from Disney, because they will finance me. I recently started a business, and while I now have the income I need for paying all of my business debts and to be able to buy DVC, my credit file still reflects my maxed out credit. I was going to wait to buy until my credit score improved, but I just can't see handing the money over to someone to rent points anymore, when that money could be going toward my own purchase.

Thanks for any advice you can offer!!

All good questions. Both SSR & AKV are good buys. If you buy 2 contracts you may have to buy at 160 points each. 1 contract of 300 of course is a reasonable choice. I think the main reason to buy 2 contracts is if you want to sell one in the future. Another is if you want to have different people on each contract ie: you & 1st child on 1 & you & 2nd child on the other. Who knows what the future holds for us, but almost certainly the cost per point will rise with time so if you can afford it buy all the points you will need now. Resale may not work for you if you need DVC for financing now but may be a way to go in the future. Renting to your friend to help finance is a clever move.

 

[Slakk]

All good questions. Both SSR & AKV are good buys. If you buy 2 contracts you may have to buy at 160 points each. 1 contract of 300 of course is a reasonable choice. I think the main reason to buy 2 contracts is if you want to sell one in the future. Another is if you want to have different people on each contract ie: you & 1st child on 1 & you & 2nd child on the other. Who knows what the future holds for us, but almost certainly the cost per point will rise with time so if you can afford it buy all the points you will need now. Resale may not work for you if you need DVC for financing now but may be a way to go in the future. Renting to your friend to help finance is a clever move.

Why not buy at both? 160 at one and 140 at the other. Then you have the best of both worlds.

 

[Granny]

{snip}
We like both places equally, {snip}

If this is really true, I'd probably lean towards AKV. I think AKV, with its numerous Views and point schedules, may be harder to book exactly what you want without the 11 month window. And it has 3 more years, which is not much but it should help it hold its value a little longer.

On the other hand, the big roll of the dice with AKV, IMHO, is what will the dues look like over time? AKL/AKV has to be a pretty expensive place to run with the animals and such, and I would be concerned about the cost of keeping that resort running over time.

I agree that if you really like them both equally, buy 150 points at each and alternate stays.

 

[chalee94]

i would start with what you need and add on later through disney (add ons still have zero closing charges - although that could change.) it's true that the cost of points may (most likely will) go up - so you have to weigh that against keeping the money in your pocket for now.

BTW, adding on in chunks of 50 or 100 points makes it easier to sell later (and adds a small premium to the value of the points.)

 

[spaddy]

You also have to consider that AKV right now has much higher MF.

If you don't need all 300 points right now I would not get them all right now. That's a personal preference. I would get the 160 first and then do the small add ons as needed. By then you will have a better feeling for which resort you like the best.

 

[DVC Grammy]

As others have said, why not buy the minimum now (should hold you for studio visits)? Later, you can always buy more at whichever DVC you want.

If financing is an issue in the future, buying an add-on of at least 50 pts through Disney at any of the resorts allows you to finance, and I believe that the TSS also now offers financing confused3 ). There's no time frame rule about how soon after you join DVC you can start adding on, it can even be immediately.

I'd agree with Granny about buying AKV first, not only because of the different point categories available, but also because if you ever want to stay in Concierge there, that 11-month booking window may be mandatory!

 

[TLP127]

Thanks for all of the info! I think AKL it is!! Still not quite sure how many points, but probably just 160 for now. Does anyone know what the "MF" is that Spaddy spoke of? Also, I have been reading about the potential for getting extra points to use over the next 7 months, instead of the discount, but I was not given this option by Disney. Does anyone know if this is still available?

 

[pilferk]

SO, I refuse to rent points from anyone else. It is time that I am an owner!! Here are my options given from Disney today, please help me decide what to do!

1st. Buy at SSR. Get a better rebate and be given points retroactive to last January without dues. I am not returning to WDW until May, so I could rent points to my friend who is looking for some in September, which would give me extra money to put towards my purchase, and then use the points from next January for my May trip.

2nd. Buy AKL. Not as good a rebate. Points will start in September, so if I'm understanding this right, I will need to use them for my May trip. I will get slightly more time at AKL.

We like both places equally, but are not that found of the SSR counter service restaurant (a girl can only eat so many flat breads!). It seems that SSR is usually pretty easy to get a ressie at, but I think AKL may eventually be rather difficult.

Also, while we are okay in a studio for now, eventually, we will want more space. Should I buy the total number of points that I think I will eventually use now? Will the cost of points go up over the years if I wait?

Finally, I've read quite a few posts about people saying you should buy smaller contracts instead of one big one. If I'm thinking of 300 points, should I split them up? If you want to sell points, do you have to sell the total amount of points on the contract? Will I have to pay 2 closing costs if I get both contracts at the same time?

As a side note, I have to buy directly from Disney, because they will finance me. I recently started a business, and while I now have the income I need for paying all of my business debts and to be able to buy DVC, my credit file still reflects my maxed out credit. I was going to wait to buy until my credit score improved, but I just can't see handing the money over to someone to rent points anymore, when that money could be going toward my own purchase.

Thanks for any advice you can offer!!

Another benefit of SSR is dues are a bit lower.

Here's my take: Buy where it makes sense to stay. If you're into SSR, buy there. If not, and you're into AKV, buy there.

Just a couple of things to point out:

The "11 month window" seems like it'll be more advantageous at AKV. First off, it's a bit smaller. Second, the number of "point saving options", like Value rooms, will go quick and probably necessitate calling at 11 months. Ditto with concierge, if that's something you're interested in.

You can get, officially, 5 in most 1 BR's (all but the value's) at AKV. Now, for me, that's a BIG benefit (we have 3 young kids). For you, it might not be. I notice you're saying you'll eventually "need more space". If that's because of family planning, etc...you may want to consider AKV for that reason.

You get and extra Bathroom in the new Kidani rooms. Again, for me (2 young girls + 1 young boy) that extra bathroom is going to mean we aim for Kidani 1BR (and 2BR, eventually) a LOT.


Now, for SSR. SSR has DIRECT access to DTD. If you're a nightlife lover....or just want a LOT of options for dining, that's a compelling reason for SSR. I agree....from the looks SSR's CS offering looks a bit limited (and MARA at AKL is pretty expansive), but the DTD offerings make up for it, IMHO.

SSR has a GREAT spa (world class, actually). If you're a spa person, you just can't beat having it on site. Long day at the parks followed by a relaxing massage before dinner? Sounds like heaven to me. Now, of course, you can USE the spa if you're not staying on property, but...if it's something you think you'll use a LOT, you can't beat having it convenient to your room.

SSR (like OKW) has a very "laid back" sort of feel to it. It's not as "hustle and bustle" as many of the deluxe hotel related DVC offerings. I'm not sure what AKV will become (because it's the first deluxe related offering that's a bit more removed from the center of it all), but SSR is definitely "slower paced"...which is nice if you actually like to do a little relaxing on your vacation, as opposed to theme park commandoing through everything.

As an aside, that's one of the things we like about DVC: We don't need to "commando"...because we know we'll be back next year. We can slow down and appreciate/enjoy things a bit more.....and not RUN from attraction to attraction, hoping we don't miss anything because we're not EXACTLY sure when we'll be back.

I would buy, points-wise, what you can afford and what you think you'll ULTIMATELY need. Because points prices are only going to go up. If that means renting some every year for awhile...so be it...offset the costs of dues/membership til you're ready to USE those points every year.

I'd also recommend one 160 pt contract (the minimum for a Master contract through Disney) and 3 50 point contracts (or 2 50's and a 40, I guess, for 300). The smaller contracts are easier to get rid of if you need or want to sell later on down the line. They also tend to command a slightly higher price.

I THINK you'll only pay closing costs on the 1st contract. If not, buy the 1st, wait til it closes, then buy the others. I KNOW you won't pay closing costs as an existing member on purchases after your first one. In addition, as long as you're a member in good standing (everything is paid up and current) you auto qualify for financing, I think.

 

[Amy5000]

Does anyone know what the "MF" is that Spaddy spoke of?

MF stands for "Membership Fees", which are paid annually by members of the different resorts. Each resort has different membership fees. I think the larger resorts (OKW and SSR) typically have slightly lower MFs. This year SSR had the lowest MF which I believe was $4.12. The I don't have AKV's MF, but for the other resorts 2007 MFs were:

Saratoga Springs $4.12
Old Key West $4.39
Hilton Head Island $4.98
Beach Club Villas $4.63
Wilderness Lodge $4.72
Boardwalk Villas $4.85
Vero Beach $5.62

Some posters have been concerned about the cost of maintaining the animals at AKV b/c the DVC members there pay a pro rata portion of the animal upkeep costs. So that's not something that's in the budget at other DVCs. (That said, I'm sure other DVC's have other expensive items...Maybe SAB is more expensive to upkeep than the other pools).

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[pilferk]

Thanks for all of the info! I think AKL it is!! Still not quite sure how many points, but probably just 160 for now. Does anyone know what the "MF" is that Spaddy spoke of? Also, I have been reading about the potential for getting extra points to use over the next 7 months, instead of the discount, but I was not given this option by Disney. Does anyone know if this is still available?

MF = Maintenance fees. In other words: annual dues.

 

[kend58]

Three less years for two less dollars a point makes the price comparison lean slightly to AKV on a dollars per point per remaining year basis. Dues leans toward SSR so on a purely ecomnomic basis SSR wins by a nose

The real decision is more likely based on the less easily defineable facets of the Resort so for you which one is best depend IMHO on:

Style of resort - Large Single Hotel hallway vs
Multiple buildings with outdoor balcony walkways
which do you prefer

Resort amenities Savana, large water playground/pool & Animals vs
SPA, Nightlife & DTD transport center for resort hopping
wich do you prefer

Whichever Resort you chose get the 300 points in a 160 + 70 + 70 or 160 + xxx configuration to allow yourself future flexibility in a DVC point portfolio with multiple home resorts or because of need to sell to deal with whatever unforseen event comes along without wiping out your entire DVC ownership.

 

[rinkwide]

...Maybe SAB is more expensive to upkeep than the other pools...

Yeah, but they save a lot on carpet-cleaning solution so the Beach Club fees are still pretty low.

 

[kaylie&laurensmom]

AKV MF are currently $4.62, so they're right in the middle of the pack.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Congrats on buying...

If you like AKL and SSR equally, then go with the cheaper one. However, make sure that's the actual case... buy where you don't mind spending EVERY vacation... because its the only one you have an advantage in getting into at the 11 month window. Take into account your favorite areas of WDW. If DTD is your favorite, then go with SSR. If DAK is your favorite then go with AKL. AKL is neat, but it is a hike from the other areas of WDW... of course it will also see the most growth over the next few years...

I'm for buying as many as you think you can afford. Add on itis affects many DISers (myself included)... although waiting might net you a good deal if a primo promo is on.

Disney does not check credit reports. Theydon't report to the agencies. If you don't pay, they prepossess and you lose everything you've put in... no skin off there backs.

I'd figure out just how often you plan to go and if you want a bigger room how many points you'll need to go that often. From there, if you need less than 300, see just how much you have left over and decide whether to buy all in one place or in both.

At this point, I am done with SSR add-ons and fine with my points... I will wait until a resort I really want (Poly, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE or CRV or GF or Yacht.. which I doubt since BCV exists) opens and buy then.

Hope this helps.

SO, I refuse to rent points from anyone else. It is time that I am an owner!! Here are my options given from Disney today, please help me decide what to do!

1st. Buy at SSR. Get a better rebate and be given points retroactive to last January without dues. I am not returning to WDW until May, so I could rent points to my friend who is looking for some in September, which would give me extra money to put towards my purchase, and then use the points from next January for my May trip.

2nd. Buy AKL. Not as good a rebate. Points will start in September, so if I'm understanding this right, I will need to use them for my May trip. I will get slightly more time at AKL.

We like both places equally, but are not that found of the SSR counter service restaurant (a girl can only eat so many flat breads!). It seems that SSR is usually pretty easy to get a ressie at, but I think AKL may eventually be rather difficult.

Also, while we are okay in a studio for now, eventually, we will want more space. Should I buy the total number of points that I think I will eventually use now? Will the cost of points go up over the years if I wait?

Finally, I've read quite a few posts about people saying you should buy smaller contracts instead of one big one. If I'm thinking of 300 points, should I split them up? If you want to sell points, do you have to sell the total amount of points on the contract? Will I have to pay 2 closing costs if I get both contracts at the same time?

As a side note, I have to buy directly from Disney, because they will finance me. I recently started a business, and while I now have the income I need for paying all of my business debts and to be able to buy DVC, my credit file still reflects my maxed out credit. I was going to wait to buy until my credit score improved, but I just can't see handing the money over to someone to rent points anymore, when that money could be going toward my own purchase.

Thanks for any advice you can offer!!

 

[vandy]

This will probably confuse you more, but here are some things to consider:

1st. Buy at SSR. Get a better rebate and be given points retroactive to last January without dues. I am not returning to WDW until May, so I could rent points to my friend who is looking for some in September, which would give me extra money to put towards my purchase, and then use the points from next January for my May trip.

What use year are you being offerred at SSR and what restrictions are there on the bonus points? Can you bank them and still use them in May? Or as you stated, renting them to a friend isn't a bad idea.

We like both places equally, but are not that found of the SSR counter service restaurant (a girl can only eat so many flat breads!).

If SSR restaurants don't suit you, then hop the ferry and go across the lake to DD. More choices to eat from over there and it is so close. How many choices at AKV?

It seems that SSR is usually pretty easy to get a ressie at, but I think AKL may eventually be rather difficult.

For right now that may be the case, but it looks like AKV will be a good sized resort and that may not be as much of a problem. What it may depend on is what are the available views.

Also, while we are okay in a studio for now, eventually, we will want more space. Should I buy the total number of points that I think I will eventually use now? Will the cost of points go up over the years if I wait?

The AKV 1 bedrooms will sleep 5. SSR is at 4. Cost of points can and do change to where Disney feels they need to be at that point in time. I think you should just buy what you need now and add on when your situation changes (unless you want the 1 BR because of the full kitchen).

Finally, I've read quite a few posts about people saying you should buy smaller contracts instead of one big one. If I'm thinking of 300 points, should I split them up? If you want to sell points, do you have to sell the total amount of points on the contract? Will I have to pay 2 closing costs if I get both contracts at the same time?

Best to buy the basic 160 point contract, and make the other contracts between 50 and 100 points. Reason being the smaller contracts draw more interest should you need to sell. If all on one contract, you need to sell all the points that are on that contract. Closing costs are all combined, but you will still have the multiple contracts.


Finally, I am one to believe that you really should buy where you want to stay. The availability to get ressies at 7-months at SSR may be there today, but who can predict the future? Plus, maybe you will end up going during a peak time. AKV is just starting to build so its availability will improve. Yes, the MFs are higher at AKV than at SSR due to the animals, BWV is high due to the lights and energy bills (per my guide), and BCV may be higher due to SAB, but unless you have a large number of points, the cost difference really isn't that much when spread over the year. Is it worth paying 22 cents per day more on a 160 point AKV contract to you to stay at AKV? That's what the MFs break down to. And last, look at the lifestyle and feel of each resort to see if it is you. AKV is a very unique experience and a much different feel than SSR. Best wishes.

 

[pilferk]

. How many choices at AKV?

At least 4, and possibly 5.

Boma, Jiko's, and Mara we know.

Kidani will have Saana, a family atmosphere TS place.

The ONE questionmark is whether Kidani will have a CS place. I've heard the pool bar will serve CS type food, too...but that's just a rumor. We'll have to wait until we get more info as they build out. So far, no official word, but I'd be surprised if they didn't have SOMETHING other than having to walk to Mara to get a quick bite.

 

[TLP127]

Thank you soooo much everyone! I think my final decision is that I am going to buy BOTH AKL and SSR! I actually think I am going to buy a total of 500 points, because I own a large child care center and it would be nice to be able to use my points as rewards for staff and other promotions we do. So, now I'm wondering how I should break up the points. I think I definitely want 260 at AKV, because that would be the total I'd need for my vacation. Should I do 160, 50 and 50? How do I make my ressie? Is it easy to use all 3 contracts, or is there transferring of points involved?
Then I thought maybe I would do three 80 point contracts for SSR, however, the only benefit I can see to SSR is lower dues. Should I keep all of my points at one resort, or is there a good reason to divide them up?
Thanks again!

 

[Slakk]

Thank you soooo much everyone! I think my final decision is that I am going to buy BOTH AKL and SSR! I actually think I am going to buy a total of 500 points, because I own a large child care center and it would be nice to be able to use my points as rewards for staff and other promotions we do. So, now I'm wondering how I should break up the points. I think I definitely want 260 at AKV, because that would be the total I'd need for my vacation. Should I do 160, 50 and 50? How do I make my ressie? Is it easy to use all 3 contracts, or is there transferring of points involved?
Then I thought maybe I would do three 80 point contracts for SSR, however, the only benefit I can see to SSR is lower dues. Should I keep all of my points at one resort, or is there a good reason to divide them up?
Thanks again!

I like the idea of owning at 2 resorts myself - For reslae purposes I buy in 50 point increments because if I decide to sell the small contract are easier to sell and sell quicker.

My two favorite resorts are SSR and AK(soon to be AKV) so I am with you on that. I own at multiple resorts with multiple contracts and it is easy to book as long as you have the same use year the points for a resort can be pooled for use at the 11 month mark. Maybe do something like this

160 AKV
50 AKV
50 AKV
80 SSR
80 SSR
80 SSR

Honestly I think you made a great decision!

 

[El&Asmom]

Thank you soooo much everyone! I think my final decision is that I am going to buy BOTH AKL and SSR! I actually think I am going to buy a total of 500 points, because I own a large child care center and it would be nice to be able to use my points as rewards for staff and other promotions we do. So, now I'm wondering how I should break up the points. I think I definitely want 260 at AKV, because that would be the total I'd need for my vacation. Should I do 160, 50 and 50? How do I make my ressie? Is it easy to use all 3 contracts, or is there transferring of points involved?
Then I thought maybe I would do three 80 point contracts for SSR, however, the only benefit I can see to SSR is lower dues. Should I keep all of my points at one resort, or is there a good reason to divide them up?
Thanks again!

Can I work for you