SSR and AKV Fans, talk to me!

[mickeyfan0805]

We're looking at the SSR and AKV through resale (primarily based on length of contract). Tell me that they're worth it - Please!!

 

[dmanz32]

We are currently SSR owners. We love the resort. We have talked about staying at other DVC resorts, and maybe someday we will, but we would be very content to stay at SSR every vacation. Friends of ours own at BCV and recently stayed at SSR. They could not stop talking about how they liked the resort. They state they will look to book at SSR more often. My sister came to SSR to visit us last year and they became owners 2 weeks later. As far as I'm concerned if you're looking for resale buy what you can afford. You can always stay somewhere else with proper planning. I would definitely recommend SSR if you are looking at the length of the contract however.

 

[naf917]

We are new owners to SSR and only stayed there once (so far). We went for a short weekend trip near Christmas and by the end of the trip we were talking about how on our next trip home we would have to plan time just to hang around the resort. It really is a beautiful place with lots of things to do.

 

[sam_001]

i'm new owner at akv i stayed at ssr about three weeks ago for the first time. i'm use to staying at value resort i know that some dis people say if i like staying at a value resort dvc not for me there wrong. ssr is more relax not that much foot traffic in around the buildings the bus stop is right outside the building. it is a very nice resort. i have not stayed at akv yet. i chose akv because i like animals.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

SSR is an absolutely beautiful resort and it's our home resort. A golf course runs through it, and in my opinion, it will only get prettier with time as the landscaping matures. If staying in Congress Park, you are right across from DTD (about a 5 minute walk). When you don't have a car, this is wonderful, as you can catch a bus just about anywhere from DTD. We enjoy the food at SSR (especially Turf Club), and like that the resort is more "condo" style than "hotel" style. With all of that said, if I were purchasing right now, here are some things I would consider:

AKV:
* Will be harder to book than SSR because of size. Having a home resort booking advantage at SSR really doesn't help you all that much, as almost anyone can make a reservation at the 7 month window. You can't say the same at some of the other resorts.
* Has 3 more years on the contract.
* Kidani Village 1 & 2 BRs will sleep 1 additional person and have an additional bathroom. While not a deal breaker for me, this would be REALLY nice.
* More hotel type resort

SSR:
* Will be cheaper than AKV either through Dis or through resale (SSR is running in the low $80s via resale).
* More condo style resort
* Lowest MFs of all DVCs
* Size can be a plus. Since the resort is large, your chances of getting the room of your choice in the 8-11 month window is really good.
* If you enjoy walking or running, you won't find a better place to stay. There are walking/running paths throughout the entire resort and over to OKW. Also, the workout facility in the main building is AWESOME.

If you have an extreme preference for any of the resorts, buy where you want to stay or you will probably wish you had. If you really don't care (like me) or both resorts truly appeal to you, you'll get more points for your $$$ by buying at SSR. AKV will actually give you a home resort advantage, as SSR almost always has availability at the 7 month window, and will allow you to take an additional guest with 1 & 2-BRs in the future.

Best of luck with your decision!

 

[dianeschlicht]

We own at OKW and AKV but have also stayed at SSR. We felt SSR was okay, but given the choice with the extra years of OKW (2057) and extra space there as well, we would choose OKW over SSR. As for AKV, We love the embiance and the animals, and the fact that it is truly a destination in itself. And given that it also has a 2057 end date, you might be best served there. That is if you are young enough to really get the benefit from that. The extra years means very little to us, because we are already in our 60's, but for those of you who are young enough, the extra years could mean a lot.

 

[disneymom8589]

We own at both resorts. We stayed at SSR in July 2007. It is a beautiful resort with lovely gardens and fountains, and the view of DTD across the lake is especially gorgeous at night. We were in a studio at Congress Park and it was convenient to the bus stop. The park buses stop at all of the different sections, which is kind of a bummer...no major disappointment, though. I liked the small pool at CP as it looked across to DTD. The High Springs Pool is lots of fun with a great waterslide (I even went down it!)

We went on our 1st visit to AKV 3 weeks ago. It is an incredible resort and DH and I were amazed by everything about it We were in a 1 bdrm SV room. I can't begin to tell you how much we loved it! To be able to step out on the balcony and watch the giraffes, zebras, "Tommies", antelope, etc. was beyond amazing to me! The lobby with all of the African artwork was incredible. We had dinner at Boma and it was delicious. Even though we didn't have time this trip to swim in the pool, we walked around it and it looks fantastic! I can't wait until Kidani village with all of its amenities and new pool, water play area, and restaurant opens!

I'm sure this post confused you even more, but the bottom line is, I don't think you can go "wrong" with either resort.

 

[nytimez]

When I first stayed at AKL I thought it was one of the most unique hotels I've ever stayed in... so when it became AKV, it was a no-brainer for me.

That said, if the novelty of the animals doesn't get you excited, then it's probably not for you.

 

[#1DisneylandFan]

We bought at AKV without ever having seen it. We just returned this month from WDW where we were able to visit several of the resorts including AKV, OKW, BWV, BCV, and SSR. We are VERY pleased with our choice; AKV just feels right...for us.

 

[lmb]

I've stayed at AKV and we absolutely loved it. My daughter was almost 3 and there was so much to do and see. They have activities for the kids in the lobby so there's always something going on. She also enjoyed the playground area and the pool a lot. The other thing to consider is the option of booking value rooms and stretching your points out more.

 

[emmababy]

Do they both have zero entry pools?

 

[lmb]

Akv does but I'm not sure about SSR

 

[JaxDisneyFans]

Do they both have zero entry pools?

I'm pretty sure SSR has a zero entry pool.

 

[magicmommy]

I'm pretty sure SSR has a zero entry pool.

Yes it does.

 

[Hollymom1229]

These are our two home resorts and we think they are the two best of all the DVC. Both seem to be nice and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts that are closer to the parks. I've also stayed at BWV and VWL, both were amazing resorts and I love that I can trade into them, but I know I will never be disappointed staying in either of my two home resorts.

 

[Donald is #1]

Hi! Well I have stayed at both and you really can't go wrong with either. I ended up splitting my stay during my trip last May just so that I could check out both to decide where to buy. Well I stayed at SSR first and found ti very relaxing. I had a studio there and really enjoyed it. Then for the second half of my trip, I switched over to AKL. I had a savanna view room booked. Well as soon as I walked into my room and walked to the balcony, my decision was made! For me, the animals on the savanna raised AKV above SSR. That being said, it is a personnel decision and I would have been happy at SSR if I didn't have the option of AKV. So, my suggestion is if possible, check both of them out to see which one you prefer.

 

[jcampanali]

After reading these posts, I am going to get tickets with no expiration date so I can come back and try SSR and AKV. Thanks for all the helpful information.

 

[thepops]

Also the SSR resort now includes the Treehouse Villas, which may be hard to get without the 11 month booking window!

 

[littlestar]

It's more a personal choice for us. I liked the decor of SSR better - lighter colors and Victorian style. I also like the location of SSR a little better than AKV since we don't go to Animal Kingdom Park all that much. I felt a little isolated out where AKV was.

SSR is a terrific value resale right now.

 

[wendyinoc]

I own at SSR and have stayed at both SSR and AKV. Like the other posts SSR had a condo feel and it was so huge! I really liked it better then AKV. Don't forget the Treehouses belong to SSR. Since there is only 60 it will be hard to get unless you are a SSR owner. SSR is also cheaper to buy resale by a lot.