SSR or AKV?

[girt25]

We have recently decided we want to get a DVC.. and for a while we were pretty sure we wanted AKV, but after spending sometime researching.. including these boards, we're not quite so sure anymore (not about DVC, we want that, just AKV). As new buyers we would be spending thousands more up front as well as higher yearly maint fees at AKV vs buying at SSR, especially in resale. However, we've never stayed at or even seen SSR, and we know that we love AKL. There just seems to be many pros and cons on both sides. Any advice for first timers?

 

[Anthony1971]

Simply put
If you want to stay at AKV every year then buy there.
If you do not mind what resort you stay at then buy SSR.
Unless you go durning DVC peak seasons every year cahnces re you will be able to AKV down the line.
Personally I just bought an add on at SSR because of the lower costs and although I would like to stay at AKV it is not something I must do as there are other resorts that are higher on my list of favorites within DVC and outside of it.
Good Luck
.

 

[jaysue]

What is it about AKL that you love?

Is it something about the private areas of AKL - for example the rooms, pool access etc., atmosphere of staying there or is the public areas - for example restaurants, Arusha overlook, kids activities?

If it is the private related areas than I would recommend buying into AKV assuming you can book at over 7 months out on a regular basis - otherwise buy into SSR

Cheers
jaysue

 

[vandy]

We have recently decided we want to get a DVC.. and for a while we were pretty sure we wanted AKV, but after spending sometime researching.. including these boards, we're not quite so sure anymore (not about DVC, we want that, just AKV). As new buyers we would be spending thousands more up front as well as higher yearly maint fees at AKV vs buying at SSR, especially in resale. However, we've never stayed at or even seen SSR, and we know that we love AKL. There just seems to be many pros and cons on both sides. Any advice for first timers?

It sounds like your biggest issue will be when you are able to make your ressies. If you have the ability to make them at the 11 month window and love AKV, then make it your home resort. If you can't plan farther out than 7-months, buy SSR. At first AKV will be tough to book, but as the new phases are built, it will be a large resort and a little easier to get. SSR is described as a 'condo' style resort; multiple buildings spread out over a lot of ground with parking next to your building. From what I remember of AKV, it will be the 'hotel' style resort. AKV will have more noticeable theming as well. SSR has a lot of theming, it just isn't something some people pick up on. It is like you are in upstate New York. In fact, I believe there are NO palm trees on the resort! SSR is a beautiful resort on its own, but if you love the AKL, AKV may be what you should buy.

 

[girt25]

Thanks for the responses. very helpful.

We do love the theming of AKL, the rooms, the pool etc, but I wouldn't say we want to stay there EVERY trip per se. we are also pretty sure we want to be in WDW for 5-6 nights during food and wine fest every years, so that one we will be able to book 11month out no problem. My fear, based on what i've read on this board is the difficulty of booking outside of your home resort, and basically if we were to be "stuck" at our home resort every trip, I would probably prefer AKL vs. SSR (sight unseen). I'm sure we would be completely happy with either as our home resort.. but having the extra choice just makes a big decision even harder

 

[vandy]

Thanks for the responses. very helpful.

We do love the theming of AKL, the rooms, the pool etc, but I wouldn't say we want to stay there EVERY trip per se. we are also pretty sure we want to be in WDW for 5-6 nights during food and wine fest every years, so that one we will be able to book 11month out no problem. My fear, based on what i've read on this board is the difficulty of booking outside of your home resort, and basically if we were to be "stuck" at our home resort every trip, I would probably prefer AKL vs. SSR (sight unseen). I'm sure we would be completely happy with either as our home resort.. but having the extra choice just makes a big decision even harder

The food & wine fest can be a problem at any resort, but SSR and OKW are usually no problem booking at the 7-month window. These are two large resorts and usually have availability. I wouldn't wait too long though to make your ressie. Make a reservation at your home resort at the 11-month, then try the resort you want to stay at at the 7-mo. You can then cancel your first one if you get the one you want. Where you run into problems is booking at the smaller resorts such as BCV or BWV at the 7 month window for the popular times.

 

[Mtnman44]

I wouldn't let $ effect my decision. They are close enough that I don't think it makes that much of a difference right now unless you are talking a lot of points.

Purchase:
SSR $91
AKV $93

maint fees: for a 200 point contract, AKV will cost you around $120 per year more. Not a huge amount, considering you love the AK resort.

 

[girt25]

unfortunately for non current dvc owners, AKV can only be purchased after the price increase, and the 8pp incentive does not apply.

 

[jaysue]

unfortunately for non current dvc owners, AKV can only be purchased after the price increase, and the 8pp incentive does not apply.

Well not sure that will be the case once they get all their states approvals in place and can sell to the general public. The incentive may change but it is likely that there will be incentives in place once sales open to the general public

Cheers
jaysue

 

[girt25]

You're Right! $8pp incentive, I've talked to the guide and did the paperwork for submitting on mar. 5. AKV here I come!

 

[nisiemouse]

Congratulations and welcome home! I can't wait for AKV!

 

[BroganMc]

Purchase:
SSR $91
AKV $93

More like SSR $91 now ($94 next week if they offer the same $10 off)
AKV $96 (if they offer the same $8 off next week)

OP, if you love AKV and see yourself returning there repeatedly, then ignore the cost difference and make it your home. If you're just hoping to stay there occasionally and want to resort hop mostly, go where the the deal makes the most sense new or resale.

I am biased in SSR's favor though I visit AKL every trip. But SSR feels more like a timeshare community to me. I also adore being so close to DTD and being able to hop a bus to a resort from there. I debated an AKV add-on, but I've changed my mind. There are just too many factors that make me thinking I'd only want to visit a couple days every couple years. That's enough for me to just use my home resort points and trade-in at 7 months. AKV should end up being big enough to accommodate demand.

Only real trouble you'll have with availability are BCV and BWV during F&W fest, and VWL during Christmas. But there should be availability at the larger resorts: OKW, SSR and AKV.

 

[kdzgon]

More like SSR $91 now ($94 next week if they offer the same $10 off)
AKV $96 (if they offer the same $8 off next week)

....

It is my understanding that the incentive pricing is available to existing members until June, not March.

 

[BroganMc]

It is my understanding that the incentive pricing is available to existing members until June, not March.

The OP isn't an existing member.

 

[girt25]

But will be a member soon

 

[jaysue]

But will be a member soon

Congratulations on your choice - I am sure you will be pleased

Cheers
Jason aka 1/2 of jaysue

 

[dunnhorn]

My advice, FWIW is to get a smaller SSR contract on the secondary market, and then with the $$ saved from buying directly from Disney, get a small add on at AKL. You'll have the best of both worlds!

 

[pilferk]

unfortunately for non current dvc owners, AKV can only be purchased after the price increase, and the 8pp incentive does not apply.

Edit: Removed original text because you found out already the incentive will apply to the public.

Now, to anyone: Any word on if it will be '07 UY points available to the public? Even a limited number?

 

[kdzgon]

The OP isn't an existing member.

OOPS - sorry 'bout that. But then this "More like ...AKV $96 (if they offer the same $8 off next week)" doesn't apply, does it? I didn't think sales were opening to the GP next week. Either way the $8 off will still apply to existing members next week (not "if").

 

[pilferk]

OOPS - sorry 'bout that. But then this "More like ...AKV $96 (if they offer the same $8 off next week)" doesn't apply, does it? I didn't think sales were opening to the GP next week. Either way the $8 off will still apply to existing members next week (not "if").

Our guide took a preorder today (we're not existing DVC members) for 200 AKV points...same incentives as the ones offered to existing members. $8 off ppt OR developer points. I'm assuming that's final info, since he needed it to run the financing info.

Officially, things kick off on March 5th, he said, and he'll take our CC deposit (gotta love those points!!) first thing Monday morning.