SSR Truly Cheapest?

[bumbershoot]

Thanks for all the advice!

It's more my wife, than me, but I can guarantee we won't get tired of AKV, it's more about the animals than the resort. When I say she loves animals, I mean, more than most people and for the last 20+ years...so pretty sure it isn't a phase, nor will she grow tired of waking up and seeing animals every morning (hopefully out of the balcony much of the time).

For me, as long as it's somewhere to rest my head, I'm good. Not terribly picky.

And what happens when you get that balcony, and there are no animals? Repeatedly? What happens when she notices that she might see more animals more often from the totally-free-to-be-in lobby than in the paid-for room?

That has been our experience a few days both at Jambo and Kidani. Either that or it's just birds that have flown in and I can see when on a bank trip or at Pop, without having to pay many points or dollars to stay at AK.

 

[McCrae]

Another caution on BLT is the (apparent) materials issue. It is not wearing well, and may require continuous upkeep (via MF increases) until everything is refreshed.

Buy where you want to stay. If you haven't stayed there, make it your next trip.

Consider the MF history. I frequently see people wanting to buy VB without considering the MF -- not sure that AKV won't see something similar for animal support.

I know it can be challenging, but DVC needs to be a head decision as much as a heart.

I think the claims about BLT showing excess wear and tear are a bit of a myth. I have never had any major problems with a room. I have seen much worse wear and tear at other resorts such as VWL or OKW.

I also wouldn't just look at the current price to decide on a resort... The most important factor IMO is do you like the resort and be happy to stay their every year? If not don't buy it regardless of the price,

The other thing to think is future potential resale values.... My bet would be that that BLT and VGF will always carry a premium price compared to other resorts.

 

[disneynutz]

I think the claims about BLT showing excess wear and tear are a bit of a myth. I have never had any major problems with a room. I have seen much worse wear and tear at other resorts such as VWL or OKW.

I also wouldn't just look at the current price to decide on a resort... The most important factor IMO is do you like the resort and be happy to stay their every year? If not don't buy it regardless of the price,

The other thing to think is future potential resale values.... My bet would be that that BLT and VGF will always carry a premium price compared to other resorts.

The construction issues are not a myth, I was there when HVAC units were being replaced because they undersized them to save money. There were also plumbing problems that had to be addressed in addition to moving the sink issue and adding bathroom door locks.

The laminate use on the cabinets is very thin and it has chipping problems, the carpets were showing wear soon after the building was opened and during the planning phase it has been reported buy people in the know that management sent the specifications back ordering lessor quality furnishings to save the project money.

Once a building is constructed and the units turned over to the association, and costs for maintenance and replacement of furnishings becomes the responsibility of the owners.

Bill

 

[McCrae]

The construction issues are not a myth, I was there when HVAC units were being replaced because they undersized them to save money. There were also plumbing problems that had to be addressed in addition to moving the sink issue and adding bathroom door locks.

The laminate use on the cabinets is very thin and it has chipping problems, the carpets were showing wear soon after the building was opened and during the planning phase it has been reported buy people in the know that management sent the specifications back ordering lessor quality furnishings to save the project money.

Once a building is constructed and the units turned over to the association, and costs for maintenance and replacement of furnishings becomes the responsibility of the owners.

Bill

I agree that when the resort opened up a number of concerns were raised about the quality of materials used. The true test is how they last over time and if you look at the resort now it looks in pretty good condition and it isn't showing any major signs of wear and tear. It's on a par with any other DVC resort.

 

[DizBub]

I agree that when the resort opened up a number of concerns were raised about the quality of materials used. The true test is how they last over time and if you look at the resort now it looks in pretty good condition and it isn't showing any major signs of wear and tear. It's on a par with any other DVC resort.

All resorts seem to have this happen to them. VGF has been open for a very short time and already is having issues with surfaces/materials and the plumbing and the TVs in the bathroom mirrors. Unlike BLT nobody seems to be blaming "poor materials" at VGF....can't have that at the Flagship resort.

 

[SugarLoaf]

I personally disagree with BLT being on par quality-wise with other resorts. Again...a lot of these issues may be personal, but a lot of them aren't. The quality issues we experienced over our four stays at BLT in a GV were absolutely horrible. Awful furniture (uncomfortable, dirty, cushions that wouldn't even stay on the couch, etc...), chips in everything, floorboards popping up causing splinter and tripping hazards, the kitchen sink was leaking and spreading water all over the entire counter...the list goes on and on.

I also don't believe we just had bad luck, since we were in a different villa every time. I feel we gave the resort adequate chances and all of these issues, coupled with the fact we hate the decor/atmosphere there means we won't ever be back. For a while it was our only option for using our points on the monorail. Thankfully that's no longer the case.

Regarding VGF, I guess time will tell. Though our start there hasn't even been in the same realm as our start at BLT. We've stayed there twice so far, and will be back in October, and haven't experienced any of the issues we had at BLT in it's starting years. So far, we're completely satisfied with the quality of furnishings, plumbing, etc, and absolutely love everything about it.

At BLT we actually dreaded going back to the resort. At VGF, we look forward to it.

All of this, obviously, just in my personal experience, opinions and feelings.

 

[djohn06]

It is not realistic to expect to get Club level unless you book minute one at 11 months out and even then it may be elusive. Some have lucked out at 7 months usually short notice and off season, but VGF will be easier than Club level. Remember there are only five 2 BR L/O. If MOST of your usage will be club level or value then the higher long term cost of AKV is likely worth it for you assuming DVC makes sense otherwise. You'll also have to book value minute one 11 months out most of the time. Sometimes we talk about eliminating the stress by having a preferred home resort, this will not be true owning AKV for Club level or value because every reservation is going to be tenuous. One thing you might consider is comparing AKV to SSR for your planned visits and using cash for an occasional concierge stay. Since you'd have to buy more AKV points to use for concierge at a clip of about 20 if using concierge a week a year in a studio and less SSR if paying cash. The numbers might look like this assuming magic season, studio, value at AKV 3/4 of the time and only concierge the rest. AKV 106 points with a buy in of around $9000 plus 10 yrs of dues in todays dollars of $6300. SSR if you could get the exact same thing buy in around $7500 and 10 yrs of dues $5200. Or SSR if you bought just for the non concierge and paid cash for concierge (ignoring price differences on contract sizes since it's the relationship I'm trying to establish). 87 points (getting standard view not value) at $6100 and 10 yrs dues of $4300. So you could pay $2000 toward a concierge stay every 4 years assuming these were the only variables. You can double those numbers for a 1 BR and basically triple for a 2 BR. I didn't adjust for the TMV or inflation in this example because they would be proportional. Then for every option you used the points for that was not concierge or value for the AKV contract or AKV standard for SSR would alter the set point. So if you use AKV for anything else your costs went up comparative to the SSR contract. And if you get value or concierge using SSR, the value just went up for the SSR contract.

Just bought AKL closed 2 weeks ago at $73 fully loaded 100 point contract. Maybe you should revise your numbers. Not sure where the 9k buy in came from.

Also checked studio concierge at 3 pm today and rooms were available 11 months out. Not sure about the 11 month 1 minute comment. Plus with the new DVC availability tool it will be easier to see availability and snag a concierge or value room.

As of now AKL value room is the best value in all of WDW. So the original poster was correct. Numbers don't lie.

 

[nuts]

Just bought AKL closed 2 weeks ago at $73 fully loaded 100 point contract. Maybe you should revise your numbers. Not sure where the 9k buy in came from. Also checked studio concierge at 3 pm today and rooms were available 11 months out. Not sure about the 11 month 1 minute comment. Plus with the new DVC availability tool it will be easier to see availability and snag a concierge or value room. As of now AKL value room is the best value in all of WDW. So the original poster was correct. Numbers don't lie.

You're comparing apples to oranges. Value is like staying at a hotel room. No comparison

 

[djohn06]

No I am comparing studio to studio. By your logic I guess BLT isn't a studio either. BLT studio has exactly 25 more square feet than AKL value. Do you have some kind of cutoff as to what a studio is? Should I assume it's greater than 316 but less than 339?

SSR also has the 3rd smallest 1 bedroom, so I guess the fact that OKW is 214 sq ft bigger somehow puts OKW's 1 bedroom in a different category and OKW shouldn't be compared to any other 1 bedroom?

I will run the numbers for you again real easy and I won't use a value studio. I will use a value 1 bedroom at 629 ft vs a 714 SSR one bedroom during dream season. Both resorts cost around the same so there is no price concession on SSR. And we won't even mention the extra years that AK has on SSR either.

AKL value dream season for a week
167 points at $73 a point comes out to $12,191 yearly maint is $996.99.

SSR dream season for one week
227 points at $73 a point comes out to $16,571 yearly maint is $1,114.57.

So if my math is right, I get 3 extra years on AKL value 1 bedroom, $4,380 less upfront cost because I can now buy 1 week at WDW for 60 less points than SSR. And finally a maint fee that currently is $118 less than SSR.

Still think SSR is the better deal? I think 629 square feet is enough for a family of 4 and creates the apples to apples comparison that you were looking for.

 

[Minniesgal]

Just bought AKL closed 2 weeks ago at $73 fully loaded 100 point contract. Maybe you should revise your numbers. Not sure where the 9k buy in came from. Also checked studio concierge at 3 pm today and rooms were available 11 months out. Not sure about the 11 month 1 minute comment. Plus with the new DVC availability tool it will be easier to see availability and snag a concierge or value room. As of now AKL value room is the best value in all of WDW. So the original poster was correct. Numbers don't lie.

That may be but it is true that most of the time concierge is extremely difficult to get at 11 months. I am an AKV owner who always books at 11 months. Out of the last 4 months the only time we managed to book concierge was once for a trip we were forced to cancel.. Deans comments are quite correct.

 

[Minniesgal]

No I am comparing studio to studio. By your logic I guess BLT isn't a studio either. BLT studio has exactly 25 more square feet than AKL value. Do you have some kind of cutoff as to what a studio is? Should I assume it's greater than 316 but less than 339? SSR also has the 3rd smallest 1 bedroom, so I guess the fact that OKW is 214 sq ft bigger somehow puts OKW's 1 bedroom in a different category and OKW shouldn't be compared to any other 1 bedroom? I will run the numbers for you again real easy and I won't use a value studio. I will use a value 1 bedroom at 629 ft vs a 714 SSR one bedroom during dream season. Both resorts cost around the same so there is no price concession on SSR. And we won't even mention the extra years that AK has on SSR either. AKL value dream season for a week 167 points at $73 a point comes out to $12,191 yearly maint is $996.99. SSR dream season for one week 227 points at $73 a point comes out to $16,571 yearly maint is $1,114.57. So if my math is right, I get 3 extra years on AKL value 1 bedroom, $4,380 less upfront cost because I can now buy 1 week at WDW for 60 less points than SSR. And finally a maint fee that currently is $118 less than SSR. Still think SSR is the better deal? I think 629 square feet is enough for a family of 4 and creates the apples to apples comparison that you were looking for.

Yes but he point is even at 11 months value will not always be available so often you will be forced into a standard view thus need more points.

 

[skier_pete]

Yes but he point is even at 11 months value will not always be available so often you will be forced into a standard view thus need more points.

This is the most important thing to note for your theory. I own at AKV only for about 4 months, but this is my observation so far. Concierge is almost impossible to get even owning there. Generally, you can get a value room right at the 11-month mark, but they are usually booked up within a few weeks at the very best. If I look right now, a 1-bedroom is 11 days of June 2015, and in blocks no greater than 2 days. I have to go past July 7th to find most days available, and even then there's a couple days in late July not available. Studios are similar, maybe a little worse.

So, if you can always book your vacations at the 11-month mark, I think this is a solid strategy. Otherwise, you will find it doesn't work so well.

 

[supersnoop]

A few years ago, when SSR was $15/point less than AKV, you could buy enough SSR points to stay in an AKV standard for less than you'd pay for enough AKV points to stay in a value. Now, with the prices much closer, purchasing AKV is "cheaper" if you'll always use your points to book value rooms. The 11 month advantage is required to book those rooms.

Otherwise, when comparing the same room and ignoring the home resort booking advantage, SSR points will always be "cheaper" to use for those accommodations.

The way I see it, you only pay a premium for a particular home resort if you need the 11 month advantage. And you only need that advantage at AKV for value and club rooms. If you'll book the standard or savanna rooms which are practically always available at 7 months, why would you pay a premium in upfront or ongoing terms for those points?

 

[Dean]

Just bought AKL closed 2 weeks ago at $73 fully loaded 100 point contract. Maybe you should revise your numbers. Not sure where the 9k buy in came from.

Also checked studio concierge at 3 pm today and rooms were available 11 months out. Not sure about the 11 month 1 minute comment. Plus with the new DVC availability tool it will be easier to see availability and snag a concierge or value room.

As of now AKL value room is the best value in all of WDW. So the original poster was correct. Numbers don't lie.

You got a good deal and no doubt the numbers will change over time for a number of factors. For 100 pts the difference is likely to be less up front but the dues are significantly different and that difference is likely to go up. When you say full loaded, I assume you mean 100 banked points that you can use, 100 pts for the current UY and all future points. Still, you likely paid $73 pp plus closing and maint fee reimbursements. No doubt the value rooms are cheap if you can get them and you use them almost every time and will even out the costs between SSR and AKV somewhat. I think the 3 yrs is negligible.

BTW, numbers lie all the time and given the OP didn't specify just using for AKV value, just that it was an option, I believe the OP statement is incorrect as presented. Realistically I think there will continue to be a spread between AKV and SSR but even at the same price SSR is cheaper long term for overall ownership and will be roughly the same or close to use routinely for AKV standard view compared to value owning at AKV with less risk, and it will be cheaper for everything else.

 

[djohn06]

Yes but he point is even at 11 months value will not always be available so often you will be forced into a standard view thus need more points.

Fair enough, but it's an inaccurate statement and stats show otherwise.

Maybe for major holidays you will need to get in the first minute at the 11 month mark, but for the most part you do not need to do this. I will say that you probably need to book between months 10 - 11, which is the more accurate statement.

I just checked the DVC tool for July 2015. It showed the following availability on AKL Values Rooms:

Studio - All Dates Except July 1st - 3rd, 6th, 17th and 23rd
1 Bedroom - All Dates Except July 2nd - 4th, 17th, 21st-23rd
2 Bedrooms All Dates Except July 1st - 4th, 6th, 17th, 21, 22, 23.

Also, I will give you another secret. BWV standard is also cheaper than SSR with greater availiblity than AKL Value rooms:

BWV STD Studio in Choice
- 78 points
- purchase of 78 points needed for choice week @ $88 = $6,864
- Yearly Maint Fees $468.00

SSR Studio in Choice
- purchase of 104 points needed for choice week @ $73 = $7,592
- Yearly Maint Fee $510.64

Sure, SSR has the advantage in more years, but most consider BWV to be in a prime location.

So to the OP I would say this, in my statistical analysis:

-AKL Value rooms are currently the cheapest room hands down, but you need to book between 10 and 11 months. They also provide 3 extra years that SSR does not provide.
- Second, BWV STD rooms would be the next inexpensive choice, but you need to book one of these rooms at least 8 months out and probably sooner during F&W season. BWV has 12 less years than SSR, so that is something you would want to consider.
- Third, if your schedule is more rigid and you cannot book trips 8 months in advance, SSR gives you the flexibility that AKL Value and BWV STD lack. SSR overall is less expensive than another other resort not titled AKL or BWV.

 

[DizBub]

You're comparing apples to oranges. Value is like staying at a hotel room. No comparison

Not true. We stayed at AKV value studio last year and it was pretty much exactly the same as a regular studio. The only real difference was the bed and the sofa position was switched due to the slightly smaller square footage.
That coupled with the fact that value villas are in Jambo House make this an awesome deal/value.

 

[skier_pete]

So to the OP I would say this, in my statistical analysis:

-AKL Value rooms are currently the cheapest room hands down, but you need to book between 10 and 11 months. They also provide 3 extra years that SSR does not provide.
- Second, BWV STD rooms would be the next inexpensive choice, but you need to book one of these rooms at least 8 months out and probably sooner during F&W season. BWV has 12 less years than SSR, so that is something you would want to consider.
- Third, if your schedule is more rigid and you cannot book trips 8 months in advance, SSR gives you the flexibility that AKL Value and BWV STD lack. SSR overall is less expensive than another other resort not titled AKL or BWV.

I think that's a great summary. The only (minor) quibble I would have is that most of the year I am not sure a standard room at Boardwalk can be gotten for a full week's time at 8 months out. During certain times of year this is true (early September, most of Jan/early Feb, some of the summer), but I would most of the time you would need to book it 9-10 months, and probably from mid-September through Christmas that number is more like "right at 11 months".

 

[djohn06]

You got a good deal and no doubt the numbers will change over time for a number of factors. For 100 pts the difference is likely to be less up front but the dues are significantly different and that difference is likely to go up. When you say full loaded, I assume you mean 100 banked points that you can use, 100 pts for the current UY and all future points. Still, you likely paid $73 pp plus closing and maint fee reimbursements. No doubt the value rooms are cheap if you can get them and you use them almost every time and will even out the costs between SSR and AKV somewhat. I think the 3 yrs is negligible.

BTW, numbers lie all the time and given the OP didn't specify just using for AKV value, just that it was an option, I believe the OP statement is incorrect as presented. Realistically I think there will continue to be a spread between AKV and SSR but even at the same price SSR is cheaper long term for overall ownership and will be roughly the same or close to use routinely for AKV standard view compared to value owning at AKV with less risk, and it will be cheaper for everything else.

Yes, I received 200 points on my 100 APR UY contract for 2014 and I have 100 points in 2015. Actually, I split 2014 MF with the buyer but paid closing. This was just an add on for me as I already owned at AKV.

SSR is a safer/ more flexible play than AKL - Value. I'll give you that. But, it's not a check the box, yep it's cheaper exercise. Too many factors involved.

Personally, I like SSR, as I was trying to get points there too along with my BLT, HHI and AKV resorts. I needed to get 300 points @ AKV, so I am all set now with my add on.

 

[djohn06]

I think that's a great summary. The only (minor) quibble I would have is that most of the year I am not sure a standard room at Boardwalk can be gotten for a full week's time at 8 months out. During certain times of year this is true (early September, most of Jan/early Feb, some of the summer), but I would most of the time you would need to book it 9-10 months, and probably from mid-September through Christmas that number is more like "right at 11 months".

Thanks. I'm not a BWV owner, but I could easily see 9 to 10 being the rule vs. 8.

 

[skier_pete]

Thanks. I'm not a BWV owner, but I could easily see 9 to 10 being the rule vs. 8.

My understanding on BWV is it is 20% standard, 20 % Boardwalk view, and 60 % Pool/Garden view. Since Pool/Garden view is the same # of points as Boardwalk view. The standard view and the boardwalk view go pretty quickly to people that own there, with standard being the fastest to go because as pointed out here it really is a pretty excellent value.

I was considering BWV when I bought, but I am in this for the long-term, and AKV appealed for having the 12 years extra term.

While SSR is the best broad-term "value", it is also the one resort that is the easiest to get into. It's been mentioned earlier in the thread that AKV you do not need to own there to get in at 7-months, that is not universally true. I was watching the 7-month window for Presidents Week (mid February) and found that the END of the that week was booked up even at AKV before the 7-month mark in a srudio style room. Only SSR and OWK were available at the 7-month mark. This time coincides with many Northern school breaks but also with the Princess Marathon. I haven't yet observed any other dates that ran out at AKV right at the 7-month mark yet, but I have yet to be able to look at fall dates at the 7-month mark.