Thinking about purchasing questions...

[erin.w]

As the title states, we are thinking about purchasing and have a few questions.

Will we have a difficult time getting a studio or 1-bedroom (at the AKV) during the busy seasons? For the most part we will travel in the cheaper/less busy seasons because we don't have kids, but at some point we may want to travel or take my sister's family who will need to travel during school breaks. How hard will it be to get a room during those times?

We usually book our vacations with short notice, 2-3 months out. Is that something we will have to change if we buy? I would assume yes during the busy seasons, but what about during the slower seasons?

Just trying to be as informed as possible, before we purchase.

 

[WDRabbit]

The main thing is you will probably want to start booking your trips as early as possible. If you are buying direct from DVC now and buy into AKV then you will be able to book those 11 months out (vs. 7 months for everybody else). I'd say as long as you book during your "priority window" (from 11 - 7 months out) you will most likely get AKV. If you are planning to book during a very busy season you will probably want to try to call as close to 11 months before as you can.

We were in the same situation as you. We previously booked our Disney trips literally 3-5 days before we would want to go. Now we've adjusted to book them several months in advance.

 

[chalee94]

We usually book our vacations with short notice, 2-3 months out. Is that something we will have to change if we buy? I would assume yes during the busy seasons, but what about during the slower seasons?

looking for availability 2-3 months out is extremely risky. (at 60 days out, DVC also offers any available rooms to cash customers, so it's not always possible to get them back for a stay on points.) if you can't make plans at least 7 months in advance, i wouldn't recommend DVC to you.

also, DVC's busy seasons don't necessarily correlate with wdw's busy seasons. (but it's also true that timeshares are sold such that occupancy will usually be pretty high.)

it can happen that rooms are available at the last minute, but you're much more likely to be disappointed...

Will we have a difficult time getting a studio or 1-bedroom (at the AKV) during the busy seasons? For the most part we will travel in the cheaper/less busy seasons because we don't have kids, but at some point we may want to travel or take my sister's family who will need to travel during school breaks. How hard will it be to get a room during those times?

hard to know how tough it'll be to get AKV since it's not complete yet. for some the savannahs will be a huge draw while others would rather be closer to the MK or epcot. at 6-7 months, my random guess is that you'd typically be able to get in (although sometimes you might have to waitlist)...except for the really high demand periods like christmas week, where you'd need to book 10-11 months ahead.

(BTW, it's also generally true that 1BRs are less in demand than studios, but that probably won't be the case for the AKV 1BRs that have room for 5.)

 

[JsMom2]

Hello Erin,
I noticed you stayed at SSR, did you like it there? The reason I ask is that if you won't be booking your vacations 11 months out, then you won't be using your home resort priority anyway. So why not purchase at SSR which is not only cheaper per point, but also the dues are less. I purchased SSR in October, and was able to get a 1 Bedroom for 3 nights prior to our cruise on the Magic on Dec 8th. Now the 1st week of December is VERY busy at DVC resorts, due to the member meeting and the fact that the parks aren't busy, PLUS they are decorated for the holidays. I did have to waitlist at first, but was able to get all the nights. I also got the connecting studio for my sister for 2 of the nights, and another studio in the same building for my brother for 1 night. I then was able to book a 1 br for 2 nights on Dec 15th and 16th with only a month's notice! So yes, last minute bookings can be done, but your best bet will be SSR or OKW since they are large resorts - I'm not sure how AKV will compare in size.

As far as AKV goes, I added on at AKV in November, and was able to book Sept 14-21 in a 1BR concierge. Later I decided I'd rather have a guaranteed savannah view and in December I switched to a 1BR Savannah view.

I hope that helps to give you a feel of availability.

Also, are you aware of the current promotions at AKV and SSR? If you have a referral you can get a discount on points PLUS 160 free Developer points to be used in the first 12 months. Even if you are already working with a guide, you can use a referral if you haven't signed your paperwork. I'd appreciate it if you'd use me as a referral if you do purchase direct from DVC. My info is: Wendy Birch, 22111 Cosala, Mission Viejo CA 92691, and my guide is Ken Bradshaw.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Wendy

 

[erin.w]

We are officially AKV owners!!!!! First trip home planned for March 9-16.

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Congratulations, and Welcome Home

 

[llmurphy17]

Welcome Home We also own at AKV.

 

[SamSam]

Congrats and Welcome Home!!!

 

[disneymom8589]

home AKV neighbor!

 

[JsMom2]

Congratulations and Welcome Home!
Let us know how the construction is coming along when you visit.

 

[erin.w]

Thank you all!

We are staying at the VWL in a 1-bedroom because the AKV did not have anything available. We will probably wander over to the AKL to check out the construction on our "home."

 

[#1DisneylandFan]

We attended the presentation at DLR today and are supposed to call back with our credit card number Monday or Tuesday. Wendy from Mission Viejo mentioned buying points for SSR over AKV - is the only advantage to buying AKV having the 11-month reservation window? Do you have priority at your "home" resort?

 

[luvindisneyworld]

We attended the presentation at DLR today and are supposed to call back with our credit card number Monday or Tuesday. Wendy from Mission Viejo mentioned buying points for SSR over AKV - is the only advantage to buying AKV having the 11-month reservation window? Do you have priority at your "home" resort?

Yes that is the advantage to having one over the other
is being able to book at your home resort over the others at 11 months out.
They are also having the referral program right now that if you are refeered by a DVC member and you buy 225 points you will get 8.00 off per point at AKV and then 10.00 off per point at SSR,then you would get 160 developer points to.

 

[#1DisneylandFan]

I just wanted to say thank you to those that responded to my questions - we are now members at AKV and are thrilled. I made our first two reservations today for March at OKW and Nov at AKV. Thanks again!

 

[Donald is #1]

I just wanted to say thank you to those that responded to my questions - we are now members at AKV and are thrilled. I made our first two reservations today for March at OKW and Nov at AKV. Thanks again!

Congratulations & Welcome Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!