Value Resort vs. renting DVC at a Deluxe - sell me on your preference

[YawningDodo]

I'm 9 months out from a 7 night solo stay, and in looking at my options it seems I have two choices that fit within my resort budget:

1. I stay at a value resort. I can afford rack rate on even an AoA Little Mermaid room with no trouble, so I have my pick of values (though I may miss out on AoA if I wait for discounts).
   
2. I rent DVC points and stay in a studio at a deluxe. There are several options within my budget, but they leave me with a couple hundred dollars less to play around with elsewhere.

Weirdly, a moderate just...isn't an option within my budget, as far as I can tell. It's one end of the spectrum or another (so while I love POFQ, please don't suggest it as an alternative--I can't afford it!). Also, this is not me looking to rent points from anyone on the board; I'm set on going through a broker (David's) rather than trying to vet a private transaction myself.

Last night I submitted a request to said broker for a value studio at AKL, since that's the one option that costs less than rack rate at AoA. I'm aware of how popular those rooms are, though, so I fully expect to get a "sorry, we can't" reply. I didn't put any secondary options because I wasn't ready to pull the trigger on any others, but there are two other options that interest me and remain within my budget:

1. Standard view studio at AKL - this is about $400 more than AoA (Savanna view is too pricey)
   
2. Standard view studio at Boardwalk - this is about $300 more

At those price points, it seems like it should be a no brainer--that's not a lot of money for that level of upgrade, right? But I keep hesitating, so I want to go down a list of things that are important to me in a WDW resort and get some feedback on what to expect from my different options.

1. Theme/Story. When I go to WDW, I ideally want to be immersed in the stories told by the environments around me. The All Stars and POP don't really do this for me; I'm more interested in AoA since areas like the Cars pool look like they put in more effort. By the same token, though, my stay at the Dolphin in 2015 really did nothing for me theme-wise--as far as I could tell the theme was "nice hotel," which is a letdown when there are so much more interesting environments elsewhere on property. For reference on what does work for me, I adore the Port Orleans resorts.
   
2. Access to Counter Service Breakfast of Decent Quality. This is one area where Boardwalk really concerns me! From what I can tell there's not a lot going on counter service-wise. I don't expect to eat many lunches or dinners at the resort, but I need a decent coffee and something with protein in it for breakfast or I'm not going to be able to get up and go. I like the variety available in the value resort food courts, but when we stayed at the Dolphin their counter service restaurant was adequate for my needs.
   
3. Convenience/Access to Transportation. What I did like about the Dolphin was being able to walk to two of the parks. Loved that. I remember not having any more trouble than I expected re: getting a bus elsewhere (I do intend to walk or take WDW transport everywhere), but I've heard that Boardwalk and others in that area can have slow bus service. I'm willing to lose some convenience if I'm getting a significant upgrade in other aspects (so AKL is still on the list), but when a big part of the appeal of Boardwalk is its convenience to two parks, I want to be sure I'm not giving up convenience to the other two parks.

In the past, I've been a total commando and have spent little to no time at the resort, which is a hallmark for someone who should just book a value and save some money. However, in the past I've also always been laid out by a respiratory infection after every WDW trip, so I'm going to make an active effort this time to build in rest periods and let my body recover from everything I'm putting it through! I feel like I'm still going to be out and about for a large amount of my time, but will make an active effort to spend a couple mornings or afternoons sleeping in, relaxing by the pool, etc.

So...thoughts?

 

[msjprincess]

FYI. It's nearly impossible to get a value studio at AKL less than 11 months out. Owners snatch them up as soon as they become available.

 

[SharonZ]

I agree, I wouldn't count on booking an AKL value studio. IMO - if you are hesitating, just stick with the value and enjoy!

 

[skippytx]

I don't know your exact dates, but DVC Standard views have to be booked right at the 11 month mark. There's no 7 day stretches of availability at Boardwalk right now in January, so that option is off the table right now. AKV might still be possible.

Honestly, I would go with AoA, it's been 4 years since I was there last, but the food court was huge and had lots of options. The theming was pretty cool as well.

I didn't care for the buses there, but I was going back and forth with small kids at the time, it's less of a concern for someone who doesn't go back to the room for a mid day break.

 

[firefly_ris]

I didn't care for the buses there, but I was going back and forth with small kids at the time, it's less of a concern for someone who doesn't go back to the room for a mid day break.

Also, by January, they will be able to use the Skyliner for Epcot and DHS, so there's also at least that instead of the buses.

 

[msjprincess]

Never mind for some reason I read the OP as value studio instead of standard studio at AKL. A standard studio at AKL should be available.

 

[PSUGuy]

We've 'graduated' from AllStar with a few mod stays to a garden view room at BW on rented DVC points, not going back.

Bill From PA

 

[TeamSy]

We tried using David’s at 7 mo’s out for a studio at BLT and all that was available was SSR so we passed. I’m thinking the new Star Wars land has something to do with it because we don’t usually have this much trouble. We opted for swan instead because transportation is important to us.

But if you luck out and can get something, Boardwalk seems like a no brainer because of the transportation. The theming, while not my favorite, is still “themed.” Mickey ears in the carpet, etc. I would rather the option to walk/boat to 2 parks and have mediocre bus service to the other 2, rather than having to rely on bus service to all 4. The skyliner to me just seems slower than a bus lol.

We’re room service for a quick breakfast or table service people, so I can’t comment on the quick service options, but there’s so much here I’d be surprised if you couldn’t find what you’re looking for dining-wise.

I love the theming at AKL, but I think the pull is the savannah view, so if you’re not getting that I (personally) don’t get the point. It’s a unique and great hotel, but the view is what makes it. We had the worst MK bus service here but experiences with the buses seem to vary. I’ve never had to wait for one like I’ve had to here (3 bus line just to get back to hotel, and it was PACKED... and it was September so slow time of year). Jiko is one of my favorite restaurants, but it’s so far that unless we are staying here we won’t venture to it lol. You could risk getting a reclassified room (used to be savannah view). They are amazing rooms but there’s obviously no guarantee.

 

[Simba's Mom]

DVC studio for a solo trip. The main reason-balcony! There's nothing like sitting out there on your balcony with your morning coffee, evening beverage of choice, etc. I remember my first stay in a DVC studio-as Samantha Brown once said (anyone remember her?), "It's like having your own little homestead."

 

[YawningDodo]

Yeah, like I said at the top, I have absolutely no expectation that I’ll get the AKL value studio I requested—I just figured you never know for certain until you check. I’m just looking at whether any of the other options that may still be open to me are “worth” booking within my budget and my priorities. Old Key West was also within my budget (assuming it’s available) but I didn’t list it because I’m just not excited about staying there.

DVC studio for a solo trip. The main reason-balcony! There's nothing like sitting out there on your balcony with your morning coffee, evening beverage of choice, etc. I remember my first stay in a DVC studio-as Samantha Brown once said (anyone remember her?), "It's like having your own little homestead."

Definitely one of the reasons I’m looking at it. We never used our balcony at the Dolphin...but that trip was pretty commando.

I don't know your exact dates, but DVC Standard views have to be booked right at the 11 month mark. There's no 7 day stretches of availability at Boardwalk right now in January, so that option is off the table right now. AKV might still be possible.

Honestly, I would go with AoA, it's been 4 years since I was there last, but the food court was huge and had lots of options. The theming was pretty cool as well.

I didn't care for the buses there, but I was going back and forth with small kids at the time, it's less of a concern for someone who doesn't go back to the room for a mid day break.

Bummer about Boardwalk. As I’ve been thinking it over this morning I’ve really been warming up to the idea of staying there if it’s available. If it’s already booked up this thread is probably moot.

AoA has been on high in my list for years, but I’m almost certainly staying there with a friend in 2021, so I could still go either way on it for this trip. Kind of leaning that way right this moment, though.

Also, by January, they will be able to use the Skyliner for Epcot and DHS, so there's also at least that instead of the buses.

Yeah! I’m one of Those People who’s really excited about the Skyliner. Right now if I do choose value it’ll pretty much have to be AoA or POP.

We tried using David’s at 7 mo’s out for a studio at BLT and all that was available was SSR so we passed. I’m thinking the new Star Wars land has something to do with it because we don’t usually have this much trouble. We opted for swan instead because transportation is important to us.

But if you luck out and can get something, Boardwalk seems like a no brainer because of the transportation. The theming, while not my favorite, is still “themed.” Mickey ears in the carpet, etc. I would rather the option to walk/boat to 2 parks and have mediocre bus service to the other 2, rather than having to rely on bus service to all 4. The skyliner to me just seems slower than a bus lol.

We’re room service for a quick breakfast or table service people, so I can’t comment on the quick service options, but there’s so much here I’d be surprised if you couldn’t find what you’re looking for dining-wise.

I love the theming at AKL, but I think the pull is the savannah view, so if you’re not getting that I (personally) don’t get the point. It’s a unique and great hotel, but the view is what makes it. We had the worst MK bus service here but experiences with the buses seem to vary. I’ve never had to wait for one like I’ve had to here (3 bus line just to get back to hotel, and it was PACKED... and it was September so slow time of year). Jiko is one of my favorite restaurants, but it’s so far that unless we are staying here we won’t venture to it lol. You could risk getting a reclassified room (used to be savannah view). They are amazing rooms but there’s obviously no guarantee.

Yeah, I think standard view at AKL is going to be hard to justify to myself. I’ve visited there for the restaurants, etc. and it’s a beautiful resort, but $400 for no view seems like a big price increase within the scope of my budget and what I want to get out of it. A value studio at the same price as an AoA room is one thing; a standard for that much more money is another.

I think where my head’s at right now is that if by some miracle I were to get a chance at AKL value or Boardwalk that’s a go, and AKL standard is a no. Realistically it’s probably looking like I’ll end up booking AoA. I have enough money that I could technically afford higher priced DVC options I didn’t list here, but I think the return on value for me just doesn’t justify it.

 

[YawningDodo]

Ah, yup, it’s a moot question. Got a reply email letting me know as expected that I didn’t get my request. They listed all my options and there’s nothing I’m interested in that wouldn’t break the budget by several hundred. No standard views available at AKL, even, it’s savanna or nothing.

At least I can feel a little better knowing I was already borderline on whether I even wanted the upgrade. AoA, here I come!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

To be honest, perhaps "you'll never know until you request," but realistically any DVC owner can tell you that trying to rent AKV Value, AKV Club or BWV Standard even at 11 months is unlikely. Inside of 11 months, unless you need one night that happens to be orphaned... you aren't getting it.

This is just the reality of those units.

Whenever I see someone pricing DVC rental vs. a Value, I always know that they priced BWV Standard, BLT Standard or AKV Value on a calculator, and that they won't get them.

 

[reisdawg]

As a DVC owner, it is hard to place exact value on the different resorts. My family started out staying at Pop Century when the kids were younger and we really enjoyed being at Disney. We then bought a resale in 2012 and frankly love all of the different resorts for different reasons (even SSR). If price is the main concern, you will not save money renting DVC points unless you get someone unloading their points at the last minute. At that point you are up to the whim of what is available which is usually SSR.

This was a really long winded way to say you need to enjoy whatever trip you book. With this being our 15th time to Disneyworld, we no longer go commando at the parks and admittedly spend more time in our hotel which justifies the DVC investment. Our planning has changed from the days of using Free Dining go afford the trip and focusing on dinner reservations and maximizing the time at the parks. I miss those days in some ways but I also look forward to relaxing on our balcony in the Boardwalk resort this July.

 

[YawningDodo]

Big thank you to everyone who offered opinions on the pros and cons, which may come in helpful on future trips when I'm able to plan a few months farther ahead and/or have a bigger budget. It's actually really helpful to know that I'm not alone in thinking that a value resort can be a better fit even at a reasonably similar price point! That helped confirm my thinking that it wasn't worth it (at least, specifically wasn't worth it to me) to expand my budget to capitalize on one of the higher-priced studio options that did become available to me, nor to jump on any of the in-budget options that were available but weren't my top choice resorts. As I've been saying throughout, I expected to pay more for a DVC rental than I would for a regular resort room even if I got one of the two choices I listed above, so it was always a question of whether the added value of the resort felt to me like it would be worth the added cost.

Since I got the info I needed and my question has been resolved, I'm going to go ahead and untrack this thread and move on to planning my stay at AoA.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you book standard at Jambo House, you'll get either a pool view or a partial savanna view. If you book a standard at Kidani Village, you'll get pool or parking lot view or possibly a partial savanna view.