Hello....New and Need Help!

[Princess68]

Hello to all,
I am glad I found this site. We are considering buying into DVC. We are really torn between SS and AKV. We have stayed SS before and really liked it. Does anyone have any pros/cons to help us choose one place over the other. We are going to WDW at the end of May..:howudoin:

[JimP]

It really comes down to personal taste. Each resort has its fans.

Personally... If I had to choose between SSR and AKV... I would go for BWV ;)

/Jim

[administrator]

Hello to all,
I am glad I found this site. We are considering buying into DVC. We are really torn between SS and AKV. We have stayed SS before and really liked it. Does anyone have any pros/cons to help us choose one place over the other. We are going to WDW at the end of May..:howudoin:

How many children do you have, what size accommodations will you need? AKV offers the advantages of an extra bathroom (in the 1BR and larger) and an extra official space for one person to sleep (in the form of a sleeper-chair; thus, you can officially stuff 5 people into a 1BR at AKV). If you have 2 kids who are going to need to sleep in different beds, AKV might be your best bet. If you buy at AKV, though, you won't get to use your points 'til next year, and it's not as cheap.

OTOH, you said you really liked SSR. If space/bathroom considerations aren't an issue, buy there: it's less expensive.

All of this is predicated on your ability to reserve your trips 7-11 months in advance. If you can't do that, then definitely buy SSR. Why? Because AKV will be the second largest of the DVC resorts, and it likely won't be that difficult to get ressies there.

Note: the previous info presumes that you are interested in buying directly from DVC and not from a resale agent.

[Princess68]

Thanks for the info. We have two kids and do plan to buy direct from DVC. Are the incentives good now compared to what has been "typical" in the past. I have been trying to get all of this information from my DVC guide but for some reason I am not receiving his emails.......I have so many questions so I am frustrated, but excited about buying.

[administrator]

Incentives can be found by clicking HERE. (http://www.mouseowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14494)

[DVC Mike]

We are really torn between SS and AKV. We have stayed SS before and really liked it. Does anyone have any pros/cons to help us choose one place over the other.

Here are some things to consider:

AKV Considerations


Concierge Rooms (the only DVC with them) and point-saving Value accommodations will go quick. Thus, the 11-month home resort booking window will be more advantageous at AKV than SSR. These types of rooms will go quick and probably necessitate calling at 11 months.
The 1 BR can sleep 5 versus 4 at SSR. Also, the rooms at the new Kidani Village will have an extra bathroom compared to SSR.
Great exotic theme (African game reserve) with unique decor
The Savannah with the views of the animals (20+ species)
Samawati Springs Pool - 4,700-sq-ft with slide and 2 whirlpool spas (Kidani), plus themed Uzima pool at AKL
Excellent onsite restaurants: Jiko and Boma, plus new Sanaa TS
Lease is 3 years more than SSR (2057 vs. 2054)
Attached to a deluxe resort hotel (AKL) – room service & valet parking
GV Rooms in Jambo have pool tables!

SSR Considerations


Lower maintenance fees!
Direct access to DTD (for restaurants and nightlife)
Onsite Spa
Completed (unlike AKV, which is under construction)
Apartment-style setup; standalone, not attached to any hotel
Elegant and sophisticated décor (understated, subdued theme)
Golf course on property
Large, very spread out resort (the largest DVC resort)
Long distance from some rooms to dining and services
Themed pool - rock formations/springs/water slide
Limited onsite dining (Artists Palette and The Turf Club)
Has convenient self parking
No room service or valet parking; Outdoor hallways
I considered both and chose AKV.

[JimP]

Despite my flippant comment about choosing BWV's... I agree with Mike. If I had a choice between SSR and AKV, I would choose AKV. I think the pluses of AKV are more valuable than the pluses of SSR. Both are nice.

/Jim (but I would still get BWV)

[Cruisin]

Another AKL vote, you can still buy BWV without the incentives, I am sure jim will expound. Hard to beat Epcot resorts.

[cincinmouse]

Hey someone needs to stick up from SSR.

We were in your shoes back in Feb faced with the same decision. For us we made a list of what was important to us and rank them. The previous posts have mentioned many different points of views and important things to consider. For us at the top of the list was price both in the short term and long term MF. But we did look at other factors. I have not seen it mentioned yet but if you decide not to sell this will be your resort for the next 40+ years. Our kids our young now but we looked at this from a standpoint of different stages of our lives(young kids, teenagers, empty nesters) and combine this with the features of SSR and that is why we bought there. It comes down to a personal preferance and what is important to you and only you can make that decision. I also like to golf.

For us we saw AKV as it would be cool to see but after 40 years looking at the animals might get old. Plus the remote location of the resort. Now they do have great restaurants but at this stage of our lives fine dining at Disney in not at the top of our list. PLEASE NO FLAMES or threats to ban me

[tomandrobin]

I own both SSR and AKV. Both resorts are great, but its like comparing apples to oranges. Its really a personal taste and preference. I think the theming and the savanahs are incredible at AKV. But our preference is SSR. Its theming is more subdued, but its so peaceful and relaxing. AKV has such a busy/noisy feel to the resort. Plus we are big DTD fans and go to DTD several times a trip. Not everyone likes the dark theming of the rooms. We loved the decor of SSR the first time we visited the model.

I do think that Kidani Village will give the AKV a better feel then the Jambo House.

[tomandrobin]

It really comes down to personal taste. Each resort has its fans.

Personally... If I had to choose between SSR and AKV... I would go for BWV ;)

/Jim

Straight from the guy who professes is love of being at the ocean.

[greenban]

I think DVC Mike laid out the argument very well.

I happen to own at all existing DVCs except HHI, and based on my Disney experiences over the years, my DVC experience and the 'perceived value' I see at AKV (5 provided for in a one bedroom, extra bathroom in 1 and 2 BR villas at Kidani village, Value rooms at Jambo House and Concierge - limited as it is), I would choose AKV over SSR when buying direct from DVC.

All of the advice already offered is valid.....

Hope to welcome you home soon!

-Tony

[JimP]

Straight from the guy who professes is love of being at the ocean.

100% correct!

[JimP]

PLEASE NO FLAMES or threats to ban me

I am not sure why you would get flammed or banned for a great post!

/Jim

[tomandrobin]

For us we saw AKV as it would be cool to see but after 40 years looking at the animals might get old. Plus the remote location of the resort. Now they do have great restaurants but at this stage of our lives fine dining at Disney in not at the top of our list.

This statemant could be applied to any of the resorts. What appeals to you now, might not in 7 or 12 years from now.

[TrvlPrincess]

I have been trying to get all of this information from my DVC guide but for some reason I am not receiving his emails.......I have so many questions so I am frustrated, but excited about buying.

I think you should get a new guide. There was a thread about Good Guides and others that do not follow thru. You should not be frustrated, I would call administration and request a different guide. Wish you the best! :flowerfor

[greenban]

I think you should get a new guide. There was a thread about Good Guides and others that do not follow thru. You should not be frustrated, I would call administration and request a different guide. Wish you the best! :flowerfor

Talk to TW1 about his guide!

:Pokepoke:

-Tony

[Princess68]

Thanks for all the responses!! We are headed to Disney World on May 31. We have decided to take a look at AKV and then decide which to buy......AKV or Saratoga Springs. I assume the incenitves will still be the same.......and I am hoping that they will still be selling Saratoga Springs......I'm so excited!

[Cruisin]

Hey someone needs to stick up from SSR.

We were in your shoes back in Feb faced with the same decision. For us we made a list of what was important to us and rank them. The previous posts have mentioned many different points of views and important things to consider. For us at the top of the list was price both in the short term and long term MF. But we did look at other factors. I have not seen it mentioned yet but if you decide not to sell this will be your resort for the next 40+ years. Our kids our young now but we looked at this from a standpoint of different stages of our lives(young kids, teenagers, empty nesters) and combine this with the features of SSR and that is why we bought there. It comes down to a personal preferance and what is important to you and only you can make that decision. I also like to golf.

For us we saw AKV as it would be cool to see but after 40 years looking at the animals might get old. Plus the remote location of the resort. Now they do have great restaurants but at this stage of our lives fine dining at Disney in not at the top of our list. PLEASE NO FLAMES or threats to ban me

No flames, location matters very much to each individual, I would choose AKL, but totally agree with the last paragraph of your post. It is pretty remote.

[JimP]

I really Really REALLY wish they would put a foot bridge over the water between the east end of Congress Park... and DTD near Rainforest Cafe. I think that it is very "nonmagical" to have to walk out to the busy street to get around to DTD. This relatively simple change would completely change the feel of SSR IMHO.

If you look at the walkway from BCV/BWV over to Epcot... the busy street is completely hidden. I'll bet that most people never realize a street is there. Likewise... at DLR... the Disneyland hotel used to be (actually still is) across a busy street from Disneyland... but when you walk over now... you never see it at all given the way they built the DL version of DTD.

I think that Disney missed big time on this one item... and if they fixed it... then SSR would be seamlessly integrated into DTD and it would add a lot to the value of the resort.

/Jim

[dsruton]

I agree Jim, That would make Congress Park much more appealing.

[erikthewise]

I
If you look at the walkway from BCV/BWV over to Epcot... the busy street is completely hidden. I'll bet that most people never realize a street is there. Likewise... at DLR... the Disneyland hotel used to be (actually still is) across a busy street from Disneyland... but when you walk over now... you never see it at all given the way they built the DL version of DTD.
Jim

The street isn't THAT busy! But it is a unique spot. How many other places can you name where a road, a waterway, and a walking path all intersect at the same point on three different levels, with the waterway in the middle?!

I think I might enjoy staying at SSR, but I don't think I see any percentage in buying there. Seems to me one can get any SSR room type (other than GV) at 7 months just about any time of year. Am I right?

[minniekissedme]

Hello to all,
I am glad I found this site. We are considering buying into DVC. We are really torn between SS and AKV. We have stayed SS before and really liked it. Does anyone have any pros/cons to help us choose one place over the other. We are going to WDW at the end of May..:howudoin:

since you haven't left yet...if SSR is still in the picture, don't forget to consider resale! You can save some money and get a great resort. We bought resale of SSR $78/pt! and another factor was the MF are less there.

[gblast123]

Hey someone needs to stick up from SSR.

We were in your shoes back in Feb faced with the same decision. For us we made a list of what was important to us and rank them. The previous posts have mentioned many different points of views and important things to consider. For us at the top of the list was price both in the short term and long term MF. But we did look at other factors. I have not seen it mentioned yet but if you decide not to sell this will be your resort for the next 40+ years. Our kids our young now but we looked at this from a standpoint of different stages of our lives(young kids, teenagers, empty nesters) and combine this with the features of SSR and that is why we bought there. It comes down to a personal preferance and what is important to you and only you can make that decision. I also like to golf.

For us we saw AKV as it would be cool to see but after 40 years looking at the animals might get old. Plus the remote location of the resort. Now they do have great restaurants but at this stage of our lives fine dining at Disney in not at the top of our list. PLEASE NO FLAMES or threats to ban me

After a two days of look at the same animals, where is the excitment? Before DVC, AKV was the pariah of hotels... something about DVC made it desireable. Right now, it is a hot resort, but when Kidani is built and there is a lot of availability, it might not be so great.

Strange as it may seem, SSR is my favorite resort for a number of reasons, but the bus service stands out on the top of the list.

David