How well is AKV selling?

[DVC Grammy]

Looking over many of the threads on the DIS, AKV appears to be selling very quickly. Does anyone know any real information about the sales pace?
It's understandable that many DVCers would be enthused, but I was wondering if the general public was also joining in.

 

[dizzneebabe]

This is our first purchase into DVC--we're SO excited!!!! I wish we had done it LONG ago, but isn't that always the case?

We are what you would consider "general public" I guess, b/c we were not members before. Our paperwork arrived yesterday and I was told by the CM on the phone that our contract number, ending in 218, meant we were the 218th owner at AKV.

Curious to see what others might say as well.

 

[pilferk]

Looking over many of the threads on the DIS, AKV appears to be selling very quickly. Does anyone know any real information about the sales pace?
It's understandable that many DVCers would be enthused, but I was wondering if the general public was also joining in.

Here's what I read in another thread, from my recollection:

AKV was the MOST "added-on" resort, ever, amongst opening sales.

To the general public, they're still selling SSR 80% of the time to AKV's 20%. BUT they really haven't ramped up advertising and "selling" of AKV yet and that 20% was mostly on "word of mouth".

 

[fishermouse]

Here's what I read in another thread, from my recollection:

AKV was the MOST "added-on" resort, ever, amongst opening sales.

To the general public, they're still selling SSR 80% of the time to AKV's 20%. BUT they really haven't ramped up advertising and "selling" of AKV yet and that 20% was mostly on "word of mouth".

Got my points

 

[pilferk]

Got my points

Good! I was a bit worried as, with the search function being wonky, I couldn't find the original thread where you said it!

 

[UConnJack]

Here's what I read in another thread, from my recollection:

AKV was the MOST "added-on" resort, ever, amongst opening sales.

To the general public, they're still selling SSR 80% of the time to AKV's 20%. BUT they really haven't ramped up advertising and "selling" of AKV yet and that 20% was mostly on "word of mouth".

Doesn't surprise me. I wonder how long they will wait to "ramp up" the AKV advertising, because once they do, it sounds like SSR sales are going to severely suffer unless they put in some additional incentives.

 

[Slakk]

Here's what I read in another thread, from my recollection:

AKV was the MOST "added-on" resort, ever, amongst opening sales.

To the general public, they're still selling SSR 80% of the time to AKV's 20%. BUT they really haven't ramped up advertising and "selling" of AKV yet and that 20% was mostly on "word of mouth".

I would assume some of that is because there are more members now then there ever was along with a cool added bonus for current DVC members.

I really think most new DVC members are not represented here. I know when I initially bought I had looked at DVC for years but figured it was too expensive. When we decided to finally get info SSR was for sale. Honestly we really did not care what resort because we are not attached to one resort or another (although so far we have liked them all for the most part).

It was not until I came here that I knew about the almost fanatical love by some people for their home resort - I was just happy to be part of the DVC family and was really shocked to see some of the elitism...

Most people will buy AKV because they want to be in DVC.

 

[CarolA]

I think it's selling well based on what my guide told me (and he doesn't do the "hard sale" or anything, he just said he had been busy with AK paperwork LOL!)

I also agree that the DIS does NOT reflect the population as a whole. Cruise other boards.... not near as much interest in either AK or CR there.

 

[Hopkins]

Actually, we are Old Key West as the home resort. I can't wait to stay at the Animal Kingdom Villas. We always stay at the home resort. AKV and VWL are the two DVC resorts we'd switch to. Now if the Contempary Villas ever happens, we'd stay there. Generally, we are OKWers. Everyone has their tastes, that's whats nice with DVC.

Tina

 

[dvc_john]

Both AKV and SSR must be selling well.

On Feb 21 they filed documents with Orange County for 8 units in AKV. (1 unit for each UY, each unit consisting of 2 2-br's).

Already about a week or so ago, they filed more documents for another 2 units (1 consisting of a GV, and another consisting of 3 studios). Don't know why they would have done that unless they were running out of points for 2 of the UY's.

Also, FWIW, about a week or so ago, they filed documents for the remaining portion of the first SSR building in the Grandstand section.

 

[BroganMc]

Doesn't surprise me. I wonder how long they will wait to "ramp up" the AKV advertising, because once they do, it sounds like SSR sales are going to severely suffer unless they put in some additional incentives.

I doubt that. SSR has something AKV won't: walking proximity to non-resort entertainment. As much as I love the theming of AKV, that was the ultimate dealbreaker for me. I just can't see myself wanting to own enough points for a week long stay in the boonies. I already did that at All Star one year, so I'm well versed in the disadvantages of being so far away.

But as someone else said, once SSR sells out buyers will be taking AKV to get into the system as often as those just liking the resort. Right now, however, we're seeing almost entirely resort enthusiasts buying AKV. From the way talk goes here on the DIS, I honestly expected the ratio to be at least 50/50 between the resorts. An 80/20 split in favor of SSR leads me to doubt how many AKV enthusiasts there truly are.

 

[dvc-NE]

I doubt that. SSR has something AKV won't: walking proximity to non-resort entertainment. As much as I love the theming of AKV, that was the ultimate dealbreaker for me. I just can't see myself wanting to own enough points for a week long stay in the boonies. I already did that at All Star one year, so I'm well versed in the disadvantages of being so far away.

But as someone else said, once SSR sells out buyers will be taking AKV to get into the system as often as those just liking the resort. Right now, however, we're seeing almost entirely resort enthusiasts buying AKV. From the way talk goes here on the DIS, I honestly expected the ratio to be at least 50/50 between the resorts. An 80/20 split in favor of SSR leads me to doubt how many AKV enthusiasts there truly are.

When SSR was the only active resort Disney was selling, it didn't really matter if you were an SSR enthusiast or not.
Many have become SSR enthusiasts just by staying there.
I would really like to see what will happen if CR goes up for sale as well. That would give Disney 3 active resorts to sell and people would have more of a choice, since most first time buyers are not always aware you can buy at a sold out resort. If Disney was to test those waters, my guess would be most people would want CR, then SSR, then AKV. Even if I could do an add on, I would pass on AKV due to location, but I know many people do want AKV, which is a nice aspect of DVC membership.

 

[BellaBuggy]

We just bought at AKV. We wanted to buy in several years ago but didn't because we do not like SSR and being the 'plan for the worst and hope for the best' kind of people that we are, we didn't want to own at a resort that we didn't want to stay at. Yes, AKV is more isolated, but I guess that is a matter of perspective as to whether that is a disadvantage or a perk. I grew up living 30 minutes away from a McDonald's and 45 minutes from a store like KMart, so AKV is a hopping locale to me! LOL We also prefer a more laid-back feel, and like being away from things so to speak, and since we always have our own vehicle on property, it doesn't really make much of a difference to us.

And on an unrelated note - could anyone tell me how I go about getting the lovely little AKV banner to go in my siggy? I've been here so long and I've never dressed myself up.

 

[BroganMc]

I would really like to see what will happen if CR goes up for sale as well. That would give Disney 3 active resorts to sell and people would have more of a choice, since most first time buyers are not always aware you can buy at a sold out resort.

Only one problem, I highly doubt Disney will be selling more than two on-site resorts at a time. It's not in their modus operandi. Also CRV is at least another year away from having anything to sell. They need to have units near occupancy before they can sell them.

What is most likely to happen is that SSR sells out by Dec '07. AKV is the second choice until then. Jan '08 AKV becomes the sole choice. Rumors fly about what the next resort will be. (Grand Californian is looking less likely due to the economic situation in So.Cal.) Spring/Summer '08 an announcement is made about CRV. Sales begin soon after with occupancy in '09. AKV will be selling through '09, working it's way to a sell out by year's end. CRV will continue sales the next year or two with another resort rumored.

But if sales of AKV slacken over time, I can see Disney holding back on CRV. It's proximity to MK and the monorail make it a de facto unfair competitor for AKV or any other bus resort.

 

[BroganMc]

Yes, AKV is more isolated, but I guess that is a matter of perspective as to whether that is a disadvantage or a perk. I grew up living 30 minutes away from a McDonald's and 45 minutes from a store like KMart, so AKV is a hopping locale to me! LOL We also prefer a more laid-back feel, and like being away from things so to speak, and since we always have our own vehicle on property, it doesn't really make much of a difference to us.

Rephrased for SSR and you'll be swamped with the "but it's not an Ecot resort" criticisms. I agree with you on the standpoint that by car, anything on Disney property is close. I have the pleasure of splitting my trips with offsite Marriott resorts and onsite DVCs. Nothing is as far as being out on I Drive or Central Florida Parkway and having to take back roads or the Interstate into the World. I once ended up on a 90 minute detour when trying to get to DTD because there was a brush fire on Central Florida (near SeaWorld) and traffic was rerouted East into the dead-end burbs.

Only thing I don't care for in AKV's connection is how easy it is to get diverted off-property to the interstate. Last time I was there, I tried to just drive home to SSR after dinner at Boma's. I ended up getting shunted onto I-4 in the midst of a construction zone with heavy park closing traffic. I realized then that the "shortcut" for AKL is actually to head back up World Drive and go the long way around EPCOT home to DTD.

And on an unrelated note - could anyone tell me how I go about getting the lovely little AKV banner to go in my siggy? I've been here so long and I've never dressed myself up.

Find someone with a siggy, right-click to save the image to your hard drive, then go to your Control Panel here and upload it in your signature profile.

 

[dwelty]

We just added on points on Monday. We really liked the AKL and were waiting until The DVC AKL models were avaliable for viewing before adding on. We decided to add on 215 more points at SSR. The decision came down to how the models looked. A little too exotic for our taste. Leopard skin carpeting seems like a good idea now, but how would we feel about it 20 years from now. Don't get me wrong, we will stay there when we want to take a walk on the "Wild side" We just like think the conservative style of SSR will appeal to us over the long haul. I think there will be a lot of the general public that will feel the same about a 45+ year comitment to a property. Overall I think it is a smart move by DVC to offer 2 choices, since AKL is probably the most unique Timeshare property ever offered by anyone.
I am glad DVC is taking the risk to try something new, and highly theamed.

 

[jco_direwolf]

When SSR was the only active resort Disney was selling, it didn't really matter if you were an SSR enthusiast or not.

There are those of us that stayed at SSR, and didn't care for it, and we said we'll either wait for what's next (DAKV was rumored but nothing announced) or buy after market what we wanted (which made for a some troubled times at home, Epcot Resort or VWL?)

Not saying there is anything WRONG with SSR, just didn't care for it.

johno

 

[girt25]

I also bought AKV as member of the general public. I wouldn't say AKL is my favorite place on property, but it feels very disney, and if every one of my dvc trips was at AKV I would be very happy with it. Distance from the "hub" of disney is both a detraction and a perk to me. As I see myself spending less time at the parks every trip. It's 5-10 more minutes of driving vs. the relaxed and secluded surroundings. Basically it's a wash in my mind. I've never stayed at SSR, and thus have no feelings either way on the property. Just from a stand point of outside looking in, It just seemed too like a typical time share unit. What attracts me to DVC, as much as it being disney, vs. other time shares in the area is being able to stay at a more resort/hotel setting, in a place where I've already built memories and attachment from past visits. Obviously this is just me, everyone has their own preferences, and SSR might draw just as many or more fan because of it's "timeshare near a strip mall" feel.

 

[tomandrobin]

There are those of us that stayed at SSR, and didn't care for it, and we said we'll either wait for what's next (DAKV was rumored but nothing announced) or buy after market what we wanted (which made for a some troubled times at home, Epcot Resort or VWL?)

Not saying there is anything WRONG with SSR, just didn't care for it.

johno

That's one of the things that makes DVC great. There are five, soon to be six resorts, and they are each different and unique to choose from. You don't have to like them all, just one is all it takes.

 

[dvc-NE]

Not saying there is anything WRONG with SSR, just didn't care for it.
johno

Johno: When I mentioned that when SSR was the only active resort Disney was selling, first time buyers were the ones I meant didn't need to be enthusiasts of SSR. I believe a good portion of first time buyers (including my wife & I) were not made aware that you could buy at sold out resorts as well. This means we were not DVC educated by our guides, and obviously hadn't discovered the Disboards yet. Quite frankly, we had neutral feelings towards SSR thinking that was the place we had to buy.
Plus the stock answer (at least back then) by the guides was: All the other resorts are "sold out", a half-truth at best IMO.