Maybe buying VGF. Thoughts?

[DrMomof3]

After many years of debating DVC vs. no DVC and having a resale BCV contract taken by the Mouse, my husband and I are strongly considering buying into VGF. Yes I realize that we would get a much better deal buying resale. I think as we get older (we're both in our 40's) we'll love staying at the Grand. We stayed there once before and enjoy the elegance. I like that we can put our family of 5 in a studio (for now) and it just feels like a good choice for us. I've done my research and I think I know what I'm getting. As much as you possibly can.
Here's my question...
I know we want an August Use Year. This will be our 4th summer in a row traveling in the end of August and my 4th year in a row traveling for Marathon Weekend. I'm thinking about starting with 160 points. A studio at the end of August is 153 points (for now anyway). So I know we'll at least be able to book that. I do realize that addonitis will strike as we will eventually want larger accommodations.
I am crazy to start with 160? I don't want to get in over our heads (financially or otherwise) but I also want enough points that we can use them.

Thank you everyone who has answered previous questions and supported me when our BCV contract was taken by ROFR.

Amanda

 

[DizBub]

I remember when you were looking and decided on BCV. So sorry about the ROFR.

You are already knowledgable enough about DVC and the process that you should feel comfortable about buying VGF. 160 points to start seems smart for how and when you want to travel. Best part is you will get your points immediately.

Good luck with your new set of decisions!

 

[disneynutz]

There are some benefits to buying DVC direct and there are some buying resale. You need to weight the different factors and decide which you prefer.

You also need to decide which resort is the one. Don't pick a resort just because it is currently being marketed by Disney or because others are actively buying.

We got caught up that way and bought BLT which we now really don't care for as much as other resorts. We also bought AKV and it also isn't our favorite.

We bought VGF direct because we wanted a fixed week contract, lake view, one bedroom in December. If that was available via resale, we would have waited.

Bill

 

[jillmc40]

It's funny. I never really thought about DVC, and I certainly never thought I would be able to afford VGF so I didn't really pay any attention. Then one day I sat down and paid attention to the price and realized I could afford it, and I should probably do it. When we go for Christmas time that is where I want to stay. Period. I took DD last year for 4 nights and it cost me 1600.00+ to stay for 4 nights, and that was with 35% off. We also stayed 2 nights in AKL and I rented points for that,which was a nice savings, but I would do better owning myself if this is how I am going to travel.

If that is where you want to stay, then that is where you need to own. Sure, resale would be cheaper somewhere else, but that doesn't help if you can't get into a resort you want to stay at. I feel very comfortable with my purchase. We only did 100 pts, I wish I could do more, but this was a little last minute decision for us and I don't feel like using that much of our savings for a luxury item...For now, I will use those 100 pts like they are going out of style Plus, I would love to get BCV resale at some point, but I want to stay there first.

Good Luck!!!

 

[twinsouvenirs]

I am with you! We were just deciding on a resale purchase of about 250 pts at SS or somewhere relatively inexpensive but then GFV came along and I'm a sucker for the monorail and the proximity to the Magic Kingdom (we have two brand new baby girls)--and I'm not going to lie, part of it is because of the small size and therefore the exclusivity! The only thing that bothers me is that they are offering the fixed week option which kind of bums me out because it is less of a chance of booking for peak times. We are thinking of going small (100pts) and buying a resale at BWK so we can do the F & W. Epcot is my DH & my favorite, but I have a feeling our girls will like the MK more at first.

I almost want to hold out for the Poly but I figure that can be our next add on

 

[DrMomof3]

I remember when you were looking and decided on BCV. So sorry about the ROFR.

You are already knowledgable enough about DVC and the process that you should feel comfortable about buying VGF. 160 points to start seems smart for how and when you want to travel. Best part is you will get your points immediately.

Good luck with your new set of decisions!

Thank you so much!!!

There are some benefits to buying DVC direct and there are some buying resale. You need to weight the different factors and decide which you prefer.

You also need to decide which resort is the one. Don't pick a resort just because it is currently being marketed by Disney or because others are actively buying.

We got caught up that way and bought BLT which we now really don't care for as much as other resorts. We also bought AKV and it also isn't our favorite.

We bought VGF direct because we wanted a fixed week contract, lake view, one bedroom in December. If that was available via resale, we would have waited.

Bill

We don't want a fixed week contract because our children are growing and our schedules are changing.
We don't want VGF because it's the latest and greatest. My husband is ALL about convenience. And luxury. I think a selling point for us is the snob appeal of the GF and the fact that we will probably like the Grand even more in 20 years than we do now. AKV and SSR and OKW were never options for us because of the convenience factor. And while we love BC and BLT, there's an elegance to the GF that no place else on property holds.
I think we'll become DVC members because we can do so at the Grand. Does that make sense?

It's funny. I never really thought about DVC, and I certainly never thought I would be able to afford VGF so I didn't really pay any attention. Then one day I sat down and paid attention to the price and realized I could afford it, and I should probably do it. When we go for Christmas time that is where I want to stay. Period. I took DD last year for 4 nights and it cost me 1600.00+ to stay for 4 nights, and that was with 35% off. We also stayed 2 nights in AKL and I rented points for that,which was a nice savings, but I would do better owning myself if this is how I am going to travel.

If that is where you want to stay, then that is where you need to own. Sure, resale would be cheaper somewhere else, but that doesn't help if you can't get into a resort you want to stay at. I feel very comfortable with my purchase. We only did 100 pts, I wish I could do more, but this was a little last minute decision for us and I don't feel like using that much of our savings for a luxury item...For now, I will use those 100 pts like they are going out of style Plus, I would love to get BCV resale at some point, but I want to stay there first.

Good Luck!!!

CONGRATS on buying at VGF. Glad to know I'm not alone!

I am with you! We were just deciding on a resale purchase of about 250 pts at SS or somewhere relatively inexpensive but then GFV came along and I'm a sucker for the monorail and the proximity to the Magic Kingdom (we have two brand new baby girls)--and I'm not going to lie, part of it is because of the small size and therefore the exclusivity! The only thing that bothers me is that they are offering the fixed week option which kind of bums me out because it is less of a chance of booking for peak times. We are thinking of going small (100pts) and buying a resale at BWK so we can do the F & W. Epcot is my DH & my favorite, but I have a feeling our girls will like the MK more at first.

I almost want to hold out for the Poly but I figure that can be our next add on

I understand the appeal of the Poly, too. And by the time the Poly is for sale, we may be ready to add on.... Just saying!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Here's the update...

Our first trip to Disney as adults was in January, 2008. We started considering DVC at that time. Since then our children have been to Disney 12 additional times. We stayed off property a few times but otherwise have stayed deluxe or DVC (discounted cash reservation or point rental/donation). I've been researching DVC on and off for those 5+ years. I can finally say that I am a DVC member.
We bought an 160 point contract at VGF with an August Use Year (based on our trips this was the ideal UY for our family). We have our first DVC reservation at BLT in a studio for Marathon Weekend (I still need to cancel my cash reservation!) and we plan to book a studio at VGF in late August of 2014.
I am SO grateful to all of the knowledgeable people on this board who are so generous with time and information. I think we're making a good decision. This August will be the 4th year in a row that we've been to Disney in late August and my husband is already talking about our first stay in our home away from home in 2014.

THANK YOU!!!
Amanda

 

[dbs1228]

We bought BLT direct because we wanted the monorail location and although at the time 108.00PP seemed like a lot of money our guide did tell us the prices will only go up (I did not really believe him)! We bought in at 160 points then quickly added on thru a webcast another 125 points (split into 2 contracts 60 and 65). You may want to price out buying 2 80 point contracts or 100 point and 60 point if you ever do decide years down the road you want to sell smaller contracts are easier to sell and usually get you more money. I am not sure it is worth it with closing costs but it is something I would at least inquire about.

I think you have a good game plan and once resale and disney ROFR'd so many contracts dies down a bit maybe a bcv add on will happen for you! Good luck

 

[Missyrose]

Here's the update...

Our first trip to Disney as adults was in January, 2008. We started considering DVC at that time. Since then our children have been to Disney 12 additional times. We stayed off property a few times but otherwise have stayed deluxe or DVC (discounted cash reservation or point rental/donation). I've been researching DVC on and off for those 5+ years. I can finally say that I am a DVC member.
We bought an 160 point contract at VGF with an August Use Year (based on our trips this was the ideal UY for our family). We have our first DVC reservation at BLT in a studio for Marathon Weekend (I still need to cancel my cash reservation!) and we plan to book a studio at VGF in late August of 2014.
I am SO grateful to all of the knowledgeable people on this board who are so generous with time and information. I think we're making a good decision. This August will be the 4th year in a row that we've been to Disney in late August and my husband is already talking about our first stay in our home away from home in 2014.

THANK YOU!!!
Amanda

Congratulations on the purchase Amanda! We'll be at VGF for our first stay in our new home resort in late August 2014 too!

 

[DrMomof3]

Congratulations on the purchase Amanda! We'll be at VGF for our first stay in our new home resort in late August 2014 too!

Thank you Missy! I'm surprisingly giddy about it.

Amanda

 

[DizBub]

Wow, you guys move fast! I'm so happy for you!

And you will get an extra 20+ years of ownership at VGF over BCV.

dbs1228 has a really good suggestion about splitting your 160 point purchase into 2 80 point contracts. If closing costs aren't increased to do this it might be worth considering.

Congratulations and I know you will love being a DVC Member.

Welcome Home!!

 

[DrMomof3]

Wow, you guys move fast! I'm so happy for you!

And you will get an extra 20+ years of ownership at VGF over BCV.

dbs1228 has a really good suggestion about splitting your 160 point purchase into 2 80 point contracts. If closing costs aren't increased to do this it might be worth considering.

Congratulations and I know you will love being a DVC Member.

Welcome Home!!

Thank you so much. I will ask about splitting the contract but I really don't think we'll sell it (although I'm sure nobody thinks they will). My husband was already asking about inheritance issues...
I'm super excited and I really think we'll find ourselves victims of addonitis based on our past trip history!

Amanda

 

[chateau]

Don't add on too fast... there may be a Poly! Glad you finally are able to be welcomed home officially!

 

[DrMomof3]

Don't add on too fast... there may be a Poly! Glad you finally are able to be welcomed home officially!

I'm well aware! I think our 1st add-on would be Poly!!!
Thank you.

Amanda

 

[twinsouvenirs]

Any idea whether October is still available as a use year for the GFV?

 

[e46m3]

Go for it, I think you won't regret it.

 

[Missyrose]

Any idea whether October is still available as a use year for the GFV?

They just started selling, it's nowhere near sold out yet.

 

[twinsouvenirs]

Would Oct use year give us double points this year or will we miss the boat?

 

[disneynutz]

Would Oct use year give us double points this year or will we miss the boat?

There isn't any double points, you would get Oct 2013 points.

Bill

 

[Missyrose]

Would Oct use year give us double points this year or will we miss the boat?

You would get 2013 points. There are no 2012 VGF points.