Bay Lake Rip-off!

[wildernessDad]

Looks gaudy and cold in the photos I've seen. Not a big fan of the decor and @ $110+ per point? Convenient to MK and monorail but the Epcot resorts have so much more character IMHO. I've visited or stayed at every DVC resort in person and this one just doesn't look that appealing. Just one guys opinion.

Have you visited or stayed at BLT? If not, then you haven't visited or stayed at every DVC resort in person.

 

[cyndixo]

We stayed at BLT Sept before our cruise and we absolutely adored it. I thought everything about it was great. Thats the good thing about DVC there is something for everyone.

 

[cheezNE1]

I could understand this philosophy if you had to own there to stay there, but you do not. Any DVC member can stay at BLT. I can understand if you bought for the lower MF, more years, and possibly holding resale value longer than the other resorts, but as far as location all DVC members can get that.

True in a sense if we're just talking about the price to buy as a 'Home' resort. And i'm sure there's a reason for calling it a "home" resort. And with that kind of location, 11 months window is important as well. Also the amount of points needed to stay there also plays a role. Whether buying in or not, the bottom line is, to stay in that kind of location comes a price / points. If every resort didn't have their own intricate values, than they would all be the same price and points.

 

[corpcomp]

And a couple of months later Disney will offer another limited time price incentive to make us feel like a we have to rush out and buy.

Ahh you have broken the code!!!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Personally, the decor nor the location is my cup of tea, but I will most certainly try a 2Br this summer just to experience the MK view/fireworks. The point structure is steep in my opinion, I woulnd't go as far as calling it a "Rip Off". In the end people are entitled to their opinions and even to share them on the boards even if it causes a "raucus". Like the poster, my lack of attendance at BLT will be someone else's gain!

 

[photobob]

To each his own, I am not a huge MK fan so BLT doesn't have as much appeal to me for that reason. I will however probably stay there at some point. A previous poster mentioned that if BLT does go up to $120 per point that it would be difficult not to buy resale contract at other resorts for a fraction of the price. I do agree with that point, I don't think the 11 month window for BLT is worth paying so much more per point. I just wish I could afford an add-on right now, there are really some great deals to be had!

Just checked The Timeshare Store and found a 150 point contract at SSR for $68 per point which comes out the $10,200. If BLT goes to $120 per point the same contract there would cost you $18,000. I don't think I could justify that much more money basically just to have the 11 month window for that or any resort.

 

[edk35]

Well when the BLT was announced and the pictures of the models started surfacing I thought I wouldn't like it. The decor just didn't do a thing for me. Matter of fact there were many heated threads about who liked it, who was buying, who hated it. Then we visited the models at SSR on one our trips and I still wasn't that into what I saw. However my husband and son thought it was great and liked it better than the models for AKV Kidani that we had bought into sight unseen. Then we went to the DVC presentation in July and got to tour BLT and visit the Grand Villa. I have to say....I had a different feeling. I liked actually being able to tour the tower and the villas. That made a difference in my opinion. I could see us staying there at some point for a split stay when we want to do MK or a special party at MK. The funny thing was my husband decided he DIDN"T care for BLT really after taking the tour..... like he thought he did back months before when we saw the models.

Then on this same trip we stayed at Kidani and we ALL loved loved loved the decor/villas/resort and y DH's opinion and my son's opinion took a 180 compared to when they were comparing the models at SSR of BLT and Kidani. SO.....for us...it took actually seeing the BLT and touring tye villas to determine our feelings about the new DVC resort. Like i said...I can see us staying there at some point to try it just like we did for the others.

 

[Cmbar]

Interesting, since the location of BLT is one of the reasons I'm not interested in staying there! A big high rise generic looking "hotel" on the shores of a man made lagoon overlooking a parking lot just don't warm the cockles of my heart, and since MK is my least favorite park, I don't ever see myself wanting to stay there. As for the decor....hate it, and it too will be VERY dated VERY soon.

Please don't take my post as a slam at BLT. It's just not my cup of tea, but that's exactly why DVC is such a good deal! We can all buy the locations and resorts that appeal to us and don't HAVE to stay at the others if we choose not to. I don't ever choose to stay at BLT or BWV.

I can see your point as it looks like the resorts you own don't have location as a factor. It is one of things we love about DVC! Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. You obviously like animals or you wouldn't have bought at AKV. Other than the cheap points for some rooms, I find the resort way too dark to enjoy. I guess it is nice if you like a dark dungeon feel on your vacation, liked to be bus blocked and look at ugly, hot, flat land in florida (Goodness florida has ugly trees) with a bunch of animals running around that you can check out on the Discovery channel! For some that is an amazing experience though. For us it is simply not our cup of tea

For us BLT meant location, location, location and cheap MF'S I personally don't like the decor, but I am not living there I am visiting for short periods of time in my life and my thrill is Disney, not that room decor. I don't care for sleeping in and hanging in my room when I have a huge resort to see and experience so I would never, ever stay at OKW. It has nothing to offer but simply that Condo relaxation feel which is great if you go to some other place than Disney. I grew up in Florida and I would never choose to vacation in Orlando if I wasn't doing Disney, so a Condo style timeshare would never suffice for our vacation. I want views and convenience on Vacation, not a mini home I feel like I have to cook in. But some DVC'ers love that feeling.

I would rather be on the monrail in five minutes or be at the MK in less. Walking to MK was awesome and having all those great restaurants/resorts and sounds of the lake. For goodness sake I can hear the train at MK. That is what floats our boat! And I don't care if what they are floating on is man made or not! Was the lake between the BWV and BCV man made? Does anyone know? This is definitely what I love about DVC ... something for everyone.

To the OP ..... Your not being serious your just trying to So glad one more DVC member won't be plugging up our rooms!

 

[cheezNE1]

To each his own, I am not a huge MK fan so BLT doesn't have as much appeal to me for that reason. I will however probably stay there at some point. A previous poster mentioned that if BLT does go up to $120 per point that it would be difficult not to buy resale contract at other resorts for a fraction of the price. I do agree with that point, I don't think the 11 month window for BLT is worth paying so much more per point. I just wish I could afford an add-on right now, there are really some great deals to be had!

Just checked The Timeshare Store and found a 150 point contract at SSR for $68 per point which comes out the $10,200. If BLT goes to $120 per point the same contract there would cost you $18,000. I don't think I could justify that much more money basically just to have the 11 month window for that or any resort.

When we compare pricing, should it be from equal sources. So if SSR is $68 resale, the BLT listed resale currently is $98 per pt. Of course when comparing resale price to directly from disney, there's definitely a big difference. Just like SSR directly from Disney is no way $68/pts.

 

[Reddog1134]

I like BLTs proximity to MK but when I joined the DVC I chose AKV. The room did seem cold and somewhat sterile to me. I prefer the warm colors of AKV. But like everyone has been saying, one the great things about DVC is your choices. Staying at a different resort is a new experience from the previous resort and everyone has their own preferences.

And I would never call it a rip-off. Especially when you consider what non-members would have to pay.

 

[jade1]

I could understand this philosophy if you had to own there to stay there, but you do not. Any DVC member can stay at BLT. I can understand if you bought for the lower MF, more years, and possibly holding resale value longer than the other resorts, but as far as location all DVC members can get that.

True, but BLT members can stay at the other resorts as well (much easier by the way) and the lower MF's used there make it an even better deal.

Also your post also points out exactly why it's not a rip off, and appears to be gaining value already, even in this economy.

 

[cheezNE1]

I can see your point as it looks like the resorts you own don't have location as a factor. It is one of things we love about DVC! Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. You obviously like animals or you wouldn't have bought at AKV. Other than the cheap points for some rooms, I find the resort way too dark to enjoy. I guess it is nice if you like a dark dungeon feel on your vacation, liked to be bus blocked and look at ugly, hot, flat land in florida (Goodness florida has ugly trees) with a bunch of animals running around that you can check out on the Discovery channel! For some that is an amazing experience though. For us it is simply not our cup of tea

For us BLT meant location, location, location and cheap MF'S I personally don't like the decor, but I am not living there I am visiting for short periods of time in my life and my thrill is Disney, not that room decor. I don't care for sleeping in and hanging in my room when I have a huge resort to see and experience so I would never, ever stay at OKW. It has nothing to offer but simply that Condo relaxation feel which is great if you go to some other place than Disney. I grew up in Florida and I would never choose to vacation in Orlando if I wasn't doing Disney, so a Condo style timeshare would never suffice for our vacation. I want views and convenience on Vacation, not a mini home I feel like I have to cook in. But some DVC'ers love that feeling.

I would rather be on the monrail in five minutes or be at the MK in less. Walking to MK was awesome and having all those great restaurants/resorts and sounds of the lake. For goodness sake I can hear the train at MK. That is what floats our boat! And I don't care if what they are floating on is man made or not! Was the lake between the BWV and BCV man made? Does anyone know? This is definitely what I love about DVC ... something for everyone.

To the OP ..... Your not being serious your just trying to So glad one more DVC member won't be plugging up our rooms!

Exactly, some pay more to see animals, and some pay more for the convenience. I like the fact that by staying at BLT, you can simply walk to MK ( especially if you have younger kids) and being able to watch the fireworks without having to go to the park. And all this brings back to location, location. There are always reasons for why prices are at where they are. Is it fair?.. it all depends on the individual. To some, it's a rip-off, but to others, it might be a gem.

 

[Cmbar]

While everyone has lined up to jump on the OP, he DOES have a valid case. If you compare the upcoming $120/pt hike that is planned and compare it to SSR on the resale marked for almost half price, BLT does seem to be a rip-off. Not trying to slam anyone for buying there as BLT's proximity to MK does make it interesting, paying double for points doesn't make the most sense financially. If you NEED to have BLT at Christmas or New Years, I understand, but if you take out the strong words the OP used, you can easily relate.

There are lots of things that go into "makes sense finacially". While you can compare SSR resale to BLT Disney direct, you are not comparing apples to apples. SSR started somewhere around 98$ a point when it began selling. Not sure of the price but I believe it was in the 90's . It is now in the 60's. While that is a good deal for someone getting in to the market now it really stinks for the owner that bought SSR back then. So it did not make much sense financially for someone to buy SSR back then, they should have grabbed something cheaper on the resale market. I personally don' t think BLT will lose value like SSR simply because of its size and location. It will continue to be a difficult resort to get even with its disadvantages such as Studio design flaw, and "so called ugly" look and decor. The overwhelming response from it's opening is that it is an awesome resort. So If I take the fact that it is a desireable property and factor in that its' maintenance fees are less than even SSR's was when the property opened 5 years ago I think you could see that BLT is not necessarily a "rip off". Now in 5 years if BLT losses 30% of its value then you would be right, but at that time what will SSR be worth in comparison?

I am not going to sell my BLT nor are you probably going to sell SSR, but my point is just that what makes financial sense over the long haul does factor. MF alone will be less over the years for a BLT owner than a SSR owner. Some people don't care where they own... I get that but I can't see where you can compare it to a point of a "rip off". The new properties are always a more expensive cost. It's like buying a new car versus a used car... the used car will always be cheaper and make better financial sense!

 

[fers31]

I can see your point as it looks like the resorts you own don't have location as a factor. It is one of things we love about DVC! Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. You obviously like animals or you wouldn't have bought at AKV. Other than the cheap points for some rooms, I find the resort way too dark to enjoy. I guess it is nice if you like a dark dungeon feel on your vacation, liked to be bus blocked and look at ugly, hot, flat land in florida (Goodness florida has ugly trees) with a bunch of animals running around that you can check out on the Discovery channel! For some that is an amazing experience though. For us it is simply not our cup of tea QUOTE]

Wow....nasty enough??

 

[jade1]

"hotel" on the shores of a man made lagoon overlooking a parking lot just don't warm the cockles of my heart,

Please don't take my post as a slam at BLT.

Slam? Heck no, some of us have no problem with a view improved by the hands of the "man" that is the reason we even have WDW and DVC:

It always was a lake-just made better.

When Walt Disney and his staff were searching for land in Florida, the site they selected included a large lake with an island in the middle of it. The lake was Bay Lake, and they felt that the natural lake was an attractive feature of the property. But because of the poor water quality, the lake was drained and the muck at the bottom was cleaned out. Underneath, they found lots of white sand, which was used to create the beaches at the different hotels which were under construction. The lake was then refilled.

So the view at BLT is where it all started.

Come to think of it, there's a lot of man made stuff at Walt Disney that warms the cockles of my heart.

but that's exactly why DVC is such a good deal! We can all buy the locations and resorts that appeal to us and don't HAVE to stay at the others if we choose not to.

I agree, but some of us look at differently. BLT points have a much better chance of switching to say...OKW/SSR at 7 months than the other way around making the lower MF costs an even better deal.

 

[Ramsfan28]

Looks gaudy and cold in the photos I've seen. Not a big fan of the decor and @ $110+ per point? Convenient to MK and monorail but the Epcot resorts have so much more character IMHO. I've visited or stayed at every DVC resort in person and this one just doesn't look that appealing. Just one guys opinion.

Sounds like somebody wants attention.

 

[Cmbar]

Interesting, since the location of BLT is one of the reasons I'm not interested in staying there! A big high rise generic looking "hotel" on the shores of a man made lagoon overlooking a parking lot just don't warm the cockles of my heart, and since MK is my least favorite park, I don't ever see myself wanting to stay there. As for the decor....hate it, and it too will be VERY dated VERY soon.
Please don't take my post as a slam at BLT. It's just not my cup of tea, but that's exactly why DVC is such a good deal! We can all buy the locations and resorts that appeal to us and don't HAVE to stay at the others if we choose not to. I don't ever choose to stay at BLT or BWV.

I can see your point as it looks like the resorts you own don't have location as a factor. It is one of things we love about DVC! Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. You obviously like animals or you wouldn't have bought at AKV. Other than the cheap points for some rooms, I find the resort way too dark to enjoy. I guess it is nice if you like a dark dungeon feel on your vacation, liked to be bus blocked and look at ugly, hot, flat land in florida (Goodness florida has ugly trees) with a bunch of animals running around that you can check out on the Discovery channel! For some that is an amazing experience though. For us it is simply not our cup of tea QUOTE]

Wow....nasty enough??

Hey how come you didn't say her post about BLT was nasty???

I was just pointing out that others see AKV as a non desirable resort as she sees BLT. Doesn't make her or I nasty, the point is it has the same negative affect on each of us. We don't necessarily want to stay there on our trip. That is what is great about DVC. I haven't tried AKV but only because I don't like the dark themes and animals and its location forces it to be bus blocked. Doesn't mean it isn't a great resort! So nope, not nasty just agreeing with Diane that everyone is different.

PS.. DianeSchlicht and all AKV owners... no nastiness intended in my post! really!

 

[DVCGeek]

Just checked The Timeshare Store and found a 150 point contract at SSR for $68 per point which comes out the $10,200. If BLT goes to $120 per point the same contract there would cost you $18,000. I don't think I could justify that much more money basically just to have the 11 month window for that or any resort.

BLT: 2060 end date; 51 UYs of points. $18k / 51 / 150 = ~$2.3529 per point each year

SSR: 2054 end date; 46 UYs of points if loaded. $10.2k / 46 / 150 = ~$1.4783 per point each year

Savings on purchase: ~$0.8747ppy (per point / year)

BLT dues: $3.6709
SSR dues: $4.3353
difference: $0.6644

So, assuming no inflation BLT has a net cost of ~$0.2103ppy more. $0.2103 x 150 x 51 = $1608.64, or $10.72 per point in purchase price for the entire contract.

But, when you factor in a similar % increase on dues at both, you are likely to pay LESS ppy overall because SSR has a higher starting price and therefore compounding will increase it a lot faster.

In the end, my analysis leaves me feeling BLT is likely to be cheaper in the long run even if 11 month booking isn't important to you, even at that price for SSR. Plus, DVC will almost certainly offer SOME incentive on the BLT purchase which could easily offset that and make it cheaper ppy without any inflation as well...

 

[Cmbar]

BLT: 2060 end date; 51 UYs of points. $18k / 50 / 160 = $2.25 per point each year

SSR: 2054 end date; 46 UYs of points if loaded. $10.2k / 46 / 160 = ~$1.42 per point each year

Savings on purchase: ~$0.82ppy (per point / year)

BLT dues: $3.6709
SSR dues: $4.3353
difference: $0.6644

So, assuming no inflation BLT has a net cost of ~$0.1556ppy more.

But, when you factor in a similar % increase on dues at both, you are likely to pay LESS ppy overall because SSR has a higher starting price and therefore compounding will increase it a lot faster.

In the end, my analysis leaves me feeling BLT is likely to be cheaper in the long run even if 11 month booking isn't important to you, even at that price for SSR. Plus, DVC will almost certainly offer SOME incentive on the BLT purchase which could easily offset that and make it cheaper ppy without any inflation as well...

Yes what DVCGEEK said

(and it actually is a bit better because the SSR contract was only for 150 points so your calculations would have worked out a bit more like .11PPy difference)

Edited: Oh wait the BLT Contract is going to $120 so that makes the difference per point of 2.40 compared to 1.48. So difference of .26 PPY for BLT. Doesn't quite feel like a rip off! Now I feel better!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Did you factor in the higher point requirements at BLT vs SSR?

MG