*** Bay Lake Tower Owners Group***

[Moonspinner]

If you’re already checked in, he should be able to use his phone or magic band to get into room.

I was hoping maybe he could get a temporary keycard? Kind of a mess up but he doesn’t have any of his magic bands with him. How does he do it on his phone? Is that through the app?

 

[bcuinohio]

I was hoping maybe he could get a temporary keycard? Kind of a mess up but he doesn’t have any of his magic bands with him. How does he do it on his phone? Is that through the app?

 

[bcuinohio]

It is in the app. Not sure if BLT will have anyone at the desk that late but there will definitely be someone at CR to check him in if needed.

 

[Mouseforward]

It is in the app. Not sure if BLT will have anyone at the desk that late but there will definitely be someone at CR to check him in if needed.

You want to go to contemporary if you are that late without a MB or card - no one is in the BLT lobby that late

 

[MartyParty]

I realized I had a few too many points to begin with. When I purchased, I bought with my most expensive year in mind, but it turns out the 2 bedroom isn't necessary every year for us, and there may be years we need to take off occasionally. So one of my contracts (not BCV) was probably getting sold regardless, especially with a supposed renting crackdown that would make having too many points a liability. I also have been interested in a blue card for Sorcerer's pass access.

Talked to a guide. They put points in your account right away. A benefit to having a direct or grandfathered contract is ability to see restricted resort availability (which I previously couldn't see). VDH seems to have much better availability than Grand Californian. I suspect we actually will be able to stay there, unlike Grand Californian. Since I have very fond memories of my first ever Disney trip, staying at the Disneyland Hotel in the 1990s, I am excited to go stay at VDH now and then with some eligible points.

So, 2 main things: Sorcerer's pass, and restricted resort options (but specifically VDH).

I'm within my ten day window though: go ahead and talk me out of it! lol. I think Polynesian and BLT will continue to have decent availability overall, so you could probably load up on SSR and stay at either most of the year.

atthebeachclub

No talking you out of it here.

I believe that, if buying direct today, the lowest-cost option is Saratoga Springs. As you probably know, it's currently priced at the $215 per point, the same as Animal Kingdom Lodge and Old Key West. However, Saratoga Springs stands out thanks to its lower annual dues of $8.45 per point and a historical average annualized compound growth rate of around 3.9%.

Given those factors, SSR seems like the most cost-effective choice, especially if the goal is to book at Polynesian, Bay Lake Tower, or Villas at Disneyland Hotel using the 7-month window.

Poly direct points at $235 (+$20/point) with lower dues of $7.93/pt could offset over the looooong haul (like 20-30 years) but a lot can change in the dues space.

Only other thought is if DVC has another existing resort fire sale like a year or two ago. That seemed successful and might be something they repeat. No telling if or when that would happen. At that time, I was in the market to add on 200 points and bump up to regular 2-bedroom stays. Was considering going the resale route but instead bought 200 OKW 2027 points at $135/pt. I didn't want the +$10/pt annual dues, however, OKW direct delta of $135 vs $215 for sleep around points offset the higher dues. We also stay at VDH and have VDH direct. Having some other direct points helps. Not a lot of bedroom suite availability at VDH. Last trip we booked two studios, and it worked out great. Can only do that if having direct points.

 

[Tumnus]

atthebeachclub

No talking you out of it here.

I believe that, if buying direct today, the lowest-cost option is Saratoga Springs. As you probably know, it's currently priced at the $215 per point, the same as Animal Kingdom Lodge and Old Key West. However, Saratoga Springs stands out thanks to its lower annual dues of $8.45 per point and a historical average annualized compound growth rate of around 3.9%.

Given those factors, SSR seems like the most cost-effective choice, especially if the goal is to book at Polynesian, Bay Lake Tower, or Villas at Disneyland Hotel using the 7-month window.

Poly direct points at $235 (+$20/point) with lower dues of $7.93/pt could offset over the looooong haul (like 20-30 years) but a lot can change in the dues space.

Only other thought is if DVC has another existing resort fire sale like a year or two ago. That seemed successful and might be something they repeat. No telling if or when that would happen. At that time, I was in the market to add on 200 points and bump up to regular 2-bedroom stays. Was considering going the resale route but instead bought 200 OKW 2027 points at $135/pt. I didn't want the +$10/pt annual dues, however, OKW direct delta of $135 vs $215 for sleep around points offset the higher dues. We also stay at VDH and have VDH direct. Having some other direct points helps. Not a lot of bedroom suite availability at VDH. Last trip we booked two studios, and it worked out great. Can only do that if having direct points.

I'd say Poly over SSR - there's a $20/point difference base price, but there are incentives on Poly that cut to a very small number - not sure how many points but assuming at least 150 then SSR is only $5 cheaper, plus lower dues (right now). That's a small price to pay for 12 additional years of points!

 

[MartyParty]

I'd say Poly over SSR - there's a $20/point difference base price, but there are incentives on Poly that cut to a very small number - not sure how many points but assuming at least 150 then SSR is only $5 cheaper, plus lower dues (right now). That's a small price to pay for 12 additional years of points!

Yeah, agree with that. I was trying to figure out when it made sense to go after a more in demand resort versus cheaper and cheerful.

If only $5/pt difference that's not much of a swing. Poly's annual maintenance dues are lower than SSR. For $5 that delta likley would be made up in 5-10 years' time (just a guess).