Best DVC Bang For Your Buck?

[Jlo85]

Some of my worst hotel experiences in recent memory have been DVC, in rooms I paid a lot for. It's not like Disney as a hotel brand inspires a lot of confidence. They're close to parks, well, some of them are and they may or may not have some perks. I wouldn't expect a "deluxe" experience or anything like that from DVC. I know the limitations of the product, and I've accepted that.

Swolphin has a lot of upside. I'd take it as a hotel any day. It's pretty stark compared to sad BW.

I mean more that if DVC is an investment in family like WDW usually is, a more generic hotel just isn't as appealing. And that's how Disney has designed it, so I get I'm being forced to spend more.

I get that there are some nice hotels, though I will say that when I was considering most more budget competitors like Swolphin, Disney resorts pretty universally had better online reviews than their competitors. Disney resorts are usually 4.7 stars while Swolphin is like 3.9 - 4.3. Take that as you will, Disney might just be good at manipulating their reputation online. And I get the hotel-side is nicer than the DVC-side.

 

[DVCsloth]

And I get the hotel-side is nicer than the DVC-side.

I used to think that was the case, but I think the DVC side is as good if not better than the hotel side.

 

[havoc315]

I used to think that was the case, but I think the DVC side is as good if not better than the hotel side.

I think this has changed more recently...
Go back a few years, the hotel side was usually nicer than the DVC side..
Rooms at the Contemporary were much bigger and nicer than studios at BLT..
AKL and AUL -- Again, the hotel rooms are bigger than the DVC studios..
At BCV, not only are the studios small and cheaper than the resort hotel rooms, but they are tucked away in a building off to the side without views.
Not to mention, the hotels get daily mouse keeping. Not only does that improve the immediate experience, it also just leads to a better maintained unit. (Look for all the reports of mold in DVC bathrooms, etc).

Some of the more recent conversions and buildouts -- Poly, RIV, the VGF expansion -- they are building DVC units that truly match "deluxe."

 

[DVCsloth]

I think this has changed more recently...
Go back a few years, the hotel side was usually nicer than the DVC side..
Rooms at the Contemporary were much bigger and nicer than studios at BLT..
AKL and AUL -- Again, the hotel rooms are bigger than the DVC studios..
At BCV, not only are the studios small and cheaper than the resort hotel rooms, but they are tucked away in a building off to the side without views.
Not to mention, the hotels get daily mouse keeping. Not only does that improve the immediate experience, it also just leads to a better maintained unit. (Look for all the reports of mold in DVC bathrooms, etc).

Some of the more recent conversions and buildouts -- Poly, RIV, the VGF expansion -- they are building DVC units that truly match "deluxe."

Agree, we just returned from VGF 1br and love the original Villas. We started out in a BCV studio for 1 night to give it a try and thought the room was pretty good. Kind of got a laugh at the size of our balcony though. Took us a little while to figure out where the villas were. Totally get the appeal of BCV. I mostly like having a kitchen and laundry in the room. We had a lot of dining reservations but do like to enjoy some healthy meals in our villa. I think DVC Studio having the kitchenette and full kitchen and laundry in 1br and up makes me think that the DVC side is a little better. You get all the amenities of the Hotel plus you have a villa not just a hotel room. I would imagine that some of the Deluxe resorts offer upgraded room categories on the hotel side as well though.

 

[havoc315]

Agree, we just returned from VGF 1br and love the original Villas. We started out in a BCV studio for 1 night to give it a try and thought the room was pretty good. Kind of got a laugh at the size of our balcony though. Took us a little while to figure out where the villas were. Totally get the appeal of BCV. I mostly like having a kitchen and laundry in the room. We had a lot of dining reservations but do like to enjoy some healthy meals in our villa. I think DVC Studio having the kitchenette and full kitchen and laundry in 1br and up makes me think that the DVC side is a little better. You get all the amenities of the Hotel plus you have a villa not just a hotel room. I would imagine that some of the Deluxe resorts offer upgraded room categories on the hotel side as well though.

Kitchens and laundry are not typical on the hotel side, but there are suites with far more space.

Villa vs Resort is just "different" -- Not better or worse objectively. There are those who love using an AirBNB on vacation, because they want the full "house"-- the kitchen, the space, the laundry. There are those who want the luxury resort hotel, which generally does not include kitchen and laundry -- as such people are looking to escape their home chores.

Of course, the DVC studios don't have laundry in the room. And the kitchenette is only a small step up from most resort room kitchen amenities. (resorts typically have a fridge and coffee maker. The kitchenettes throw in a bit more counter space, sink, toaster and microwave -- not exactly going to prepare a full 3 course dinner for the family).
So while still not a perfect comparison, the closest apples to apples.... for people looking for a similar experience, is comparing the regular resort rooms to DVC studios. The larger villas are an entirely different creature.

 

[Disdreaming479]

I recently purchased at SSR and the value for us is in the number of beds in 1& 2 bdrm villas, newly refurbished, quiet location. We do not like staying at the resorts with the “highly desired dining” e.g beaches and cream. While at BC, there was always a large group of people waiting for their reservation outside, between the pool and the restrooms at all hours of the evening. We get enough time in the crowds at the parks.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Rooms at the Contemporary were much bigger and nicer than studios at BLT..

True, BLT studios are TINY.

AKL and AUL -- Again, the hotel rooms are bigger than the DVC studios..

That's true at Aulani, but not Animal Kingdom. AK standard room is 340 square feet versus 365 for a studio.

I used to think that was the case, but I think the DVC side is as good if not better than the hotel side.

IMO, "which side is nicer" is based almost entirely on which side has been refurbished more recently.

Kitchens and laundry are not typical on the hotel side, but there are suites with far more space.

Villa vs Resort is just "different" -- Not better or worse objectively. There are those who love using an AirBNB on vacation, because they want the full "house"-- the kitchen, the space, the laundry. There are those who want the luxury resort hotel, which generally does not include kitchen and laundry -- as such people are looking to escape their home chores.

Of course, the DVC studios don't have laundry in the room. And the kitchenette is only a small step up from most resort room kitchen amenities. (resorts typically have a fridge and coffee maker. The kitchenettes throw in a bit more counter space, sink, toaster and microwave -- not exactly going to prepare a full 3 course dinner for the family).
So while still not a perfect comparison, the closest apples to apples.... for people looking for a similar experience, is comparing the regular resort rooms to DVC studios. The larger villas are an entirely different creature.

100% all of this.

It's also weird to me that DVC people talk like you can't book a 1BR or 2BR with cash. You absolutely can.

 

[DVCsloth]

100% all of this.

It's also weird to me that DVC people talk like you can't book a 1BR or 2BR with cash. You absolutely can.

I don't think all of the Disney Deluxe hotels offered 1BR and up until the DVC component was added. Not 100% sure about it though, maybe club level?

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I don't think all of the Disney Deluxe hotels offered 1BR and up until the DVC component was added.

Right but cash guests can book the DVC units.

 

[havoc315]

True, BLT studios are TINY.


That's true at Aulani, but not Animal Kingdom. AK standard room is 340 square feet versus 365 for a studio.


IMO, "which side is nicer" is based almost entirely on which side has been refurbished more recently.


100% all of this.

It's also weird to me that DVC people talk like you can't book a 1BR or 2BR with cash. You absolutely can.

Yes, you absolutely can book with cash. Though availability can vary widely based on resort and time of year.

But that also brings up why it's not an apples to apples comparison with the regular resort rooms.
Studios are similar in size and price to Resort regular rooms. On the other hands, the 1-2-3 BR units are generally MUCH more expensive than studios or regular cash rooms, whether using points or cash. When Disney says, "save money with DVC" -- They aren't comparing a regular resort room to a 2 BR at Grand Floridian, they are comparing it to a studio.

And DVC itself largely attracts people into 2 different (but often overlapping) categories: The people who are simply looking for a discount on frequent Disney vacations (and tend to book studios). And then the people who are looking for something different than a regular resort room -- that want the space, kitchen, etc, of the larger units.

 

[RichVIII]

And as I read this, I would say our "value" of DVC has changed. We stayed off-site and don't miss the hassle of driving ourselves at the end of the evening. Even using hotel points, it was still not the same as the first time we stayed on property. Of course with things like Magic Express going away, some of that bubble has eroded but we enjoy being on-site. The longer we have owned, the more we enjoy the ability to do some meals in the room. The more we have started into 1BRs, the more we enjoy the space and more time at the resort and less pressure to go the parks. We bought in the park wewe went to the most at the time and now wish we had been more evenly spread between MK and Epoct/Studios but glad we have enough points at an MK resort to be fairly flexible. Our last contract is twice of what we paid from our first. I am not sure pricing is going to stop growing (slow for sure) but over time it seems like it will go up. The must "value" for your point are often booked by owners. I love some of the standard views and standard rooms but those go for the 11 mo. advantage so buy where you will be happy. And your happy now, may be different later.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

When Disney says, "save money with DVC" -- They aren't comparing a regular resort room to a 2 BR at Grand Floridian, they are comparing it to a studio.

That is partially true. They're comparing a regular resort room to a Studio, but they're also comparing a 2BR at Grand Floridian on points with the cash price of staying in a 2BR at Grand Floridian.

And DVC itself largely attracts people into 2 different (but often overlapping) categories: The people who are simply looking for a discount on frequent Disney vacations (and tend to book studios). And then the people who are looking for something different than a regular resort room -- that want the space, kitchen, etc, of the larger units.

That's how I always though about it, but the recent flap about the "Resort Studios" at VGF exposed a third group, whom I think are nuts. These people book studios and they think that the studios are "something different" than a regular resort room. They attach weird monetary value to a countertop with a toaster on it and a mini fridge.

I also think you're making a miscalculation on the space. side of things. My family doesn't fit into a single hotel room, so when we book a 1BR Villa, it's not because we want more space than a standard room. We're actually getting roughly the same amount of space as our alternative, which would be two standard hotel rooms.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

What do you think is the best bang for your buck right now in the DVC world? (Can be best direct points, best resale points, best room type, best resort, etc, etc)

If not going the "buy where you want to stay" but rather the SAP route, VGF direct gets my vote.

My reasoning:
1) SAP = want to sleep anywhere / everywhere including future new resorts (needs to be direct)
2) likely good resale value if you don't keep it until the end (no resale restrictions)
3) low dues
4) Bonus: direct benefits (whatever they may be and however they may last)

My buy where you want to stay is BWV, but I would buy those resale going forward. (I already own there)

I started adding on at SSR for SAP, but if we need more soon, I'm buying VGF. I'm very intentionally using these as 7 month bookings, so it doesn't matter if I've got a hodge-podge of home resorts. I can't bring myself to pay $200 for SSR when VGF is $207.

RIV would be a close 2nd for me as I don't know what situation will be in 2042 when my beloved BWV expires and an Epcot resort is top priority. But I'm going to hold out hope that I can re-buy BWV and if not, hope that whatever SAP I have will still get me BWV rooms.

 

[DVCsloth]

That is partially true. They're comparing a regular resort room to a Studio, but they're also comparing a 2BR at Grand Floridian on points with the cash price of staying in a 2BR at Grand Floridian.


That's how I always though about it, but the recent flap about the "Resort Studios" at VGF exposed a third group, whom I think are nuts. These people book studios and they think that the studios are "something different" than a regular resort room. They attach weird monetary value to a countertop with a toaster on it and a mini fridge.

I also think you're making a miscalculation on the space. side of things. My family doesn't fit into a single hotel room, so when we book a 1BR Villa, it's not because we want more space than a standard room. We're actually getting roughly the same amount of space as our alternative, which would be two standard hotel rooms.

They are different. Regular hotel rooms not DVC Studios.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

They are different. Regular hotel rooms not DVC Studios.

That's the point that @havoc315 and I are trying to make. This whole idea that a "DVC studio" and a regular hotel room have EVER been meaningfully different is silly.

 

[RichVIII]

That's how I always though about it, but the recent flap about the "Resort Studios" at VGF exposed a third group, whom I think are nuts. These people book studios and they think that the studios are "something different" than a regular resort room. They attach weird monetary value to a countertop with a toaster on it and a mini fridge.

I simply view this as it was a cheap way for DVC to fill empty rooms and have more studios to offer, which at this point is what I guess most buyers want/can afford points-wise.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I'm very intentionally using these as 7 month bookings, so it doesn't matter if I've got a hodge-podge of home resorts. I can't bring myself to pay $200 for SSR when VGF is $207.

If you're only ever booking at 7 months, you can get Aulani resale for about $100. Sure, it has higher dues, but it takes a loooooooong time for a $100 discount to catch up in dues.

And for people who book at 11 months at their home resort and then switch at 7 months (rather than book at 7 months in the first place), VGF can muck things up because it has a heavy points chart, meaning you're going to occupy more points than you're going to need (possibly borrowing them) when you switch to Resort #2 at 7 months.

 

[DVCsloth]

That's the point that @havoc315 and I are trying to make. This whole idea that a "DVC studio" and a regular hotel room have EVER been meaningfully different is silly.

I actually disagree, they may be similar but not the same thing. Take a look at the new resort studios at VGF. Some may prefer the BPK resort studios, but I would much rather stay in the original Villa studios for location and room.

 

[havoc315]

That is partially true. They're comparing a regular resort room to a Studio, but they're also comparing a 2BR at Grand Floridian on points with the cash price of staying in a 2BR at Grand Floridian.


That's how I always though about it, but the recent flap about the "Resort Studios" at VGF exposed a third group, whom I think are nuts. These people book studios and they think that the studios are "something different" than a regular resort room. They attach weird monetary value to a countertop with a toaster on it and a mini fridge.

Eh... I don't know if too many people buy into DVC for that reason. I think it's more just something to complain about with the VGF expansion. There are always those who complain about any "change." (personally, I think 2nd real bed vs sofa/murphy is a much bigger difference than a toaster over.. with each having pro/con).

I also think you're making a miscalculation on the space. side of things. My family doesn't fit into a single hotel room, so when we book a 1BR Villa, it's not because we want more space than a standard room. We're actually getting roughly the same amount of space as our alternative, which would be two standard hotel rooms.

I'm not suggesting that everyone fits into exactly those 2 categories. Those are just 2 broad generalized categories. There are definitely larger families who NEED more space, and it's getting the additional space you need at a lower price. Though, 2 studios are usually cheaper than a 1 BR on points. (But often on cash, a 1 BR is cheaper than 2 studios).

 

[DVCsloth]

If you're only ever booking at 7 months, you can get Aulani resale for about $100. Sure, it has higher dues, but it takes a loooooooong time for a $100 discount to catch up in dues.

And for people who book at 11 months at their home resort and then switch at 7 months (rather than book at 7 months in the first place), VGF can muck things up because it has a heavy points chart, meaning you're going to occupy more points than you're going to need (possibly borrowing them) when you switch to Resort #2 at 7 months.

Or, as we sometimes do. Book a studio at 11 months then modify to a 1br at 7 months using non home resort points. This way we are guaranteed to not get shut out.