BLT looks a bargain?

[McCrae]

I was looking at booking a couple weeks at a number of different resorts at Disney World. I picked the resorts based on my preference. My home resort is BLT. Looking at doing at split stay in a 1 br. I thought it would be a good idea to do a comparison of the points I would need for the same 2 weeks at other resorts. First time I have done this and I was surprised by the results.For Animal Kingdom I would need 7% fewer points. For the other resorts I would need far more points, ranging from an extra 27% at Riviera to 32% at VGF.

My thoughts are that the premium required for the more expensive resorts isn’t really justified when you compare them with cash rates. I would also argue that Animal kingdom should probably be cheaper in points terms compared with BLT.

My conclusion is that based on this limited sample BLT looks a bargain and hopefully a good refurbishment will spark additional interest for BLT on the resale market.

Resort	Week 1	Week 2	Total	Points difference	% difference
BLT lake view	306	242	548
Grand Floridian lake view	407	317	724	176	32%
Riviera preferred view	391	305	696	148	27%
Animal Kingdom SV	272	235	507	-41	-7%
Poly Tower preferred view	399	308	707	159	29%

 

[Jonnnyap]

I agree. It’s not just the MF costs of points or initial buy-in cost, but also point charts that influence overall affordability of DVC.

Of course, people have preference and want to stay in different resorts, valuing them differently, but for me, AKV and BLT are some of the most overall favorable use of points.

I’ve wanted to stay elsewhere in some of the newer resorts, but I always decide against them given the high point charts. Comparing RIV to AKV from a points perspective is tough. But then again, I don’t mind the long halls or busses at AKV, which some dread, and I don’t consider the skyliner premium worth it for RIV. Good thing about DVC is that it accommodates different preferences.

 

[CWTC]

I agree but then I’m also biased - great location, dining, and shops. We always stay in larger rooms but I understand the studio size is a negative for some people.

We almost bought direct when it opened but ultimately pivoted to a BCV resale in 2009. We bought our first BLT resale when the borrowing limitations were in effect during/after Covid and now have 3 BLT contracts.

We bought more resale points earlier this year when looking for a large number of SAP+ points. Husband was leaning towards SSR or OKW until I showed him a spreadsheet with dues, life of contract, and average resale price. Using our numbers, BLT was just nudged out by CCV (by about 0.1$ per point per year) and SSR trailed by about 0.7$ per point per year. OKW was well down the list. It was important to get a deal but also buy where we would be happy staying and the sellers accepted a price per point well below average. We would not be happy staying at CCV on a regular basis (although might try the cabins in winter once or twice) nor at SSR ever.

Value is in the eye of the beholder obviously but if we can’t or don’t want to swap out our BLT points for a poly bungalow (which is why we bought the most recent resale) or Aulani, we are more than happy to stay at BLT. I agree that over time its point chart will seem more and more desirable versus the other monorail resorts.

 

[RickNJane]

I did a similar analysis when thinking of adding on at the new Poly Island tower. BLT is a bargain. We bought BWV in 95 and added on at BLT. We bought direct and with incentives was not a bad deal. Great location. Dues not too bad and location cannot be beat. It is a great getaway from the crowds and noise. As for split stay we split BWV and BLT. Walk to parks is a great perk. The only bus ride we have is to AK.

 

[WinterSolider]

I was looking at booking a couple weeks at a number of different resorts at Disney World. I picked the resorts based on my preference. My home resort is BLT. Looking at doing at split stay in a 1 br. I thought it would be a good idea to do a comparison of the points I would need for the same 2 weeks at other resorts. First time I have done this and I was surprised by the results.For Animal Kingdom I would need 7% fewer points. For the other resorts I would need far more points, ranging from an extra 27% at Riviera to 32% at VGF.

My thoughts are that the premium required for the more expensive resorts isn’t really justified when you compare them with cash rates. I would also argue that Animal kingdom should probably be cheaper in points terms compared with BLT.

My conclusion is that based on this limited sample BLT looks a bargain and hopefully a good refurbishment will spark additional interest for BLT on the resale market.

Resort	Week 1	Week 2	Total	Points difference	% difference
BLT	306	242	548
Grand Floridian	407	317	724	176	32%
Riviera	391	305	696	148	27%
Animal Kingdom	272	235	507	-41	-7%
Poly Tower	399	308	707	159	29%

When you look over the course of an entire year, most DVC resorts are comparable to one another in terms of dollars-of-rack-rate-per-point.

The only major outliers are Old Key West, which is "too cheap" in terms of points and should have a points chart that looks like Saratoga Springs, and Boardwalk Standard View, which is WAY too cheap in points.

There's other weirdness with non-traditional accommodations like the bungalows or treehouses, and seasonality for DVC isn't the same as seasonality for cash. But in general, the price you pay for cash rooms relative to the points you pay for DVC rooms is equitable across the resorts.

 

[nankim]

I was looking at booking a couple weeks at a number of different resorts at Disney World. I picked the resorts based on my preference. My home resort is BLT. Looking at doing at split stay in a 1 br. I thought it would be a good idea to do a comparison of the points I would need for the same 2 weeks at other resorts. First time I have done this and I was surprised by the results.For Animal Kingdom I would need 7% fewer points. For the other resorts I would need far more points, ranging from an extra 27% at Riviera to 32% at VGF.

My thoughts are that the premium required for the more expensive resorts isn’t really justified when you compare them with cash rates. I would also argue that Animal kingdom should probably be cheaper in points terms compared with BLT.

My conclusion is that based on this limited sample BLT looks a bargain and hopefully a good refurbishment will spark additional interest for BLT on the resale market.

Resort	Week 1	Week 2	Total	Points difference	% difference
BLT	306	242	548
Grand Floridian	407	317	724	176	32%
Riviera	391	305	696	148	27%
Animal Kingdom	272	235	507	-41	-7%
Poly Tower	399	308	707	159	29%

it's interesting that I have more interest renting at BLT than I would think- people love being right next to MK

 

[atthebeachclub]

it's interesting that I have more interest renting at BLT than I would think- people love being right next to MK

I assumed BLT would be highly rentable if I ever needed before I purchased there. This and the point chart and resale price were very convincing. Everyone wants to be close to the parks! It is the main reason why people travel to Disneyworld!

 

[kanerf]

One of the reasons I bought 230 points resale there.

 

[CastAStone]

BLT is definitely a strong option resale. It’s more points per night than like an SSR or a BWV but it’s got a longer contract and, to some, a preferable location. It’s also less dollars per point to purchase than the other MK resorts.

Just realize that the points you used are standard view, and while there’s a lot of standard view at Poly and a decent amount at VGF, there’s not a ton at BLT (especially as a % of studios). You will probably wind up in a lake view room unless you’re fairly aggressive about booking quickly. So that’s probably the better comparison point.

 

[DVC Doctor]

BLT is terrible terrible resort and please don't ever book there, especially during my birthday week, Christmas week, or during the spring months as I really don't want any more competition trying to book BLT as competition is increasing. Also, if you have to book BLT, then definitely only book the Theme Park view and never, never book Lake view as that is also my favorite view room.

 

[Tatebeck]

Even lake view at BLT is still a pretty good deal. During lower point periods a lake view studio is still about the same as standard rooms for VGF or Poly, and during high point periods the lake view at BLT is cheaper than standard at those two. And you get a a better view and closer walking access to the Magic Kingdom. During the highest point periods you can actually get theme park views in a BLT studio for about the same as a standard at VGF or Poly!

Also, once all these Island Tower points are sold, it may not be that easy to get a standard at the Poly either if nobody wants to pay the hefty upcharge for the views.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

If and when someone wants to sell a BLT contract at or below $100 pp I am there. It's probably the only contract I have been stalking every day.

 

[Tatebeck]

If and when someone wants to sell a BLT contract at or below $100 pp I am there. It's probably the only contract I have been stalking every day.

I'd add on a few more at that price too! lol. Though I don't think it will get there. 120ish has been the best recently, and it may spike up a bit after the refurb finishes and people realize how bad the new Poly tower charts are

 

[atthebeachclub]

If and when someone wants to sell a BLT contract at or below $100 pp I am there. It's probably the only contract I have been stalking every day.

Same…..lol. Finding great BLT contracts was harder than I anticipated though! If you have a February use year it should be easy though.

 

[AstroBlasters]

If and when someone wants to sell a BLT contract at or below $100 pp I am there. It's probably the only contract I have been stalking every day.

I’d wager it’s more likely to go to $150+ post refurb than $100.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I'd add on a few more at that price too! lol. Though I don't think it will get there. 120ish has been the best recently, and it may spike up a pit after the refurb finishes and people realize how bad the new Poly tower charts are

I saw some on the ROFR thread going in the 110s. I don't think an anomaly outlier type contract right around $100 is an impossibility. Improbable? Sure but not out of the question. Ya never know!

Same…..lol. Finding great BLT contracts was harder than I anticipated though! If you have a February use year it should be easy though.

I do have a February and I;ve been having the hardest time finding a good contract worth trying for.

I’d wager it’s more likely to go to $150+ post refurb than $100.

That's why it has to be this fall or probably no dice. Although I don't think 150+ is happening unless they make the refurb so wonderful that it makes the Waldorf look like a Red Roof Inn. I'd say with a decent refurb average prices probably settle high 130s. Bad refurb probably keeps at current going rate.

 

[supercarrie]

I’d wager it’s more likely to go to $150+ post refurb than $100.

I sure hope the refurb is that nice! I'd better pick up another BLT contract while I still can. I've been looking every day for more BLT points, but ideally would add on 75 points or less.

It is either that or VDH direct, since we are local to Disneyland. Big difference in price there.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I saw some on the ROFR thread going in the 110s. I don't think an anomaly outlier type contract right around $100 is an impossibility. Improbable? Sure but not out of the question. Ya never know!

I do have a February and I;ve been having the hardest time finding a good contract worth trying for.

That's why it has to be this fall or probably no dice. Although I don't think 150+ is happening unless they make the refurb so wonderful that it makes the Waldorf look like a Red Roof Inn. I'd say with a decent refurb average prices probably settle high 130s. Bad refurb probably keeps at current going rate.

I think all of the money they are putting into the magic kingdom expansion, the low dues, and the potential transportation nightmare that Poly could cause will make BLT seem like a bargain if VGF and Poly are around $170ish. Especially if direct goes up to $250pp+

 

[AstroBlasters]

I sure hope the refurb is that nice! I'd better pick up another BLT contract while I still can. I've been looking every day for more BLT points, but ideally would add on 75 points or less.

It is either that or VDH direct, since we are local to Disneyland. Big difference in price there.

The direct incentives start at $100 points and I read they may increase the base price on Oct 1st….

 

[Tatebeck]

I saw some on the ROFR thread going in the 110s. I don't think an anomaly outlier type contract right around $100 is an impossibility. Improbable? Sure but not out of the question. Ya never know!

It's possible, but it would likely be with a stripped contract, making it kind of like using Magical Beginnings. Missing a year or two of points for a lower price. And that may not be a terrible strategy if you find one, especially if the price goes up a bit soon.

But you have to have someone list it somewhere close to that price to start, and most brokers know it probably shouldn't be that low with the MK expansions coming and the refurb starting