BLT versus VGF?

[loveglobe]

We have had issues with the monorail on every trip over the last 12 months. Nothing to the point of 1hr, but it has taken 30+mins to get from VGF to MK.

However, we're not usually rushing so it's not a big deal to wait... just like waiting for the bus, waiting on the boats when there's a thunder storm, problems with rides (Peter Pan!). I'll still take that over the walk from BLT - the very non-Disney walk that reminds me of the walk from the parking lot to our local 6 flags!

This is good to know about the monorail so that I won't be surprised if it happens. I stayed along the monorail every year as a child in the 1980s-90s and never recall it breaking down to the point where we were stranded for an hour. The interior of its cars feel very well worn to me now so maybe the frequent issues have to do with age as well. In any case, I find that at the end of a long day, I'd rather wait for transportation than walk any more steps than absolutely necessary. Not sure how that'd play out with young kids now that I have one, but they'd probably be fine in their stroller either way.

VGF also has bath robes, a bubble soak tub, GE Monogram and BOSCH appliances, and a TV in the bathroom mirror.

Bill

Oooh la la! : )

 

[disneynutz]

We decided to go in for VGF but are already feeling add-on-itis about BLT. THIS IS DANGEROUS.... : )

We use VGF and VWL for MK vacations and BWV for Epcot/DHS vacations. Longer stays we split, shorter stays we alternate.

Bill

 

[dbs1228]

The first time a monorail gets stuck so it's not running and then you learn it takes approx an hour to get to the MK from VGF (time to get additional boats out, pick up Poly guests etc) you realize just how nice it is to be able to walk.

This happened to us when we stayed at GFV and it was horrible! We waited over 45 minutes each way for a boat with a whole lot of other people then once we got off the boat the walk to our room was just as far as the MK is to BLT! By the second night I knew this would probably be our 1st and last stay at GFV just did not love it at all.

 

[bakerworld]

We like the walk to MK and the TOWL open til 1P. Our biggest problem with VGF is the early closing of all it's 'beverage' areas.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

What are the chances this actually happens during your stay on the day you are going to magic kingdom? Not worth planning your trip over this slim chance something might go wrong

Might be more often than you think.

But of course, planning for the worst case isn't my preference, it's just that some might be surprised that the monorail is a bit finicky and it can cause difficulties in getting to MK and Epcot although at least for Epcot you can walk to the TT to get the Epcot monorail if the resort monorail goes down. IMO being able to walk from BLT to MK is a very positive factor for it more so than it being a negative to consider for VGF.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

This happened to us when we stayed at GFV and it was horrible! We waited over 45 minutes each way for a boat with a whole lot of other people then once we got off the boat the walk to our room was just as far as the MK is to BLT! By the second night I knew this would probably be our 1st and last stay at GFV just did not love it at all.

The boat dock is quite a hike from VGF!

 

[KingRichard]

What are the chances this actually happens during your stay on the day you are going to magic kingdom? Not worth planning your trip over this slim chance something might go wrong

Christmas Eve. this year. Took 45 minutes from MK to ticketing center. It had rained and everyone was wet. STANDING ROOM ONLY after a long day at the parks.

 

[Dean]

Yes we won't be able to use most of our 2014 or 2015 points, but didn't want to wait two years to buy in. Clearly the bug has bitten!

Clearly, it seems you are making emotional decisions at this point. I'd agree with staying at both before you make up your mind. IMO, buying VGF and only using it a smaller portion of the time doesn't make sense for most situations. I wouldn't recommend buying at VGF in this situation just to have the option when you want it since you said you preferred BLT anyway. It may be that owning both is your best long term option if you can afford it (pay cash) and in that situation I'd buy one now and see how it goes. I'd suggest buying BLT first resale then adding VGF later, possibly resale. What it might (or might not) cost you on the VGF side you'll more than make on up the BLT side, with time and with better decisions long term. Plus you're not looking to use them for a while anyway, that gives you plenty of time to look for the right resale. You can do what you want but it appears you're about to cost yourself maybe $10K or more extra for little benefit.

 

[loveglobe]

Clearly, it seems you are making emotional decisions at this point. I'd agree with staying at both before you make up your mind. IMO, buying VGF and only using it a smaller portion of the time doesn't make sense for most situations. I wouldn't recommend buying at VGF in this situation just to have the option when you want it since you said you preferred BLT anyway. It may be that owning both is your best long term option if you can afford it (pay cash) and in that situation I'd buy one now and see how it goes. I'd suggest buying BLT first resale then adding VGF later, possibly resale. What it might (or might not) cost you on the VGF side you'll more than make on up the BLT side, with time and with better decisions long term. Plus you're not looking to use them for a while anyway, that gives you plenty of time to look for the right resale. You can do what you want but it appears you're about to cost yourself maybe $10K or more extra for little benefit.

Just so you know, I'm new to this board and to DVC ownership, but am a veteran Disney visitor (18+ WDW stays, Disneyland AP holder for years, and have stayed at every Disneyland in the world except Shanghai). So though there are definitely emotions involved in this decision, I feel well informed on the strengths of these two resorts. BLT is a strong contender because I stayed at the Contemporary many times as a child and it just feels like a second home to me (there goes those emotions again). However we decided to go with VGF for several reasons, among them the fact that BLT seems to have more room availability at the 7 month mark and once we're empty nesters, VGF is the place we'd prefer to stay at for its all-around charming atmosphere (and now, thanks to @disneynutz tip, the bathrobes! Of course this is a small detail but I am a sucker for those and wish they were still a standard hotel room item). I hope that by that time they'll have figured out a way to keep the monorail from breaking down so frequently - wishing thinking huh! : )

 

[Dean]

Just so you know, I'm new to this board and to DVC ownership, but am a veteran Disney visitor (18+ WDW stays, Disneyland AP holder for years, and have stayed at every Disneyland in the world except Shanghai). So though there are definitely emotions involved in this decision, I feel well informed on the strengths of these two resorts. BLT is a strong contender because I stayed at the Contemporary many times as a child and it just feels like a second home to me (there goes those emotions again). However we decided to go with VGF for several reasons, among them the fact that BLT seems to have more room availability at the 7 month mark and once we're empty nesters, VGF is the place we'd prefer to stay at for its all-around charming atmosphere (and now, thanks to @disneynutz tip, the bathrobes! Of course this is a small detail but I am a sucker for those and wish they were still a standard hotel room item). I hope that by that time they'll have figured out a way to keep the monorail from breaking down so frequently - wishing thinking huh! : )

Thanks for the additional perspective. Based on your posts "Clearly the bug has bitten!" would seem to indicate a more emotional approach. My thoughts remain the same as my post you quoted. I hope it works out well for you.

 

[loveglobe]

Thanks for the additional perspective. Based on your posts "Clearly the bug has bitten!" would seem to indicate a more emotional approach. My thoughts remain the same as my post you quoted. I hope it works out well for you.

Regarding that post, we saw value in buying exactly what we want at VGF direct now versus waiting to buy later in resale (yes, I know there are those who would disagree with that strategy but I sought advice in other threads on this board and after modeling out all the cost factors in excel through 2064 we felt it made sense just to go for it). And if I appear emotional it's because I was happy to have found a community of fellow Disney aficionados and to have joined DVC. Thank you though for your concern, I know you mean well.

 

[lisathomps]

We stayed at VGF Dec 2013, Jan 2014 and experienced the same monorail problems. Therefore for July 2014 & Dec 2014 we stayed at BLT and I'm so happy we did. We got back and forth to MK and BLT before the monorail was up and running again. (Yes it broke down during both our visits to BLT) once they were fixing it above our heads along the path bw BLT and MK. Although villas at the Grand Floridian are a lot more luxurious I think the walk from Magic Kingdom to BLT can't be beat...especially with a 2 and 3 year old in our case who needs naps midday.

 

[disneynutz]

Regarding that post, we saw value in buying exactly what we want at VGF direct now versus waiting to buy later in resale (yes, I know there are those who would disagree with that strategy but I sought advice in other threads on this board and after modeling out all the cost factors in excel through 2064 we felt it made sense just to go for it). And if I appear emotional it's because I was happy to have found a community of fellow Disney aficionados and to have joined DVC. Thank you though for your concern, I know you mean well.

Each resort has pros and cons, understanding what they are and how you may be affected is important in the discussion making process.

For us buying where you love to stay is more important than being able to walk to the MK. We own both VGF and BLT and VGF wins hands down.

Did you consider a fixed week at VGF?

Bill

 

[Dean]

Regarding that post, we saw value in buying exactly what we want at VGF direct now versus waiting to buy later in resale (yes, I know there are those who would disagree with that strategy but I sought advice in other threads on this board and after modeling out all the cost factors in excel through 2064 we felt it made sense just to go for it). And if I appear emotional it's because I was happy to have found a community of fellow Disney aficionados and to have joined DVC. Thank you though for your concern, I know you mean well.

I do mean well but your posts concern me that you're spending a lot more than you need to to for how you'll likely use it. Your choice of course, let us know how it works out in 5-10 yrs which will be the time frame you'll need to get any type of true long term perspective.

Each resort has pros and cons, understanding what they are and how you may be affected is important in the discussion making process.

For us buying where you love to stay is more important than being able to walk to the MK. We own both VGF and BLT and VGF wins hands down.

Did you consider a fixed week at VGF?

Bill

Other than small add ons, I think a fixed week(s), or fixed weeks combined with additional points is the best option for most people if the points are even close to what they want/need; even if they think they'll never use that week. Obviously most owners can't get a fixed week due to the % limitations but those in the know have the opportunity.

 

[loveglobe]

Each resort has pros and cons, understanding what they are and how you may be affected is important in the discussion making process.

For us buying where you love to stay is more important than being able to walk to the MK. We own both VGF and BLT and VGF wins hands down.

Did you consider a fixed week at VGF?

Bill

Thanks for that feedback. We considered the fixed week option for maybe a minute, but our 49 year rough timeline is that we'd probably end up going around spring break (which changes from year to year) while the kids are in school, and then once we're empty nesters want to switch to an off peak time to save points or attend F&W (not to save points), so the fixed week wouldn't work for us long term.

I do mean well but your posts concern me that you're spending a lot more than you need to to for how you'll likely use it. Your choice of course, let us know how it works out in 5-10 yrs which will be the time frame you'll need to get any type of true long term perspective.

Of course it's impossible to predict what the future holds, but we are Disney-loving people and that isn't going to change. Once we're retired ole farts and on our last contract years, I would love nothing more than to relax in my VGF bathrobe on the balcony and be able to see the Contemporary Resort, my childhood stomping ground, across the water. Buying VGF gives me the peace of mind now in knowing that this is a real possibility, and personally that counts for a lot. : )

 

[loveglobe]

Oops clicked post too quickly. Just want to add that we see it as a way to save some money taking vacations we'd be taking anyway (and paying a lot more for in cash), instead of an investment opportunity, so we are comfortable with our decision.

 

[Minniesgal]

Oops clicked post too quickly. Just want to add that we see it as a way to save some money taking vacations we'd be taking anyway (and paying a lot more for in cash), instead of an investment opportunity, so we are comfortable with our decision.

And at the end of the day that is what is important.