Bungalows and Cabins - a racket

[crvetter]

Agreed they were the same type/mix. And even the overall size impact can be put to rest once Reflections is done. (900 DVC units?)

I think Refelctions is 900 units but it’s going to be mixed cash and DVC. So all 900 wont be DVC.

https://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/reflections/4336-reflections-is-the-next-dvc-resort

 

[MJB62676]

"Reflections" sounds like something Couples or Sandals would name a resort.


I'm planning to add more points in the future to our current 200 Poly and if we slow down to every 2-3 year trips, could see us using the Bungalows. We love the location of Poly, and it may be fun to stay in one for a week every now and then. I fully expect more booking categories and some more reallocations.

 

[thelionqueen]

In reading this thread, it almost sounds like DVC is just a big money making scheme and isn't really so "magical" after all! Who'dve thunk it? (continual resale restrictions to intentionally kill that market in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019... rapidly-increasing dues... bland rehabs after severe wear and prior lacking upkeep..... massive price increases....... value studios unavailable right around when SWGE is opening...... nah, it can't be.)

I'm sad to report that I have lost all interest in DVC precisely due to the things you mention here. With the new resale restrictions, it made me realize that the value of DVC isn't at all financial. I know others may disagree, but for me, I'm going to pay cash or rent points. DVC WAS so magical for me, but not anymore. So very happy i was able to unload all my contracts before this last change. It occurred to me that they can and do change the terms at their will leaving me with the ramifications of their decisions. No thanks.. sorry

 

[disneynutz]

Disney is like all other businesses who want you to spend money with them. They act like they are your friend because that is how they make money.

Bill

 

[MickeyWaffles]

I’ve noticed that a Poly bungalow costs the same in terms of points as a VGF Grand Villa, even though the GV is absolutely vast, with an enormous living space and kitchen and 3 bedrooms, while the bungalow is cramped by comparison (2 bedrooms, and I would not want to stay in one with more than 4 people). The setting and private deck is nice but I don’t think makes up for the difference in size.

We stayed in a VGF grand villa with 8 people (6 adults, 2 kids) and a Poly bungalow with 6 (4 adults, 2 kids).

They are certainly different for being equivalent from a points perspective.

The VGF GV is very spacious. Loved our stay there. Love the layout, the decor, how light and bright it is ... basically everything. The VGF grand villa also has a large media room in addition to what you mentioned. Our kids loved playing and hanging out in there. Plus, with the pullout and plenty of space for a pack & play, the media room can even be set up as a 4th bedroom for kids. Will definitely stay there again. A lot of points, but it’s gorgeous and spacious.

The Poly bungalow is really neat. We wanted to try it once. Downside: pretty cramped for the number of people we had staying there. The 2 bedrooms are small with one bed in each (one does have a Murphy bed too.) It is also dark, and I prefer light and bright. That stay was very special for us, though. Pretty much every night, we watched the electrical water pageant and HEA on our own deck with the music piped in, the kids in their pajamas. We truly felt like the only people watching HEA. The experience did not disappoint and for us, the experience made up for the lack of space to try it once. Did not regret using the points there for a minute.

The Poly bungalow is not practical from a points/sleeping space perspective but it sure was a memorable experience and I’m happy we did it once.

 

[Jerry@dvcstore]

The cabins at Wilderness Lodge and bungalows at Poly are great rooms with spectacular views and I have seen them while visiting clients...but as a Member, (using my own points) I just cannot justify the cost to stay in these villas. I have toyed with the idea for a Birthday, Anniversary, or family get together....but then look at the other options for 2 bedrooms and quickly change my mind. I wish they were more in line with the other 2 bedroom villas at the other DVC resorts, but I guess if people are booking them....they are priced right for someone.

You could stay a week in a studio pretty much anywhere for the cost of 1 night in the bungalows...Or if comparing the 2 bedroom at Old Key West for a week (in adventure season) for 349 points vs the Poly Bungalow for 841 points. Seems cray cary. I would rather save my points and use them for another trip.

 

[DisneyAngel12]

Any suggestions for the best location to ask for the cabins. Being near to boat launch is important

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Any suggestions for the best location to ask for the cabins. Being near to boat launch is important

I would suggest requesting Cabins in the range of 8008-8012 if the boat launch is most important. You'll be right along the waterway where the boats approach WL. You could even extend it a little more 8006-8012. Those are the cabins on the north side of the resort and start with 8001. I'd guestimate that any past 8006/8005 start becoming equidistant from the closest cabin on the southeast side.

 

[DisneyAngel12]

I would suggest requesting Cabins in the range of 8008-8012 if the boat launch is most important. You'll be right along the waterway where the boats approach WL. You could even extend it a little more 8006-8012. Those are the cabins on the north side of the resort and start with 8001. I'd guestimate that any past 8006/8005 start becoming equidistant from the closest cabin on the southeast side.

Thanks

 

[DisneyAngel12]

Could you please tell me what cabins are close to the bus stop

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Could you please tell me what cabins are close to the bus stop

That's going to be the other set of cabins. If that's the preference I'd request 8013-8018 or 8020 and cut thru the BRV building. 8013 would be the closest to the boat launch in that group and the higher the cabins go the further away from the boat dock.

 

[DisneyAngel12]

That's going to be the other set of cabins. If that's the preference I'd request 8013-8018 or 8020 and cut thru the BRV building. 8013 would be the closest to the boat launch in that group and the higher the cabins go the further away from the boat dock.

Thanks

 

[DisneyAngel12]

Is there a thread devoted to Wilderness lodge DVC

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Is there a thread devoted to Wilderness lodge DVC

Yep! Here's the oldest and the best - I say that as a long time VWL groupie. We usually still refer to the renamed BRV as VWL because that's really what it is and always will be.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/v...edition-updated-22-feb-2020-new-pics.3242976/

And for the newcomers to the block:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/•...k-villas-cabins-owners-lovers-group•.3631019/

Both are happy to answer questions about either DVC at the WL resort.

 

[gisele2]

As someone who nearly always stays in BW Grand Villas, I can honestly say I would never even consider spending the points to stay at the Poly or Wilderness lodge cabins. It costs a lot more points for a fraction of the space. I love the Poly and the wilderness lodge but its a lousy bang for your buck when you have much more spacious rooms with better location for less . I'm sure they are selling these as cash cows to general public but I would not waste my points. I originally hoped to add on to my DVC collection but after staying there and being restricted to either a studio or the bungalows , I saw no good options for my family and passed.

What is the availability of GV ?

 

[DVC Doctor]

I’ve noticed that a Poly bungalow costs the same in terms of points as a VGF Grand Villa, even though the GV is absolutely vast, with an enormous living space and kitchen and 3 bedrooms, while the bungalow is cramped by comparison (2 bedrooms, and I would not want to stay in one with more than 4 people). The setting and private deck is nice but I don’t think makes up for the difference in size.

I have stayed at the VGF GV many times and I am always shocked to see that the Poly bungalows are the same cost and no where are nice or large as the VGF GV.

There is a zero change I would take Poly bungalow over VGF GV

 

[DaveNan]

What is the availability of GV ?

In general it is not very good. There are just very few of them. In low DVC season if you are flexible about dates it is possible to get it at a non home resort. Skier pete (and team) is working on adding GV to his charts. I am doing the charts for VB and HHI and I am a month away from getting done. Obviously the last 3 months totally changed what availability looks like and we are capturing pre/post Covid data on the charts. But for VB and HHI GV availabiliy is almost None at 7 months. Maybe there is a chance fall though spring in non holiday times. I haven't seen the work from the other 3 folks on the other resorts. (I am staying in a GV in OKW this coming Sept that I booked right at 7 months, and it was tough to get).

 

[gisele2]

In general it is not very good. There are just very few of them. In low DVC season if you are flexible about dates it is possible to get it at a non home resort. Skier pete (and team) is working on adding GV to his charts. I am doing the charts for VB and HHI and I am a month away from getting done. Obviously the last 3 months totally changed what availability looks like and we are capturing pre/post Covid data on the charts. But for VB and HHI GV availabiliy is almost None at 7 months. Maybe there is a chance fall though spring in non holiday times. I haven't seen the work from the other 3 folks on the other resorts. (I am staying in a GV in OKW this coming Sept that I booked right at 7 months, and it was tough to get).

Thanks a lot. It will help me plan.

 

[lovethesun12]

I realize this thread is from a while back but does it *currently* seem like there will be issues getting a studio at poly if you own there now or in the future?

I was planning on buying points at the poly and now I'm questioning it. I wouldn't want to stay here if there is any trouble getting studios at 10-11 months out...

 

[Lorana]

I realize this thread is from a while back but does it *currently* seem like there will be issues getting a studio at poly if you own there now or in the future?

I was planning on buying points at the poly and now I'm questioning it. I wouldn't want to stay here if there is any trouble getting studios at 10-11 months out...

According to Skier Pete's availability charts, getting studios at 11 months is relatively easy, except for the first weeks of December and first two weeks of January (and last weeks of November in a Standard Studio). At 10 months, mid-October to end of year becomes tough.

See here:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/p...-bd-charts-september-2019-2-bd-added.3689931/