Cheapest Points Worth It?

[freediverdude]

Buying direct is always at a higher price than retail and you are directed by Disney to buy their newest highest price product even though later you may realize that you don't even care for the resort.

That is what happened to us when we bought BLT direct.

Bill

Oh, I'm sorry that happened to you- well you still have a very coveted resort anyway, and can stay next to MK whenever you want. I'm hoping that I will always like the Poly- I have stayed in the hotel a couple of times and think that I will, but true you never know. I know I feel more comfortable at the Poly than the GF, so VGF would have been a mistake for me I think. And SSR would definitely have been a mistake, as I don't care to ever stay there.

And what is this BLT going for $170? Why would they sell a sold out resort for more than the newer ones? Not understanding that. I could have lived with BLT I guess, but I don't think I would like the studios there, which is what I would be getting most of the time. So thus far I think Poly was the right choice for me.

 

[AllieV]

I bought the cheap resale points at VB a couple of years ago. I was able to get the first week of December around the 5 or 6 month mark. I booked BLT (standard view, hard to get, had a perfect fireworks view) in April/May (spring break, flower/garden fest) for 4 nights and another 4 nights at Beach Club. I booked that about 6 months out. I just booked 8 nights for late October into November (crossing food/wine, halloween, and jersey week). I was able to get Boardwalk View (impossible!) at BWV, and a standard view at BLT. I did book that exactly 7 months out and had to do a waitlist for BWV, but it came through quickly. All of these bookings were 1-br units.

Mind you, I'm not booking christmas week or thanksgiving week or 4th of July, but it has worked for me thus far.

 

[CKCruising]

I bought the cheap resale points at VB a couple of years ago. I was able to get the first week of December around the 5 or 6 month mark. I booked BLT (standard view, hard to get, had a perfect fireworks view) in April/May (spring break, flower/garden fest) for 4 nights and another 4 nights at Beach Club. I booked that about 6 months out. I just booked 8 nights for late October into November (crossing food/wine, halloween, and jersey week). I was able to get Boardwalk View (impossible!) at BWV, and a standard view at BLT. I did book that exactly 7 months out and had to do a waitlist for BWV, but it came through quickly. All of these bookings were 1-br units.

Mind you, I'm not booking christmas week or thanksgiving week or 4th of July, but it has worked for me thus far.

I would not recommend buying VB to stay at Disney as a rule unless you are clear about the math. Although the points are probably $30/point less via resale, the dues are $3/point more. After 10 years, you are paying more for VB with no guarantee of being on WDW property. There are some instances where this makes sense, but rarely to a new buyer who just sees the initial buy-in as their main cost.

Personally, we own BLT and SSR. Owning two resorts takes a bit of planning, but allows us some flexibility at 11 months and we can combine them (because the use year is the same) at 7 months. Since we have been travelling at the end of August (one of the less busier times) recently and stay in a 1BR, we have been able to get what we wanted. Our goal is to stay at all of the resorts over time. But normally we choose the resort based on the trip we are planning. Since we only do one day at MK now on our trips, we rarely stay at BLT.

 

[crisi]

I bought the cheap resale points at VB a couple of years ago. I was able to get the first week of December around the 5 or 6 month mark. I booked BLT (standard view, hard to get, had a perfect fireworks view) in April/May (spring break, flower/garden fest) for 4 nights and another 4 nights at Beach Club. I booked that about 6 months out. I just booked 8 nights for late October into November (crossing food/wine, halloween, and jersey week). I was able to get Boardwalk View (impossible!) at BWV, and a standard view at BLT. I did book that exactly 7 months out and had to do a waitlist for BWV, but it came through quickly. All of these bookings were 1-br units.

Mind you, I'm not booking christmas week or thanksgiving week or 4th of July, but it has worked for me thus far.

So THATS whose been hogging all the luck on reservations!

 

[LisaS]

I bought the cheap resale points at VB a couple of years ago. I was able to get the first week of December around the 5 or 6 month mark. I booked BLT (standard view, hard to get, had a perfect fireworks view) in April/May (spring break, flower/garden fest) for 4 nights and another 4 nights at Beach Club. I booked that about 6 months out. I just booked 8 nights for late October into November (crossing food/wine, halloween, and jersey week). I was able to get Boardwalk View (impossible!) at BWV, and a standard view at BLT. I did book that exactly 7 months out and had to do a waitlist for BWV, but it came through quickly. All of these bookings were 1-br units.

Mind you, I'm not booking christmas week or thanksgiving week or 4th of July, but it has worked for me thus far.

Booking 1BRs is the key to making this work. They are the last rooms to go, sometimes long after the studios and 2BRs are sold out. I am not enough of a gambler to buy VB points to stay at WDW during early December or during F&W but if someone is always going to book a 1BR rather than a studio or 2BR, the odds of success will be higher.

 

[ParkHoppers]

If it was as simple as just buying the cheapest points than everyone would do it. Do your homework to see if that path will work for your needs.

 

[dizfan]

Wait, what is this extra 60% you speak of? I just purchased at the Poly, did I overpay by 60%??

I believe Dean is referring it being unwise to pay the high price of VGF and PVB points and then stay at other resorts most of the time. If staying at other resorts, there are better priced option such as resale or trading in from other timeshares.

For example, the OP is interested in BLT. It would be a terrible decision to buy VGF or PVB and then use the points at BLT most of the time (assuming available when wanted).

DW and I own both BLT and PVB. Our PVB points will be used for PVB stays. We use our BLT points at BLT mostly, but also occasionally at other resorts.

 

[Dean]

I believe Dean is referring it being unwise to pay the high price of VGF and PVB points and then stay at other resorts most of the time. If staying at other resorts, there are better priced option such as resale or trading in from other timeshares.

For example, the OP is interested in BLT. It would be a terrible decision to buy VGF or PVB and then use the points at BLT most of the time (assuming available when wanted).

DW and I own both BLT and PVB. Our PVB points will be used for PVB stays. We use our BLT points at BLT mostly, but also occasionally at other resorts.

Since I didn't get a notification on this thread, it was several days before I found it (on vacation at SSR) and Bill had basically already addressed the issue, I didn't respond. You are both correct, my reference was to the difference (roughly) between BLT resale and the newer retail properties.

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

Another issue is when the honeymoon is over, you will be spending more time at the resorts and less in the parks. DVC members tend to take longer vacations due to travel costs and they aren't in a hurry to do things because they have done everything many times over.

Bill

This! We just got back from our first DVC trip and I was amazed how easily our mindset switched from park commandos to resort relaxers. (We spent 9a-12p at the parks most days, then rest of the time at the resorts) I'm glad we bought points at the resort where we love spending afternoons and evenings.

 

[DisneyGirlFlorida]

This! We just got back from our first DVC trip and I was amazed how easily our mindset switched from park commandos to resort relaxers. (We spent 9a-12p at the parks most days, then rest of the time at the resorts) I'm glad we bought points at the resort where we love spending afternoons and evenings.

It was this mindset that changed my decision from considering buying SSR to buying VGF. As an annual pass holder and Florida resident, I can see myself planning a trip to VGF just to get away and relax at the resort without doing the full out Disney park experience.

 

[freediverdude]

I believe Dean is referring it being unwise to pay the high price of VGF and PVB points and then stay at other resorts most of the time. If staying at other resorts, there are better priced option such as resale or trading in from other timeshares.

For example, the OP is interested in BLT. It would be a terrible decision to buy VGF or PVB and then use the points at BLT most of the time (assuming available when wanted).

DW and I own both BLT and PVB. Our PVB points will be used for PVB stays. We use our BLT points at BLT mostly, but also occasionally at other resorts.

That is true, I do plan on staying at the Poly most years, and wanted to have the 11 month advantage there, so it justified paying the premium. I may end up buying another contract somewhere else resale to stay other places, possibly a BWV contract, although that is 2042 so we're back to that discussion again, lol.

 

[crisi]

This! We just got back from our first DVC trip and I was amazed how easily our mindset switched from park commandos to resort relaxers. (We spent 9a-12p at the parks most days, then rest of the time at the resorts) I'm glad we bought points at the resort where we love spending afternoons and evenings.

It isn't a given though. I go to Disney to go to the parks, there are better hotels and locations to relax in for far less money if what I want to do is hang by the pool or in a resort room. If I'm at Disney and not spending most of every day in the parks, I wonder why I bothered to go to Disney when I could be on a beach in Mexico.

 

[freediverdude]

It isn't a given though. I go to Disney to go to the parks, there are better hotels and locations to relax in for far less money if what I want to do is hang by the pool or in a resort room. If I'm at Disney and not spending most of every day in the parks, I wonder why I bothered to go to Disney when I could be on a beach in Mexico.

But that's the thing, you have the option to go to the parks some days at Disney, and stay at the resort other days. You don't have that at a beach resort.

 

[crisi]

But that's the thing, you have the option to go to the parks some days at Disney, and stay at the resort other days. You don't have that at a beach resort.

But why would I waste my expensive Disney time in that fashion at Disney's frankly expensive for the money even with DVC resorts and pools? I'd much rather spend my Disney time at Disney - which to me is the parks. It really isn't a cost effective place to vacation as a resort. I can get a lot more for my money other places - with a beach or good museums or great food.

Now, I know plenty of people here don't commando and enjoy the resorts. I'm not one of them and it isn't a given that everyone will be. So to say "once you join DVC your visitation patterns will change and you'll find yourself spending more time at resorts" may be true the majority of the time. But when it isn't true, its bad advice to make a decision on that assumption.

 

[crazywig]

So to say "once you join DVC your visitation patterns will change and you'll find yourself spending more time at resorts" may be true the majority of the time. But when it isn't true, its bad advice to make a decision on that assumption.

I am in total agreement. We have owned for twelve years and still are in the parks most of the time, if I'm not doing parks I'm not going to Disney period.

 

[suebeelin]

But why would I waste my expensive Disney time in that fashion at Disney's frankly expensive for the money even with DVC resorts and pools? I'd much rather spend my Disney time at Disney - which to me is the parks. It really isn't a cost effective place to vacation as a resort. I can get a lot more for my money other places - with a beach or good museums or great food.

Now, I know plenty of people here don't commando and enjoy the resorts. I'm not one of them and it isn't a given that everyone will be. So to say "once you join DVC your visitation patterns will change and you'll find yourself spending more time at resorts" may be true the majority of the time. But when it isn't true, its bad advice to make a decision on that assumption.

I agree here on some level. I do expect our habits to change when the kids are adults (in 15 years time). At that point we will not be cammando.

We have two near park resorts. We plan on selling our resort near MK in 10/15 years.

We are keeping BWV until expiration. Once the kids get into their Tweens and older, they will prefer HS and Epcot. Once they leave home we hope to enjoy F&W. We shall always be park people, just different parks as time passes.

 

[freediverdude]

Well I agree to a certain extent, although I believe if you're park commandos and only sleep at the resort, then DVC probably isn't a very good deal for you. You don't need most of what the deluxe resorts offer then.

 

[Dean]

We don't do park Commando any more and rarely stay at the parks most of the day. Our next trip is likely going to be a long weekend without parks. We'll plan other options and meals and just relax. It'll give us a chance to do Disney Quest, mini golf, hit some outside restaurants and have some pool/boardwalk time. DVC is VERY expensive whether one uses it as a base for the parks or doesn't have any park time, it's just expensive, no way around it. DVC is best suited for those that are in between or will split up parties such as with younger children needed to return for naps.

 

[suebeelin]

Well I agree to a certain extent, although I believe if you're park commandos and only sleep at the resort, then DVC probably isn't a very good deal for you. You don't need most of what the deluxe resorts offer then.

Lol. We need to walk to and from the resort. Our kids are awful sleepers, although the older is better now that he's 5. Still wakes up at the crack of dawn (5:30am).

We also like space. One bed minimum. The washer/dryer is so nice. Load a wash in while at park. Dryer at night. Breakfast is made in room. Not a big bfast. Easy stuff like eggs or even boxed Mac n cheese. But ever so convenient and nice.

And no, we don't like the moderates. I tried that Caribbean resort once, pre kids. It felt like motel 6 to me. I don't even want to imagine a value...

walking to parks is key for us. And waking back for an afternoon break or Naptime is priceless

 

[disneynutz]

But why would I waste my expensive Disney time in that fashion at Disney's frankly expensive for the money even with DVC resorts and pools? I'd much rather spend my Disney time at Disney - which to me is the parks. It really isn't a cost effective place to vacation as a resort. I can get a lot more for my money other places - with a beach or good museums or great food.

Now, I know plenty of people here don't commando and enjoy the resorts. I'm not one of them and it isn't a given that everyone will be. So to say "once you join DVC your visitation patterns will change and you'll find yourself spending more time at resorts" may be true the majority of the time. But when it isn't true, its bad advice to make a decision on that assumption.

For us, WDW is the Disney experience. The resort theming, the view from the room, the parks if you feel like doing an attraction or park. Disney IMO has reduced the park experience with over crowding, a sea of people rushing to stand in a 40 minute line for an 8 minute ride. We pick an choose when and what park to visit based on attendance that day/time.

Nothing like sitting on your balcony on the boardwalk, watching the boats and people while you have a drink and just relax.

Bill