Considering a Poly/Riviera 200/150 Direct Purchase

[airjay75]

Your concerns are warranted. My two most recent trips to the Poly have been chaotic. One was outside of spring break season and one was in the thick of it. Similar crowd level.

I love the vibes of the Poly, and the new Island Tower is gorgeous, but we've found we prefer a quieter resort after the sensory overload of being at the theme parks all day.

If you have those concerns, I would definitely stay there before buying (especially direct points, because you'd take such a loss if you decide to sell them).

So helpful to hear this. I think we really need to wait out any purchase outside of RIV for now. Need to give Poly a try, but might even be thinking that, if we really want a monorail/MK resort, Grand Floridian might be a better option to consider, despite the higher point costs. Really need to try out these resorts before committing, especially, as you say, if I am going to buy direct.

 

[supercarrie]

So helpful to hear this. I think we really need to wait out any purchase outside of RIV for now. Need to give Poly a try, but might even be thinking that, if we really want a monorail/MK resort, Grand Floridian might be a better option to consider, despite the higher point costs. Really need to try out these resorts before committing, especially, as you say, if I am going to buy direct.

It just means you can buy RIV and become an avid DISboards member like the rest of us, constantly pondering our next contract purchase. Addonitis is a real thing.

 

[AstroBlasters]

So helpful to hear this. I think we really need to wait out any purchase outside of RIV for now. Need to give Poly a try, but might even be thinking that, if we really want a monorail/MK resort, Grand Floridian might be a better option to consider, despite the higher point costs. Really need to try out these resorts before committing, especially, as you say, if I am going to buy direct.

VGF, POLY, BLT, CCV….. all worth a stay!

 

[DanCali]

So helpful to hear this. I think we really need to wait out any purchase outside of RIV for now. Need to give Poly a try, but might even be thinking that, if we really want a monorail/MK resort, Grand Floridian might be a better option to consider, despite the higher point costs. Really need to try out these resorts before committing, especially, as you say, if I am going to buy direct.

We own all 3 on the "loop" but our favorite is BLT probably because we stay in the 1BRs there so the extra space is a nice change and those 1BRs have 2 full bathrooms. In addition, it's hard to compete with that 7 minute walk to the park entrance...

Our general rule is - if the studios sleep 5, we get a studio and the kids won't have to share a bed. Otherwise, a 1BR. The notable exception are the Club or Value studios at AKV Jambo House if we can get those - but for Savanna view we go with the 1BRs at Kidani (also 2 full bathrooms there).

 

[airjay75]

Another question for folks still reading (everyone has been so helpful - thank you so much). If you wanted to try out the resorts around Seven Seas Lagoon, what is the best way to do that? I see a couple of Grand Floridian contracts up for resale that look enticing. How much am I putting at risk if I bought those to use them to try out the Grand Floridian? Maybe I love Grand Floridian and keep them or maybe I decide not for me and want to try out Bay Lake Tower or back to Poly. Is that a bad way to try those resorts out or am I putting relatively little at risk since, presumably, since they are on the resale market, I should be able to sell them for the same price (or maybe more) after I buy them. Welcome any thoughts on how people have tried out these resorts. I suppose another strategy would be to use my welcome home incentive to try and book some of these resorts. Again, welcome any thoughts.

 

[WeIcomeHome]

Another question for folks still reading (everyone has been so helpful - thank you so much). If you wanted to try out the resorts around Seven Seas Lagoon, what is the best way to do that? I see a couple of Grand Floridian contracts up for resale that look enticing. How much am I putting at risk if I bought those to use them to try out the Grand Floridian? Maybe I love Grand Floridian and keep them or maybe I decide not for me and want to try out Bay Lake Tower or back to Poly. Is that a bad way to try those resorts out or am I putting relatively little at risk since, presumably, since they are on the resale market, I should be able to sell them for the same price (or maybe more) after I buy them. Welcome any thoughts on how people have tried out these resorts. I suppose another strategy would be to use my welcome home incentive to try and book some of these resorts. Again, welcome any thoughts.

I'd either just wait until you purchase your direct points and use at 7 months to stay at other resorts or rent points. Buying without knowing what you want will cost you closing costs on the purchase and 5 to 10 percent to sell. If you found a loaded contract, you might be able to make it make sense but renting is an easier method with little downside.

Before I bought direct, I rented points and did a 4 day trip to stay at RIV and Poly... 2 nights each. After that I knew I wanted RIV and was less interested in Poly because I'd likely be staying in the longhouses and there isn't any issue getting those at 7 months. Now after seeing PIT elevated point charts, my plan is if I add resale in a few years it would be BLT based on the proximity to MK, lowest points charts on the monorail loop, and the 1BR layout.

 

[DanCali]

Another question for folks still reading (everyone has been so helpful - thank you so much). If you wanted to try out the resorts around Seven Seas Lagoon, what is the best way to do that? I see a couple of Grand Floridian contracts up for resale that look enticing. How much am I putting at risk if I bought those to use them to try out the Grand Floridian? Maybe I love Grand Floridian and keep them or maybe I decide not for me and want to try out Bay Lake Tower or back to Poly. Is that a bad way to try those resorts out or am I putting relatively little at risk since, presumably, since they are on the resale market, I should be able to sell them for the same price (or maybe more) after I buy them. Welcome any thoughts on how people have tried out these resorts. I suppose another strategy would be to use my welcome home incentive to try and book some of these resorts. Again, welcome any thoughts.

I would not buy a contract just to visit a resort to try out. If you decide it's not for you, the selling process will take at least a couple of months and, even if you sold it at the same price you bought, there are closing costs and/or commissions on both ends of the deal.

Once you buy direct, you can book a trip 7 months out and maybe do a split stay to include 2-3 resorts (bonus - you get water park entry on each checkin day).

We actually bought all of our resorts sight unseen - although did quite a few Youtube "tours". Even after we were members, we bought at other resorts without first visiting them. We were new to DVC but not to timeshares, so we kind of knew what to look for. For what it's worth, I wouldn't want to get rid of anything we own at this point.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Another question for folks still reading (everyone has been so helpful - thank you so much). If you wanted to try out the resorts around Seven Seas Lagoon, what is the best way to do that? I see a couple of Grand Floridian contracts up for resale that look enticing. How much am I putting at risk if I bought those to use them to try out the Grand Floridian? Maybe I love Grand Floridian and keep them or maybe I decide not for me and want to try out Bay Lake Tower or back to Poly. Is that a bad way to try those resorts out or am I putting relatively little at risk since, presumably, since they are on the resale market, I should be able to sell them for the same price (or maybe more) after I buy them. Welcome any thoughts on how people have tried out these resorts. I suppose another strategy would be to use my welcome home incentive to try and book some of these resorts. Again, welcome any thoughts.

Welcome Home Poly tower, manually book the rest of the trip at RIV.

 

[sethschroeder]

Another question for folks still reading (everyone has been so helpful - thank you so much). If you wanted to try out the resorts around Seven Seas Lagoon, what is the best way to do that? I see a couple of Grand Floridian contracts up for resale that look enticing. How much am I putting at risk if I bought those to use them to try out the Grand Floridian? Maybe I love Grand Floridian and keep them or maybe I decide not for me and want to try out Bay Lake Tower or back to Poly. Is that a bad way to try those resorts out or am I putting relatively little at risk since, presumably, since they are on the resale market, I should be able to sell them for the same price (or maybe more) after I buy them. Welcome any thoughts on how people have tried out these resorts. I suppose another strategy would be to use my welcome home incentive to try and book some of these resorts. Again, welcome any thoughts.

You could likely come close to breaking even (Cost of contract - cost of stay - cost of selling the contract fees).

In the end my suggestion though would be just renting. It might be a tad more but you could book it now instead of waiting a few months to get a resale contract.

Additionally you could stay at the resort or you could tour the resort as well. Example staying at POLY and VGF are going to be basically the same thing except for the rooms themselves. You can easily wander over to the other resort a day or two plus recognize some of the small differences like POLY being a shorter walk to the TTC.

 

[airjay75]

Want to say thank you so much to everyone who has offered thoughts so far. This forum is great, and it seems like the DVC community overall is a great one. As I continue to mull this over, I think I've definitely decided against a direct Poly purchase at this time. Seems like a better move to explore the MK/monorail resorts a bit more before deciding and then look at resale contract opportunities. I think my last sticking point is whether to do a single 150-pt contract at Riviera for right now or do 2 150-pt contracts. I do value having 2 equal contracts as a starting point that could be passed on easily to our children - but, I know that's a ways off and shouldn't be a driving factor here. Current incentives are $10 off per point for a 150-pt purchase and $29 off per point for a 300-pt purchase - those are new member prices. Looks like current member pricing would get me $14 off per point on a subsequent 150-pt contract. So, if I were to assume incentives remain the same and decide to buy another 150-pt contract later, by my math, I'd miss out on $5,100 worth of incentives. (That said, there is also that 1,000 Disney Visa credit, which I think you could get on your initial purchase and then a subsequent purchase as a member if it sticks around - probably can't count on that though). Welcome any thoughts. It is tempting to go for the higher purchase to take advantage of the bigger incentive. I don't think I'd want to own more than 300 direct Riviera points right now.

I'll throw one other question out there - any thoughts on selling back your first year points at $20 per point (I think they call that the Magical Beginnings). On 300 pts, that would be $6,000, which seems like it is a bit more than you can get through the third party rental market. On one hand, sort of like having those points right up front we could start using, but we're also not quite set yet on when our next Disney trip will be - possibly July, but on the fence. If not then, probably next January or February.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Want to say thank you so much to everyone who has offered thoughts so far. This forum is great, and it seems like the DVC community overall is a great one. As I continue to mull this over, I think I've definitely decided against a direct Poly purchase at this time. Seems like a better move to explore the MK/monorail resorts a bit more before deciding and then look at resale contract opportunities. I think my last sticking point is whether to do a single 150-pt contract at Riviera for right now or do 2 150-pt contracts. I do value having 2 equal contracts as a starting point that could be passed on easily to our children - but, I know that's a ways off and shouldn't be a driving factor here. Current incentives are $10 off per point for a 150-pt purchase and $29 off per point for a 300-pt purchase - those are new member prices. Looks like current member pricing would get me $14 off per point on a subsequent 150-pt contract. So, if I were to assume incentives remain the same and decide to buy another 150-pt contract later, by my math, I'd miss out on $5,100 worth of incentives. (That said, there is also that 1,000 Disney Visa credit, which I think you could get on your initial purchase and then a subsequent purchase as a member if it sticks around - probably can't count on that though). Welcome any thoughts. It is tempting to go for the higher purchase to take advantage of the bigger incentive. I don't think I'd want to own more than 300 direct Riviera points right now.

I'll throw one other question out there - any thoughts on selling back your first year points at $20 per point (I think they call that the Magical Beginnings). On 300 pts, that would be $6,000, which seems like it is a bit more than you can get through the third party rental market. On one hand, sort of like having those points right up front we could start using, but we're also not quite set yet on when our next Disney trip will be - possibly July, but on the fence. If not then, probably next January or February.

July 2025 or 2026?

I’m always thinking at least 11m out with DVC.

 

[Hubalorian]

I'll throw one other question out there - any thoughts on selling back your first year points at $20 per point (I think they call that the Magical Beginnings). On 300 pts, that would be $6,000, which seems like it is a bit more than you can get through the third party rental market. On one hand, sort of like having those points right up front we could start using, but we're also not quite set yet on when our next Disney trip will be - possibly July, but on the fence. If not then, probably next January or February.

Magical beginnings is a great incentive if you aren’t going to use those points. However, if you need the points I wouldn’t utilize it if I end up borrowing from future years. Borrowing early on gets tricky to get out of the “borrowing hole”. However, if those extra points allow you to bank them into the future and gets you going set for a couple years you can hold off on the next contract.

It could also allow you to see what’s coming down the pike in terms of new resorts. We know Lakeshore is around the corner and will open for 2027. I’m sure we will know what’s “next” soon after that property goes on sale.

 

[airjay75]

July 2025 or 2026?

I’m always thinking at least 11m out with DVC.

July 2025 - we currently have a vacation week scheduled with other plans that could be easily cancelled without penalty.

 

[AstroBlasters]

July 2025 - we currently have a vacation week scheduled with other plans that could be easily cancelled without penalty.

I would ask if they have room at your resort and room type of choice to book a magical beginnings in July of 2025.

And…. do you want to be in FL in July?

 

[DanCali]

Want to say thank you so much to everyone who has offered thoughts so far. This forum is great, and it seems like the DVC community overall is a great one. As I continue to mull this over, I think I've definitely decided against a direct Poly purchase at this time. Seems like a better move to explore the MK/monorail resorts a bit more before deciding and then look at resale contract opportunities. I think my last sticking point is whether to do a single 150-pt contract at Riviera for right now or do 2 150-pt contracts. I do value having 2 equal contracts as a starting point that could be passed on easily to our children - but, I know that's a ways off and shouldn't be a driving factor here. Current incentives are $10 off per point for a 150-pt purchase and $29 off per point for a 300-pt purchase - those are new member prices. Looks like current member pricing would get me $14 off per point on a subsequent 150-pt contract. So, if I were to assume incentives remain the same and decide to buy another 150-pt contract later, by my math, I'd miss out on $5,100 worth of incentives. (That said, there is also that 1,000 Disney Visa credit, which I think you could get on your initial purchase and then a subsequent purchase as a member if it sticks around - probably can't count on that though). Welcome any thoughts. It is tempting to go for the higher purchase to take advantage of the bigger incentive. I don't think I'd want to own more than 300 direct Riviera points right now.

I'll throw one other question out there - any thoughts on selling back your first year points at $20 per point (I think they call that the Magical Beginnings). On 300 pts, that would be $6,000, which seems like it is a bit more than you can get through the third party rental market. On one hand, sort of like having those points right up front we could start using, but we're also not quite set yet on when our next Disney trip will be - possibly July, but on the fence. If not then, probably next January or February.

The easy question is the Magical Beginnings. To me, that is a no brainer and what makes a direct purchase a lot more attractive. It's basically a rebate on the 2024 points that if you were to buy resale, you probably wouldn't even get those points in most cases because the owner used them already. And, because it's a rebate, there are no tax implications like a rental might have. I think of it more as a generous discount in exchange for giving up a fully loaded contract option and getting a "normally loaded" one. If you need to use the points earlier, you can always later borrow from next year.

When the PIT tower came out, they excluded it from MB and I ended up looking at resales just because of that (might even have found a decent delayed closing contract ) . Then they added MB in the next incentive round but jacked up the prices, so it was six in one, half a dozen in the other...

Whether you go for 150 or 300 at Riviera is up to you because you know your finances and needs best. I wouldn't want to overbuy direct if I don't need to, especially Riviera which sells for $100-ish on the resale market. But the difference between $29 vs $10 off per point is substantial, so if you need 300 points at Riviera, it's worth considering. The main consideration should probably be how many points you need and where you want to stay with them. I'd also consider how much "dry powder" I want to have left for subsequent resales - as you can see in my signature, this can be addictive! For what it's worth, I do regret not buying more VGF direct when they had the "fire sale" in 2023 but that price was basically buying direct at resale prices. PIT and RIV are far from that, especially RIV.

Regardless of that try split the purchase into smaller contracts because they usually sell for a higher price per point on the resale market (especially the 50 and 75 pointers). I believe you can also opt for MB on some contracts but not others - the rebates are given per contract, so if you buy 150 points for example, you can get MB just on 75 if you have 2x75 contracts.

 

[DonkeyHoTay]

I think I've definitely decided against a direct Poly purchase at this time. Seems like a better move to explore the MK/monorail resorts a bit more before deciding and then look at resale contract opportunities.

Really no bad decisions with DVC because everyone's use case is different. Looks like you refined your strategy based on research and that's the best way to get the best contracts for your family. Some of the best advice I got when researching before my first contracts is try not to get invested in a particular resort because resort preferences can change over time - which is almost the opposite of the 'buy where you want to stay' conventional wisdom, but it resonated with me because I usually can't plan 11 months out anyway. Later I bought direct Poly after exploring the other resorts. It's all fun and you're going to make great memories no matter which DVC contracts you buy.

 

[airjay75]

I would ask if they have room at your resort and room type of choice to book a magical beginnings in July of 2025.

And…. do you want to be in FL in July?

We did do DW in August last year! It was quite hot, but I know what we’d be getting ourselves into. I think I am probably leaning against it and taking advantage of the magical beginnings, especially if I go with the 300 pt contracts.

 

[airjay75]

The easy question is the Magical Beginnings. To me, that is a no brainer and what makes a direct purchase a lot more attractive. It's basically a rebate on the 2024 points that if you were to buy resale, you probably wouldn't even get those points in most cases because the owner used them already. And, because it's a rebate, there are no tax implications like a rental might have. I think of it more as a generous discount in exchange for giving up a fully loaded contract option and getting a "normally loaded" one. If you need to use the points earlier, you can always later borrow from next year.

When the PIT tower came out, they excluded it from MB and I ended up looking at resales just because of that (might even have found a decent delayed closing contract ) . Then they added MB in the next incentive round but jacked up the prices, so it was six in one, half a dozen in the other...

Whether you go for 150 or 300 at Riviera is up to you because you know your finances and needs best. I wouldn't want to overbuy direct if I don't need to, especially Riviera which sells for $100-ish on the resale market. But the difference between $29 vs $10 off per point is substantial, so if you need 300 points at Riviera, it's worth considering. The main consideration should probably be how many points you need and where you want to stay with them. I'd also consider how much "dry powder" I want to have left for subsequent resales - as you can see in my signature, this can be addictive! For what it's worth, I do regret not buying more VGF direct when they had the "fire sale" in 2023 but that price was basically buying direct at resale prices. PIT and RIV are far from that, especially RIV.

Regardless of that try split the purchase into smaller contracts because they usually sell for a higher price per point on the resale market (especially the 50 and 75 pointers). I believe you can also opt for MB on some contracts but not others - the rebates are given per contract, so if you buy 150 points for example, you can get MB just on 75 if you have 2x75 contracts.

Great thoughts. Thank you. I think I’m leaning heavily towards taking advantage of the magical beginnings. I’ll have to confirm with my guide, but when we initially talked about this, splitting the 300 into two 150-pt contracts seemed to fully qualify for magical beginnings on the full 300. I suppose, if I can let go of the remote likelihood of passing these contracts onto my kids, it would probably make a lot of sense to break it up as 150/75/75 or 150/50/50/50, but if that would nullify the magical beginnings on the smaller contracts, might push me in other direction.

 

[ShaneDJ]

@airjay75 You've done your research well. 300 points of RIV direct (split into two 150 pt. contracts) gives you great flexibility for getting the bigger villas at RIV (2-bed or 3-bed) during the busiest times at 11-months out. That 3-bedroom Grand Villa is stunning.

We love the RIV and how new it is and that it's on the SkyLiner line. Maybe even consider a FW (fixed week) to help avoid the walking hassle (we have one there).

 

[AstroBlasters]

We did do DW in August last year! It was quite hot, but I know what we’d be getting ourselves into. I think I am probably leaning against it and taking advantage of the magical beginnings, especially if I go with the 300 pt contracts.

Yeah $29 in incentives with $20pp for the 2024 points is a pretty great incentive… I’d price it out relative to your currently planned July vacation.

I like small direct contracts because you can sell off pieces if you want to in the future (maybe to buy a different resort) and they retain their value at a significantly higher amount than larger contracts.