Considering BLT Resale Purchase

[atthebeachclub]

I bought BLT last year for a few reasons:
1. Location. Walking back from MK sounds like a winning idea!
2. There will always be rental and sales demand for a walkable resort next to the Magic Kingdom if I have to stop using my contract for a while or need to sell it.
3. Lake view looks lovely, and is just a small jump above standard view point chart.
4. Point chart is reasonable for standard view, and those rooms are hard to obtain if you don’t own there.
5. 2060 expiry is a long time from now.
6. Favorable bathroom : room ratio.
7. Prices seemed depressed considering all of the above in comparison with nearby alternatives.
8. Dues were very favorable.

I haven’t stayed at BLT yet, but one day I will!

 

[airjay75]

Even though I own at BLT and for less than a year I’ve managed to use my points for a week long 2 Bed stay at BLT, 3 nights at GFV and a night at PIT to be able to do Moonlight Magic. You can always stay elsewhere even if you don’t 100% LOVE BLT.

Yep, combined with the fact that BLT is clearly the cheapest per point resort on the monorail is one of the primary reasons I am considering doing this. You get your priority 7-11 month monorail resort booking, and, if you want to stay at one of the others, you can still use the points over there. It makes it feel less risky to buy sight/stay unseen than VGF or Poly where I'd clearly be paying both a per point and point chart premium to have those points. I don't think I could stomach that without staying there first and being more confident that that is the resort where I want my 7-11 month priority. I'm willing to be a bit less confident with BLT given the cheaper per point cost and better point charts. How much less confident? Still sorting through that. At the moment, I'm sort of starting to think, maybe I throw an offer at the contract I'm interested in, and see what sort of deal the seller will go for. If it seems like a really good deal, maybe do it. If the seller isn't interested in that yet, maybe just wait. I'm not in a rush, but if I find a good deal, might just be willing to go for it.

 

[atthebeachclub]

I forgot to add the last reason I think BLT is a good choice: you have access to MK bus transportation nearly anywhere, close to the resort. So if you are planning a resort hopping trip where you want to go everywhere, if it easier to do from there. Most resorts do not have nearby transport to other resorts.

 

[airjay75]

I forgot to add the last reason I think BLT is a good choice: you have access to MK bus transportation nearly anywhere, close to the resort. So if you are planning a resort hopping trip where you want to go everywhere, if it easier to do from there. Most resorts do not have nearby transport to other resorts.

Alright, now you're really getting me going! Might just have to put that offer in tonight . In all seriousness, thanks for the additional highlights of the positive points for BLT - very helpful.

 

[matt_in_nh]

Your math on the cash costs is what it is. I would never look at it that way because I would never pay cash rack rates. For me the example you laid out ends up a decent loss but I get you may view it differently. You can get a good deal on resale and there is virtually no ROFR at BLT so if you are gonna move forward I would be patient and try to find a good deal that you could flip and overcome most of the commission assuming same market. I think you want to do it and you should if you want to and have the means but what is the rush.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Thank you all for the continued comments, although a few of you are also making me think BLT might end up being a really good fit for me . I think everyone saying to wait and try it out (or at least go for a tour) are making really good points. I guess one counter argument I keep thinking (which is the part of me trying to talk myself into this) is what is the worst case if I buy a resale contract, use my points for a few years and then decide, really wish I had bought elsewhere, want to get out and buy someplace else. I guess, then you're in the situation of selling/buying again - or, at a minimum, renting out your points until you're ready to sell. Probably some depreciation in your point value given there are a few less years left on your contract (although that is obviously hard to predict). And, it looks like the commission on DVC contracts is around 9.5%.

So, for example, I'm currently eyeing a 160 point contract that is listed for $145 pp ($23,200 total). Let's say I'm able to buy it $140 pp ($22,400), and 2 years or so down the road, have to sell it for $130 pp ($20,800). Let's say $1,000 in closing costs I have to pay on the initial purchase, but not when I sell (although you'd have to add another $1,000 if you're going to buy a different resale contract because you wanted something else - leaving that out for now). And, I have to pay a 9.5% commission on the eventual sale. So, I'm out $22,400 - $20,800 + $1,000 (closing costs) + $1,976 (9.5% of $20,800). That's $4,576. Of course, you gotta pay your annual dues during those few years - 2 years of dues looks to be around $2,500. But, if I actually used the contract during those two years, I got probably 7-10 days in a 1 bedroom villa over the course of those 2 years. My total out of pocket expenses for this are just over $7k (not taking account of the time value of money or interest lost on the cash investment - I suppose you could throw on another $2k-$3k if you want to account for that) Of course, all of this assumes no financing too.

Am I looking at the math wrong here? I think these are pretty conservative assumptions. I realize there are other risks inherent in this. No guarantee I can sell 2 years down the road, point value could go down more than I've assumed here and/or could be selling at a really bad time. But, if my assumptions above turn out to be correct, it seems to me, you're not going to lose more than $2k-$3k on this if things don't go as expected. Of course, that's not nothing, but it's no where near the kind of sunk cost on a direct contract.

Welcome any thoughts.

If you have followed @VGCgroupie ‘s recent thread she has a section where she specifically talks about how all of the resorts have VERY different feels and it’s important to get an idea of where you feel the most “at home”.

If you are going to be going in July anyways, I believe it would be prudent to wait until checking out the properties and the rooms.

You may decide you don’t want any of the resorts.

 

[ShaneDJ]

We bought BLT resale because of:

1. Extra full bathroom in 1-bedroom (and above) villas

2. Walkability to MK (can’t be beat!)

3. Low dues (dues are, by far, your largest expense over time)

We don’t care about the lack of theming. It doesn’t bother us.

 

[airjay75]

Your math on the cash costs is what it is. I would never look at it that way because I would never pay cash rack rates. For me the example you laid out ends up a decent loss but I get you may view it differently. You can get a good deal on resale and there is virtually no ROFR at BLT so if you are gonna move forward I would be patient and try to find a good deal that you could flip and overcome most of the commission assuming same market. I think you want to do it and you should if you want to and have the means but what is the rush.

Yeah, at a minimum, I think I need to not rush into any resale contract and only do it if it is a pretty good deal. It's easy to get swept up in moment envisioning your next vacation on the points, but that's the same sort of mistake people make when buying other types of real estate.

 

[RichVIII]

10+ year owner at BLT. Poly fan and our third most stayed at resort (despite not owning points at Poly). Every time I see these posts about these resorts, I feel it is often like comparing, Apples, Oranges and Bananas. All great fruit.

Here are the things we enjoy most.

Walking to MK - game changer (especially after late nights, parties, or fireworks). 10 minutes and you are in your room versus probably still in line for another form of transportation. The busses from the resort will get you most places. Want to get to another resort, walk to MK and catch it from there.

2nd Bathroom - huge time saver in the morning or when you get home from the parks. Rooms are huge (except studios). Haven’t stayed in a renovated room yet but they look great.

Views/Points/Dues - Yes, some people complain about the theme park views are across the parking lot, but fireworks, music from the soundtrack pumped into your room, the monorail zipping by is awesome. Lake views (some have a side view of the park) are much nicer than many other similar views at other resorts. Standards are great point wise and still decent views compared to some other resorts. Points are super reasonable and lots of inventory when it comes to lake views. Dues are reasonable for sure.

TOTWL and Contemporary - The top of the world lounge is another fun perk we sometimes use. The Contemporary is an OG original and I still love watching people go through on the monorail often dreaming of staying at such a place (me back in the day). Steakhouse 71 and other food choices. Lots of shopping. But yes, a busy resort for sure. I think BLT, Poly and GFV are always busy given their location and popularity.

We love Poly for nearly an entirely set of reasons. Again, Apples or Oranges. Agree with others on no rush, but if you can afford it. YOLO.

 

[PolyRob]

Ok, this board has been so helpful to me with my initial DVC purchase of 300 direct Riviera points (https://www.disboards.com/threads/considering-a-poly-riviera-200-150-direct-purchase.3966386/). Of course, I've already got add-on-itis, and I haven't even officially closed on that Riviera purchase . Would love to get some thoughts from fellow DVC members to either tell me to slow down or, maybe, consider going for it.

I am very happy with my 300 points at Riviera. We love Riviera and, TBH, if that's all I ever purchase, I'll probably be happy. But, I do think it is a matter of time before I purchase a resale contract at one of the monorail Magic Kingdom resorts. I think our ideal week at Disney is going to be 3 nights at one of those resorts and 4 nights at Riviera - would probably love enough points for 2 weeks per year in 1 BR villas, but we're probably ok with some deluxe studio stays too for now. As I detailed in my prior thread, we toured Poly Island Tower and seriously considered purchasing there, but had never actually stayed there - the more research I did, the more I hesitated about Poly. It seemed like everything we liked about Riviera - the relaxed, laid back vibe - was not going to be found at the Poly, at least not in the same way. I think the tower itself is great, but once you step out of there, the Poly is (understandably) just a busier place. I think the points chart and some of the complaints I've seen about the views from even TP view rooms makes me hesitate even more about Poly being the right choice.

Of course, that has got me thinking a lot about the other 2 DVC monorail resorts - VGF and BLT. Aside from passing them on the monorail, I have never visited either of them. So, welcome thoughts from others. VGF seems like it might be slightly less busy resort than Poly, but still pretty busy - seems to me it isn't a stretch to refer to the GF as the flagship DW resort which draws quite a few visitors, especially at the right time of year. I also don't know that I love the Victorian/Mary Poppins theming. We've got 2 little boys - 4 and 6. On some level, as long as there are good pools and waterslides, they probably don't care where we stay. But, I don't see the theming there really doing anything for them either. I've also heard a few things about the Big Pine Key conversion not being the best and some people not really loving that there either. And, VGF seems to have a similar points chart to Poly. So, if I look at just VGF vs. Poly, I'm sort of like, I better stay at both of these places and see which one we like better before buying anything. Both places have enough to make me hesitate about whether they would be the right purchase.

Then, that leads me to BLT. The more I have learned about it, the more it seems like it might be the sweet spot for us. Refurb is coming to completion - seems like a lot of positivity on that. I've heard the 1 BR villas have 2 bathrooms (love that). Points chart is much better that VGF or PIT. I actually think my boys would like the contemporary/modern theming more than VGF (might be a toss-up with the tropical theming of the Poly). I understand the pool at BLT is just for BLT tower guests, but BLT tower guests can also use the Contemporary pool - I think I've got that right. Does that keep the crowding at the BLT pool a little less? I'm guessing it isn't any worse than VGF or Poly. Also seems to me like BLT is not as in demand as PIT or VGF - seems like it might be a bit less stressful trying to book at competitive times or during the 7-11 month window. And, maybe I'm wrong, but seems like the Contemporary Resort as a whole is not quite the draw that GF or Poly are for outside visitors. I'm sure it is still busier than Riviera just by virtue of being a monorail MK resort.

Ideally, I'd like to stay at BLT first. But, then I see those resale contracts available with the same October UY (which, although I think it seems like a great UY, seems like the availability of those are little less than some of the other UYs). And, I keep getting tempted. The sunk costs with buying resale are so much less than direct. I think about having those points for next year, and it starts to get really tempting. But, then that rational side of me says, you really should wait. Get into this a bit more, try out the MK resorts - there will be other October UY contracts available in the future. Take your time.

We're actually going back to Disney in July - renting points for more of a budget stay. Looked for BLT availability, but couldn't find anything that would work (doing a split stay at AKL and Riviera). Will probably do our first official booking on our 300 Riviera points in February 2026. Of course, my first thought was, let's do a split stay with BLT and Riviera! But, then I see the pool will be closed for refurbishment for the first half of 2026. So, then I'm sort of like, maybe try to use that welcome home booking to give PIT or VGF a try with a split stay. But, I really want to try BLT. And, I see a couple of those resale contracts, and I'm like, maybe I should buy one and then we can use it for next summer when the pool refurb is done! Surely, we'll love it, right?

Would love the hear thoughts on the good/bad/ugly of BLT, particularly as compared to Poly or GF. And, welcome any thoughts telling me to go for it or to slow down (or whatever else you might like to say ).

Will also note I've given a passing thought to Wilderness Lodge - I know it gets you easy boat access to MK. But, haven't really looked into that option much. Just been focused on those monorail resorts. I imagine there are some folks who say to look there as another MK option too.

If you're considering studios, BLT studios are the smallest on the monorail, bathroom included. The one-bedrooms are a huge upgrade. BLT one-bedrooms are pretty easy to secure in the 7-month window if you're willing to pay for the more expensive view categories (outside of holidays and some of the fall). You'd really want to own if you plan on booking resort view rooms since those fill up fast.

Also VGF cannot be reserved on a welcome home stay through MS even if you buy VGF. Just take that into consideration if you wanted help reserving MK resorts.

 

[airjay75]

If you have followed @VGCgroupie ‘s recent thread she has a section where she specifically talks about how all of the resorts have VERY different feels and it’s important to get an idea of where you feel the most “at home”.

If you are going to be going in July anyways, I believe it would be prudent to wait until checking out the properties and the rooms.

You may decide you don’t want any of the resorts.

Thanks for sharing that thread. I had read a little bit of it, but just did a deeper dive. Such a fun read. And thanks to @VGCgroupie for sharing your story. I look forward to seeing where you finally land!

 

[airjay75]

10+ year owner at BLT. Poly fan and our third most stayed at resort (despite not owning points at Poly). Every time I see these posts about these resorts, I feel it is often like comparing, Apples, Oranges and Bananas. All great fruit.

Here are the things we enjoy most.

Walking to MK - game changer (especially after late nights, parties, or fireworks). 10 minutes and you are in your room versus probably still in line for another form of transportation. The busses from the resort will get you most places. Want to get to another resort, walk to MK and catch it from there.

2nd Bathroom - huge time saver in the morning or when you get home from the parks. Rooms are huge (except studios). Haven’t stayed in a renovated room yet but they look great.

Views/Points/Dues - Yes, some people complain about the theme park views are across the parking lot, but fireworks, music from the soundtrack pumped into your room, the monorail zipping by is awesome. Lake views (some have a side view of the park) are much nicer than many other similar views at other resorts. Standards are great point wise and still decent views compared to some other resorts. Points are super reasonable and lots of inventory when it comes to lake views. Dues are reasonable for sure.

TOTWL and Contemporary - The top of the world lounge is another fun perk we sometimes use. The Contemporary is an OG original and I still love watching people go through on the monorail often dreaming of staying at such a place (me back in the day). Steakhouse 71 and other food choices. Lots of shopping. But yes, a busy resort for sure. I think BLT, Poly and GFV are always busy given their location and popularity.

We love Poly for nearly an entirely set of reasons. Again, Apples or Oranges. Agree with others on no rush, but if you can afford it. YOLO.

Thanks so much for all those highlights. The more I learn about all of these resorts, the more I think your fruit analogy is spot on - they really are all just different categories of resorts, and hard to compare on a side-by-side pros and cons sort of list. Much more like which fruit you personally prefer the best.

 

[airjay75]

If you're considering studios, BLT studios are the smallest on the monorail, bathroom included. The one-bedrooms are a huge upgrade. BLT one-bedrooms are pretty easy to secure in the 7-month window if you're willing to pay for the more expensive view categories (outside of holidays and some of the fall). You'd really want to own if you plan on booking resort view rooms since those fill up fast.

Also VGF cannot be reserved on a welcome home stay through MS even if you buy VGF. Just take that into consideration if you wanted help reserving MK resorts.

Yeah, I noticed that about the BLT studios - very small square footage. I'm in the stage with my boys where I'm willing to do the studios for some trips, but I imagine we will lean more and more towards the 1 bedroom villas, so I've been primarily looking at the points chart on that. And, BLT has PIT and VGF easily beat in that category.

Good to know about VGF on welcome home stays. Probably just depends on what is available when I go to book - I think we'd be fairly indifferent between trying VGF or PIT. Would do BLT if it weren't for the fact that the pool will be closed for the first 5 months or so of 2026.

 

[atthebeachclub]

Yeah, I noticed that about the BLT studios - very small square footage. I'm in the stage with my boys where I'm willing to do the studios for some trips, but I imagine we will lean more and more towards the 1 bedroom villas, so I've been primarily looking at the points chart on that. And, BLT has PIT and VGF easily beat in that category.

I also strongly suspect that it will be easier to get studios at Polynesian (especially once Poly Island Tower is fully declared) at 7 months than it will be to get 1 or 2 bedroom resort view point saver options at BLT at 7 months, due to the higher points required to stay at Poly, and the large amounts of studios there. As a BLT owner I've sort of decided if I want to stay in the MK area and want a larger studio, Poly is probably my best option, and I suspect availability won't be that bad, either.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Yeah, I noticed that about the BLT studios - very small square footage. I'm in the stage with my boys where I'm willing to do the studios for some trips, but I imagine we will lean more and more towards the 1 bedroom villas, so I've been primarily looking at the points chart on that. And, BLT has PIT and VGF easily beat in that category.

Good to know about VGF on welcome home stays. Probably just depends on what is available when I go to book - I think we'd be fairly indifferent between trying VGF or PIT. Would do BLT if it weren't for the fact that the pool will be closed for the first 5 months or so of 2026.

If you want to torture yourself, look at the point difference between 1 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms. Not much more and you get a second bathroom… at BLT a 3rd!

 

[airjay75]

If you want to torture yourself, look at the point difference between 1 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms. Not much more and you get a second bathroom… at BLT a 3rd!

Wow. You're not kidding. Just did a walkthrough of one of those 2 BR villas with 3 bathrooms and looked at the point chart. Are you sure you're not trying to get me to put in my offer for BLT tonight? Haha.

 

[PolyRob]

Yeah, I noticed that about the BLT studios - very small square footage. I'm in the stage with my boys where I'm willing to do the studios for some trips, but I imagine we will lean more and more towards the 1 bedroom villas, so I've been primarily looking at the points chart on that. And, BLT has PIT and VGF easily beat in that category.

Good to know about VGF on welcome home stays. Probably just depends on what is available when I go to book - I think we'd be fairly indifferent between trying VGF or PIT. Would do BLT if it weren't for the fact that the pool will be closed for the first 5 months or so of 2026.

Yeah I will admit I look at BLT resales hoping something cheap pops up in my UY so I can always book a one-bedroom and try and swap to a VGF studio if I wanted to during the spring. The chart difference is crazy!

 

[Girlstar30]

BLT has some of the lowest dues, the best proximity to MK, Amazing firework views, covered walkway to CR for a delicious signature restaurant on top, cheapest point chart of the monorail resorts, a dvc lounge with appetizers and drinks, plenty of restaurants and a variety of quick service, buffet, and signature at CR, the best breakfast character buffet I've been to so far at CR, great shopping at CR, beautiful well received refurbished rooms with extra bathroom, a monorail that conveniently runs right thru CR, long contract, need I say more.

To me it is close to perfection in terms of checking all of my boxes. The main thing you hear people complain about usually is the pool if that matters to you.

 

[Girlstar30]

Seeing those Mickey lights on the water slide flashing from my window gives me the biggest smile. To me it signals my Disney vacation has begun. I used to dream about staying here. Now I own here. I get sentimental just typing this and yet some people dont like it at all! That's why its important to stay for yourself.

For some reason when I stay at BLT i feel the Disney magic more than any other resort. ️

I bought direct at BLT in fall of 2024. I agree a bit with some users opinions about the theming of the resort, but when you get inside the refurbished rooms I love the Mary Blair inspired artwork from all the different lands of the MK. The views cannot be beat for watching fireworks with a TPV room and sometimes even a resort view room. I had stayed at BLT 2x before we became owners there both times in a 2 bedroom room. While some don’t like the pool at BLT I like the neon Mickey lights on the waterslide, love being able to see the Electical Water Pagent from either the rooms or the huge windows on each floor, and think that the view off towards the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness of Bay Lake is great. If you’re a refillable mug type of family the pool has a station available, and when the skybridge is opened, it really isn’t much of a walk to get to Contempo Cafe. I really wish that there was some sort of quick service/shop in BLT proper and agree with the above poster about opening something waterfront adjacent to meet those goals. I don’t mind walking over to Contemporary to get items for the family. I would stay in a 1Bedroom for a few nights before I purchased if I was you. Even as a very happy camper with the purchase I made, it doesn’t mean your family will enjoy it. However, IMO nothing can beat walking back to the room in less than 10 minutes from Main Street in MK.

 

[WillRad]

I know some people don’t like having to walk to the Contemporary to shop or eat but pretty sure it’s a shorter walk from BLT to Contemporary than the VGF original DVC building to the quick service, especially if you request a room on the skybridge side. Neither is going to beat the Riviera though if you’ve been staying there. It’s a nicely layed out resort where everything seems conveniently placed.

Personally, we’re thinking about adding on. Got some VGF direct points and BLT resale points. We usually stay at BLT or VGF 1BR for the first half of our trip and stay at RIV 1BR for the last half. Torn between resale BLT, RIV, or maybe BCV points. Given we stay in 1BRs with the kids the 7 month window not as competitive right now