Direct purchase question...

[dledger]

My husband and I just returned from our Disneymoon and we are starting to talk about the possibility of buying into DVC. We are still early in the learning process and are trying to figure out if this is best for us and our future. Now, my question, I can't quite understand : if we buy direct from Disney, I know about the cost and the "perks" - but what I can't understand is- are they only selling the Polynesian and Aulani? Or are we able to buy other resorts direct? We love the poly but just don't know how it would work down the road when we start a family and we cannot afford the points for the villas at this time. Are we only able to buy other resorts resale?

Thanks!

 

[supersnoop]

My husband and I just returned from our Disneymoon and we are starting to talk about the possibility of buying into DVC. We are still early in the learning process and are trying to figure out if this is best for us and our future. Now, my question, I can't quite understand : if we buy direct from Disney, I know about the cost and the "perks" - but what I can't understand is- are they only selling the Polynesian and Aulani? Or are we able to buy other resorts direct? We love the poly but just don't know how it would work down the road when we start a family and we cannot afford the points for the villas at this time. Are we only able to buy other resorts resale?

Thanks!

You can buy the other resorts direct, but they may or may not have inventory at any given time. You'll have to insist, and maybe even go on a waitlist.

That said, the only resorts that I, personally, would consider purchasing direct are the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Grand Californian. Any others are so much less expensive on the resale market that any "perks" could never make up the difference.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

They are in the process of doing new DVC at Wilderness Lodge but details on what it will entail have been virtually 'nil. That will be the next one and permits were filed to build model room at the SSR sales site so I'd expect more info will be coming out in the next few months.

 

[Matty B13]

We called about VGF in April and got put on a wait list, in the mean time we put in a bid on a VGF resale contract and just after our ROFR came back, DVC called us with a direct buy for up to 200 points. We closed 2 weeks ago on the resale and saved over $5000.00 compared to the direct buy. $145/pp versus $180/pp at VGF direct, it took 3 months but seems worth it. I'm sure DVC will come up with points at most resorts, might take a month though. The resale purchase takes a lot of patience, but can save you a lot of money.

I know what you are saying about PVB and future family considerations, and that is why we bought at VGF. We would have bought PVB if it had at least a 1 bedroom option, much less a 2 bedroom option. Think DVC was a little short sighted on this approach at a deluxe resort on the monorail. A family of 5 is a tight fit in a studio, even if it is the largest in DVC's portfolio.

 

[dledger]

Thank you all! This is exactly the info I was looking for. We are still trying to figure out the best option for us - I like the idea of buying resale for the money saver and am considering buying resale and then a small direct contract. The issue is, one of the perks that really attracts us is the ability to use the points other places whether it be other DVC resorts, Disneyland, cruises (I understand this is a more complicated process)... And from what I understand we can't do this if we don't buy direct? With our just starting out its hard to see the future of what we may travel like and want to be able to use all our options!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thank you all! This is exactly the info I was looking for. We are still trying to figure out the best option for us - I like the idea of buying resale for the money saver and am considering buying resale and then a small direct contract. The issue is, one of the perks that really attracts us is the ability to use the points other places whether it be other DVC resorts, Disneyland, cruises (I understand this is a more complicated process)... And from what I understand we can't do this if we don't buy direct? With our just starting out its hard to see the future of what we may travel like and want to be able to use all our options!

You can use resale points at VGC at Disneyland, just not for the hotels. You can also use resale points for the World Collection which includes RCI and Buena Vista Trading co.

Using points for the Disney collections (which includes Disney cruise line) it is definitely a nice sounding benefit but then you start looking at the point requirements. If you are buying a small contract you often may at best get one person on the cruise and have to pay for the second. Or you might be using 2 or 3 years of points for one person, or maybe you won't even have enough points for one person. With DVC points being easy to rent out then from a $$$'s view it's almost always better to do that and you'll end up with a few dollars in your pocket. It's not to say there aren't instances where using points may have a little higher value but that's the rarity. So I recommend looking at point requirements for those options you want to have and decide if paying the extra money up front is really what makes the most sense. And when you trade there is also a $95 fee. And again for any change if you needed to adjust something.

The best value from DVC is using for DVC resorts. The Disney hotel room point requirements are significantly higher than most of the DVC room point requirements because it is a different entity and isn't really part of the program. It's a trade.

 

[supersnoop]

The issue is, one of the perks that really attracts us is the ability to use the points other places whether it be other DVC resorts, Disneyland, cruises (I understand this is a more complicated process)... And from what I understand we can't do this if we don't buy direct?

That's correct; you won't be able to use your points for cruises, Adventures by Disney, or Disney hotels unless you buy direct. There's a long thread about the value of that benefit. For the most part, the exchange rate is worth less than your annual dues. If you intend to use your points in that manner, you shouldn't be buying DVC. You'll be better off financially just paying cash for those accommodations.

We closed 2 weeks ago on the resale and saved over $5000.00 compared to the direct buy. $145/pp versus $180/pp at VGF direct, it took 3 months but seems worth it.

I should clarify my earlier statement. The only reason I would buy PVB or VGF direct is because you can get a "fixed week" contract, and choose your week. That's the only benefit that makes direct worth the cost, in my opinion. For some reason, VGC seem to be going above Disney's price on the resale market, or darn near close to it.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Can you get a fixed week at VGF direct now that it's technically sold out, though?

 

[Matty B13]

Also, the AP and TIW are not available to resale contracts which actually has some value if you are going more than once a year to Disney World. We are considering a small direct add on contract for the "Tickets In Wonderland" card for dining at Disney. Right now the dining plan works for us but once our girls are considered adults for dining, the TIW card will be coming in handy.

Also, if you due buy direct, I wouldn't finance through DVC their rates are very high compared to the rates you can get from various banks for a loan. The Disney Visa card also has 6-month 0% financing for a direct DVC purchase and you get the 2% cash back. We love the Disney Visa card upgraded to the premier membership which gives you 2% on most purchases and 1% on others.

 

[supersnoop]

Can you get a fixed week at VGF direct now that it's technically sold out, though?

Yes, there's no reason they wouldn't be able to sell a fixed week as long as they have enough points available.

 

[supersnoop]

Also, the AP and TIW are not available to resale contracts which actually has some value if you are going more than once a year to Disney World. We are considering a small direct add on contract for the "Tickets In Wonderland" card for dining at Disney. Right now the dining plan works for us but once our girls are considered adults for dining, the TIW card will be coming in handy.

Also, if you due buy direct, I wouldn't finance through DVC their rates are very high compared to the rates you can get from various banks for a loan. The Disney Visa card also has 6-month 0% financing for a direct DVC purchase and you get the 2% cash back. We love the Disney Visa card upgraded to the premier membership which gives you 2% on most purchases and 1% on others.

I haven't seen any evidence that the Tables In Wonderland discount card is restricted to direct customers.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I haven't seen any evidence that the Tables In Wonderland discount card is restricted to direct customers.

Officially, you need photo ID and a DVC membership card to buy, so...

 

[supersnoop]

Officially, you need photo ID and a DVC membership card to buy, so...

And has anyone actually confirmed the rumor/speculation that new resale buyers won't receive a member ID?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

And has anyone actually confirmed the rumor/speculation that new resale buyers won't receive a member ID?

We should be nearing a point where it is in fact possible to do so, based on the April cutoff date and the standard time for purchase/setup.

 

[ScubaCat]

I haven't seen any evidence that the Tables In Wonderland discount card is restricted to direct customers.

It's listed under member benefits as a dining discount. It's definitely not available to new Potrock regime resale buyers. (Unless DVD decides to make an exception which is highly doubtful)

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Also, the AP and TIW are not available to resale contracts which actually has some value if you are going more than once a year to Disney World. We are considering a small direct add on contract for the "Tickets In Wonderland" card for dining at Disney. Right now the dining plan works for us but once our girls are considered adults for dining, the TIW card will be coming in handy.

Also, if you due buy direct, I wouldn't finance through DVC their rates are very high compared to the rates you can get from various banks for a loan. The Disney Visa card also has 6-month 0% financing for a direct DVC purchase and you get the 2% cash back. We love the Disney Visa card upgraded to the premier membership which gives you 2% on most purchases and 1% on others.

The TIW is available for any AP holder to purchase too.

 

[ScubaCat]

We should be nearing a point where it is in fact possible to do so, based on the April cutoff date and the standard time for purchase/setup.

I'm wondering what the dvcmember website will look like. Maybe the fonts will all be red instead of blue. An animated image of Ken will be standing behind Septa Unella chanting "Shame. Shame. Shame."

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

And has anyone actually confirmed the rumor/speculation that new resale buyers won't receive a member ID?

I saw a post from a new member who said when they clicked the link to the Member ID the got a blurb about benefits and direct purchase and that they were still eligible for pool hopping, DVD rentals and TOTWL. Then it said they'd have to show a copy of their membership identification to receive those 3 things. No real clarification on what that membership identification is though, especially since it sounded like they didn't have an online one.

 

[supersnoop]

It's listed under member benefits as a dining discount.

The restriction is on "membership magic" discounts. To quote the document, "certain discounts" will not be offered to new resale buyers. Since the card, in and of itself, is not a discount, I don't see how it could be included. But we'll have to wait and see.

 

[Dean]

Thank you all! This is exactly the info I was looking for. We are still trying to figure out the best option for us - I like the idea of buying resale for the money saver and am considering buying resale and then a small direct contract. The issue is, one of the perks that really attracts us is the ability to use the points other places whether it be other DVC resorts, Disneyland, cruises (I understand this is a more complicated process)... And from what I understand we can't do this if we don't buy direct? With our just starting out its hard to see the future of what we may travel like and want to be able to use all our options!

There are no situations where it makes sense to buy retail for the purpose of using for cash type exchanges and very few where it's a reasonable choice for those that own and already have that option. IMO DVD did potential members a favor with this change forcing them to look at the real cost of doing so. It's really a double whammy of pay more per point AND buy more points to do so.

Yes, there's no reason they wouldn't be able to sell a fixed week as long as they have enough points available.

I doubt they can create a fixed week secondarily when it was not sold as such initially.