First Time/DVC-Curious

[Chili327]

TL; DR: if you're really planning to use for family over Christmas at WDW, a WDW resale contract at about half the # of points for a typical stay might be good for you to start with.

For Disneyland: You can book VGC if you see a random night pop up, or you can rent points, but there's off-campus options at DL that are pretty convenient too. We've had very good luck booking (and more than once) AUL, VGC, BCV and BWV and AKV at 7 months, and we liked them all. I love DL and VGC but - I've held off buying VDH because of the transient tax, and so far have managed to book VGC* with my much cheaper WDW points, so I've deferred that issue for at least another 1-2 years.... (*going to be there over Christmas in a 2 br that I booked at 8am, 7mo, on the dot)

Definitely agree with the TL;DR.

Also that’s great getting a room over Xmas, Congrats!!

 

[DVC Gma]

Definitely agree with the TL;DR.

Also that’s great getting a room over Xmas, Congrats!!

I have 2 small contracts. What about a small resale contract at GCV or DH? Kind of dipping your toes in... I would look at the point charts. See what a long weekend would look like at the time of year that you Think you want to go. I have SSR/AU points that I have no problem booking at WDW with at 7 months out. But I do not do December. I am not too picky on which resorts I get at the 7 month mark. Of course I have favorites, but it didn't ruin my May 2024 trip that I couldn't get Poly! I did get GFV and BLT.
Another thing to ask everyone: What UY is best for Them? (Just more prep work to buying DVC.) When I did my resale contract (1st) I chose the worst use year ever, for when we travel most. We go in May, my UY is June. I was on the DIS Boards then, but didn't realize how important UY was or what the resale per point cost was averaging. (I had another name that disappeared)
It is great you are researching! Can't wait to see what you do!

 

[TheDailyMoo]

This is very insightful (and thank you all for your detailed posts).

When I look at how much it would cost to book a 1-bed at AK around the time I'd go, and I look at the costs of some AK resale contracts, the contract would be paid off in 4 visits and then it would be a matter of renting points at a profit or breakeven or using the points for vacations. For the current AK direct incentives, it seems the contract would be paid off in the 6-7 visits. I went to WDW 7 times as a kid (and 2 times as an adult) as someone from the Northeast. I went to Disneyland (just day trips) just about every year from 2011 through to the pandemic. So I would think I would be doing a bunch of Disney travel in some capacity. But if the kid one day decides he hates Disney, then we would need to adjust.

Still tricky to figure out if it's worth it given the various restrictions in each scenario though: AK direct with current incentives seems like the best of both worlds since AK might be the best hotel I've ever been to and it offers stuff outside theme parks (animals and great food!) and I can stay at upcoming Disneyland properties. AK resale seems the most economical but we couldn't stay at any Disneyland property except Grand Cal if it happens to be available. In terms of buying directly from Disneyland Hotel, I dunno. I've never stayed there but really dig the vibe. Has a cool warm and fuzzy feeling to it all and it seems very colorful/kid friendly. I like that it's a bit isolated from the rest of Disneyland but not too far of a walk. At the same time, I understand when people call it a glorified Marriott too. Other than Trader Sam's, it doesn't really offer much that's unusual/distinctive/etc., but the history and vibes are great.I also worry more that the vibes of that place might be diluted for us if we stay there a ton, whereas I don't have that concern with AK. Grand Californian seems better for adults and is awesome in its own way but buying a resale contract there feels very expensive. Not sure about that.

I'm not going to opine either way on is DVC worth it or not in your situation but I wanted to just mention how wonderful I think an AKV resale contract is. A contract can be had sub 100 very easily...it's a 2057 expiration...and me personally I have gotten both value and Club Level rooms rather easily...both at extremely popular times. I've also used those points to stay in much more "expensive" resorts. It really is the best SAP+ points you can buy in my opinion. Good luck whatever you choose!

Just as an aside I've never been to Disneyland and every time I hear people wax poetic about it I feel an overwhelming urge to go. I'm an east coaster but I do love the whole vibe of the west coast every time I visit!

 

[Sean81995]

@intamin - I really liked your point that the main reason was for bigger trips to WDW over the winter holidays. If OP is mainly focused on WDW then it makes a lot of sense to start with resale at WDW at a home resort that you think you would enjoy over the holidays with your extended and/or growing family. With the exception of Riviera resale (which I'd never advise as a "first" DVC purchase), any WDW points are usable at VGC and you could still try it out if you happen to see availability. It is possible - I have booked 1br/2br at VGC in April and December with WDW points. I just wouldn't expect to be able to get rooms, and treat it as very lucky if you could. (and you could rent points if you really really wanted). Either of the DL DVCs are a big outlay of $$$ for a first-timer who plans to use the points mostly at WDW.

I love this - I also bought an initial home resort resale to try out at a great price, and have since expanded. (see signature)

My answers in red in here:

1. I would plan to go at least every 2 years and buying 50%ish of the points needed. I'm really nervous about losing a whole year's worth of banked points if something had to cancel.

2. ALL of what @Cfabar1 said!! We bought a lot of VGF points because we love the resort at Christmas (and other times) - others have listed the resorts that are extra-popular over Christmas. My personal favorites because of decorations etc. are : VGF, AKV, CCV. When we go over the winter holidays, we plan dinners at many different resorts to see their decorations and there are often things like carolers and Santa and the like. VGF has the biggest and most elaborate gingerbread house. We haven't been there over Xmas in a few years and I'm suffering from withdrawal.... They also have a chocolate egg display around Easter. In short, the lobby always smells and often sounds amazing.

4. I'd add that there are resale sites have have points calculators that will give you a sense of the # of points it costs for a stay at different times of year, and they are easier to use than the point charts that DVC publishes. Christmas points for large units makes my eyes bleed.

VGF is super hard even at 11 months for Christmas and December (it's fine at 11 months other times of the year) - at almost all room sizes. There are a lot of resort studios now so they're a little easier to get and for a family reunion you'd then get multiple studios... I don't know so much about booking the other resorts at Christmas because if we are going we book at 11 months on the dot at our home resorts. (Have stayed and booked each of our home resorts then, and it's challenging but doable.) 2021 was the hardest because of the pent up demand.

^^ All of this...

Our story: we bought our first contract in 2017 with a 5 yr old and a 1 yr old, and BLT was the only resort that was walking distance to MK. It was absolutely the right choice for us! Now that our kids are older, they are out of strollers and that makes the traveling to parks a little easier. When the baby was in a crib, it was easy to do studios and there's usually a slightly away place for a crib. Then the kids got bigger and it was more luxurious to get a 1br with a kitchen, get a grocery delivery of fruit and breakfast items, and not sit in the dark for hours after the kids went to bed.

Now that the kids are bigger and they've experienced the Murphy beds in the living rooms at Riviera and VGF, I feel a little bad sticking them on a pull out in a 1br (BWV and BCV before refurbs and maybe still?, and also why we still haven't stayed at BRV/CCV). We like the savanna rooms at AKV and have stayed in both buildings - but when we had little ones in the stroller, we avoided using buses as park transportation, so we haven't re-visited AKV until recently.

I really like our mix as our family has grown and our preferences for different sizes and styles has changed - BLT (resale mostly) in a 1br (studios are too small) was great for getting to and from MK with a stroller, and even if we were in our room because the kids had to go to bed early, we could see fireworks. Our next purchase was VGF (resale + direct) - despite wanting BCV/BWV to get something walkable to EP/HS, I was scared away from the 2042 end dates. Then RIV (direct) because we did want EP/HS availability.

With one young child and possibly another one in the future, you'll have stroller considerations for a bit - it's kind of a hassle to fold a stroller and carry it on a bus, so then MK-area resorts might be more appealing. Also, while AKV does tend to have availability at 7 mo, if you're buying to use in December and especially Christmas, you should plan to buy a home resort that you like for the holidays. For me, with little kids, I wouldn't want to have to bus any time I wanted to go anywhere. CCV/BRV have less-than-ideal bedding situations in larger units (some sofabeds, 1br only sleep 4, etc) that you should be aware of, all BWV 2br are lock offs so it can be hard to get them, BCV's feature pool, Stormalong Bay, is hard with littler kids but becomes a lot of fun once the kids are older and strong swimmers. We have yet to stay at OKW/SSR because my kids want to be in the parks ALL the time.

TL; DR: if you're really planning to use for family over Christmas at WDW, a WDW resale contract at about half the # of points for a typical stay might be good for you to start with.

For Disneyland: You can book VGC if you see a random night pop up, or you can rent points, but there's off-campus options at DL that are pretty convenient too. We've had very good luck booking (and more than once) AUL, VGC, BCV and BWV and AKV at 7 months, and we liked them all. I love DL and VGC but - I've held off buying VDH because of the transient tax, and so far have managed to book VGC* with my much cheaper WDW points, so I've deferred that issue for at least another 1-2 years.... (*going to be there over Christmas in a 2 br that I booked at 8am, 7mo, on the dot)

This is another insightful post. Thank you. Can I ask what the problem is with bringing strollers on buses? Is there a no stroller policy? We haven't taken our son on public transportation yet (that's not how we get around in our neighborhood really). I get that buses can get packed and it might be annoying for other travelers, but our stroller folds up so it's not a huge space sucker: it's smaller and more narrow than an adult. I'm also from NYC and am used to riding packed buses and subways so the cramped factor doesn't bother me so much.
Also, I was considering VGF. I've always wanted to stay there and the monorail + MK proximity are big pluses. Food options seem cool too and my wife digs that it has a spa. But what do you mean it's still tough to get at 11 months around xmas? If we tried for a one-bedroom owning there and couldn't get one, then that would be a non-starter for me.
Thanks again!

 

[intamin]

This is another insightful post. Thank you. Can I ask what the problem is with bringing strollers on buses? Is there a no stroller policy? We haven't taken our son on public transportation yet (that's not how we get around in our neighborhood really). I get that buses can get packed and it might be annoying for other travelers, but our stroller folds up so it's not a huge space sucker: it's smaller and more narrow than an adult. I'm also from NYC and am used to riding packed buses and subways so the cramped factor doesn't bother me so much.
Also, I was considering VGF. I've always wanted to stay there and the monorail + MK proximity are big pluses. Food options seem cool too and my wife digs that it has a spa. But what do you mean it's still tough to get at 11 months around xmas? If we tried for a one-bedroom owning there and couldn't get one, then that would be a non-starter for me.
Thanks again!

It's more annoying than anything, they of course allow strollers but having to get your kid out of the stroller and pack it up each time when compared to just walking into a park or using other transportation methods that don't require you to pack it up. If you're used to it and don't mind doing it it's not a big deal. I'd say having a scooter at WDW is far worse than having a stroller because each bus can only hold 2 scooters and waiting for multiple buses because the scooters is a PITA. This problem is particularly prominent at resorts with an internal bus loop like SSR or OKW. My father recently experienced this at OKW last winter and it eventually got bad enough that he left the scooter in the room just so they could get on the bus and ended up being miserable for the rest of the day.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

This is another insightful post. Thank you. Can I ask what the problem is with bringing strollers on buses? Is there a no stroller policy? We haven't taken our son on public transportation yet (that's not how we get around in our neighborhood really). I get that buses can get packed and it might be annoying for other travelers, but our stroller folds up so it's not a huge space sucker: it's smaller and more narrow than an adult. I'm also from NYC and am used to riding packed buses and subways so the cramped factor doesn't bother me so much.
Also, I was considering VGF. I've always wanted to stay there and the monorail + MK proximity are big pluses. Food options seem cool too and my wife digs that it has a spa. But what do you mean it's still tough to get at 11 months around xmas? If we tried for a one-bedroom owning there and couldn't get one, then that would be a non-starter for me.
Thanks again!

As someone who is still in the stroller stage, the whole bus/stroller situation (IMHO) is less about collapsing the stroller itself and more so making the stroller 'ready' to be collapsed.

We have the Babyzen Yo Yo - super compact and ridiculously light - and at this point I can pretty much collapse using one-hand while holding an iced coffee in the other. BUT before I can do that, I need to first find some place to stash the fans, water bottles, sunscreen, wipes, ponchos, ears, leftover baguette from Les Halles, oversized souvenirs, Mickey bubble wand (yes, I'm a sucker). If you're already carrying all that stuff in a backpack, then NBD but most folks take advantage of having the stroller.

Having to do it once in awhile is fine but every day multiple times a day...especially in the heat and/or rain (and inevitably after you've raced to catch the bus and have other riders waiting for you) it gets old fast. Even if you have the packing down to a science...it's just not ideal.

This is why I usually steer folks w/ young children away from bus-only resorts if other resorts are an option. Boats, monorails and even the skyliner make life much easier in the stroller years.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

As someone who is still in the stroller stage, the whole bus/stroller situation (IMHO) is less about collapsing the stroller itself and more so making the stroller 'ready' to be collapsed.

We have the Babyzen Yo Yo - super compact and ridiculously light - and at this point I can pretty much collapse using one-hand while holding an iced coffee in the other. BUT before I can do that, I need to first find some place to stash the fans, water bottles, sunscreen, wipes, ponchos, ears, leftover baguette from Les Halles, oversized souvenirs, Mickey bubble wand (yes, I'm a sucker). If you're already carrying all that stuff in a backpack, then NBD but most folks take advantage of having the stroller.

Having to do it once in awhile is fine but every day multiple times a day...especially in the heat and/or rain (and inevitably after you've raced to catch the bus and have other riders waiting for you) it gets old fast. Even if you have the packing down to a science...it's just not ideal.

YESSS this a million times! It's not the collapsing it's the getting prepared to collapse then sit on the bus all uncomfortable then get off and open it and reorganize...ahhh PTSD!

Did many many years with the busses but staying in monorail/walkable Crescent Lake resorts has made me view the busses as torture devices!

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

YESSS this a million times! It's not the collapsing it's the getting prepared to collapse then sit on the bus all uncomfortable then get off and open it and reorganize...ahhh PTSD!

Did many many years with the busses but staying in monorail/walkable Crescent Lake resorts has made me view the busses as torture devices!

Yup...and then add in having to hold a wet, sticky stroller cover after a good summer storm...torture!!

 

[CarolynFH]

The stroller/bus issue is exactly why we have a waitlist in, hoping to swap our BWV Grand Villa (3 bedrooms! Boardwalk view!) for a BLT 2 bedroom for our toddler granddaughter's first WDW visit.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

The stroller/bus issue is exactly why we have a waitlist in, hoping to swap our BWV Grand Villa (3 bedrooms! Boardwalk view!) for a BLT 2 bedroom for our toddler granddaughter's first WDW visit.

Going to our first Not So Scary in October and all the points I had left could get me was a AKV value...lucky I could get it but I'm dreading the late night bus rides with kid and stroller in tow. I really should've tried to waitlist a BLT with OTUPs but alas...here we are lol.

Not So Scary does not refer to the long late bus ride from MK to AK!

 

[AstroBlasters]

I'm not going to opine either way on is DVC worth it or not in your situation but I wanted to just mention how wonderful I think an AKV resale contract is. A contract can be had sub 100 very easily...it's a 2057 expiration...and me personally I have gotten both value and Club Level rooms rather easily...both at extremely popular times. I've also used those points to stay in much more "expensive" resorts. It really is the best SAP+ points you can buy in my opinion. Good luck whatever you choose!

Just as an aside I've never been to Disneyland and every time I hear people wax poetic about it I feel an overwhelming urge to go. I'm an east coaster but I do love the whole vibe of the west coast every time I visit!

You have NEVER been to Disneyland?

 

[Sean81995]

As someone who is still in the stroller stage, the whole bus/stroller situation (IMHO) is less about collapsing the stroller itself and more so making the stroller 'ready' to be collapsed.

We have the Babyzen Yo Yo - super compact and ridiculously light - and at this point I can pretty much collapse using one-hand while holding an iced coffee in the other. BUT before I can do that, I need to first find some place to stash the fans, water bottles, sunscreen, wipes, ponchos, ears, leftover baguette from Les Halles, oversized souvenirs, Mickey bubble wand (yes, I'm a sucker). If you're already carrying all that stuff in a backpack, then NBD but most folks take advantage of having the stroller.

Having to do it once in awhile is fine but every day multiple times a day...especially in the heat and/or rain (and inevitably after you've raced to catch the bus and have other riders waiting for you) it gets old fast. Even if you have the packing down to a science...it's just not ideal.

This is why I usually steer folks w/ young children away from bus-only resorts if other resorts are an option. Boats, monorails and even the skyliner make life much easier in the stroller years.

ugh i dunno. this makes sense. now i'm feeling that if i do buy, i should just get disneyland hotel since i definitely see us doing that trip regularly and the east coast 2-year plan might not always work out. Magic Kingdom is awesome but not as special to me as a socal person since we have disneyland. Epcot/Hollywood studios/animal kingdom are the more unusual draws... so being on the monorail loop isn't as big for me. I fear the epcot hotels around the lake would decrease in value more quickly since they expire in less than 20 years. And Riveria doesn't -- just in my opinion -- have that awe-inspiring vibe that I'd want to keep going back to (totally get it if other people dig though... just a preference).

If we do by Disneyland hotel though, I just would hate to only be relegated to saratoga/key west around the holidays if we're banking points to do a florida trip. And Disneyland is also expensive... oy

 

[intamin]

ugh i dunno. this makes sense. now i'm feeling that if i do buy, i should just get disneyland hotel since i definitely see us doing that trip regularly and the east coast 2-year plan might not always work out. Magic Kingdom is awesome but not as special to me as a socal person since we have disneyland. Epcot/Hollywood studios/animal kingdom are the more unusual draws... so being on the monorail loop isn't as big for me. I fear the epcot hotels around the lake would decrease in value more quickly since they expire in less than 20 years. And Riveria doesn't -- just in my opinion -- have that awe-inspiring vibe that I'd want to keep going back to (totally get it if other people dig though... just a preference).

If we do by Disneyland hotel though, I just would hate to only be relegated to saratoga/key west around the holidays if we're banking points to do a florida trip. And Disneyland is also expensive... oy

You'll likely be able to pick up somewhere else if you check regularly in the 7 month window and you're flexible with split stays. I know you said AKV was somewhere you originally were interested in and that would probably be next in line to be able to grab at 7 months even if it is for December.

I'd ask yourself if you really see yourself using that 11 month window for DL hotel. If you do, then buy VDH. If not, then consider maybe direct Polynesian points so you don't lock yourself out of VDH with resale and you'll be able to book Poly 11 months out for December.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

You have NEVER been to Disneyland?

No and every time I see or hear about it I get the urge to go. We don't get to the west coast very often especially lately most of our travels have centered around Orlando. But I am a huge Disney history buff and every time I see a documentary or read about the early days of the Walt Disney company and Walt's vision for Disneyland I get a sense of nostalgia for the place even though I have never set foot in nor even come close to Orange county. This last trip we talked about making the trip just for Disneyland. But truth be told we have the same desire to finally see Hawaii and we may just wait for the opportunity to do the DL layover for a few days then continue on to Aulani. Perhaps a small layover in Vegas on one of the legs...that wouldn't hurt either!

 

[AstroBlasters]

No and every time I see or hear about it I get the urge to go. We don't get to the west coast very often especially lately most of our travels have centered around Orlando. But I am a huge Disney history buff and every time I see a documentary or read about the early days of the Walt Disney company and Walt's vision for Disneyland I get a sense of nostalgia for the place even though I have never set foot in nor even come close to Orange county. This last trip we talked about making the trip just for Disneyland. But truth be told we have the same desire to finally see Hawaii and we may just wait for the opportunity to do the DL layover for a few days then continue on to Aulani. Perhaps a small layover in Vegas on one of the legs...that wouldn't hurt either!

I think an Disneyland/Aulani trip is just what the Dr. ordered!

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I think an Disneyland/Aulani trip is just what the Dr. ordered!

I know this may sound stupid or come off odd but one reason I'd really love to visit DL is because I hear it's mostly locals. I'm not ignorant, I know Disney World is one of the largest tourist draws in the world but honestly sometimes it gets really annoying being around...well...tourists! I know I know everyone that uses MCO is a tourist but I hope you know what I'm getting at. Sometimes I just want to be like..."can we all act like we've been here before even if we haven't?" I have this feeling I'd really enjoy the more laid back feel that I assume DL provides since again...a lot of the people have "been there done that" before. Correct me if I'm wrong about my assumption!

 

[AstroBlasters]

ugh i dunno. this makes sense. now i'm feeling that if i do buy, i should just get disneyland hotel since i definitely see us doing that trip regularly and the east coast 2-year plan might not always work out. Magic Kingdom is awesome but not as special to me as a socal person since we have disneyland. Epcot/Hollywood studios/animal kingdom are the more unusual draws... so being on the monorail loop isn't as big for me. I fear the epcot hotels around the lake would decrease in value more quickly since they expire in less than 20 years. And Riveria doesn't -- just in my opinion -- have that awe-inspiring vibe that I'd want to keep going back to (totally get it if other people dig though... just a preference).

If we do by Disneyland hotel though, I just would hate to only be relegated to saratoga/key west around the holidays if we're banking points to do a florida trip. And Disneyland is also expensive... oy

ugh i dunno. this makes sense. now i'm feeling that if i do buy, i should just get disneyland hotel since i definitely see us doing that trip regularly and the east coast 2-year plan might not always work out. Magic Kingdom is awesome but not as special to me as a socal person since we have disneyland. Epcot/Hollywood studios/animal kingdom are the more unusual draws... so being on the monorail loop isn't as big for me. I fear the epcot hotels around the lake would decrease in value more quickly since they expire in less than 20 years. And Riveria doesn't -- just in my opinion -- have that awe-inspiring vibe that I'd want to keep going back to (totally get it if other people dig though... just a preference).

If we do by Disneyland hotel though, I just would hate to only be relegated to saratoga/key west around the holidays if we're banking points to do a florida trip. And Disneyland is also expensive... oy

perhaps… buy a small BW/BC contract resale and then pair it with some VDH points at the member pricing and incentive levels?

 

[AstroBlasters]

I know this may sound stupid or come off odd but one reason I'd really love to visit DL is because I hear it's mostly locals. I'm not ignorant, I know Disney World is one of the largest tourist draws in the world but honestly sometimes it gets really annoying being around...well...tourists! I know I know everyone that uses MCO is a tourist but I hope you know what I'm getting at. Sometimes I just want to be like..."can we all act like we've been here before even if we haven't?" I have this feeling I'd really enjoy the more laid back feel that I assume DL provides since again...a lot of the people have "been there done that" before. Correct me if I'm wrong about my assumption!

Human beings are still human beings and DLand still has a lot of visitors…. but Genie+ works really well, DCA has great food, people are usually pretty laid back (not always), and everything is walking distance.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

Human beings are still human beings and DLand still has a lot of visitors…. but Genie+ works really well, DCA has great food, people are usually pretty laid back (not always), and everything is walking distance.

Well count me in!

 

[Sean81995]

silly question: if you own at disneyland hotel, and a specific room is available, can you secure it when booking? I ask because some of the 1- and 2-bedrooms look at the monorail pool but others seem to overlook... Anaheim. Not exactly the vibe I'd want to leave to chance and couldnt get for cheaper at the westin