GCV Direct or Resale?

[Cfabar1]

Given the nature of how points at GCV are going to be used their exclusively (or close to it), I can't think of a single reason to go direct unless you really really want access to Star View Station or whatever it is called. If you are a DVC existing owner with direct benefits, then I really can't imagine what the advantage of GCV would be.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Given the nature of how points at GCV are going to be used their exclusively (or close to it), I can't think of a single reason to go direct unless you really really want access to Star View Station or whatever it is called. If you are a DVC existing owner with direct benefits, then I really can't imagine what the advantage of GCV would be.

You are discounting anything they may build for Disneyland Forward. They have plans for additional hotel and timeshare rooms.

Once you’ve paid the upfront buy-in, those costs are sunk and points are points to be used to maximize enjoyment.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Given the nature of how points at GCV are going to be used their exclusively (or close to it), I can't think of a single reason to go direct unless you really really want access to Star View Station or whatever it is called. If you are a DVC existing owner with direct benefits, then I really can't imagine what the advantage of GCV would be.

Unfortunately, things come up and people need to reschedule trips. Restricted resale points will only allowing booking at VGC, which is of course the desired place. However, due to the lack of rooms, I think it's better to have unrestricted points so VDH can be booked if VGC isn't available. There's nothing worse than having to book a hotel room on cash when you know you have points that could have been used.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Given the nature of how points at GCV are going to be used their exclusively (or close to it), I can't think of a single reason to go direct unless you really really want access to Star View Station or whatever it is called. If you are a DVC existing owner with direct benefits, then I really can't imagine what the advantage of GCV would be.

Since I’m only buying 75 points, it comes out to $5k difference between direct and resale - spread over 35 years. Just feels like for the amount I’m already paying I’d want total flexibility.

 

[tx911]

Since I’m only buying 75 points, it comes out to $5k difference between direct and resale - spread over 35 years. Just feels like for the amount I’m already paying I’d want total flexibility.

Yes, if you could find 75 points direct, I would 100% go that route. I'm all about flexibility.

I eventually got tired of waiting and ended up buying 2 50 point resale contracts for VGC.

But given the option I would definitely favor direct if that is possible.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Since I’m only buying 75 points, it comes out to $5k difference between direct and resale - spread over 35 years. Just feels like for the amount I’m already paying I’d want total flexibility.

It’s a $392 a year insurance policy (with 5% TVM).

But… you won’t worry about the cost after it’s paid up front.

 

[Sandisw]

Since I’m only buying 75 points, it comes out to $5k difference between direct and resale - spread over 35 years. Just feels like for the amount I’m already paying I’d want total flexibility.

For me, that would seal the deal for direct.

 

[intamin]

Having recently gone through this little exercise myself, I'd first pick VGC versus VDH depending on your current make up of points. Do you have a healthy amount of direct points already? Do you need more?

If you don't have that many direct points (<300) I'd probably go for VDH. You get almost the full 50 years, more studio availability and IMO the rooms look nicer.

If you don't need more direct SAP points, I'd probably opt for VGC. VGC does have the better location and IMO the better theming. Disneyland Forward could make things interesting for VDHs location but we'll see when that comes to fruition and also where it puts things relatively. Obviously not having the additional transient taxes also makes VGC more enticing. VGC is also harder to get into in general so the home resort priority is more valuable.

For me, I'm leaning towards VGC because I plan to own just shy of 500 direct points before buying VGC which at least for my needs is enough to book a 2BR/3BR for a decent amount of time at most resorts if I'm willing to bank every other year. As to direct vs. resale VGC, I prefer more points at VGC instead of needing them to be used at a resale restricted resort, that's what my RIV points are for. Anyways, that's just my take, good luck choosing!

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Have nothing helpful to add here but just wanted to at I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip!

I think we’ve spoken about my feelings toward DLR so I’m really happy to hear you guys had such a great experience that you want go often enough to buy out there!

Good luck with whichever route you choose- can’t wait to hear what you go with!

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

Take a really good look at the point charts based on when you want to visit in a 1bd.

There can be a massive point difference.

Also, VDH direct can waitlist at VGC…. but VGC resale can’t waitlist at VDH.

Sure, VDH *can* waitlist at VGC but how often does it actually clear?

I would never never use my VGC points (whether direct or resale) at VDH, so the ability to waitlist there doesn't really matter to moi.

Given the nature of how points at GCV are going to be used their exclusively (or close to it), I can't think of a single reason to go direct unless you really really want access to Star View Station or whatever it is called. If you are a DVC existing owner with direct benefits, then I really can't imagine what the advantage of GCV would be.

This is where I land-- except I believe the OP already has a decent number of direct at WDW? If you don't own direct anywhere yet, the gap between VGC direct and resale might be the narrowest of anywhere currently on sale direct for small contracts?

I owned 350 direct (split between AUL and VGF) when I finally bought 125 resale at VGC-- I might have bought direct if 80-120 had been offered to me before buying resale (and I'd consider adding 25-50 direct if they ever decide to sell my UY again... I kept being offered Feb and then when this month turned over Jun, eyeroll). I will never use more than a handful of my VGC points offsite unless I seriously screw something up (which is possible!) but I know I can use them at places I like better at WDW and AUL if it comes to that. I do think eventually there will be a new DVC property in DLR that I want to try, but I can use the large number of direct points to try it and if it is (somehow) better than VGC, I'll just buy a contract there in the future.

Oh, one other to think about--VGC's point chart is not that forgiving, so 75 points a year is never going to get you much more than 3 nights in a studio (and many times less!)-- so it's one thing to say a "5k" difference and another to think about whether it's 3 nights a year and change or enough for 5... if you're the kind of person who wants to visit more than 3 nights a year. I bought 125 figuring it would be enough for 2 nights in a 1 bd villa and 2-3 nights in a studio and am already realizing I need to be very limited on my dates if I want to make that work (or spend more nights in studios).

Counterpoint (caveat)-- the "never stay at VDH" analysis may not make as much sense to the "must stay in Disney bubble" crowd. For example, last night I walked with my two elementary school aged children from the esplanade down HARBOR (gasp!) all the way across Katella (double gasp!) to the Sheraton at 9:40pm, where I had booked a room for $200 (including taxes and fees) last minute, with a dead on view of the fireworks. We actually prefer to stay at the Westin over the Sheraton but it is often 1.5-2x as expensive.

I understand this feels scary and/or ruins the "Disney bubble" for some but if you are not afraid of the mean streets of Anaheim, it's *really* hard to justify buying VGC points at $330 (direct) only to spend them at VDH (where you'll get nailed with the ToT on top of it) and have a longer walk than many offsite hotels, with far less flexibility to book and adjust last minute trips.

 

[NVDISFamily]

Given their high cost and trouble to purchase all considered I'd just go VGC resale and book there. VGC points go into their own bucket and must not be used elsewhere

If you desire flexibility, direct perks, and other things, just close your eyes, forget about the TOT tax, and buy a bunch of VDH points on a good sale. Haven't seen a fire sale on them yet, but who knows what can happen in the coming weeks/months. If you could get VDH cheap enough to tempt you to treat them more as SAP+/Network points it's not the worst thing ever.....

If by some magical set of events I was able to budget a small pile of money to perhaps buy a bunch of RIV points before it sells out but then VDH became at the same price, VDH all the way.

 

[longboard55]

On the pools, the GCV is definitely more luxury and the wife favorite for sure but you need to get there early, but we had a great time at the VDH with our toddler grandson. They had an 8" deep area he loved also the fountains in the new DVC pool area.

The bar at GCV is nicer but not a lot of seating, the bar at DVC is bigger and we like it but on windy days its like a wind tunnel and not every comfortable.

Side note, we are going on a Mediterranean cruise next week and money is flying out the window. We were saying maybe we could have just done a week at Disney with our points and saved a ton of money

 

[Dodgerburt8]

Since I’m only buying 75 points, it comes out to $5k difference between direct and resale - spread over 35 years. Just feels like for the amount I’m already paying I’d want total flexibility.

It really comes down to the value you place on increased flexibility. Personally I think most people believe they need more flexibility than they actually do. A buyer will say, I really want to be able to stay at any resort, and then for the next ten years they book their home resort and maybe one or two others in the original 14. All they really bought was peace of mind.

 

[longboard55]

It really gets down to schedule. We book dates, like fathers day. So sure maybe we can get rooms at other properties, but will it be on our preferred days

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Thanks everyone! It’s helpful to hear your perspectives.

For more context - confirming I have a decent chunk of WDW direct (300 points) and will probably land closer to 500 when all is said and done. So I don’t need/plan on using these points - whether GCV or VDH - as SAP. Though to PP’s point, knowing I can if I had a stranded point or two is a nice benefit (or peace of mind )

I also understand that in theory I can use my existing direct WDW points at both - this is what we did for this trip - used RIV points for our VDH stay (and waitlisted CGV). But I also don’t have a ton of confidence that I could do it regularly - especially since I won’t have a lot of flexibility with dates.

I recognize that 75 points isn’t a lot - but we would stay in studios and I don’t foresee us making it to CA more than every other year given the other traveling we do.

Last night I was leaning towards GCV and today I’m back to VDH…so we shall see where I land

Thanks again!!

 

[VGCgroupie]

Thanks everyone! It’s helpful to hear your perspectives.

For more context - confirming I have a decent chunk of WDW direct (300 points) and will probably land closer to 500 when all is said and done. So I don’t need/plan on using these points - whether GCV or VDH - as SAP. Though to PP’s point, knowing I can if I had a stranded point or two is a nice benefit (or peace of mind )

I also understand that in theory I can use my existing direct WDW points at both - this is what we did for this trip - used RIV points for our VDH stay (and waitlisted CGV). But I also don’t have a ton of confidence that I could do it regularly - especially since I won’t have a lot of flexibility with dates.

I recognize that 75 points isn’t a lot - but we would stay in studios and I don’t foresee us making it to CA more than every other year given the other traveling we do.

Last night I was leaning towards GCV and today I’m back to VDH…so we shall see where I land

Thanks again!!

At the risk of sounding like a broken record be sure to calculate your difference in cost 100pts vs 75pts. You would be paying just $115 per point for the extra 25 points (if you have an AP $1000 savings and D23 $450 savings after membership fee)

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record be sure to calculate your difference in cost 100pts vs 75pts. You would be paying just $115 per point for the extra 25 points (if you have an AP $1000 savings and D23 $450 savings after membership fee)

Oh yes, sorry! I did do that in my trusty spreadsheet - the Favorite Week was a little more than 100 pts! But oh boy seeing these numbers next to what I paid for RIV direct last year is

 

[VGCgroupie]

Oh yes, sorry! I did do that in my trusty spreadsheet - the Favorite Week was a little more than 100 pts! But oh boy seeing these numbers next to what I paid for RIV direct last year is

Yeah the base price increases really can make things more expensive even if the incentives are still pretty good.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Thanks everyone! It’s helpful to hear your perspectives.

For more context - confirming I have a decent chunk of WDW direct (300 points) and will probably land closer to 500 when all is said and done. So I don’t need/plan on using these points - whether GCV or VDH - as SAP. Though to PP’s point, knowing I can if I had a stranded point or two is a nice benefit (or peace of mind )

I also understand that in theory I can use my existing direct WDW points at both - this is what we did for this trip - used RIV points for our VDH stay (and waitlisted CGV). But I also don’t have a ton of confidence that I could do it regularly - especially since I won’t have a lot of flexibility with dates.

I recognize that 75 points isn’t a lot - but we would stay in studios and I don’t foresee us making it to CA more than every other year given the other traveling we do.

Last night I was leaning towards GCV and today I’m back to VDH…so we shall see where I land

Thanks again!!

Based on that I’d go VGC resale…. it’s just going to be incredibly difficult to find a contract in that point range.