Grand Floridian Advice and Thoughts from a long time DVC renter

[joeytdog]

Hello All

I rarely post a thread here but I am torn

My family and I (ME, DW, DD 6 and DS 7) have gone to the world four times in the past five years. Always staying at DVC (BCV, BWV, and BLT) and always staying a good amount of time (6, then 7, then 8, and this year 9 nights) in a one bedroom

We always rent points

I priced out next years trip (a 10 night split stay between BCV and BLT, 5 nights each) and the costs for renting points is about $3800, which is fine by me (in May)

However, we have really discovered we love the GF, the ambiance, the restaurants, everything

It is my understanding that the GF only offers CLub level Suites.....we dont want to stay in a "regular hotel room" hence why we love the one bedroom DVC's, and the suites seem the most comprable.

From my research, it seems these rooms are about $1200 a night. SO even if I were to somehow secure a 40% pin code, would my price still be $750 a night

So basically 5 nights in a suite at GF or 10 nights at DVC?

Is that correct

am I missing anything?

If so, thats a tough sell........:-(

Man I wish they would build that GF DVC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any thoughts on what to do?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

DVC is a good value whenever you are comparing to one of the Deluxe hotels at Disney.

You could always try a split stay. Rent DVC for say 4 nights and stay at the GF for 4 nights or any combo like that. Then you can see if you like GF as much as you think or if you prefer DVC accommodations. Disney will move luggage between resorts for you so transferring isn't quite as big of a problem as it might seem. However you will most likely end up without a room for most of that transfer day.

 

[MrShiny]

Well, you'vev kind of summed up the value of DVC! I also really wouldn't expect to get many discounts on that level of room either - and don't forget taxes!

DVC (even renting) gives you a superior experience compared to the hotel rooms for the price. True, there are resorts like GF that do not have DVC (yet), but that's just the product offering.

One reason I bought into DVC was that the hotel rates continue to climb while I'm locked in with only dues that do not fluctuate that much.

It is also amazing that renting DVC has stayed at about the same prices - I guess the ever increasing number of DVC members has helped that.

 

[drusba]

Wait a few years for the possible GF DVC.

Anytime you go from hotel room to suites at GF (or other deluxe), you make a large dollar jump in regular cost for rental through Disney. Also, discounts are harder to come by for suites than the hotel rooms (in other words, don't expect to find that 40% discount for a GF suite). So if you want a 1BR, a DVC rental is going to be the much more economical choice. Also, those DVC 1BRs are actually larger than the 1BR suites at GF or Poly and those suites have only partial kitchen areas (small refrig, microwave, a sink).

You do have a different dollar option through Disney for more space at GF. Try to get two connecting hotel rooms. Doing so is often cheaper than getting a suite because of possible discounts but then you have no kitchen area at all.

 

[BrerNashville]

Wait a few years for the possible GF DVC.

We stayed at the GF a week ago, and the guy who gave me a ride to my room said the surveyors were out last month, which is everybody's clue that something's going on. Said they were surveying b/t Wedding Pavilion and the main hotel.

 

[SB in KY]

I would not hold my breath waiting on a 40% discount on a club level suite at the Grand..... don't think that has much chance of happening. Better think about splitting your stay as suggested above or digging deeper

 

[drumms2112]

I would do 5 nights at GF and then 10 nights at DVC. Yes that is 15 nights and it keeps your streak of stay length going. Live it up. It is only money, you will make more. The GF is best non DVC hotel for luxury (I agree with you) and you will be spoiled. Do it......Do it......I am hoping/$$$saving$$$ for GF DVC!!

 

[joeytdog]

Thanks all

I think a better option would be 2 garden view rooms at about $450 a piece, and I could secure 40% off.

Ill propbably just stick to renting DVC, and just wait for GF DVC to come along

 

[Mtnman44]

At the numbers you are talking, you'd have a DVC purchase break even date after only about 4 or 5 vacations. After which, your hotel costs for the next couple decades would be maintanence dues only, roughly $100 to 140 a night.

 

[joeytdog]

I somewhat disagree.

If maint fees are $4pp and I pay $10pp renting, thats $6pp difference

So on a $80pp buy in I would be even after 12 vacations?

PLus I get to hold onto my money int he meantime

This assumes maint fees go up same rate as rental fees

Plus, I would have to finance so the breakeven probably goes longer

I like the renting option for now

But if GF builds a DVC....then....

 

[RobDIS]

We stayed in GF for a convention and added one night OOP at a reduced cost. It's a fabulous resort, but I would never pay $750 a night. Though we were not in a suite.

I'd go with a longer vacation at a slightly less swanky resort if it were my call.

 

[LSchrow]

We love the GF, and usually stay in the rooms with the extended living space within the turret - they are really lovely and spacious. Luckily, we found we also love the BWVs, so mostly stay there for DVC stays.

i think you should stay at a DVC resort renting points until the GF DVC is built, then buy at the (most likely) lowest priced, preconstruction phase