Hard time deciding when to purchase

[ClaraOswald]

Are you craving the variety that direct points can bring? It didn't seem like the other member benefits were super important to you. But being able to book anywhere is a great feature.

Yeah...direct benefits aren't really much of a driving factor. Though I would like to be able to get our Pizza Port food at eat it at the lounge! That definitely appeals to me...but it's not something to make me buy direct on it's own.

I'd say the biggest draw for me to VDH right now is that it would add variety to our CA visits. We plan to go to Disneyland roughly once a year. And it would be nice to switch things up since the two resorts have very different vibes.

I also like the idea of being able to use those points at new resorts that may pop up, like LSL. We also wouldn't mind checking out the Cabins at Wilderness Lodge someday.

I guess those are the two biggest things. And I really did like the overall vibe when we visited. I especially liked the 1-bedroom villa we saw.

 

[VGCgroupie]

We're thinking 160 actually. So then we'd have 160 at both California resorts. And we'd alternate where we stay each trip, which would basically give us 320 to each at each one.

If you opted for VGC would just add 100 or more than that?

 

[AstroBlasters]

Jumping in late. Yes, it would be ludicrous to buy the points in June vs May for a June UY.

Also. I’d consider buying before they raise the base price…..

 

[AstroBlasters]

Just an idea, but why don’t you do the six months zero interest on the Disney visa and then you can just pay it off when you’re there in June?

 

[Girlstar30]

Yeah...direct benefits aren't really much of a driving factor. Though I would like to be able to get our Pizza Port food at eat it at the lounge! That definitely appeals to me...but it's not something to make me buy direct on it's own.

I'd say the biggest draw for me to VDH right now is that it would add variety to our CA visits. We plan to go to Disneyland roughly once a year. And it would be nice to switch things up since the two resorts have very different vibes.

I also like the idea of being able to use those points at new resorts that may pop up, like LSL. We also wouldn't mind checking out the Cabins at Wilderness Lodge someday.

I guess those are the two biggest things. And I really did like the overall vibe when we visited. I especially liked the 1-bedroom villa we saw.

I will say that I believe that availability at vdh is way better than I thought it would be.

Ive been able to book many reservations at impossible to get times at vgc like 4th of july for example in my week of ownership lol.

If staying at vgc is a must longer, then I would really get that. Maybe availability will be harder later for vdh, but theres a lot more rooms at vdh than vgc.

The main draw to me for vdh are the unique rooms like garden, which I think you said in a different post that being in "the action" doesnt really appeal to you. I spend more time outdoors at vdh, venturing thru dtd, I think the pools really shine at vdh and gives out that fun outdoor summer vibe!

I think if I had kids, convenience may be the number one priority for me and vgc would be appealing. Ultimately, its about buying where you love, just some thoughts!

I think VDH is a great price right now, its even a couple dollars cheaper than when it first went on sale with MB. Thats pretty unheard of. At this cost, if money is the main factor, id push anyone towards vdh, I think for a Cali resort, its a really great upfront deal for your ticket to direct. So glad they had the option for me!

 

[VGCgroupie]

Cant help with the emotional side of things but these are the financial numbers.

VDH - 160
Upfront $33,385
Dues per year $1686
Cost per point $14.80
Cost per year $2366
Total cost $116,019

VGC - 100
Upfront $24,900
Dues per year $952.00
Cost per point $16.63
Cost per year $1663
Total cost $58,220


Total cost is scary for VDH but keep in mind VDH has 60 more points and has an extra 14 years of owning/use over VGC.
This isn’t 100% exact numbers but very close. Doesn’t factor in MB or banked points or any closing costs. (and if financing none of that is factored in)

 

[Girlstar30]

If youre serious about buying i can post the contract with the exact breakdown of how much deposits would be for 20% down over 60 days with incentives but no magical beginnings. That could easily be figured out tho.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Cant help with the emotional side of things but these are the financial numbers.

VDH - 160
Upfront $33,385
Dues per year $1686
Cost per point $14.80
Cost per year $2366
Total cost $116,019

VGC - 100
Upfront $24,900
Dues per year $952.00
Cost per point $16.63
Cost per year $1663
Total cost $58,220


Total cost is scary for VDH but keep in mind VDH has 60 more points and has an extra 14 years of owning/use over VGC.
This isn’t 100% exact numbers but very close. Doesn’t factor in MB or banked points or any closing costs. (and if financing none of that is factored in)

I’m still waiting to see if the grand Californian dues can stay as low given the amount of under withholding they did for a proper refurbishment

That really broke a lot of trust with the owners.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I’m still waiting to see if the grand Californian dues can stay as low given the amount of under withholding they did for a proper refurbishment

I do have a breakdown that will calculate based off history of dues and includes increases but that can get overwhelming.

I do think VGC will see a larger than normal dues increase next year and/or the following year.

 

[VGCgroupie]

That really broke a lot of trust with the owners.

I think they are going to realize their mistake when it's not as easy as it would've been before to sell the 6000 they have to sell. They will still sell, but I bet they will need to make more calls than they would've had to make last year

 

[ClaraOswald]

If you opted for VGC would just add 100 or more than that?

Yes, 100 for VGC.

Jumping in late. Yes, it would be ludicrous to buy the points in June vs May for a June UY.

Also. I’d consider buying before they raise the base price…..

Yeah, I think if we want to purchase this year, we will definitely do it before June.

Just an idea, but why don’t you do the six months zero interest on the Disney visa and then you can just pay it off when you’re there in June?

Yeah, I think the main hold back is that I'd rather not pay dues for February - May if I don't have to. I wish I knew what incentives would be like in May to know if it would be a wash or not.

I will say that I believe that availability at vdh is way better than I thought it would be.

Ive been able to book many reservations at impossible to get times at vgc like 4th of july for example in my week of ownership lol.

If staying at vgc is a must longer, then I would really get that. Maybe availability will be harder later for vdh, but theres a lot more rooms at vdh than vgc.

The main draw to me for vdh are the unique rooms like garden, which I think you said in a different post that being in "the action" doesnt really appeal to you. I spend more time outdoors at vdh, venturing thru dtd, I think the pools really shine at vdh and gives out that fun outdoor summer vibe!

I think if I had kids, convenience may be the number one priority for me and vgc would be appealing. Ultimately, its about buying where you love, just some thoughts!

I think VDH is a great price right now, its even a couple dollars cheaper than when it first went on sale with MB. Thats pretty unheard of. At this cost, if money is the main factor, id push anyone towards vdh, I think for a Cali resort, its a really great upfront deal for your ticket to direct. So glad they had the option for me!

Yeah, I think at this point, the only way we'd get direct is VDH. So I feel like it's now or never basically. Ha!

The garden rooms do look cute but yeah...too much in the action for me. If we own there, we'll probably do 1-bedrooms and then request a higher floor, maybe.

Cant help with the emotional side of things but these are the financial numbers.

VDH - 160
Upfront $33,385
Dues per year $1686
Cost per point $14.80
Cost per year $2366
Total cost $116,019

VGC - 100
Upfront $24,900
Dues per year $952.00
Cost per point $16.63
Cost per year $1663
Total cost $58,220


Total cost is scary for VDH but keep in mind VDH has 60 more points and has an extra 14 years of owning/use over VGC.
This isn’t 100% exact numbers but very close. Doesn’t factor in MB or banked points or any closing costs. (and if financing none of that is factored in)

I feel like the dues per point are so similar that I don't really bother comparing those....other than the fact it would always be more at VDH just because we'd have 60 more points there.

In the long run, VDH is definitely more expensive with more years as well as having to pay the extra TOT each time. But I guess those are Future Me problems.

We won't be financing. And we would do MB for the 2025 points if we decide to buy this year.

The "perfect" VGC contract does have almost a years world of points banked. But it's probably already been sold anyway. I haven't checked.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I think they are going to realize their mistake when it's not as easy as it would've been before to sell the 6000 they have to sell. They will still sell, but I bet they will need to make more calls than they would've had to make last year

That’s $2m in points…..

 

[AstroBlasters]

Yes, 100 for VGC.



Yeah, I think if we want to purchase this year, we will definitely do it before June.



Yeah, I think the main hold back is that I'd rather not pay dues for February - May if I don't have to. I wish I knew what incentives would be like in May to know if it would be a wash or not.



Yeah, I think at this point, the only way we'd get direct is VDH. So I feel like it's now or never basically. Ha!

The garden rooms do look cute but yeah...too much in the action for me. If we own there, we'll probably do 1-bedrooms and then request a higher floor, maybe.



I feel like the dues per point are so similar that I don't really bother comparing those....other than the fact it would always be more at VDH just because we'd have 60 more points there.

In the long run, VDH is definitely more expensive with more years as well as having to pay the extra TOT each time. But I guess those are Future Me problems.

We won't be financing. And we would do MB for the 2025 points if we decide to buy this year.

The "perfect" VGC contract does have almost a years world of points banked. But it's probably already been sold anyway. I haven't checked.

It’s roughly $3pp in dues…. what’s the base price increase going to be?

 

[ClaraOswald]

It’s roughly $3pp in dues…. what’s the base price increase going to be?

What's $3pp in dues?

I think the increase in base price is going to be $4 more. Of course, we have no idea if incentives might balance this out at all or not. I hate not knowing. And I know that do it on purpose because they know people have FOMO.

 

[VGCgroupie]

That’s $2m in points…..

Yep. I was wondering how that works, where that money goes etc. but they did have to pay to buy those points back at probably an average of $200pp min

 

[ClaraOswald]

So for VDH 2026 dues....


10.5354 x 160  = 1,685.664

1685.664 / 12 months  = 140.472 per month

$140.472 x 4 months (February - May)  =  $561.89

So theoretically, I'd "save" around $560 if I want until late May to buy.

Base price increase of $4 x 160 = $640

So I guess it's not a massive difference.

 

[airjay75]

So for VDH 2026 dues....


10.5354 x 160  = 1,685.664

1685.664 / 12 months  = 140.472 per month

$140.472 x 4 months (February - May)  =  $561.89

So theoretically, I'd "save" around $560 if I want until late May to buy.

Base price increase of $4 x 160 = $640

So I guess it's not a massive difference.

I've run those numbers several times on past incentives (not VDH specifically, but generally). You almost never save money by waiting. That said, once you subtract lesser dues from waiting, it also isn't like it's so much cheaper today so as to rush a decision. And, if you're keeping the full purchase price in a high yield savings account or equivalent, it's probably a wash.

 

[AstroBlasters]

So for VDH 2026 dues....


10.5354 x 160  = 1,685.664

1685.664 / 12 months  = 140.472 per month

$140.472 x 4 months (February - May)  =  $561.89

So theoretically, I'd "save" around $560 if I want until late May to buy.

Base price increase of $4 x 160 = $640

So I guess it's not a massive difference.

$561.89/160 =$3.51 per point

But if you are buying in May…. do you get to save on May dues too… I wasn’t sure about that.

 

[CarolynFH]

$561.89/160 =$3.51 per point

But if you are buying in May…. do you get to save on May dues too… I wasn’t sure about that.

Since dues are assessed and paid on an annual basis, you pay prorated dues from actual date of signing the contract, no matter what your UY is. So the later in the calendar year you sign, the less you pay for dues.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Since dues are assessed and paid on an annual basis, you pay prorated dues from actual date of signing the contract, no matter what your UY is. So the later in the calendar year you sign, the less you pay for dues.

Yes, I understand that.

I’m unsure if signing on May 1 vs May 30th makes a difference. Is it prorated on a monthly or daily basis?