Heart set on a Deluxe-- is renting DVC points best value?

[Babsy]

Wow, given the many responses about looking into the Annual Pass option I decided to crunch the numbers for our particular scenario.

The given/common factors for my situation are:
--Late August (8/21-8/31) stay for 2 adults, 2 children, 10 total nights
--5 nights at Boardwalk "Water View" tier
--5 nights at AKL "Savannah View" tier
--For dining, I've used the price of a Regular Dining Plan to compare the two scenarios-- even though I'm leaning towards not using the DDP, let's assume for the sake of argument that paying for food OOP with an annual pass BEFORE 20% discount would even out.
--10 Day base park ticket vs Platinum annual pass (no water parks)

OPTION 1-- RENTING DVC POINTS
--5 nights at BWV Preferred View = $1547 ($309/nt)
--5 nights at AKV Savannah View = $1445 ($289/nt)
--Regular Dining Plan = $1900
--10 Day base park tickets = $1720 (direct from Disney)
TOTAL = $6612

OPTION 2-- ANNUAL PASS W/ ROOM+FOOD DISCOUNTS
--5 nights at BWI Water View = 35% off of $540 avg/nt = $1755 ($351/nt)
--5 nights at AKL Savannah View = 35% off of $479 avg/nt = $1556 ($311/nt)
--20% off dining = $1520
--Platinum Annual Pass = $3319
TOTAL = $8150


Now, I'm fully aware that this does not include all factors, but I think I've made as apples to apples as I could for OUR SCENARIO-- YMMV. If anyone sees any flaws in my rationale feel free to point them out. Renting points seems to clearly come out ahead. If we want to go to water parks (which we do), then the AP costs are another $380, whereas I could get a Water Park Fun + More for only about $280-- Plus I can consider getting only an 8- or 9-day WPF ticket to lessen the cost even more and build in some slow days into the long trip. I can even add Memory Maker and still be ahead by renting points. All other considerations, including housekeeping freequency + difference in decor for DVC rooms, are very well noted (thanks everyone!!!)

Side note-- this morning I'm not able to find the Water Park Fun + More option on Disney's website. Anyone know why? Did this option go away with the most recent park ticket price increases??

A few things to consider:
For late to mid august, AP discounts will not necessarily be the lowest price. For example: Some large online sites will give you an additional discount in addition to Disney's if you book through them. You really should check out all your options.

If you have AP's you can go again late July - early August 2019 and will not need to buy tickets again for this second visit.

AP's are Park Hoppers, which, while not necessary, are very nice to have. This is especially true when staying in an Epcot area resort where you can use World Showcase as a nightly dining venue. So many options here for both quick service and Table service!

If you don't plan to go back next year, purchasing one AP and 3 X 10 day tickets is all you need to get the room and dining discounts for everyone. (total about $2120) If you change your mind while there, you can upgrade to AP's fro everyone after arrival. This reduces the difference to a very small amount, just paying the AP discount room rate. (less than $350 for the two options cited)

With AP's you also get discounts off any souvenirs (which adds up) and many 'extra' tickets for tours, etc that you may want to do. Also, you do get one year to download any photos.
Plus, (if you buy 4 AP's) you have access to the express transportation (extra charge, but worth it) between the theme parks which means you have scheduled transportation without having to leave the park that brings you inside to another theme park (no need to go through entrance and security again).

FWIW, we actually preferred the standard view at BWI. We have had a view of Illuminations as well as a garden/pool area as a standard view. Our Boardwalk view rooms have been noisy, even with doors closed. As BWV, a water view is nicer, IMO. Also, the studios have only one real bed plus a sleeper sofa and a pull down bed. Very little storage for your 'stuff'. (dresser is now a bed).
We much prefer the BWI rooms with two real queen beds and day bed. At AKL you can get a queen with bunk beds or two queens in a resort room.

Also, daily housekeeping means not having to set up/ make beds daily, take out your own trash and wash towels. Also provides daily toiletries. (small things, but we like them)

the kitchenette in the functional extra item that you receive for the space is the microwave. (which, BTW, I have requested in the past in regular rooms and received at no charge)

Add on flexibility to change/cancel in the event that you cannot go as planned and the fact that you do not need to pay up front, we find renting DVC (for late August in particular) to NOT be the best for our family. YMMV.

Good luck choosing!! Whichever way you go, BW and AKL are awesome resort!

Enjoy!

 

[brittanidp]

OPTION 2-- ANNUAL PASS W/ ROOM+FOOD DISCOUNTS
--5 nights at BWI Water View = 35% off of $540 avg/nt = $1755 ($351/nt)
--5 nights at AKL Savannah View = 35% off of $479 avg/nt = $1556 ($311/nt)
--20% off dining = $1520
--Platinum Annual Pass = $3319
TOTAL = $8150


You only need 1 AP to get the discounts, you can get the rest of your group normal tickets. Not sure if you calculated for multiple APs or not, but you only need 1

 

[MermaidMommy]

This. Go mid/late August. The travel agent that many use here offers rooms at 50-60% off of the rack rate.

This. As PP said, go to the Disount Rates and Codes subforum, and check out the August discounts thread. The 50-60% off number are accurate, not an exaggeration. I can't recommend it enough. And, those reservations are fully refundable, so not the commitment like renting points. It's just through a travel agent that we're not allowed to name on the boards (because they violated the terms of the board, but they're a legit agency.)

 

[agame2323]

Thanks for this information/