In plain simple terms.. Part B

[LovesTimone]

Frist thanks so much for all the wonderful info on my questions on my first post under this heading.

So since then I have been doing my homework. DH and I have been discussing my findings. I thought it might help with the answer to the questions that I have going forward if I gave you some more info on us. DH and I are empty nester, right now we live in FL and are AP holders. We have one daughter that lives in FL, with her DH and my sweet DGS who is 4 months old. Also both of our families and dearest friends live in Fl. as well. We have moved 5 times in 12 years with my DH job. So we are looking at this from the perspective that whether we live here ( Florida) or not. Disney is a part of our life, it always has been and always will be. We are a Disney family. We want to be able to do quick getaways just the 2 of us or family and friends gatherings, or if we move again we can come for a week or so a couple of times a year., Also we want to go back to Disneyland, and stay at the Grand Californian, With a milestone anniversary coming up, Aulani (sp?) for anniversary trip would be great, Hilton head for a beach getaways.

1) Right now the way I see it. If we are interested in the Poly we should buy direct? The Poly is a special place to us, we honeymooned there.

If we buy direct there is basically not much waiting to get our points, and start enjoying DVC. right?

2) If we decide to go with one of the older DVC, buying resale is the way to go?

But the waiting period could be around 3 months...right? Also if we might have to get on a wait list for certain DVC locations.

3) We enjoy cruising DCL so buying direct we can use our points for cruises, or rent them out and use the proceeds to go for the cruise. Right?

4) Some friends have a DVC at Bay Lake, and another at SSR. She told me to wait till the new DVC was built on the other side I am assuming the other side of the CR she said its a matching one to Bay lake???. Does anyone have any info on this. I really haven't noticed anything going on to make me think that another DVC is going in there or info, I might have overlooked it though. Also.. if so.. time frame?
We are not in a hurry, but would like to buy some time this year.

5) Why does everyone dislike SSR so much? Also AKL?

6) Can you use points for a Deluxe Resort or Moderate Resort rooms? or a Family suite at AoA?

7) We want to set up an appointment for a tour? where do I call or go online to set up?

 

[chalee94]

1) Right now the way I see it. If we are interested in the Poly we should buy direct? The Poly is a special place to us, we honeymooned there.

If we buy direct there is basically not much waiting to get our points, and start enjoying DVC. right?

yes. buy direct for poly if that is your thing and you are sure you want to stay at the poly on a regular basis.

2) If we decide to go with one of the older DVC, buying resale is the way to go?

But the waiting period could be around 3 months...right? Also if we might have to get on a wait list for certain DVC locations.

depends on when you find a contract you like and can strike a deal with the seller. takes about 2 months after that...but for some small contracts, finding the right contract can take a while. (also depends on whether DVC takes the contract away with ROFR.)

but the savings with resale can be substantial.

3) We enjoy cruising DCL so buying direct we can use our points for cruises, or rent them out and use the proceeds to go for the cruise. Right?

yes. renting pts is generally the better deal - i would not buy DVC to use for cruises - but either will work if you buy direct.

4) Some friends have a DVC at Bay Lake, and another at SSR. She told me to wait till the new DVC was built on the other side I am assuming the other side of the CR she said its a matching one to Bay lake???. Does anyone have any info on this. I really haven't noticed anything going on to make me think that another DVC is going in there or info, I might have overlooked it though. Also.. if so.. time frame?
We are not in a hurry, but would like to buy some time this year.

there is no info. only guesses. people have speculated that a DVC would be built on the far side of the CR since BLT was under construction...but no real news. (hope not since that would mean a MUCH longer walk and crummy views for those stuck at BLT2.)

5) Why does everyone dislike SSR so much? Also AKL?

not sure if it's dislike, but there are 2 main issues:

1) both are gigantic resorts and you don't really need the home resort window to stay there (except for AKV club and value villas), and
2) both are bus service only - no monorails, boats or walking to a theme park. (also, AKV "seems" like a long way from the MK - especially if you are 5.)

on the other hand, if you love those resorts, you can get a great deal on resale contracts.

i have stayed at both. love AKV for the theming, animals and restaurants. enjoyed SSR and thought it was well executed. but i can see how location works against both.

6) Can you use points for a Deluxe Resort or Moderate Resort rooms? or a Family suite at AoA?

if you buy direct, you *can* (not 100% sure about AoA) but trading out of the DVC system means paying extra. there are extra fees and the point costs are ridiculous compared to DVC villas.

the only time it would be remotely worth considering is if you buy direct to have access to booking the disneyland hotels, since the VGC is so small.

7) We want to set up an appointment for a tour? where do I call or go online to set up?

go online at https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/preview-centers/ or there are a thousand kiosks at wdw where they can set you up.

 

[chalee94]

6) Can you use points for a Deluxe Resort or Moderate Resort rooms? or a Family suite at AoA?

here is the link to the point charts for hotel rooms if it works without being signed in...

https://dvc.disney.go.com/media/dvc...2016/disneycollection/2016-Web-WDW-Pt-Cht.pdf

(looks like the AoA suites start at 30 pts per night for low season weeknights.)

 

[nalajms]

1) If we buy direct there is basically not much waiting to get our points, and start enjoying DVC. right?

You can start booking reservations probably within a week. Whether or not you'll get a reservation at Poly is a different story. And whether or not you can get a studio anywhere from late Sept to early Jan besides the dreaded SSR is also questionable. Personally, I think right now is the best time to buy resales. First couple months of the year you don't need the 11m advantage for most rooms, and many dates don't need the 7m advantage! Summer months, select resorts/rooms book at 7m but plenty more besides SSR is available well after 7m.

5) Why does everyone dislike SSR so much? Also AKL?

We like both. SSR is our go to place when we decide on a last minute trip (less than 3m out) and summer resort if we can't get BCV or AKV. AKV has some of the cheapest rooms, standard view, for many of the season. The resort has so much going on and the pools are great. For the amount of time we spend at Disney, riding the bus for certain trips is not that big of a deal to us.

 

[crisi]

Another issue with any resort is the decor and theming. VWL isn't very popular either - because the rooms are dark (like VAKL) - but being a very small resort, it has enough fans that keep in booked up and people booking late don't end up "stuck" there - where, because of their size, VAKL and SSR tend to be the resorts you "get stuck" at when booking late - therefore, more whining. But for its size, VWL is a relatively easy resort to get if it isn't your home. (I happen to love VWL).

 

[CMNJ]

I agree-I don't think people dislike SSR because there is anything wrong with the resort itself-it is a beautiful resort and the villa size/layout is similar to BCV, BWV, and VWL I believe. The issue is the location (buses to all parks vs walking, monorail, boat at near park resorts) and its size. Living in FL you prob drive to Disney but if you are dependent on disney transportation possibly having to take a bus to access the feature pools/restaurants or having walk far in the heat (after already walking miles at the parks) is definitely a turn off

 

[deedisneydream97]

What everyone else said!

Don't know what dollar amount you want to spend. But if you purchase Poly and use those points elsewhere...that isn't really a good use of those pricey points. If you are anticipating trips with your kids and grandkids...would a studio or two at the poly be feasible vs. a one or two bedroom at BLT? Since the 1 bedrooms have two full baths. Granted the Poly has the split bath thing going on, but it is still a studio. They are very nice...but it is still a studio. I need my space, but that's just me.

AKL is a wonderful resort. As others said, the size of it can be daunting. Also, the food choices are not as plentiful as, say, the epcot resorts area or the MK resorts area. But....the one bedrooms there (at Kidani, not Jambo) also have two full baths and the animals! Also, underground parking at Kidani (I'm sure you know how important that is in FL). AKL was originally selling direct for $104/point I think...maybe a bit higher? I see resales for $88/pt.

SSR....I'm not sure why it gets so much bad press. I know there were issues with some rooms re: mold. Also, the resort is huge, but I did like the fact that each "section" had their own pool. The drawback is having to take a bus to the theme parks. If you have a car, parking is relatively easy and free if you have an AP...except MK...I will never drive there because of the huge parking lot, the TTC, and the amount of time it actually takes to get to the gates. I think a lot of people are unhappy with their SSR purchases because they wanted to buy "cheap" points and be able to use them for the "theme park" DVC's, but that doesn't always work out. Too many figured they could just book at room at the BoardWalk in October at 7 months out....and get upset when they can't. But that's the way it works. FWIW, we bought SSR at $95 direct when it was new. That resort certainly did not hold it's value....but it may make a comeback when Disney Springs is complete. But shopping is not my thing, and we've only stayed there once. We've used those points for Aluani and Hilton Head, BWV, Poly. We also own at BWV, BLT and VWL. I need BWV for Food and Wine.

Maybe, if you are really set on the Poly, start with a small contract there (you can start with 50 points now I have heard) and maybe a larger resale contract somewhere a little more affordable that you would LIKE staying at. Since you are "older" (close to 50 I am assuming since you are empty nesters), don't forget that the Poly has a later expiration date, and the older resorts will be expiring in 25 years or so (but they are also cheaper).

Good luck with your decision. Good to see that you are putting a lot of thought into your purchase. We've never been sorry.

 

[CraigInPA]

Agree with the others. One point, though, about your initial desire to go to Disneyland and stay at the Grand Californian. The GC is not a big place. Recent reports show zero availability at the 7 month period for non-GC DVC owners. Consider your trip to the GC to be on a cash basis, not on a point basis, unless you intend on buying GC as your home resort.

 

[chalee94]

I'll also add that if you are planning to book HHI for the summertime at 7 months, you should understand that will typically be a problem as well.

 

[disneynutz]

Decide if you love the DVC resorts and rooms, if you can afford to stay there, find out which resort is your favorite, buy there and book early to get maximum satisfaction. DVC is designed for DVC stays, they throw in expensive other options to make ownership seem like a bigger better deal. For prospective buyers what sounds better, you can stay at a DVC resort or you can use your ownership for magical vacations around the world, take a Disney Cruise or book Adventures By Disney.

Bill

 

[ziravan]

My advice, based on everything you've said in both threads:

1. Buy a 100 point resale contract for an EPCOT resort, BCV or BWV.

2. After you've cleared ROFR, buy a 100 point Poly contract with the same UY (so it's part of the same membership).

That will give you the best mix of possible options.

 

[ziravan]

An Epcot resort will let you get in there if you grow fond of them. "Buy where you like to stay" applies at the near park resorts most. Those resale points are cheap enough compared to direct that it's not a crime to use them elsewhere.

Poly gets you the monorail resort of your choice. Those direct points allow the direct-only options you believe you might want to use, even if they are poor uses of points.

200 points split between Poly and a near EPCOT resort gives you the best flexibility of the system based on your statements, and if it doesn't work out, you'll have no problems unloading 100 point near park resort contracts.

I might be biased, though. This is what I have, essentially (although I have twice the points at each). It's a very cool setup. I only wish I had more points...

 

[deedisneydream97]

An Epcot resort will let you get in there if you grow fond of them. "Buy where you like to stay" applies at the near park resorts most. Those resale points are cheap enough compared to direct that it's not a crime to use them elsewhere.

Poly gets you the monorail resort of your choice. Those direct points allow the direct-only options you believe you might want to use, even if they are poor uses of points.

200 points split between Poly and a near EPCOT resort gives you the best flexibility of the system based on your statements, and if it doesn't work out, you'll have no problems unloading 100 point near park resort contracts.

I might be biased, though. This is what I have, essentially (although I have twice the points at each). It's a very cool setup. I only wish I had more points...

You said it better than I did. And it is indeed very cool having a nice amount of points at BWV and BLT (no Poly for us...too much $$, plus we stopped buying direct a few years ago).

As a rule, I do not use my BLT points or my BWV points for anywhere except those resorts. I use my SSr points for everything else.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Make sure you can make your reservations at your home resort no later than seven months out. Otherwise, any member with any points can book at your home resort and steal that one last studio from you. Buy points where you wouldn't mind staying if you couldn't change to another resort at seven months out. Some are hard to get at seven months out and, more and more, it is getting harder to change at seven months out. Rent out your points to book a cruise. You'll save money in the long run versus booking with points. PLUS, if you book that cruise on points and have to change to another time, you pay another $95 to change the reservation. And if you don't cruise, you can't use all those points for a DVC resort since once you booked that cruise because they are now reservation points - meaning they can only be used for those non-DVC Disney trips.

And if you buy Polynesian points, you can only book studios (glorified hotel rooms) or bungalows (which take beaucoup points) at the Polynesian. No one bedrooms at all.