Is Direct Worth It?

[MSUDisney]

I currently own 200 resale points at VGF. I am interested in adding on 150 direct VGF points. My husband is on the fence and does not see value in buying direct. He sees the only value in direct is the different AP tier if AP ever returns. We are a young family with two kids and 200 points seems to be adequate enough at this point. I am actually looking long term with the desire to purchase VGF direct. I know one day we will want/need one or two bedrooms. And although I know direct benefits aren’t guaranteed I like the idea of having them.

 

[DVChris]

Do you have any interest staying at Riviera, DLT, or future DVC resorts? Aside from the AP, I think this is the biggest differentiating factor. If you don't then I would go with resale.

 

[Carol_]

We bought all direct points for two resorts because it was pushing the easy button and I’m the type of person who will pay to drive in the fast lane in a traffic jam even if I have the time to sit in the traffic. It’s not the financially savvy move, but it was the right move for me.
I shrivel up into the fetal position if I have to wait.
Plus, although the perks are sparse, they’re ever-changing and the FOMO is real. So are the discounts. Even if it’s just at Tommy Bahama.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

My hubby didn’t see the value in buying direct either. But 1/ I showed him the spread between resale and direct VGF prices which helped, 2/ I recruited my adorable 6 year old to look at him cutely and ask to stay at the Gwand Fworidian, and 3/ he saw some value in making me happy. I was feeling insecure about my lack of blue card. Despite the fact I have AP vouchers and an annual pass that gives me discounts, I’m irrationally happy to have a blue card.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I was feeling insecure about my lack of blue card.

Every direct buyer's truth. Kudos for admitting it.

 

[MSUDisney]

Do you have any interest staying at Riviera, DLT, or future DVC resorts? Aside from the AP, I think this is the biggest differentiating factor. If you don't then I would go with resale.

I definitely view the ability to stay at all future resorts and RIV as a pro.

 

[MSUDisney]

My hubby didn’t see the value in buying direct either. But 1/ I showed him the spread between resale and direct VGF prices which helped, 2/ I recruited my adorable 6 year old to look at him cutely and ask to stay at the Gwand Fworidian, and 3/ he saw some value in making me happy. I was feeling insecure about my lack of blue card. Despite the fact I have AP vouchers and an annual pass that gives me discounts, I’m irrationally happy to have a blue card.

I have a cute 6 year old and serious FOMO. I thought I would be on with white card but now that there is an “affordable” option at my home resort I feel like I am missing out.

 

[wnielsen1]

There are people willing to deal with brokers, sellers, title companies, the ROFR process, and a multi-month wait until closing (or longer depending on ROFR) to save money and that's OK.

There are other people willing to pay a decent premium to have fully unrestricted points, get an exact resort, UY and amount of points they desire, perhaps get a blue card if they don't have one already, call their guide in the morning and have points in their account before dinner and that's OK too.

Do whatever works best for YOU.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I have a cute 6 year old and serious FOMO. I thought I would be on with white card but now that there is an “affordable” option at my home resort I feel like I am missing out.

I was pretty lucky because I hate Riviera and don't really care for Grand Floridian either, so I wasn't tempted by either of them. Aulani on the other hand...

 

[RoseGold]

I think it depends on your exit strategy. If you plan to sell once you hang up the princess dresses, like I do, maybe direct isn’t worth much.

And don’t worry, there will be more direct points. There is no rush.

 

[disneyfan123]

Thinking of buying direct because the incentives for VGF are so good right now. While I do wish I had blue card benefits, probably the biggest reason I want direct points is to have unrestricted points that are available to use at every DVC resort.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Thinking of buying direct because the incentives for VGF are so good right now. While I do wish I had blue card benefits, probably the biggest reason I want direct points is to have unrestricted points that are available to use at every DVC resort.

Except the only restricted resort right now is Riviera. Disneyland aside, there's absolutely nothing new on the horizon at Walt Disney World. So unless you love Riviera, you're not going to be missing anything for what, 5 years?

 

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

I was pretty lucky because I hate Riviera and don't really care for Grand Floridian either, so I wasn't tempted by either of them. Aulani on the other hand...

May I ask why you hate Riviera? Just looking for viewpoints about the resort. Thanks.

 

[MSUDisney]

I was pretty lucky because I hate Riviera and don't really care for Grand Floridian either, so I wasn't tempted by either of them. Aulani on the other hand...

My husband hates RIV too so being able to stay there isn’t an incentive for him. He hates the location and resale restrictions.

 

[disneyfan123]

Except the only restricted resort right now is Riviera. Disneyland aside, there's absolutely nothing new on the horizon at Walt Disney World. So unless you love Riviera, you're not going to be missing anything for what, 5 years?

True but we are in it for the long haul! Who knows what resorts will be available in 10-15 years

 

[CaptainAmerica]

May I ask why you hate Riviera? Just looking for viewpoints about the resort. Thanks.

Too formal for me. Very nice, but not very fun. "Rich mother-in-law" vibes.

True but we are in it for the long haul! Who knows what resorts will be available in 10-15 years

Right but buying and selling is so easy. If "greatest resort ever" is announced for 2029, you can very easily sell what you have now and buy that resort... in 2029. Paying Direct premium now for what might hypothetically happen ten years from now is a gamble.

I think you buy Direct if you like and want to stay at Riviera but speculation into the future DVC expansion beyond Disneyland towe is awfully expensive for a "what if?"

 

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

Too formal for me. Very nice, but not very fun. "Rich mother-in-law" vibes.

Ha ha. and, thanks. I actually get that vibe about Beach Club even though I love that location. So far, I like the vibe at Riviera so I'm not sure what that says about me. The resale restrictions make me hesitate on Riviera, but if it weren't for the restrictions I would probably add on there.

 

[Sandisw]

I agree with many that the biggest benefit to direct are the unrestricted points now and in the future.

The blue card discounts are a nice perk and buying direct ensures you get them, whatever they are

But, given the price if VGF compared to resale it may be a good choice, especially if tot want to stay at RIV or future resorts…which will come along at some point. I think we will see BWV and BCV as new and restricted down the line.

I don’t think anyone should ever buy for perks as they are not guaranteed but the numbers can work in your favor if you own long enough.

 

[Sandisw]

Except the only restricted resort right now is Riviera. Disneyland aside, there's absolutely nothing new on the horizon at Walt Disney World. So unless you love Riviera, you're not going to be missing anything for what, 5 years?

If this VGF conversation goes well, we may see another one and with more time, I’d bet it is a new association with restrictions in less than that.

So, honestly, no one knows. But, I agree that right now, it’s RIV and DLT…but I think it’s important to consider long term and short temr.

 

[MSUDisney]

Since I can’t see RIV to book how easy is it to get at 7 months right now? I typically travel in May, September, and early December.