It's OK to use your retail poly points to stay at SSR

[Disn3yVision]

"You should only buy retail at PVB/AUV/CCV/VGF/_____ if you plan on always staying there."

I hear this argument on the boards a lot and it drives me bonkers because it I think it is faulty logic. You should buy where you want to stay the MAJORITY of the time, not every time. Or where you want to have the option to stay the most. Lets say you make 40 DVC trips in your lifetime. NOBODY is going to stay the same place 40 times in a row, especially with so many other amazing resorts to choose from that have so many unique experiences. Why cheat yourself like that?

If you know you want to stay at PVB 20 out of those 40 times, then you should buy at PVB. Doubly so if those 20 trips will be in a lake view during food and wine. Shoot, if you want to stay at PVB 15 times during Food & Wine in a lake view and want to visit all the other resorts the rest of the other 25 trips I think you should buy at PVB and that's perfectly ok. No way you are going to be able to do that by purchasing elsewhere.

To me it is analogous to going to a nice restaurant and they serve you way to much food. If you chose to stuff your face and force yourself to eat it all as not to waste anything, all that is going to do is give you a stomach ache, make you feel guilty and sick, and have a miserable rest of your day. Instead, just eat until you are satisfied... so be it if you leave a little food on the plate.

Also, since Poly is only studios, if you take a trip with extended family and want a 2 bedroom you can stretch your points by getting a 2 bedroom at SSR or OKW, using less points per night. You shouldn't force yourself to stay in a 2 bedroom at VGF (or get 2 studios at Poly) and use up all of your points banking and borrowing because you paid more upfront for your points and VGF is "on par" with Poly in terms of reputation and initial buy in costs.

My point is you shouldn't paint yourself into a corner and make your decision based on the fact you had a higher buy in 5, 15, 25, or whatever years ago. You should do what is best for that specific situation, regardless of where you bought and for how much. Maybe you want to take two trips in one year so you stay at SSR twice instead of PVB once. I think that is a perfectly legitimate use of your points and you shouldn't take it off the table because you didn't buy resale and paid retail for Poly.

Thoughts?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The real issue is that more than one person has been told by a guide that, for instance, "you can always get a 1BR at 7 months," or "you can stay anywhere at 7 months!" If one does not have a really solid understanding of this particular timeshare product, both of those statements can be misleading at best, and an expensive mistake at worst.

If you are buying with complete disregard for a home resort window and plan to always book at 7 or less, you should not be buying retail points, ever.

If you need, more often than not, a non-studio, non-bungalow, you should not be buying Poly retail.

If you want to stay at WDW most trips, you should not be buying AUL.

Again, it's more of a factor of what someone's understanding of the product is. I saw someone on another board the other day melting down that they wouldn't bring her a roll-away for a BWV 1BR. I've seen people who don't understand why they can't book 6 in one Poly studio.

 

[TexasChick123]

We own at VGF AND stay in 2-bedrooms there. That's the one we liked the best. We are already going on a trip and staying in the VGC later this year. Here's another argument to your point. I was able to get points from a VGC owner at the same price I could rent my VGF points out at to break even which you can't do with all of the other resorts. I actually made a little bit on the deal because I didn't need all my points for the VGC trip since we don't go for as long as we do for VGF, and I rented out all my VGF points for the year. I agree with what you're saying. I don't ever have to worry about getting my rooms at 11-months at VGF which is where we will stay most, but not all, of the time. I'll probably continue to rent out my VGF points and rent or transfer whatever resort's points to make up the difference each time. This is a little more work when we want to stay somewhere else, but I don't mind it when I have the peace of mind that I get my preferred resort at 11 months when I want it. However, I wouldn't have a huge problem using my points to rent at a less expensive resort though if that is where I wanted to stay on any particular trip.

BTW, it didn't take very long to have multiple interested parties in my VGF points when I listed them for rent. Just my 2 cents.

 

[supersnoop]

If you know you want to stay at PVB 20 out of those 40 times, then you should buy at PVB.

I disagree. It really needs to be more like 75% of the time to make the new/direct purchase make sense. PVB has been pretty easy to get at 7 months, for a number of reasons.

 

[crisi]

I disagree. It really needs to be more like 75% of the time to make the new/direct purchase make sense. PVB has been pretty easy to get at 7 months, for a number of reasons.

And I suspect it will continue to be so. The studios are expensive in comparison to most of the earlier resorts, so you are only going to pick the Poly if you own somewhere else as a "treat" and need a studio. Now, move the conversation to five months, and I think it will be hard to get the Poly. But if you are calling right at seven months - I think you'll be good more often than not.

 

[Disn3yVision]

I disagree. It really needs to be more like 75% of the time to make the new/direct purchase make sense. PVB has been pretty easy to get at 7 months, for a number of reasons.

The main reason being that the resort isn't fully declared or sold out... and that is not necessarily true for the more in demand lake view. Once it is fully declared the bungalow effect will be more pronounced, with 20 percent of the points being allocated to bungalows and much less than that many owners willing to use their points on bungalows, the studios are effected oversold. There is pretty much a 0 percent chance that you will get a lake view studio twenty times during food and wine on the exact days you want at 7 months.

 

[supersnoop]

The main reason being that the resort isn't fully declared or sold out... and that is not necessarily true for the more in demand lake view. Once it is fully declared the bungalow effect will be more pronounced, with 20 percent of the points being allocated to bungalows and much less than that many owners willing to use their points on bungalows, the studios are effected oversold. There is pretty much a 0 percent chance that you will get a lake view studio twenty times during food and wine on the exact days you want at 7 months.

Maybe I'm not a normal owner, but th "exact days want" are "a weekend during F&W.". I haven't had a problem getting a standard view at BWV the past two years. You'd be surprised what you can get when you're actually paying attention and a little bit flexible. You're "0% change" is baseless with no evidence; only conjecture.

And I think the lack of 1- and 2-bedroom units will push PVB owners to other resorts, leaving plenty of inventory.

 

[Disn3yVision]

Maybe I'm not a normal owner, but th "exact days want" are "a weekend during F&W.". I haven't had a problem getting a standard view at BWV the past two years. You'd be surprised what you can get when you're actually paying attention and a little bit flexible. You're "0% change" is baseless with no evidence; only conjecture.

And I think the lack of 1- and 2-bedroom units will push PVB owners to other resorts, leaving plenty of inventory.

Well anything is purely conjecture at this point, but my conjectures are far from "baseless". VGF was extremely easy to get before it was sold out and now it's nearly impossible. And one could also argue that since Poly is the ONLY studio that comfortably fits 5, has 2 bathrooms, and has a MUCH bigger cult following than any of the other resorts that a lot more owners will be trying to trade into the studios (especially the standard view which is a steal for a family of 5 compared to 1 bedrooms at other resorts).

 

[Dean]

"You should only buy retail at PVB/AUV/CCV/VGF/_____ if you plan on always staying there."

I hear this argument on the boards a lot and it drives me bonkers because it I think it is faulty logic. You should buy where you want to stay the MAJORITY of the time, not every time. Or where you want to have the option to stay the most. Lets say you make 40 DVC trips in your lifetime. NOBODY is going to stay the same place 40 times in a row, especially with so many other amazing resorts to choose from that have so many unique experiences. Why cheat yourself like that?

If you know you want to stay at PVB 20 out of those 40 times, then you should buy at PVB. Doubly so if those 20 trips will be in a lake view during food and wine. Shoot, if you want to stay at PVB 15 times during Food & Wine in a lake view and want to visit all the other resorts the rest of the other 25 trips I think you should buy at PVB and that's perfectly ok. No way you are going to be able to do that by purchasing elsewhere.

To me it is analogous to going to a nice restaurant and they serve you way to much food. If you chose to stuff your face and force yourself to eat it all as not to waste anything, all that is going to do is give you a stomach ache, make you feel guilty and sick, and have a miserable rest of your day. Instead, just eat until you are satisfied... so be it if you leave a little food on the plate.

Also, since Poly is only studios, if you take a trip with extended family and want a 2 bedroom you can stretch your points by getting a 2 bedroom at SSR or OKW, using less points per night. You shouldn't force yourself to stay in a 2 bedroom at VGF (or get 2 studios at Poly) and use up all of your points banking and borrowing because you paid more upfront for your points and VGF is "on par" with Poly in terms of reputation and initial buy in costs.

My point is you shouldn't paint yourself into a corner and make your decision based on the fact you had a higher buy in 5, 15, 25, or whatever years ago. You should do what is best for that specific situation, regardless of where you bought and for how much. Maybe you want to take two trips in one year so you stay at SSR twice instead of PVB once. I think that is a perfectly legitimate use of your points and you shouldn't take it off the table because you didn't buy resale and paid retail for Poly.

Thoughts?

Anyone can use their points how they wish. Normally the issue comes up in the context of someone looking to buy points. EVERY TIME one uses destination resort points (VGF, Poly, VGF) elsewhere for something one could have used cheaper points, you dilute the value and savings of the ownership. It doesn't take much to cause a higher overall outlay than if one had just rented or even with discounted cash. IMO using at the home resort 75% of the time is about the low point to make owning somewhere like VGF or Poly worthwhile.

 

[Donna M]

When I read posts like this it makes me so thankful that we were able to buy points 13 years ago for $89 a point at SSR. We are lucky that our school vacations are not the same week as everyone else, so we have stayed at all the resorts so far. No problem for us getting into a 1bd/2bd at VGF, or the Poly studio. We like SSR, but VGF is our favorite. It's a great value for us!
Flexibility is key.

 

[supersnoop]

Well anything is purely conjecture at this point, but my conjectures are far from "baseless". VGF was extremely easy to get before it was sold out and now it's nearly impossible. And one could also argue that since Poly is the ONLY studio that comfortably fits 5, has 2 bathrooms, and has a MUCH bigger cult following than any of the other resorts that a lot more owners will be trying to trade into the studios (especially the standard view which is a steal for a family of 5 compared to 1 bedrooms at other resorts).

Take a look at BLT lake-view studios. There are plenty available even with little notice. And points are similar. And you can't really count PVB as two bathrooms when there's only one commode. I wouldn't say it's any more comfortable than any other studio that sleeps 5; the only benefit is the queen size pull out.

 

[LAX]

Anyone can use their points how they wish. Normally the issue comes up in the context of someone looking to buy points. EVERY TIME one uses destination resort points (VGF, Poly, VGF) elsewhere for something one could have used cheaper points, you dilute the value and savings of the ownership. It doesn't take much to cause a higher overall outlay than if one had just rented or even with discounted cash. IMO using at the home resort 75% of the time is about the low point to make owning somewhere like VGF or Poly worthwhile.

I agree. No one needs to justify how they use their DVC points. However, any attempt to justify paying direct pricing for points at a "premium" resort (ie: VGF, VGC, & PVB) and using them at other resorts still doesn't make it a wise financial move. The numbers don't change no matter how one crunches them. Many people overpay for stuff all the times and feel okay about it, but that doesn't make overpaying a good move financially.

LAX

 

[SpaceMountain77]

I debated whether or not to post my comment, because of fear of potential backlash, but have decided it adds value to the conversation.

I do not have an issue with Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The grounds are well-manicured, with plenty of green spaces offering a welcome serenity. Each pool area offers an idyllic setting for recreation and relaxation. Regarding the villas, from the studios to grand villas, the rooms are both inviting and nicely appointed. If you are looking to book a day at the spa, the offerings and service are exceptional.

My concern is with how Disney Parks & Resorts and Disney Vacation Club treat Saratoga Springs. Over the years, several of my friends have received free upgrades, at both value and moderate resorts, to Saratoga Springs. Recently, Disney Vacation Club offered a free week at Saratoga Springs with a specified point purchase at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. To me, the upgrades and free weeks devalue Saratoga Springs, which makes it hard to use points that were $145 - 180 each.

 

[Uncranky Donald]

And I suspect it will continue to be so. The studios are expensive in comparison to most of the earlier resorts, so you are only going to pick the Poly if you own somewhere else as a "treat" and need a studio. Now, move the conversation to five months, and I think it will be hard to get the Poly. But if you are calling right at seven months - I think you'll be good more often than not.

There were DVC Poly studios available for June as of 5 days ago, just happened to be checking...I was a little surprised to see this!

And thank you @supersnoop for saying that: I never understood why everyone was talking about 2 bathrooms in the Poly studios, 2 bathrooms to me means two places to do number 2!!!They mean split!!

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

And thank you @supersnoop for saying that: I never understood why everyone was talking about 2 bathrooms in the Poly studios, 2 bathrooms to me means two places to do number 2!!!They mean split!!

If you have a bunch of people all trying to get showers so you can get to rope drop, having two showers is a wonderful thing!

 

[CarolMN]

I debated whether or not to post my comment, because of fear of potential backlash, but have decided it adds value to the conversation.

I do not have an issue with Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The grounds are well-manicured, with plenty of green spaces offering a welcome serenity. Each pool area offers an idyllic setting for recreation and relaxation. Regarding the villas, from the studios to grand villas, the rooms are both inviting and nicely appointed. If you are looking to book a day at the spa, the offerings and service are exceptional.

I agree with you. The resort is beautiful!

My concern is with how Disney Parks & Resorts and Disney Vacation Club treat Saratoga Springs. Over the years, several of my friends have received free upgrades, at both value and moderate resorts, to Saratoga Springs. Recently, Disney Vacation Club offered a free week at Saratoga Springs with a specified point purchase at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. To me, the upgrades and free weeks devalue Saratoga Springs, which makes it hard to use points that were $145 - 180 each.

This is only possible because of DVC Members' choices. Disney has those points to use for upgrades, etc. mostly because members traded them for other options (like cruising). Whether we like it or not, more of DVC Members choose other resorts more often than they choose SSR if they have a choice. That's the resort most likely to have points/villas available after the 7 month bookers have have made thier choice.

Given that member pattern, DVC Members (as a whole), are probably fortunate that Disney uses SSR points to pay for the trades rather than points from the more popular member choices (near-park resorts).

 

[Judique]

Please - all new purchasers! Buy those expensive points at all the new resorts!

Because I can't wait to try your new resort using my cheap points when you want to trade out to mine!

It's a win win for both of us - I'll get your place using lower cost points and you will get my place for less points than you will pay at your resort.

 

[crisi]

If you have a bunch of people all trying to get showers so you can get to rope drop, having two showers is a wonderful thing!

I wonder how big of a population that is that needs two showers in the morning in a studio. A "bunch of people" maxes out at five, and my family often does its showering at night at Disney due to being hot and sweaty. Disney trips often mean children - and in my experience, until your kids are tweens or teens, they don't shower every day (I suspect even at hot and sweaty, parents depend on the pool for a rinse for the kids as often as not). And as for my husband and I, we've been sharing a shower in our bathroom while we both get ready for work for 21 years, we have an easy pattern, and I suspect most couples do.

So, if your target is families, I'm figuring there are a few years - between tween and "I don't want to/can't travel with you" from the kids - that most people need two showers.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

This is only possible because of DVC Members' choices. Disney has those points to use for upgrades, etc. mostly because members traded them for other options (like cruising). Whether we like it or not, more of DVC Members choose other resorts more often than they choose SSR if they have a choice. That's the resort most likely to have points/villas available after the 7 month bookers have have made thier choice.

Given that member pattern, DVC Members (as a whole), are probably fortunate that Disney uses SSR points to pay for the trades rather than points from the more popular member choices (near-park resorts).

I agree with you, Carol, that Disney's treatment of Saratoga Springs is largely due to the vacationing behaviors of its home resort members. It is unfortunate, because it likely does not help the resort's perception.

 

[Dean]

My concern is with how Disney Parks & Resorts and Disney Vacation Club treat Saratoga Springs. Over the years, several of my friends have received free upgrades, at both value and moderate resorts, to Saratoga Springs. Recently, Disney Vacation Club offered a free week at Saratoga Springs with a specified point purchase at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. To me, the upgrades and free weeks devalue Saratoga Springs, which makes it hard to use points that were $145 - 180 each.

It's not really how Disney treats the resort but rather a result of the demand. It's availability and the need to use the rooms as upgrades a at times is a function of the patrons demand for the resort. It's certainly a nice resort, most of our stays are there. But our stays are there for the same reason, it's what DVC gives to RCI also due to the relatively lower demand. We can discuss why, it's been discussed a number of times in one way or another. And while some would like to think it's demand is on part with the WDW DVC average, it's not and Disney springs won't make any real difference and I doubt the booking category change will either. My view on it's overall demand is it's simply a resort that's less deluxe than the others at WDW save OKW and it's in moderate location. From a DVC member standpoint, we could repeat those 2 issues plus add the fact it's higher points than it likely should be. It really should have been more OKW level across the board.