Less than a month into DVC and I already have addonitis.

[NeutralNovice]

And now I am debating where I am going to get my next points from! Maybe you guys can help out your DVC cousin out!

Just this past month, I purchased 200 Points Direct for AKV Dec UY. That contract came out to about $36k with incentives.

I am from California and, of course, I do like going to DLR but I also like going to Hawaii. I'd probably frequent DLR more since it's closer.

Anyway, here is my situation...

• I am 100% planning to purchase resale.
• Budget is $30-35k. Will pay in full, no loans.

Now what should I do?

• 100 Points @ VGC
  • After staying at VGC and seeing just how convenient it was to get to both parks plus DTD, I don't even want to think about the DL Hotel DVC Villas when they come on sale. I've stayed at DLH before and after staying at VGC, I practically want to live there lol! Such a stunning resort--I LOVE it.
  • Obvious caveat is that I'm only getting 100 Points since the point value is so danged high at $290+.
  • I only ever stay around the SoCal Disney Parks for 3 nights, at most. 1 Park each day plus travel day.
  • I also would only go during "cold" season AND low-point season---so I don't know how much of an advantage that 11-month has over 7-months.
  • At this resort, I am good with Studio or Above--I really did like the 1BR when I stayed there last week.
• 200-250 Points @ Aulani
  • I tend to visit Hawaii about every other year or so, definitely not an annual thing.
  • When I do go, I will most likely travel during the low seasons (Travel Period 1) anywhere from 5-7 Days
  • I would prefer the 1-BR or above so I'm not necessarily competing for the Studios
  • Another caveat to this one is that I am not "tied to Disney" when it comes to Hawaii. I was also considering just getting a legacy timeshare at Marriott Ko Olina, which run for significantly cheaper with they use years alternating between even and odd, which kinda fits my frequency.
  • And lastly, I would like to visit other islands too so not being tied down to Oahu might be a good thing.
• 150+ Points @ another WDW Property
  • I am also thinking of this option because why the heck not! LOL. Getting that 11-month booking advantage at another WDW property might work out really well for me! I do want to plan on going to WDW more often even though I am from the West Coast. I prefer WDW or DLR but shh, don't tell my West Coast friends about it!
  • I would like, as an alternative to AKV, be at a resort that has some nice transportation options like the Monorail Loop. I would LOVE to do Boardwalk or Beach Club but their contract expirations in just 20 years is giving me pause for going there.
  • If I go for something like OKW 2057, I can get a larger number of points with my budget and hope for the best with the 7-month booking windows.
  • For WDW, I would like a 1BR or better and have enough to stay for at least 5 Days. (Based on just random "research," it seems like the competitive rooms for most resorts are the Studios... 1BR+ seem to be fairly "easy" to get at 7-months out. Then again, that's a limited amount of research)
  • Travel would most likely take place November-February, outside of the holiday travel times.

Ugh, I am thinking about this way too much! Please HELP!

 

[WDWEPCOT]

First off
Buy where you want to stay
November is Food & Wine - horrible time to get rooms at Beach Club / Board Walk or lately anywhere they book up quick - including 1 bedrooms
I bought Beach Club just for Food & Wine so I could stay there - not to mention they have an amazing pool !!!
I have owned Animal Kingdom Favorite
My next favorite is Bay Lake !!! Monorail / boats / walk to Magic Kingdom - close to so many awesome restaurants !! I just love Bay Lake
1 bedroom has TWO bathrooms Yes two !!! If you have girls enough said ( I have girls ) so nice !! Plus you can see the Magic Kingdom fireworks !! It’s a really nice property !!
ponder this over
Give it some thought
Check out the resale market and the thread on the boards for prices - let us know what you picked !!
I don’t know why but I’m feeling OKW will be your pick !!! I think Hawaii is your runner up !!
so exciting !
fyi - this will not make the desire to add on go away - we need a 12 step program for that - I search daily even though I’m currently not happy with Disney Haa haa

 

[NeutralNovice]

First off
Buy where you want to stay
November is Food & Wine - horrible time to get rooms at Beach Club / Board Walk or lately anywhere they book up quick - including 1 bedrooms
I bought Beach Club just for Food & Wine so I could stay there - not to mention they have an amazing pool !!!
I have owned Animal Kingdom ❤❤ Favorite
My next favorite is Bay Lake !!! Monorail / boats / walk to Magic Kingdom - close to so many awesome restaurants !! I just love Bay Lake
1 bedroom has TWO bathrooms ❤❤❤ Yes two !!! If you have girls enough said ( I have girls ) so nice !! Plus you can see the Magic Kingdom fireworks !! It’s a really nice property !!
ponder this over
Give it some thought
Check out the resale market and the thread on the boards for prices - let us know what you picked !!
I don’t know why but I’m feeling OKW will be your pick !!! I think Hawaii is your runner up !!
so exciting !
fyi - this will not make the desire to add on go away - we need a 12 step program for that - I search daily even though I’m currently not happy with Disney Haa haa

I want to stay EVERYWHERE lol!

Oof, I did forget about Epcot Food and Wine... Now I'm gonna have to think about that again lol! Just worried about the 2042 contract as I said before... I suppose I can stay in the Monorail Loop though--just a bit more pricey! I WISH Poly had more than just studios (I am not even thinking about those bungalows lol).

I've been to Food and Wine once and it was definitely a fun and filling! Luckily I'm not married to the event but it sure would be nice to have close accommodations--or at least convenient.

While Bay Lake, on the design/theme front seems kind of boring compared to the other resorts, you just can't beat that convenience lol! And the fact that the 1BR has 2 bathrooms is nice. It's one of the reasons why I picked AKV... the Kidani 1BRs have 2 bathrooms! Perfect to relax with my partner but also good to go with friends as they'd have their own bathroom. No kids for me and it'll probably stay that way haha.

I might have to wait and see how the 7-month booking windows affect the months of November-February if I were to get OKW. If I am able to get a 1BR at BLT (views irrelevant), I might just get a lot of points at OKW to use at BLT/VGF.

So difficult to think about all this lol. And Im gonna say No to the 12-step program. For now. lol!

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

If you LOVE VGC and want to stay in studios, you'll want to own there. You can get 1 bedrooms there with some success right at 7 month but studios are much harder. We own there and love it too! We do plan to buy points at DLTower though when it opens. It certainly is a longer trek to the esplanade but (and it's a big if)... if Disneyland Forward happens even somewhat like they envision, it would put it right in the middle of all the new things. OK but I still want more points at VGC. Haha. Excited that they will be doing the full remodel of the DVC villas there in 2024! I'm hoping for better lighting. I do love that VGC has the extra bathroom in 1+ bedrooms like Kidani and BLT do (and DLTower will). Makes it so much easier to cycle through people getting ready in the morning.

I don't think you can really go wrong with any of your 3 options and if you're like us... this is probably just your first add on. Haha. Also... Welcome Home!

 

[Ruttangel]

There is only one way to avoid addonitis, stick a copy of your dues statement on the fridge door as a reality check

 

[RoseGold]

I am concerned that no APs, even full price ones or DVC only ones, will impact many people’s plans to buy/use DVC. I thought AP sales would be back after the holidays. If they aren’t after spring break, I am seriously considering sellling.

The website is no longer just an annoyance to me. I view the “glitches” as intentional. It’s constantly breaking, I can’t even get what I want, and I consider the website unfair and interfering with my ability to even use my points. I am considering selling.

As for your three choices, I don’t understand why they are even in the same post, as they aren’t on the same wavelength. You need to commit to what kind of travel you want before you pick any of these. Especially VGC. The points are incredibly expensive and you really need to commit to using them and only at VCG. And LOL at not needing VGC’s 11 month priority. Most of the time even 11 month is walked.

The 1BR Aulani chart is terrifying. The equivalent cash can go a long way, Hawaii or beyond. I wouldn’t buy any timeshare in Hawaii at all because of its local laws, and Aulani in particular is a troubled property as a timeshare. I wouldn’t want to be stuck trying to sell it. But the Aulani fans get mad when I bring this up.

 

[RoseGold]

There is only one way to avoid addonitis, stick a copy of your dues statement on the fridge door as a reality check

Or try to use the website.

 

[NeutralNovice]

If you LOVE VGC and want to stay in studios, you'll want to own there. You can get 1 bedrooms there with some success right at 7 month but studios are much harder. We own there and love it too! We do plan to buy points at DLTower though when it opens. It certainly is a longer trek to the esplanade but (and it's a big if)... if Disneyland Forward happens even somewhat like they envision, it would put it right in the middle of all the new things. OK but I still want more points at VGC. Haha. Excited that they will be doing the full remodel of the DVC villas there in 2024! I'm hoping for better lighting. I do love that VGC has the extra bathroom in 1+ bedrooms like Kidani and BLT do (and DLTower will). Makes it so much easier to cycle through people getting ready in the morning.

I don't think you can really go wrong with any of your 3 options and if you're like us... this is probably just your first add on. Haha. Also... Welcome Home!

I got super lucky and got a 1BR for 3 nights about 2 weeks before the trip--like right after I signed my contract lol! It's almost as if Disney was like, oh you should buy more points. Too bad it hasn't been available direct for years!

It's just... hard to commit to getting just 100 points out of VGC. And finding the right use year and correct amount of points isn't easy either.

And now, for my WDW choice, I'm thinking really hard about BLT. Looking at the ROFR thread, the passed ones seem to be getting a pretty decent deal. If I can snag 150-200 points in the 160s or better, that might seal it.

There is only one way to avoid addonitis, stick a copy of your dues statement on the fridge door as a reality check

I think I might just try that! But maybe after my first or second add on. LOL

I am concerned that no APs, even full price ones or DVC only ones, will impact many people’s plans to buy/use DVC. I thought AP sales would be back after the holidays. If they aren’t after spring break, I am seriously considering sellling.

The website is no longer just an annoyance to me. I view the “glitches” as intentional. It’s constantly breaking, I can’t even get what I want, and I consider the website unfair and interfering with my ability to even use my points. I am considering selling.

As for your three choices, I don’t understand why they are even in the same post, as they aren’t on the same wavelength. You need to commit to what kind of travel you want before you pick any of these. Especially VGC. The points are incredibly expensive and you really need to commit to using them and only at VCG. And LOL at not needing VGC’s 11 month priority. Most of the time even 11 month is walked.

The 1BR Aulani chart is terrifying. The equivalent cash can go a long way, Hawaii or beyond. I wouldn’t buy any timeshare in Hawaii at all because of its local laws, and Aulani in particular is a troubled property as a timeshare. I wouldn’t want to be stuck trying to sell it. But the Aulani fans get mad when I bring this up.

I was thinking about getting an AP for my trip in December and I too am surprised they haven't yet returned. I wish they would say something about it. It's not a priority for me though as I generally am a 1-visit/year to Florida and California parks. If I get an add on though, I might just go more than once to Florida in 2023 and just get AP for a year... I hope they put it back on. It's like "TAKE MY MONEY" Disney!

Yep, I know the three choices are very different from each other. And that's the difficult part--committing. I'm more of a theme park vacationer than a tropical paradise vacationer but I do go to Hawaii on a fairly regular basis---so far I'm thinking that Aulani is at the bottom of my three scenarios right now though because of the fact that I want to visit islands other than Oahu. It's now: Do I get just 100 points at VGC or 150+ somewhere in WDW? I know the 7-month window to get VGC is a risk but I'm pretty flexible on schedule.

I hope that Disney gets back the AP ASAP and fixes their IT woes--it really sucks reading all of the horror stories people are having with the website. I don't understand how a multi-billion dollar company just seem to can't get it right when it comes to web infrastructure and function.

 

[RoseGold]

Yep, I know the three choices are very different from each other. And that's the difficult part--committing

You don’t have to commit. Renting points is a superior choice for the math in many situations. Aulani is often open last minute and you can even use distressed points.

And don’t forget the Swolphin with the laundry room. Swolphin for my next trip is $229, and I have to say it is making DVC look a lot less appealing. You don’t have to lock into decades of Florida timeshare to go to WDW now and then.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

On the other hand Disneyland you currently can have annual passes - Magic Key holder here. Yaaass. What is the amount of VGC points you’d like to have eventually?

 

[Sandisw]

If staying at VGC is important, then I would buy there. It is very hard to get a room there if you are not an owner. The other ones are a toss up, IMO. I would think about when you want to travel because each will require a 7 month booking for the other.

Are you more apt to go to Aulani? Or more apt to go to WDW? Since you already own 200 at AKV, you have a good amount to cover WDW trips so maybe home resort at AUL makes more sense.

Good luck!

 

[DonMacGregor]

 

[NeutralNovice]

On the other hand Disneyland you currently can have annual passes - Magic Key holder here. Yaaass. What is the amount of VGC points you’d like to have eventually?

I'd be good with 100. The longest I'll stay would be just 3 nights. I did find a deal somewhere for $285 with my UY but I am still debating.

Now I think it's just a choice between BLT and VGC. BLT, of course, has more bang for the buck in terms of point cost and it'd be nice to have the 11-month window at a monorail loop resort. BUUUT VGC is quite difficult to land at 7 months so oof. I almost hate this lol.

If staying at VGC is important, then I would buy there. It is very hard to get a room there if you are not an owner. The other ones are a toss up, IMO. I would think about when you want to travel because each will require a 7 month booking for the other.

Are you more apt to go to Aulani? Or more apt to go to WDW? Since you already own 200 at AKV, you have a good amount to cover WDW trips so maybe home resort at AUL makes more sense.

Good luck!

I'm more of a WDW fan over DLR but DLR is much easier and cheaper to get to--and I'd only spend about 3 nights there at the most where WDW would command at least 5 nights to make it worth it coming from CA. Since writing up the post, I've become a little bit less keen on Aulani--one of the reasons being that I don't want to visit just the island of Oahu. And the points charts seem to be rather expensive. I realized that I am a theme park traveler first so without a theme park, Aulani is sort of just another hotel to me.

It's now just a choice between:

100 Points at VGC and get 11-month window there?
or
160-200 Points at BLT and get 11-month window at a Monorail Loop property. More points as well to use on bigger, more extravagant stays that I also miiight be able to use at VGC if I get lucky at the 7-month window lol.

Been up all night thinking about it dangit! I need to sleep on it now haha.

View attachment 643919

I love how Book of Boba Fett is essentially The Mandalorian Season 2.5.

 

[RoseGold]

I did find a deal somewhere for $285 with my UY but I am still debating.

For VGC, you don't care if you have the same UY. The points should never cross streams. A different UY might actually be better so you don't accidentally spend VGC points.

 

[kandlsutton]

There is only one way to avoid addonitis, stick a copy of your dues statement on the fridge door as a reality check

Or run out of disposable income and don’t want any loans.

 

[808blessing]

you can always get lucky at BLT but you will not get lucky at GCV except once in awhile. lots of monorail resorts and options.
i know what i would choose since home resort is an availability choice for me.

 

[DonMacGregor]

you can always get lucky at BLT but you will not get lucky at GCV except once in awhile.

Getting lucky always depends on how strong your game is...

 

[808blessing]

yeah i recently got 4 nights lucky at GCV. i luckied my way to add-on-itis at top dollar. thrilled with no regrets.

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

You're not interested in Riviera for Skyliner?

 

[NeutralNovice]

Ooof... so my choices are narrowed down between:

1. 100 Points @ $285/pt - VGC Resale
2. 125 Points @ $231/pt - BLT Direct with new Incentives

The new incentives released today is making BLT Direct look very attractive. ughhh.. such a tough choice to make right now.