Looking to maybe join Disney Vacation Club

[Paul Stupin]

Except they built AKL in just about the most geographically undesirable location on property and it’s got absolutely the least efficient and fewest transportation options of any resort.

Having said that….savanna. If Disney wants “desirable”, they’ll simply create it. Wherever they want.

Agreed. And both the Reflections location and the possible monorail location are pretty good. Also, any number of good locations open up should they extend the Skyliner. As we get closer and closer to 2042, the inability to use resale points at resorts other than the original 14 will grow more and more problematic. Next year, 7 month availability for non studio accommodations at VGF could disappear, another resort possibly closed to resale.

 

[BamaGuy44]

And what I'm saying is that prior to building AKL, you would have said that a resort there would be a terrible location. Heck, people say that Coronado Springs is a crappy location still. Hell, in 1965 you'd have questioned building anywhere within the confines of what is now WDW. Disney has artificially created each and very location on WDW property. Location is relative to what is there already, and what is planned to be built in the future, and that is 100% a blank canvas for Disney.

Saying "all the really good spots are taken" suggests Disney has simply played out the hand they were dealt. None of the "really good spots" existed until Disney formed them out of swamp land. Each and every one was created out of nothing, and Disney can make more spots at will, just like they did before.

They can't just invent more land really close to the parks. A lot of what's left has been deemed not suitable to build on. So I disagree they can just create spots at will. Maybe building technology will evolve, maybe they'll build a new park, who knows. I'm not basing any purchase decisions on it though.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

And what I'm saying is that prior to building AKL, you would have said that a resort there would be a terrible location. Heck, people say that Coronado Springs is a crappy location still. Hell, in 1965 you'd have questioned building anywhere within the confines of what is now WDW. Disney has artificially created each and very location on WDW property. Location is relative to what is there already, and what is planned to be built in the future, and that is 100% a blank canvas for Disney.

Saying "all the really good spots are taken" suggests Disney has simply played out the hand they were dealt. None of the "really good spots" existed until Disney formed them out of swamp land. Each and every one was created out of nothing, and Disney can make more spots at will, just like they did before.

I think BamaGuy44's point is that DVC has resorts located at the historically most desired locations. The Magic Kingdom area has 4 resorts, Epcot/HS has 2 resorts (3 if you count Riviera as being in that area, but Riviera is a little more removed), and Disney Springs has 1 resort (2 if you count Old Key West). Animal Kingdom resort is camped out right at Animal Kingdom Theme Park even though, as you said, that area is a little more removed from the rest of WDW. The point is that there are DVC resorts at every major area throughout WDW. Now, if Disney decided to build an entirely new theme park somewhere in WDW then I would absolutely see your point about Disney not having played out their hand yet. In that theoretical case, DVC could implement severe point restrictions at the "new" resort adjacent to the new imaginary theme park to almost force people to buy direct. But as things stand right now, any resale owner has access to resorts by all the highest desired locations (i.e. all theme parks and Disney Springs).

 

[BamaGuy44]

I think BamaGuy44's point is that DVC has resorts located at the historically most desired locations. The Magic Kingdom area has 4 resorts, Epcot/HS has 2 resorts (3 if you count Riviera as being in that area, but Riviera is a little more removed), and Disney Springs has 1 resort (2 if you count Old Key West). Animal Kingdom resort is camped out right at Animal Kingdom Theme Park even though, as you said, that area is a little more removed from the rest of WDW. The point is that there are DVC resorts at every major area throughout WDW.

Pretty much. Could they possibly build another resort in an amazing location that I would covet? Maybe but it would be a long time from now and anywhere I would want to be is already covered by the current resorts I can book with resale points. If someone wants to "future proof" their membership with direct points, I get it but for me I don't see the value to offset the large price difference.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Pretty much. Could they possibly build another resort in an amazing location that I would covet? Maybe but it would be a long time from now and anywhere I would want to be is already covered by the current resorts I can book with resale points. If someone wants to "future proof" their membership with direct points, I get it but for me I don't see the value to offset the large price difference.

Of course no one really knows, but “a long time from now” could be five years, or three, or two if you count the new Disneyland Tower…not a single option being too long. And I wasn’t too interested in Riviera until I stayed there. It’s really nice, and the sky liner is super fun. Personally, after spending a good chunk of change on DVC (as have we all!), I don’t like the idea of being shut out of any DVC resort, especially what many regard as the nicest.

I know a lot of resale buyers have a low regard for buying direct. I did too initially. But direct points do have their advantages.

 

[Lumpy1106]

TL : DR the thread, sorry if this has been covered. You will save roughly $10k buying resale based on what you have said. With Blue card you get parties (good luck being there when they happen) access to RIV and future resorts (point chart for RIV is through the roof compared to others), ability to use points for ABD and the cruises (it's a TERRIBLE value though - don't do it) and discounts. The only discount worth mentioning here is on the APs - you didn't say you were even interested in those, plus APs sales are so up-in-the-air right now. LSS - it's going to take a long, LONG time to "make back" that $10k if you ever do.

If your family of 4 is happy in a value -THAT is what you need to compare cost to when deciding on DVC, not the rack rate on a DELUXE. Even if you figure in a healthy "Disney Inflation" rate it's going to take a long while to make even a resale contract "pay off". BUT...if you get a couple of years in and change your mind you can resell that contract and get good value for it - so kindof a wash there. Just don't expect "instant savings".

Biggest thing as others have said is DVC really demands that you are a planner. We plan our trips a full 11 months out, and we decide if we are going or banking the points even further out than that. We last wen in August '21, we borrowed quite a few points and got a little burned out on going so will not return until August '23. I don't think that sort of planning is all that uncommon in the DVC crowd.

All that said, we really like owning DVC and love staying in all the different resorts. I love planning and planning so far out commits you to going which I also enjoy (being "locked-in to going on vacation, that is). DO your research, YouTube is your friend, as is message boards like this one - there are no dumb questions here.

 

[RanDIZ]

People associate buying direct with the ability to stay at RIV and future resorts. Any DVC owner knows how difficult some resorts are to book at 11 months let alone 7. And RIV is no exception. Paying thousands extra (direct) for the ability to have a little to no chance to stay anywhere other than your home resort is not a smart approach. Not to mention the point heavy charts that I’m sure future DVC will have as does RIV.

And it doesn’t look too promising for new DVC anytime soon. Inflation has hit the construction industry hard. It might of made sense at the time for Reflections, but certainly not now. Wait until the poor showing for Galactic Starcruiser with those insane prices and Disney will rethink any new resort construction.

The value of direct drops immediately as does a new car when you pull off the lot. At least resale can be put right back on the market and only suffer losses due to commissions and fees. Limited downside risk. Add the fact that those resales will only be good at that specific resort will even further decrease the value.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

Pretty much. Could they possibly build another resort in an amazing location that I would covet? Maybe but it would be a long time from now and anywhere I would want to be is already covered by the current resorts I can book with resale points. If someone wants to "future proof" their membership with direct points, I get it but for me I don't see the value to offset the large price difference.

That’s exactly how I feel. The current resort options available for stays via resale contracts accommodate everything my family enjoys about WDW (as well as the non WDW options). We just didn’t see the value in spending another $20k in order to stay at Riviera or whatever new resort may open some day down the road. But again, to each their own. People place different value on things.

 

[BamaGuy44]

I know a lot of resale buyers have a low regard for buying direct. I did too initially. But direct points do have their advantages.

I don't have low regard for it, I totally get why people would want direct, I may do it myself at some point. We just all have to decide if the extra cost is worth the advantages. For me right now it's not, but I can see why it would be for others. If I wanted to stay at RIV a lot or I felt there were new resorts on the horizon that would tempt me I'm sure I would view it differently. I dont think anyone who buys direct is doing it wrong.

 

[Paul Stupin]

People associate buying direct with the ability to stay at RIV and future resorts. Any DVC owner knows how difficult some resorts are to book at 11 months let alone 7. And RIV is no exception. Paying thousands extra (direct) for the ability to have a little to no chance to stay anywhere other than your home resort is not a smart approach. Not to mention the point heavy charts that I’m sure future DVC will have as does RIV.

And it doesn’t look too promising for new DVC anytime soon. Inflation has hit the construction industry hard. It might of made sense at the time for Reflections, but certainly not now. Wait until the poor showing for Galactic Starcruiser with those insane prices and Disney will rethink any new resort construction.

The value of direct drops immediately as does a new car when you pull off the lot. At least resale can be put right back on the market and only suffer losses due to commissions and fees. Limited downside risk. Add the fact that those resales will only be good at that specific resort will even further decrease the value.

1. We generally stay in one bedrooms. At the Riviera we like the one bedroom preferred view. One of the times of year we go to WDW is May, where availability for the room we like is currently wide open at 6 months. Granted, the point chart is way high, but we’re prepared for it. So I’m not sure why using direct points to book Riviera at this time, which works for us, isn’t a smart approach. Maybe it doesn’t work for you, but it works for us, and I’m fully aware of challenges with 7 month availability. One bedrooms, though, aren’t particularly difficult to find at 7 months.

2. Galactic Starcruiser is sold out for months. At this point you’ve got to regard it as a success. Personally, it sounds to me like a monumentally pricey “one and done” kind of experience, but the investment seems to be working. And I’d bet you it was relatively cheap to build.

3. Using direct points to book Riviera, and potentially DLT, is value enough. I’m not going to hold my breath for construction beyond that, but it’s going to happen, and when it does I’ll be glad I can stay there.

4. I actually have way more resale points than direct. So, if down the line I decide to sell, I’ll sell the resale and keep the direct.

5. Not sure what you mean by “resales will only be good at that specific resort.” I didn’t buy direct at Riviera with the resale restrictions. Anyone who buys my direct points, should I decide to sell, can use them at the original 14. You seem a little confused on this issue.

 

[Drewski77]

1. We generally stay in one bedrooms. At the Riviera we like the one bedroom preferred view. One of the times of year we go to WDW is May, where availability for the room we like is currently wide open at 6 months. Granted, the point chart is way high, but we’re prepared for it. So I’m not sure why using direct points to book Riviera at this time, which works for us, isn’t a smart approach. Maybe it doesn’t work for you, but it works for us, and I’m fully aware of challenges with 7 month availability. One bedrooms, though, aren’t particularly difficult to find at 7 months.

2. Galactic Starcruiser is sold out for months. At this point you’ve got to regard it as a success. Personally, it sounds to me like a monumentally pricey “one and done” kind of experience, but the investment seems to be working. And I’d bet you it was relatively cheap to build.

3. Using direct points to book Riviera, and potentially DLT, is value enough. I’m not going to hold my breath for construction beyond that, but it’s going to happen, and when it does I’ll be glad I can stay there.

4. I actually have way more resale points than direct. So, if down the line I decide to sell, I’ll sell the resale and keep the direct.

5. Not sure what you mean by “resales will only be good at that specific resort.” I didn’t buy direct at Riviera with the resale restrictions. Anyone who buys my direct points, should I decide to sell, can use them at the original 14. You seem a little confused on this issue.

A resale buyer of Rivera can book at the original 14?

I thought a resale buyer of Rivera can only use the points at Rivera?

 

[swaysui]

1. We generally stay in one bedrooms. At the Riviera we like the one bedroom preferred view. One of the times of year we go to WDW is May, where availability for the room we like is currently wide open at 6 months. Granted, the point chart is way high, but we’re prepared for it. So I’m not sure why using direct points to book Riviera at this time, which works for us, isn’t a smart approach. Maybe it doesn’t work for you, but it works for us, and I’m fully aware of challenges with 7 month availability. One bedrooms, though, aren’t particularly difficult to find at 7 months.

2. Galactic Starcruiser is sold out for months. At this point you’ve got to regard it as a success. Personally, it sounds to me like a monumentally pricey “one and done” kind of experience, but the investment seems to be working. And I’d bet you it was relatively cheap to build.

3. Using direct points to book Riviera, and potentially DLT, is value enough. I’m not going to hold my breath for construction beyond that, but it’s going to happen, and when it does I’ll be glad I can stay there.

4. I actually have way more resale points than direct. So, if down the line I decide to sell, I’ll sell the resale and keep the direct.

5. Not sure what you mean by “resales will only be good at that specific resort.” I didn’t buy direct at Riviera with the resale restrictions. Anyone who buys my direct points, should I decide to sell, can use them at the original 14. You seem a little confused on this issue.

About number 5, if I'm not mistaken, Im pretty sure anyone that buys a contract from anyone at Riviera will be restricted to using those points only at Riv and not the original 14. As a direct owner you can book anywhere, but once you sell them the restriction will apply to the new buyer.

 

[rubybutt]

5. Not sure what you mean by “resales will only be good at that specific resort.” I didn’t buy direct at Riviera with the resale restrictions. Anyone who buys my direct points, should I decide to sell, can use them at the original 14. You seem a little confused on this issue.

ummmmm............ Who's going to tell him?

 

[DVChris]

5. Not sure what you mean by “resales will only be good at that specific resort.” I didn’t buy direct at Riviera with the resale restrictions. Anyone who buys my direct points, should I decide to sell, can use them at the original 14. You seem a little confused on this issue.

This is not correct. If you decide to sell your direct Riviera points, then the buyer can only use them at Riviera. This is the resale restriction and why so many did not buy Riviera.

 

[rubybutt]

LOL... we all responded within a minute of each other. Mine was the funniest though.....

 

[Drewski77]

This is not correct. If you decide to sell your direct Riviera points, then the buyer can only use them at Riviera. This is the resale restriction and why so many did not buy Riviera.

And why no one knows what the bottom will be with Rivera resale, one reason I wouldn’t buy it direct.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

1. We generally stay in one bedrooms. At the Riviera we like the one bedroom preferred view. One of the times of year we go to WDW is May, where availability for the room we like is currently wide open at 6 months. Granted, the point chart is way high, but we’re prepared for it. So I’m not sure why using direct points to book Riviera at this time, which works for us, isn’t a smart approach. Maybe it doesn’t work for you, but it works for us, and I’m fully aware of challenges with 7 month availability. One bedrooms, though, aren’t particularly difficult to find at 7 months.

2. Galactic Starcruiser is sold out for months. At this point you’ve got to regard it as a success. Personally, it sounds to me like a monumentally pricey “one and done” kind of experience, but the investment seems to be working. And I’d bet you it was relatively cheap to build.

3. Using direct points to book Riviera, and potentially DLT, is value enough. I’m not going to hold my breath for construction beyond that, but it’s going to happen, and when it does I’ll be glad I can stay there.

4. I actually have way more resale points than direct. So, if down the line I decide to sell, I’ll sell the resale and keep the direct.

5. Not sure what you mean by “resales will only be good at that specific resort.” I didn’t buy direct at Riviera with the resale restrictions. Anyone who buys my direct points, should I decide to sell, can use them at the original 14. You seem a little confused on this issue.

#5 is incorrect. Anyone who buys Riviera resale can ONLY stay at Riviera. It’s one of the biggest reasons cited to consider not buying direct there (or resale there).

 

[RanDIZ]

5. Not sure what you mean by “resales will only be good at that specific resort.” I didn’t buy direct at Riviera with the resale restrictions. Anyone who buys my direct points, should I decide to sell, can use them at the original 14. You seem a little confused on this issue.

Definitely not confused. RIV resale stays at RIV only.

 

[Paul Stupin]

#5 is incorrect. Anyone who buys Riviera resale can ONLY stay at Riviera. It’s one of the biggest reasons cited to consider not buying direct there (or resale there).

And why no one knows what the bottom will be with Rivera resale, one reason I wouldn’t buy it direct.

P

LOL... we all responded within a minute of each other. Mine was the funniest though.....

This is not correct. If you decide to sell your direct Riviera points, then the buyer can only use them at Riviera. This is the resale restriction and why so many did not buy Riviera.

A resale buyer of Rivera can book at the original 14?

I thought a resale buyer of Rivera can only use the points at Rivera?

I don’t own any direct or resale points at Riviera. My home resorts are CCV, VGF, and Aulani, with some direct and some resale. It’s the direct I use to book Riviera at 7 months. I thought that was clear but maybe not!

If I owned any Riviera points, why would I be so focused on 7 month availability? My apologies for not being clear. Sorry if I’ve disappointed anyone.

 

[Drewski77]

P



I don’t own any direct or resale points at Riviera. My home resorts are CCV, VGF, and Aulani, with some direct and some resale. It’s the direct I use to book Riviera at 7 months. I thought that was clear but maybe not!

I think it wasn’t, hence so many replies to your post.