Many decisions to make: VGF vs Riviera, direct or resale and use year.

[bimmertt]

Thank you As Sandisw mentioned there is Disney card holder discount that kicks in at 250 pts plus there is pre-arrival $500 credit if you have confirmed Disney reservation. In the end, we paid $194 per point instead of $207. Before closing, I looked up a couple of 100 pts AKV resale contracts and ran the numbers including closing costs, was surprised myself to see that difference was so small.

What’s the pre-arrival credit? That hasn’t been mentioned by my guide. We’re planning on going back towards the end of the year, just waiting on this purchase first before we start booking.

 

[sashinska]

What’s the pre-arrival credit? That hasn’t been mentioned by my guide. We’re planning on going back towards the end of the year, just waiting on this purchase first before we start booking.

If you have a confirmed reservation at Disney at the time of the purchase they give you additional $500 off.

 

[varyth]

If you have a confirmed reservation at Disney at the time of the purchase they give you additional $500 off.

I wonder if this is specific to WDW? Our guide didn't mention this during our VGF purchase, even though we mentioned we'll be staying at the Grand Californian. I'll keep in mind to specifically ask next time we add-on direct.

 

[bimmertt]

If you have a confirmed reservation at Disney at the time of the purchase they give you additional $500 off.

Do you have to be staying at the resort you’re buying points for? Or can it be for any resort?

 

[sashinska]

Maybe it is a current offer? Not sure if they will have it in the future. But yea, I would ask

 

[sashinska]

Do you have to be staying at the resort you’re buying points for? Or can it be for any resort?

Any resort. We are staying at Boardwalk and bought VGF

 

[Sandisw]

Any resort. We are staying at Boardwalk and bought VGF

To confirm, you were staying on a cash trip booked via Disney right? Not on a DVC stay?

 

[sashinska]

To confirm, you were staying on a cash trip booked via Disney right? Not on a DVC stay?

Correct, just a usual reservation. And we haven’t stayed yet. We had it booked for this fall at the time of DVC purchase

 

[julie-o]

Hi, just wondering what swayed your decision. I’m going through a similar process. I originally ruled out Riviera due to the resale restrictions, but I have to admit, the incentives are attractive. Specifically the ability to start with double points. If VGF offered this, I probably would’ve signed on the dotted line already. I’ve heard good things about the Riviera as well. I’ve also been debating direct vs resale. Seems like resale would be less risk if we have a change of heart early in our ownership.

Are they offering to start with double points right now at Riviera? Our guide told me this week they’re not doing that at any of the resorts currently. Has anyone heard differently?

 

[julie-o]

Do you have to be staying at the resort you’re buying points for? Or can it be for any resort?

Minimum of 200 point purchase.

 

[bimmertt]

Are they offering to start with double points right now at Riviera? Our guide told me this week they’re not doing that at any of the resorts currently. Has anyone heard differently?

I was inquiring if it could be done for VGF and my guide said it was only being offered for Aulani and Riviera. This was three days ago.

 

[Nursemanit]

I just got double points this week at RR

 

[julie-o]

I just got double points this week at RR

Points for 2021 and 2022?

 

[Sandisw]

Points for 2021 and 2022?

To clarify, it only applies for UYs that are still in the 2021 UY.

So, only Sept, Oct and Dec UY would be eligible for 2021 points. All other UYs have begun their 2022 UY.

The double points is nothing more than getting current UY points, but buying toward the end of the UY so you start off with double the points.

 

[julie-o]

To clarify, it only applies for UYs that are still in the 2021 UY.

So, only Sept, Oct and Dec UY would be eligible for 2021 points. All other UYs have begun their 2022 UY.

The double points is nothing more than getting current UY points, but buying toward the end of the UY so you start off with double the points.

Well this muddies the waters. I had just about decided to do VGF, but those 150 points combined with the better incentive is enticing. And we love both resorts. I’m also confused why our guide said no back points were available at any resorts. I specifically asked about it.

 

[Nursemanit]

Points for 2021 and 2022?

Yes - but I had to show that I needed an October use year.

 

[Sandisw]

Well this muddies the waters. I had just about decided to do VGF, but those 150 points combined with the better incentive is enticing. And we love both resorts. I’m also confused why our guide said no back points were available at any resorts. I specifically asked about it.

They say it because they try to encourage people to take a different UY so they don’t have to.

But, if you tell them what you want, and it should include 2021 UY points, then also tell them to contact you when they get approval.

 

[TinkB278]

They say it because they try to encourage people to take a different UY so they don’t have to.

But, if you tell them what you want, and it should include 2021 UY points, then also tell them to contact you when they get approval.

At what point do you think the VGF “bonus” points will be available? Does it go by the month the resort opened? So starting mid next year they might be available?

 

[Sandisw]

At what point do you think the VGF “bonus” points will be available? Does it go by the month the resort opened? So starting mid next year they might be available?

The term bonus is really a misnomer.

You always get current UY points except during the first year of opening.

So, everyone is getting 2022 UY points and will continue to get them as long as they buy before they enter the 2023 UY for that month.

So, I have a June UY and got 2022 UY points. I can add on more in the UY up until May 31st 2023 and would get those 2022 UY points again, and then my 2023 UY points as well.

Even those who night with a Feb UY will get 2022 points put until Feb 1st when it changes.

Bonus is simply nothing more than buying strategically near the end of a UY.

The only exception can be sold out resorts because they don’t always them in stock to sell.

 

[Nursemanit]

One other thought on the end-of-year point situation. I would argue that your choice of a resort will be with you, and affect you for the next 40+ years - the doubled points will be long forgotten

I prefer Epcot and HS way more than MK - I would not buy 2 weeks worth of points on the Monorail even if I had a triple-point deal. Because all three Epcot resorts sell out of SV rooms before 7 months (99% of the time). Why have points if you don't get the vacation you want?