Minimum points

[KAT4DISNEY]

I don’t think it is that but it does leave one without an option in the Epcot area if those resorts don’t come back, or come back and can’t be stayed at by owners with resale points.

I agree a lot but where they want to be anyway, but it could make SAP a bit harder to get near park resorts for those who are locked out of newer ones.

The Epcot resorts will be gone for everyone so while that's sad you don't get them back just because you have direct points.
Unlike back in the time I reference when there was only 1 MK resort and many people didn't even agree it was truly an MK resort since it wasn't on the monorail. Now there would be 3 on the monorail meaning there's a monorail connection to Epcot. It's not the same as walking there but it also really isn't a big deal unless you only go to WDW for Epcot. That outline of resort numbers induces FOMO that probably isn't applicable if one really thinks about the whole realm of DVC.

 

[Sandisw]

The Epcot resorts will be gone for everyone so while that's sad you don't get them back just because you have direct points.
Unlike back in the time I reference when there was only 1 MK resort and many people didn't even agree it was truly an MK resort since it wasn't on the monorail. Now there would be 3 on the monorail meaning there's a monorail connection to Epcot. It's not the same as walking there but it also really isn't a big deal unless you only go to WDW for Epcot. That outline of resort numbers induces FOMO that probably isn't applicable if one really thinks about the whole realm of DVC.

You do if they come back as new DVC resorts restricted from resale.

Granted, no one know how DVD will handle, but again, for anyone who wants a chance, your chances are much higher with direct points than resale points until such time as we have official confirmation from DVD that resale purchases will not be limited in anyway beyond RIV.

It just makes sense for anyone who wants to purchase to know the possibility of what’s to come and decide if it matters. It does for us but obviously it doesn’t for all those current resale buyers.

 

[Sandisw]

Another positive I just thought of with the 100 point minimum. If you have someone who wants VDH and a WDW home resort, they can now do 100 at each and hit that 150 vs having to choose one or the other for their first 150.

 

[Disnid]

But since they started this line of direct only perks, there have been a few times where they allowed a buyer in for less than the advertised minimum and it didn’t include perks. It wasn’t advertised but if a buyer wanted in and didn’t care, DVD sold them less.

But, in 2021 when thjs went to 150 for both, they have had a really hard line, and let buyers walk away even if they could care less if they got the perks.

Why 100? Who knows but they still want to sell a decent number of points to new buyers to make it realistic for use but do offer current owners a chance to purchase fewer points as add ons.

They have always had a minimum so again, nothjng here is new.

When I bought in 2009, it was 160. At one point, it was even higher than that. Thst is why I had to buy resale first so I could add in less than that at BLT..and once I had it..I sold the original small resale I bought.

I think it’s a great they have decided to offer potential buyers a choice..and not sure how it can be looked at as anything but a positive for future sales..which is all DVD cares about.

If you want to discuss all the changes to Disney and DVC, that’s a different topic..but the whole strategy since 2012 has been to have resale seen as a lesser product.

And, given the number of resale buyers, it’s hard not to admit that perks aren’t seen by everyone as something that is worth what it costs to get them.

So, if resale can sell without perks, no reason DVD can’t either.

All good points, maybe my problem is just with the marketing. As someone said earlier, you can buy a Costco membership or a Costco Executive membership. DVC does not include Membership Extras but they do not say that until the fine print and hide it in foot notes.

“When you purchase from Disney Vacation Club, you’ll have access to incredible destinations and accommodations, as well as Membership Extras*.”

Don’t make me read the footnotes for something that important. There are really two DVC and they need to do a better job of distinguishing that up front.

If Costco said “Costco membership gets you 2% off every purchase*” that would be equally as annoying and confusing.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

You do if they come back as new DVC resorts restricted from resale.

Granted, no one know how DVD will handle, but again, for anyone who wants a chance, your chances are much higher with direct points than resale points until such time as we have official confirmation from DVD that resale purchases will not be limited in anyway beyond RIV.

It just makes sense for anyone who wants to purchase to know the possibility of what’s to come and decide if it matters. It does for us but obviously it doesn’t for all those current resale buyers.

Much better decision would be to make that decision once they exist. Buying for unknown future resorts is iffy at best with DVC. Too many cancellations and too far away for anything to be a given.

 

[Sandisw]

Much better decision would be to make that decision once they exist. Buying for unknown future resorts is iffy at best with DVC. Too many cancellations and too far away for anything to be a given.

See I think the opposite. DVC is just way too expensive to not consider it as a possibility.

If one can live without them, then your good to go..but, if you are buying today and want access to VDH and Poly tower, then one should at least be aware buying resale today could very well keep you out of those

 

[Bjaiken77]

This is annoying to me only because we bought in the minimum when we purchased our first direct contract, and we had to save hard to do it. We don’t care now because we have 325 direct points in addition to our 225 resale. However, it’s just a guessing game trying to figure out where Disney is going. I’m to the point now where I just want to put on blinders to everything Disney does and enjoy my time at the park in an oblivious state of mind.

 

[Sandisw]

All good points, maybe my problem is just with the marketing. As someone said earlier, you can buy a Costco membership or a Costco Executive membership. DVC does not include Membership Extras but they do not say that until the fine print and hide it in foot notes.

“When you purchase from Disney Vacation Club, you’ll have access to incredible destinations and accommodations, as well as Membership Extras*.”

Don’t make me read the footnotes for something that important. There are really two DVC and they need to do a better job of distinguishing that up front.

If Costco said “Costco membership gets you 2% off every purchase*” that would be equally as annoying and confusing.

Actually, it’s not hidden in the footnotes. There is a special page that one signs as part of the document that you must read and sign that explains those in detail. So, there is no way a direct buyer can buy without having knowledge of the program and T & C of them.

It even says at the bottom, “Don’t purchase this product based on this program always existing”…paraphrasing, but it’s right there.

And, most direct buyers are not as well versed in DVC as those on these boards so honestly, I bet most have no idea what membership Magic even is until they talk to a guide.

 

[softballpooh]

Another positive I just thought of with the 100 point minimum. If you have someone who wants VDH and a WDW home resort, they can now do 100 at each and hit that 150 vs having to choose one or the other for their first 150.

Ahhh, now, this has my wheels turning differently! Two days ago I would have been required to spend $41,400 and been limited to one resort or two resorts with one holding fewer points (one with 150 and one with 50). Today, I can spend the same amount and have an equitable distribution of points which gives me the ability for longer stays in both resorts. I know it seems silly, but Disney math makes us do silly things.

Do I NEED DVC in my life? No. Do I WANT DVC in my life? Yes. But I'm trying to do it in a way that is financially comfortable for me. What has me really thinking is the ability to purchase APs again. IF I'm able to purchase those in two weeks when it opens to me as an out of state guest, then that may be all I need to offset Disney costs, and won't pursue DVC direct or resale.

This is why thoughtful discussions are so good! Thanks to everyone for the continued conversation and perspectives on this topic and in a respectful way that helps those of us who are processors to continue processing

 

[Minniemoo15]

….

Much better decision would be to make that decision once they exist. Buying for unknown future resorts is iffy at best with DVC. Too many cancellations and too far away for anything to be a given.

Agreed … we bought resale knowing our points wouldn’t be good at Riv and were ok with that. The threat of not being able to use our points at “any future resort” worried me, but my DH was more emotionally detached from that prospect and said if and when a resort was built that we needed to stay at, we’d deal with that then by either adding on direct or selling and swapping our contact.

Since then GFV 2.0 was built, which we can use. And possibly even PVB 2.0. I am honestly surprised they are going this direction. It just goes to show you can’t predict what DVC will do tomorrow, let alone in 20 years.

 

[BrianLo]

I think it is about sales overall, but I do think this is somewhat tied to VDH. The Duo Studios at VDH were always going to be a super awkward product to market with 150 minimum buy in. We have these 'low priced' small studio options, but sorry you need to buy 2 weeks worth annually defeats the purpose.

It was a big balancing act, you don't want to pitch 50 point contracts and have the Duo Studios Impossible to book and members with barely leftover points for a premium deluxe studio. But you also don't want to have the standard bearer contract be 150 which pushes people up towards 1-2 bedrooms, where there simply isn't much capacity.

 

[Chili327]

Nobody is wrong, it’s just that everyone has a different situation.

Bottom-line!!

I can share my numbers. 2009 I bought for maybe 100/point? and I see they going for around 250 recently, maybe more a few months ago. At 10% a year for the S%P500 and using the dividends to help pay for lodging we looking at end amount of about 350 a point (minus fees/taxes).

I saved about a 1k a trip (to DL) net the dues. So we looking at a wash in terms of pure investment potential. I never got the AP's. BUT I had the discounts, went a moonlight magic, got to check Top of the World Lounge, and a member cruise! It was FANTASTIC and totally worth it for the magic (experience)! I had to plan a bit more, less housekeeping, and the whole covid situation but overall this was totally worth it!

At $100pp for VGC, it was always well worth it.!! (and probably still when only 5 years left)

Ahhh, now, this has my wheels turning differently! Two days ago I would have been required to spend $41,400 and been limited to one resort or two resorts with one holding fewer points (one with 150 and one with 50). Today, I can spend the same amount and have an equitable distribution of points which gives me the ability for longer stays in both resorts. I know it seems silly, but Disney math makes us do silly things.

This is why thoughtful discussions are so good! Thanks to everyone for the continued conversation and perspectives on this topic and in a respectful way that helps those of us who are processors to continue processing

I think spreading it around makes a lot of sense, unless you just hate to move... personally id love to move every 3-4 days or so. lol

Agreed … we bought resale knowing our points wouldn’t be good at Riv and were ok with that. The threat of not being able to use our points at “any future resort” worried me, but my DH was more emotionally detached from that prospect and said if and when a resort was built that we needed to stay at, we’d deal with that then by either adding on direct or selling and swapping our contact.

Since then GFV 2.0 was built, which we can use. And possibly even PVB 2.0. I am honestly surprised they are going this direction. It just goes to show you can’t predict what DVC will do tomorrow, let alone in 20 years.

I can't imagine Poly2 being new, would seem to complicate things so much as well as piss off all the current Poly owners that would like to have a bigger room option.
Also if they aren't part of the same it doesn't help them even out the points chart for the ridiculously high bungalow, right.? (I'm no expert, pure speculation)

 

[take36]

At $100pp for VGC, it was always well worth it.!! (and probably still when only 5 years left

It’s why I don’t consider myself a “real vgc owner” lol. I got it for cheap and had done zero research prior. I was literally at the park, a guide approached me and 2 hours later I was an owner. It is definitely not the way to buy dvc!

 

[RoseGold]

It’s why I don’t consider myself a “real vgc owner” lol. I got it for cheap and had done zero research prior. I was literally at the park, a guide approached me and 2 hours later I was an owner. It is definitely not the way to buy dvc!

Well, you happened to make one of the best possible buys in DVC and probably all timeshares, so I'd say it totally is the way to do it.

 

[Chili327]

It’s why I don’t consider myself a “real vgc owner” lol. I got it for cheap and had done zero research prior. I was literally at the park, a guide approached me and 2 hours later I was an owner. It is definitely not the way to buy dvc!

Well, you happened to make one of the best possible buys in DVC and probably all timeshares, so I'd say it totally is the way to do it.

Exactly, won the lottery... on accident. lol

 

[Disnid]

Actually, it’s not hidden in the footnotes. There is a special page that one signs as part of the document that you must read and sign that explains those in detail. So, there is no way a direct buyer can buy without having knowledge of the program and T & C of them.

It even says at the bottom, “Don’t purchase this product based on this program always existing”…paraphrasing, but it’s right there.

And, most direct buyers are not as well versed in DVC as those on these boards so honestly, I bet most have no idea what membership Magic even is until they talk to a guide.

It’s not hidden in the foot notes of the contract because there might be legal implications to do that. But in the marketing it definitely is. And like you said most buyers might just read the website, invest some time, and assume they might get it. Disney very easily say the extras are not included*. But instead they say they are included*. That quote I had was direct from their website so I’m not sure how you could say it’s not hidden in the foot note. If that snippet was all you saw you would assume they are included.

But also I like spending less and getting more so I may be impossible to make happy but things not being smoke and mirrors is a good start.

 

[take36]

Well, you happened to make one of the best possible buys in DVC and probably all timeshares, so I'd say it totally is the way to do it.

Lol my family asks me about my experience and I tell them about this board and all the sites to learn about how dvc works, spreadsheets to go over costs and benefit and then they ask me so what was your break even point? I’m like uh I didn’t do all that.

But my subsequent contracts I’ve been doing more due diligence and dvc as a product has gotten more complicated. Back then it was just buy and call this number. I didn’t even use the website for years! I don’t even remember them mentioning the perks are not guaranteed, I was so into my family having a great time I was ready to pay anything to have it “year after year.l

Now it’s like hunger games as your window opens for booking, dining, fast passes etc. and the battle continues until you get home, only for the moonlight magic battle to start!

I hope VDH can rekindle that magic, love to spend more time at DL on property and bring my kids and my family and friends kids to relive some of that Americana luxury.

 

[Sandisw]

Bottom-line!!



At $100pp for VGC, it was always well worth it.!! (and probably still when only 5 years left)



I think spreading it around makes a lot of sense, unless you just hate to move... personally id love to move every 3-4 days or so. lol



I can't imagine Poly2 being new, would seem to complicate things so much as well as piss off all the current Poly owners that would like to have a bigger room option.
Also if they aren't part of the same it doesn't help them even out the points chart for the ridiculously high bungalow, right.? (I'm no expert, pure speculation)

There are some who believe they can’t move around points from the bungalows to the new tower even if same association.

But, let’s assume it is possible, you have to assign fewer points to sell at tower in order to do that reallocation later from the start. Example…making number for simplicity..4. million total points at PVB already and say 1 million bungalow points that are already sold and can’t sell again.

When setting points for new tower, if they want to move those bungalow points around, they have to build in those 1 million on paper into the charts so the total for the tower rooms and the PVB rooms don’t exceed total resort points that are sold..

If they don’t, and just want to do it later, then the point chart when sales start will be artificially lower so a reallocation of bungalow points can be moved later on…

I just don’t see that happening,,…rather, if it goes in the same association, they won’t touch the current PVB charts…and leave bungalow points where they are

 

[Sandisw]

It’s not hidden in the foot notes of the contract because there might be legal implications to do that. But in the marketing it definitely is. And like you said most buyers might just read the website, invest some time, and assume they might get it. Disney very easily say the extras are not included*. But instead they say they are included*. That quote I had was direct from their website so I’m not sure how you could say it’s not hidden in the foot note. If that snippet was all you saw you would assume they are included.

But also I like spending less and getting more so I may be impossible to make happy but things not being smoke and mirrors is a good start.

Except prior to the move yesterday, the minimum and extras have been the same since 2021…

I don’t see it as deceptive if they are upfront when you decide to buy because even if you have the assumption you are getting them when you sit down to learn about it, you clearly know before you buy you are not.

But, as I said, my opinion is this as a really positive thing for buyers who really want direct but either cant afford 150, don’t care about perks like all the resale buyers out there, and/or don’t need the full 150…just not seeing any negatives for buyers with this move.

ETA: The official DVC website is still listing the minimum purchase as 150…which gets you extras…so it is not yet reflecting this new option…which just showed up at kiosks in the parks yesterday.

 

[RichVIII]

And how much do you bet the people who buy 100 now, want another 50 to get the perks in less than two years spend $10-20 more a point to get those 50 extra points. Win-Win for the mouse.