Need help on DVC Direct/Resale with Aulani.

[DonMacGregor]

A person could take the savings of buying resale AND rent out resale Aulani points and simply book a cash room at the Disneyland Hotel

This is where I think I must differ from others. There is absolutely no way I would ever buy a DVC contract with even the slightest intention of renting out points, to convert to cash, to turn around and pay for a hotel room, at a resort that has DVC rooms, that I could have reserved with the right DVC points in the first place. Once in a blue moon, maybe with expiring points? Possibly. But to purchase a contract while actively factoring in the possibility renting points as part of my purchase model would never happen.

It's the age-old "time versus money dilemma" or more recently, the "happiness dilemma", which I find not to be a dilemma at all.

 

[Drewski77]

This is where I think I must differ from others. There is absolutely no way I would ever buy a DVC contract with even the slightest intention of renting out points, to convert to cash, to turn around and pay for a hotel room, at a resort that has DVC rooms, that I could have reserved with the right DVC points in the first place. Once in a blue moon, maybe with expiring points? Possibly. But to purchase a contract while actively factoring in the possibility renting points as part of my purchase model would never happen.

That is what makes DVC so great, many options for how we can utilize our contracts.

Like most things, “one size doesn’t fit all.”

In the same way, I would never pay 30% or more for a direct contract with the idea (hope really) that I could book a new and/or high demand resort at the 7 month or less mark.

Especially with the other ways that I am totally comfortable guaranteeing myself (an actual guarantee) a room at any resort with a cash booking.

Again though, DVC is great because of the flexibility it allows.

 

[Paul Stupin]

You'd get the 11 month advantage with resale also. That is important at Aulani for some booking categories (like the hotel room category) and peak times.

Resale and direct also pay the same dues. Difference is the five figures to the mouse and booking RIV+ resorts, and I guess fringe Blue Card benefits, which aren't worth much right now on the West Coast. I don't see how those things are worth five figures, assuming DL Tower's 7 month availability is as tight as VGC.

I don't think DLT will be as difficult to book, considering that it will have seven times the number of rooms (VGC 50 vs. DLT 350). For me, I like owning some direct points not only for booking rooms potentially at DLT, but also for Riviera, and whatever new resorts wind up getting built at WDW down the line. That might not happen immediately, but I think sooner or later something spectacular will get announced, or a redesigned Reflections might live to fight another day.

I've also soured to the resale process. I have quite a few resale contracts, but for now I'm kind of done with resale for all the usual reasons. Too long, too uncertain, too many complications. I just signed closing docs on a contract whose seller accepted my offer last February! Of course I knew it had an extended closing date, but the price was too good to pass up, but I have no interest in going through this process again.

 

[Ruttangel]

I've also soured to the resale process. I have quite a few resale contracts, but for now I'm kind of done with resale for all the usual reasons. Too long, too uncertain, too many complications.

Sorry but this sounds more like you are convincing yourself, many many others would disagree. You also can’t complain about a delayed close, that’s what you signed up for.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Sorry but this sounds more like you are convincing yourself, many many others would disagree. You also can’t complain about a delayed close, that’s what you signed up for.

Yes, thats exactly right. No snark intended, but I don't quite understand your point. I'm not trying to convince anyone else, and yes, I did convince myself. That's the reason for the post. True, thats what I signed up for, but the long wait was harder to endure than I had anticipated. And of course many many others would disagree (I would have as well for quite a while!), but many many others would also agree. For some, the ease and convenience of direct counterbalances the savings you'd lose by not buying resale.

There's validity to both points of view, no?

 

[Imkarlawithak2005]

There are people here who are resale and those who buy direct throw our money away. There are people who buy direct who don’t enjoy the resale process. Nobody is right or wrong. And everyone’s experience is personal. The blue card vs. white card, resale vs. direct argument is tired. Everyone do what works for you. Take advice, leave advice….but how about less judgement?

 

[RoseGold]

HI! I was wondering if i could ask your opinion, with the new DLT opening in 2023 would you look into buying VGC resale and adding on a contract for the towers? We are exclusive DL people, eventually WDW every couple of years but right now with a 3 year old and a 1 year old we aren't looking to travel far.

of course you arent obligated to reply, just hoped you might have some insight! thanks!!

I think the DL pricing and chart are going to be shocking. I guessed 300, with a chart at least equal to VGC. This is not the majority consensus, I was also the highest estimate on the VGF thread.

If I’m right, the correct answer is to buy VGC resale now, assuming you perceive it as a superior property. If I’m wrong, maybe DL is a little cheaper than VGC. For an occasional trip to WDW, I don’t see why being able to book at RIV or whatever the next one is matters. So you have to decide which DL property you like more and whether you want to wait.

Mathematically, the answer is to rent VGC points, but that can be very difficult to do.

 

[Paul Stupin]

I think the DL pricing and chart are going to be shocking. I guessed 300, with a chart at least equal to VGC. This is not the majority consensus, I was also the highest estimate on the VGF thread.

If I’m right, the correct answer is to buy VGC resale now, assuming you perceive it as a superior property. If I’m wrong, maybe DL is a little cheaper than VGC. For an occasional trip to WDW, I don’t see why being able to book at RIV or whatever the next one is matters. So you have to decide which DL property you like more and whether you want to wait.

Mathematically, the answer is to rent VGC points, but that can be very difficult to do.

The ability to book Riviera matters if you want to stay there. I was skeptical until we booked it for a week and loved it. And it matters if you want to stay at “whatever the next one is,” especially if you plan on holding your points long term and don‘t want to be shut out of what will probably be an amazing property.

With it’s theming and immersive environment, I think VGC will be superior to DLT, and if you like one bedrooms, DLT is a non starter. But I don’t think DLT will be priced anywhere near as high as you think, not that it will be anything close to a bargain. But no use going back and forth on that when all the arguments have already been expressed on other threads!

 

[MagicalMommaOf2]

I think the DL pricing and chart are going to be shocking. I guessed 300, with a chart at least equal to VGC. This is not the majority consensus, I was also the highest estimate on the VGF thread.

If I’m right, the correct answer is to buy VGC resale now, assuming you perceive it as a superior property. If I’m wrong, maybe DL is a little cheaper than VGC. For an occasional trip to WDW, I don’t see why being able to book at RIV or whatever the next one is matters. So you have to decide which DL property you like more and whether you want to wait.

Mathematically, the answer is to rent VGC points, but that can be very difficult to do.

I am so with you, I would be shocked if it was less than 250.00 at the very bottom but i digress. I can find some 100 point contracts right now for around 30k which is no small coin but if i could get 100 at VGC and possibly another 100-150 at DL towers that would fall right in line with my current trip schedule. I would be happy to cut out one trip to have better accommodations.

I am torn, I want VGC selfishly but at my kids age DLT will have a splash pad and that will serve me for the time being so as absurd as it sounds i really want both. I am just afraid that topping nearly 300.00 a point at VGC I worry that i might feel like an idiot in a few months time but the more I hang out here the more I realize VGC people are pretty vocal about thinking the DLH is not to their standard. I just don't see this huge push to dump their contracts for DLT.

Thanks so much for your input. The west coast market is just so different, its rare I come across anyone that understands why its so important to us to have CA as our home.

one last question if i may, renting points I haven't had much luck with, it can be really difficult but youre so right, financially its more sensible. My question, is it so difficult to book at VGC that i should consider NOT buying a plan? like do we drop the money for a contract and find ourselves never being able to secure a studio or is this naïve thinking?

 

[MagicalMommaOf2]

The ability to book Riviera matters if you want to stay there. I was skeptical until we booked it for a week and loved it. And it matters if you want to stay at “whatever the next one is,” especially if you plan on holding your points long term and don‘t want to be shut out of what will probably be an amazing property.

With it’s theming and immersive environment, I think VGC will be superior to DLT, and if you like one bedrooms, DLT is a non starter. But I don’t think DLT will be priced anywhere near as high as you think, not that it will be anything close to a bargain. But no use going back and forth on that when all the arguments have already been expressed on other threads!

thank you. our family size is set at 4 right total right now and the nature of disneyland is that we are usually in park a max of 4-5 days. Making it just a smidge more comfortable. One set back i have about VGC is the fear that i won't be able to secure a studio

 

[RoseGold]

My question, is it so difficult to book at VGC that i should consider NOT buying a plan? like do we drop the money for a contract and find ourselves never being able to secure a studio or is this naïve thinking?

Right now, months 9-10 are wide open, and that’s the middle of summer and with all the extra COVID points floating around.

I can see how holidays might be difficult and require walking. Or fall, which is the best DVC value. VGC is just so small compared to tens of millions of WDW points, so 7 months is instantly gone.

 

[MagicalMommaOf2]

Right now, months 9-10 are wide open, and that’s the middle of summer and with all the extra COVID points floating around.

I can see how holidays might be difficult and require walking. Or fall, which is the best DVC value. VGC is just so small compared to tens of millions of WDW points, so 7 months is instantly gone.

I seriously cannot thank you enough. you have been so kind. Thank you for this information, another reason justifying why i wanted home at both to ensure I could get my vacations secured at both. Good luck to us both! I sure hope we are wrong about pricing lol

 

[RoseGold]

The ability to book Riviera matters if you want to stay there. I was skeptical until we booked it for a week and loved it. And it matters if you want to stay at “whatever the next one is,” especially if you plan on holding your points long term and don‘t want to be shut out of what will probably be an amazing property.

There won’t be new construction for many years. No one is shut out of Riviera. You can pay cash or rent points for a one-off trip with the five figures you saved not buying direct. I’m not sure why you would want to do that instead of stay at BLT, but it’s an option for going occasionally.

I do think there’s a mathematical argument for buying Riviera direct as SAP on the west coast if you plan to hold and will be booking last minute VGC/DL tower.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Right now, months 9-10 are wide open, and that’s the middle of summer and with all the extra COVID points floating around.

I can see how holidays might be difficult and require walking. Or fall, which is the best DVC value. VGC is just so small compared to tens of millions of WDW points, so 7 months is instantly gone.

Agreed, 7 months is almost impossible! My wife and I occasionally get two nights in a row, but only if I check for availability every single day…otherwise it’s a random night here or there. That’s ok for us, since we live in LA. The resort itself is beautiful and super fun, but for us we’d rather own at WDW.

 

[Paul Stupin]

There won’t be new construction for many years. No one is shut out of Riviera. You can pay cash or rent points for a one-off trip with the five figures you saved not buying direct. I’m not sure why you would want to do that instead of stay at BLT, but it’s an option for going occasionally.

I do think there’s a mathematical argument for buying Riviera direct as SAP on the west coast if you plan to hold and will be booking last minute VGC/DL tower.

Valid argument, but I just don’t want to stay anywhere at WDW without using points, being a DVC member. I paid too much for the points! Not a fan of the theming, or lack thereof, at BLT, but it’s a great option for many.

 

[beckylee53]

I think direct might make the most sense for you. I'm assuming that after Aulani, your other primary destination will be DLR, which means booking at VGC and DLT. With a resale contract you'll be able to book at VGC (if you can find any open dates), but will be locked out of DLT. VGC does have some limited availability if you work it and are super flexible, but it's hit and miss and may not ever align with your vacation windows. Even if your preference is to book at WDW resorts (being in Hawaii, we'll assume you have no desire to stay at HHI or VBR), I'm guessing you'll be taking the short trip to So Cal as well.

For me, it would boil down to the closest DVC non-home resorts to you are at DLR. You have 50 villas at VGC (the smallest DVC resort), and the 350 villas coming online at DLT. So, as a direct owner you'll have booking access to all 400 villas, whereas as a resale buyer, you will only have access to 50 or 12% of the available rooms.

I'm also assuming you've done the math, but do you really need to go for 250 points up front? What were your calculations to settle on that point count?

I got 250 points from the DVC website calculator. So I guess maybe I don't need that many? I actually found a resale for 200 points, $130/point. Get 397 points in 2022 since they banked 2021's points. So even if we plan on making short stays at Aulani throughout the year, you think buying SSR or another WDW resort is a better idea than Aulani? In the future I want to buy a resale of VGC or maybe buy direct at DLT if possible.

 

[Sandisw]

It has always been a bit odd that some don’t have the patience for the savings with resale…yet the whole idea of DVC itself is to have patience to eventually save on future vacations.

Meaning, you could pay more by booking cash rooms with Disney and have a lot more flexibility and ease of cancelling trips, not planning 7-11 months in advance, etc.

By comparison, the one time additional wait of resale to save a lot on a purchase is far less of a hassle to me.

No judgment on this, just has always been a bit odd to me.

I think there are factors beyond just time that are considered as well.

Upcoming trips can be a big one, having non restricted points, or even having extra points one doesn’t need to rent quickly which brings that price down for direct.

Because of ROFR, that can extend the process beyond the normal 3 months if it happens. You have to be okay and not taking any of those cash trips while you wait.

But I agree, for many, resale is worth the timeline. It wasn’t for use when we first bought and now I won’t buy that way because of where I want to use my points…but that’s another topic!

 

[Drewski77]

I think there are factors beyond just time that are considered as well.

Upcoming trips can be a big one, having non restricted points, or even having extra points one doesn’t need to rent quickly which brings that price down for direct.

Because of ROFR, that can extend the process beyond the normal 3 months if it happens. You have to be okay and not taking any of those cash trips while you wait.

But I agree, for many, resale is worth the timeline. It wasn’t for use when we first bought and now I won’t buy that way because of where I want to use my points…but that’s another topic!

I completely agree that there are factors beyond time that might make direct appealing to some.

My point was specifically related to the many that cite the long time period for avoiding resale, which I find a bit ironic when looking at DVC as a whole.

I think it’s great that DVC has a robust market for direct and resale, helps to maintain the value of our contracts and gives people options for joining.

 

[Paul Stupin]

I completely agree that there are factors beyond time that might make direct appealing to some.

My point was specifically related to the many that cite the long time period for avoiding resale, which I find a bit ironic when looking at DVC as a whole.

I think it’s great that DVC has a robust market for direct and resale, helps to maintain the value of our contracts and gives people options for joining.

I totally agree that DVC is a great way to save on future vacations, but I don’t see any irony at all in wanting to use direct points at DVC resorts that prohibit use of resale points. And, in doing so, avoiding a resale timeline that is literally 100 times longer isn’t too bad either!

I’m not arguing about resale savings, and have bought many resale contracts! But, one could argue that it is indeed ironic that a purchaser of a 2042 resort will get shut out of the very resort where they want to stay in twenty years, whether it’s resale or direct. Of course for many resale buyers who have crunched the numbers, it’s an acceptable trade-off, just as buying direct is for many folks who value a less frustrating purchase process and long term use of the points at new resorts.

 

[Drewski77]

I totally agree that DVC is a great way to save on future vacations, but I don’t see any irony at all in wanting to use direct points at DVC resorts that prohibit use of resale points. And, in doing so, avoiding a resale timeline that is literally 100 times longer isn’t too bad either!

I’m not arguing about resale savings, and have bought many resale contracts! But, one could argue that it is indeed ironic that a purchaser of a 2042 resort will get shut out of the very resort where they want to stay in twenty years, whether it’s resale or direct. Of course for many resale buyers who have crunched the numbers, it’s an acceptable trade-off, just as buying direct is for many folks who value a less frustrating purchase process and long term use of the points at new resorts.

Again, my point about the irony is specifically related to avoiding the longer resale timeline, when DVC itself is all about being patient to save on future vacations.

You are arguing about something I’m not saying, which is paying much more for direct to gain the chance (no guarantee) of booking certain resorts at 7 months or shorter.

Not something I would do, and not ironic in my view, as this is a completely different thing than simply avoiding the huge savings of resale because the process takes longer and is more of a hassle.

Think of it this way:

Avoiding DVC all together and just paying cash for rooms is far simpler, flexible, less time consuming, and far less of a financial commitment upfront and annually…yet all us DVC owners do this (A) to primarily save on future vacations.

And when I save 30% or more on my resale purchases (B) I am dealing with some extra time and hassle to…save on future vacations. Same as the main reason for buying into DVC.

So yes, when the same person will do “A” but then not “B,” because of the wait being too long and/or the hassle of it, this is indeed ironic to me.