New to DVC and chose Poly as home resort--bad idea?

[dizfan]

And if I'm not mistaken (please someone tell me if I have this wrong), there are places to do laundry around the resort. I don't think I have to have the washer/dryer in my room.

Our guide told us there is a laundry room in each longhouse.

All DVC resorts have 2BR options. At PVB, they are the very expensive bungalows. PVB is the first resort without 1BR units. However it is the only one with connecting studios.

For disclosure, we own at BLT and are in the process of adding on at PVB.

PVB is a perfect theme for us. Certainly, not perfect for everyone.

In the end, all that matters is if you are happy. Good luck with your decision.

 

[goofy4tink]

Does anyone have a scenario for a 2br option? What other resorts offer a 2br?

A two bedroom is merely a one bedroom, with a door connecting to a studio. All the resorts have two bedrooms, as well as one bedrooms...except for the Polynesian!!!
An example is...BWV onebedroom preferred view would be 37 pts (June 11-Aug 15), for Fri/Sat nights it would be 43 a night. A two bedroom would be 48 pts and Fri/Sat would be 55 pts a night.

At SSR, one bedroom (same time frame) would be 43 pts, Fri/Sat 50 and a two bedroom would be 50 pts, Fri/Sat 58 pts a night.

I used just studios in my first breakdown since the OP was talking about studios at the Polynesian....unlike the Polynesian, they wouldn't be able to get connecting studios at other resorts.

 

[kirstenb1]

Do you think with the ages of your children you'll want the in room washer/dryer and full kitchen? Poly studios won't have those. I would second the suggestion of checking out BLT resale. It's a short walk to MK. You won't even have to get on the monorail if you don't want to. So much to consider in this very important decision.

Could not agree more about the kitchen and washer/dryer!!! We bought back in 1993, before we even had kids. Even then, I knew I wanted the kitchen/laundry. Even if you don't cook, with 4 kids, you'll save a bundle, and peace of mind if you stock the kitchen with snacks/juice/simple items. I do cook, but it's easy cooking. Like tacos, or subs. Also, I freaking love not arriving back home to a mountain of laundry. I just start a load before we leave the villa for the day, then put it in the dryer when we're back for the night.

 

[Kebby]

hi!

We are another family of 6 with young kids who are going to be buying at poly! Try not to let the negative sway you. It's a GREAT resort. You will LOVE the access to the monorail. We have stayed there every year for many years along with most of the other deluxe resorts. we love it much more than all others. We debated long and hard between VGF and the poly, and in the end I was too nervous about not being able to book at my own resort owning at the VGF. No one wants to pay 160 a point and not be able to get thier home.

I am with you about not wanting to cook on vacation, and having laundry on site for emergencies is great for us- I don't want to do it every vacation. That's just us. I see the appeal for others, but not for us. Eventually, if we want a one bedroom or two, we can always use our points at another resort. For now, while my kids are young, I am sure we will do well in two connecting rooms. Having FOUR bathrooms and enough space to sleep 10 will do us just fine ( and we have stayed in one bedrooms and even a 2 bed in the past)

Do what feels right for you! If in the end you buy elsewhere, I am sure you will be able to give poly a try at some point as well! All the best! Hope to see you in the owners thread!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Does anyone have a scenario for a 2br option? What other resorts offer a 2br?

Here's a link to point charts for all the DVC resorts:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/DVCpoints.shtml

Or better might be a link to David's point calculator where you could input dates that you might consider going to WDW. You can select the button to show point totals instead of his rental prices and then can compare how many points are required at everyone of the resorts for the different size villas.

http://www.dvcrequest.com/cost-calculator.asp

It doesn't sound like you actually have a strong tie to the Poly so I'd really recommend taking a look at resales and researching the other resorts. Buying direct is expensive these days! If resale works for you it also can get you much greater value for your purchase. With a family of six consider how that will change as the kids grow. In all dedicated 2BR's (except for BCV which has a couple options) you would get a master bedroom with master bath, a living room area with a queen size sleeper and a second bedroom with 2 queen size beds so toss aside the part about wanting a kitchen or not. That can be important to people but doesn't have to be used when you stay in a 1 or 2BR - I know we don't use it much except for breakfast. We do love the laundry though. We can pack less, throw a load in whenever and not have to hang around a laundry room if the need arose. So the 2BR is actually having a villa with 3 rooms that allow a little spreading out vs having 2 connecting rooms at the Poly with 2 queen beds, 2 pull out double beds and 2 murphy beds. If there's even a question that it won't be guaranteed to connect then I'd skip it although I find it hard to believe they won't be a guaranteed booking category.

 

[DVC Jen]

One more thing to think about. Your children are young. However they grown up SO FAST. Your vacation needs in 3-5 years could be very different from what they are today. So take some time and think about that before making your final decision.

I would be concerned about no guarantee of connecting studios at the Poly if my children were that young.

Ten years from now it won't matter so much. Today it does.

Also really think about the limitations of buying resale vs direct. Those limitations may not seem like an issue now.. but further down the road when you are wanting to do something different they could be.

We have 270 points. 170 direct at VWL and 100 resale at Vero. We are OK with the limitations. We can still use our resale points at Vero, Hilton Head, DL and Hawaii.

99% of the time we go to WDW in June and so far (since 2001) we have never had an issue using the 7th month window. The only bump in the road we had was for a theme park view studio at BLT. We waitlisted and it came through for us.

So if you do go with Poly - and it does look really nice with a wonderful location, just be sure you are going to be OK with staying in another resort if your connecting studios do not come through. Otherwise if it is NOT a guarantee you are taking a big chance. If there are a limited amount, they will probably go quickly.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Does anyone have a scenario for a 2br option? What other resorts offer a 2br?

Just took a look at my spreadsheet for a little comparison of 2BR's vs 2 rooms at the Poly.

Let's just say you planned on a week (7 nights) in Dream season so 306 points for the connecting rooms at the Poly. In a 2BR the options for similar points would be:

7 nights BWV standard (280)
7 nights SSR (285)
8 nights AKV standard (290)
6 nights BLT lakeview (298)
8 nights OKW (306)
10 nights AKV value 2BR (310)
7 nights BCV/BWV (313)
7 nights AKV savanna view(317)
7 nights BLT standard (317)
8 nights BWV standard (318)
7 nights VWL (318)

So comparable lengths of stay in the 2BR's at other resorts to getting 2 studios at the Poly and much lower resale buy in cost and in many cases lower MF's compared to the Poly. And it's likely there will be times you could get in to the Poly with points from other resorts.

 

[Dean]

Hello everyone!

My husband and I are new to DVC and haven't even gone to closing yet. I wanted to ask opinions on choosing Poly as our home resort. I'm hearing that there aren't a lot of rooms dedicated to DVC members and we may have a hard time booking there even 11 months out. Should we choose a different home resort? I was so excited to have poly as our home. We're a family of 6 so needed enough points for adjoining rooms (the bungalows are WAY too expensive). Any help from you seasoned members would be greatly appreciated!

You've gotten a lot of good info. Only you can decide what's best for you but as I read through your various posts I had a few thoughts. One that you didn't have enough info to make an informed decision and the other that the Poly wasn't going to work out as well for you as you think. You should consider what happens the first time you don't get connecting rooms. Since you now know this is a risk and by buying in (or completing the purchase) you are acknowledging this and saying you are OK with it. I think you'd get it most of the time but there really isn't a guarantee and even if it was a booking category now, it could change later, though I don't know how they could make it a booking category by linking 2 separate villas together. But I wouldn't want to see you down at the FD arguing to try to get connecting rooms.

My impression is you need more info. You may want to consider canceling and getting more info, possibly renting privately. IF you decide to continue with the purchase you might consider if you can buy 2 villas for the same fixed week and if that gives you an advantage in getting the 2 rooms together. I really don't know but would assume it gives you some advantages. Ultimately for a group of 6 I don't see the Poly being a good choice for you long term unless you want to buy a fixed week 2 BR there. If you end up owning DVC you might find BLT (or one of the cheaper options) a much better choice than the Poly. BLT came to mind because it's also a monorail resort and because the 1 BR villas there sleep 5 and they currently will allow up to 6 though that might change. And it has the standard view points which would be cheaper still. A poly purchase for 2 studios for a summer week will be around $54K with yearly dues of $2K standard view. BLT for a 1 BR standard will be around $28K and yearly about $1350. Whether you'd be able to buy say SSR and get the Poly studios we really don't know but many are thinking yes you would due to the cost and number of them.

 

[SarahInMN]

YYou should consider what happens the first time you don't get connecting rooms. Since you now know this is a risk and by buying in (or completing the purchase) you are acknowledging this and saying you are OK with it. I think you'd get it most of the time but there really isn't a guarantee and even if it was a booking category now, it could change later, though I don't know how they could make it a booking category by linking 2 separate villas together.

This is what I was thinking earlier. if having adjoining rooms is important, there is no way to guarantee that - cash or DVC. We have friend who were staying at POR with their 2 kids and 1 set of grandparents. The reservation was booked, flagged, "promised by the reservation center as no problem," etc as adjoining rooms. They did not get adjoining rooms.

Is it ok to split your family up with 1 adult and 2 kids per room if need be? Or would this be an issue? The advantage with the 2 brs at other resorts is that, yes it may be a studio+ a 1 br with a door, but is a guarantee as it is a booking category. And that is not the case with the poly studios.

Good luck!

 

[Nolamom3]

I have ALOT to think about. The one thing I'm sure of is the fact that we want to buy into DVC. We go every year and that won't change. I love the experience of seeing the excitement on our kids faces and the time we get to spend together as a family. I think Disney World is the perfect place for our vacation memories. I genuinely appreciate all of the advice I've received. Thank yall for taking the time to help me!

 

[luv2sleep]

I'm not as experienced as the others but the one thing that stood out to me is your plan for 2 studio rooms every trip and hoping they'd be connecting. If it was very important to me there's no way I'd buy with this plan. If you can afford it points wise to book a 2 bedroom every time I'd do that.

The guides CAN sell you any of the resorts. Not just the 3 you were offered. Don't believe the hype lol! They just might not being getting incentives for it.

Also, if all you want to use your points to stay at a DVC resort I'd by resale at BLT or VGF.

 

[Docmom]

Until your youngest is over 3 my understanding is many 1 bedroom villas will allow 5 + 1 under 3 In a pack and play (which are in the rooms). So that could be an option for your family vs a 2 bedroom at least for a few years. Unless you are huge VGF fans don't compare the point cost of a 2 bedroom there with 2 studios at the Poly but use another resort like BLT or even VWL for comparison. Few thoughts on the laundry and kitchen: I never expected that they would be such a great thing for us. Our family of 4 usually stayed in a room at a deluxe resort so we thought we'd be fine in a studio. But since we bought DVC have only stayed in a 1 bedroom. Our first trip was a "splurge" then we couldn't go back! I rarely cook but we do always have breakfast in the villa now and sometimes a light dinner like salad or sandwiches. Having space for snacks, drinks, plus a table to play games is a huge bonus. The washer and dryer in the room are an extra bonus - I never did laundry before but it's so nice to throw in the towels or some of the kids clothes while we're doing something else. With DVC you don't get daily cleaning or fresh linens unless you pay extra so it's nice to be able to wash the towels ourselves and have fresh ones daily or every other day. Also as many others have posted, your kids will grow up quickly and 2 studios may not always suit your needs. One thing I noticed when we toured the Poly is the lack of storage space for suitcases, clothes, etc. - not bad for a couple for a few days but could be an issue for a family of 6 for a week.
For disclosure - we own at AKV and are a family of 4 with 2 tween girls. Regular rooms were fine when they were younger but as they've gotten older both they and DH and I appreciate the space that a 1 bedroom affords. AKV Kidani and BLT 1 bedrooms have 2 true bathrooms (master with jacuzzi tub, shower, toilet and sink, second with tub/shower combo, toilet and sink)....2 bedrooms have 3 bathrooms in AKV Kidani and BLT. Poly has "2" bathrooms per studio but one has a shower and sink and the other a toilet, tub/shower combo and sink. Just another consideration if you have girls ! We would have added on at the Poly had they had 1 bedroom villas because we love the theming and the location.
My suggestion for you is to really research all the resorts. Look at the layouts and point charts. Determine if you plan on going every year or every other year. Will you fly or drive? We love AKV but we live close so we drive, making it easier to get around and not have to use the buses. There are pros and cons to buying at the Poly as well as buying resale at a different resort. Just realize they are there and find what's best for your family. Since you are not a current owner, the window to purchase Poly is coming up soon. My recommendation is to research all the options and wait until the booking window opens in a week or two for current owners. Hopefully that should at least answer the question about booking 2 connecting studios as a single reservation. Personally if that wasn't a guaranteed booking category I wouldn't risk it with kids. They won't let the kids stay on their own of course but it would mean you and your DH would be in different rooms.

 

[Minniesgal]

Hello everyone!

My husband and I are new to DVC and haven't even gone to closing yet. I wanted to ask opinions on choosing Poly as our home resort. I'm hearing that there aren't a lot of rooms dedicated to DVC members and we may have a hard time booking there even 11 months out. Should we choose a different home resort? I was so excited to have poly as our home. We're a family of 6 so needed enough points for adjoining rooms (the bungalows are WAY too expensive). Any help from you seasoned members would be greatly appreciated!

As a family of 5 I actually think the Poly is probably the worst home resort for a large family. The 2 bedrooms are perfect for a large family. We don't cook on holiday but having the fridge for drinks and snacks in the room and a breakfast makes life so much easier. Also having the laundry facilities means we can do laundry without wasting time just throw a load in as we leave sort it out as we get back.

I'd beware of the Poly studios as well until you have at least seen one as the living space looks very small. Seems all the spare space is in the bathroom.

Due to a short term issue with our points and a split stay due to a cruise we find ourselves in the situation next year where effective use of our points means booking a studio for 4 nights for 3 people at VGF and frankly I'm dreading having just a studio.

As for adjoining rooms I would be surprised if DVC put a guarantee on it as even if they make it a booking category there could be some times when they have studios left which for whatever reason can't be connecting. i think they will make it a booking category though.

In your shoes I'd at least wait until after 11th of February when early bookers can confirm whether or not it is a booking category.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

From another thread that mentioned how you can see the Poly on the resort availability tool it dawned on me that it only shows studio - standard, studio-lakeview and bungalow options. There isn't a studio/studio combination so at the moment it doesn't seem like it will be a guaranteed booking category.

 

[Deb & Bill]

When they redesigned the Polynesian hotel room into DVC studios, they took a lot of space out of the living area and put it into the bathroom. So if you were familiar with Tahiti or the other two buildings before they were converted, the living area is now a lot smaller. We stayed in Tahiti (then it was also Moorea - 1997) on our first trip and we were comfortable with five of us (we took our two nieces along to have fun with our four year old). It was not bad, but with the room size made smaller by enlarging the bathroom (which was not that small), it would feel very tight with two adult and five kids. I'd cancel the purchase if you haven't exceeded a week (or whatever the time is to cancel) and think about it and do a bit more research if you can. It's a big expense to make a mistake that will affect you for a long, long time.

 

[sleepydog25]

Just took a look at my spreadsheet for a little comparison of 2BR's vs 2 rooms at the Poly.

Let's just say you planned on a week (7 nights) in Dream season so 306 points for the connecting rooms at the Poly. In a 2BR the options for similar points would be:

7 nights BWV standard (280)
7 nights SSR (285)
8 nights AKV standard (290)
6 nights BLT lakeview (298)
8 nights OKW (306)
10 nights AKV value 2BR (310)
7 nights BCV/BWV (313)
7 nights AKV savanna view(317)
7 nights BLT standard (317)
8 nights BWV standard (318)
7 nights VWL (318)

So comparable lengths of stay in the 2BR's at other resorts to getting 2 studios at the Poly and much lower resale buy in cost and in many cases lower MF's compared to the Poly. And it's likely there will be times you could get in to the Poly with points from other resorts.

You did get quite a bit of good info, especially those who mentioned gathering more information before deciding; however, I believe the quick spreadsheet KAT posted here is perhaps the most helpful. For roughly the same point costs as two connecting studios at the Poly, you can get a 2BR at most other resorts which would guarantee your family being all under one roof. While you may not use a kitchen or a washer/dryer, the first time you have them (assuming circumstances force you to book closer to 7 months out), you might wonder how you did without them. Purchasing DVC is at least partially based on emotion for nearly every first-time buyer especially as it relates to family, but as others have said, your dynamics will change. I strongly urge you visit a few DVC resorts if you haven't already. Try renting points first, perhaps. And strongly consider resale as it can save you thousands of dollars. Above all, keeping asking questions until you feel confident you understand the system. Best of luck!

 

[Nolamom3]

Can anyone explain to me the pros/cons buying resale vs direct? I'm thinking we're going to cancel the poly. I'm leaning towards a 2br at BLT. I had no clue that all resorts are available since the guide hadn't mentioned it to us.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Can anyone explain to me the pros/cons buying resale vs direct? I'm thinking we're going to cancel the poly. I'm leaning towards a 2br at BLT. I had no clue that all resorts are available since the guide hadn't mentioned it to us.

You can get your points more quickly by purchasing direct, but it can cost a lot more. Your points are not restricted in any way.
If you purchase a resale, it can take two to three months to complete the purchase. But you can also save a lot more or buy twice as many points with the same amount of cash. You won't be able to use your points to book non-DVC Disney vacations like DCL, ABC or Disney hotels. But these aren't really cost effective uses of your points. You get the best use of your points using them for DVC stays.

 

[sleepydog25]

In short, the only con is you can't use resale points to book Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Line cruises, and one other similar option. However, as nearly every DVC owner will tell you, using your points on things such as Disney cruises or ABD is a poor use of resources, i.e., the number of points it takes to book a cruise is quite high (a better option is to pay out of pocket for a cruise and if you want to rent your DVC points out, you can often finance that trip with that renting). Otherwise, your ownership is treated like any other--you can book your home resort at 11 months, non-home at 7 months, bank/borrow points the same, pay dues each year (ugh ), etc. When you buy resale, you do have to wait a little longer to get your points in the system since you have a longer process involving making an offer, getting the owners to accept it, then going through the process of right of first refusal (ROFR). ROFR is where DVC can buy a resale contract they consider too good of a bargain. Going direct through DVC generally is a shorter process, but you will pay much higher prices. I'm sure others will chime in with their views, but that's it in a nutshell.

 

[Dean]

Can anyone explain to me the pros/cons buying resale vs direct? I'm thinking we're going to cancel the poly. I'm leaning towards a 2br at BLT. I had no clue that all resorts are available since the guide hadn't mentioned it to us.

You lose nothing of value buying resale but you do have potential restrictions in the future that could have meaning. NONE of the lost options currently have value and actually the limitation could force you into a better decision since you'll only be thinking about using points at DVC. BLT is about the most one should go buying resale, it's unlikely VGF will be enough value to justify the resale route over retail but the specifics of a contract will ultimately determine that issue. Personally in your situation I'd likely buy SSR for a number of reasons but it seemed that BLT would be the best balance between what you want and what's reasonable to afford as well as having the second bath off the LR and sleeping 5 formally. It's also a MK/monorail option and has the standard view. Still SSR will be cheaper still and allow you to get a 2 BR fairly easily there, at OKW or at AKV. The rest will be more difficult but often workable and MAY still allow you to book at the Poly, we just don't know what the actual demand will be. SSR for enough for a 2 BR summer will be around $22K and fees of around $1600. It's more points for a SSR 2 BR than a BLT 1 BR which is the reason the cost isn't that much less and the dues are more. So you're end up with more points with SSR with those 2 examples (268 vs 315 IIRC).