Not ROFR thread - general discussion

[ClaraOswald]

Personally, I like the Disney aspects in the BLT rooms way better than the way they Disney-ified the hotel side of things.

 

[disneylandtour]

Personally, I like the Disney aspects in the BLT rooms way better than the way they Disney-ified the hotel side of things.

Spent three days there last month. Like the photos of Joe Fowler and Roy Disney on the wall. the HUGE down side at the moment--only one ( of two) sets of elevators are open to the public at the moment. And it is very difficult to get an elevator to take your luggage out between 10 and 11 each morning. But that will fix itself.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Personally, I like the Disney aspects in the BLT rooms way better than the way they Disney-ified the hotel side of things.

BLT theming looks great, IMO.

 

[PolyRob]

CR cash rooms are embarrassing.

Agreed. The work also looks shoddy. It's very unfortunate

 

[atthebeachclub]

Tons of small point contracts just got listed. I don't see that too often!

 

[Mouseforward]

Personally, I like the Disney aspects in the BLT rooms way better than the way they Disney-ified the hotel side of things.

It's CR airport terminal feel that turns me off, or closer yet an airpot terminal sitting on top of a convention center. I am excited to try BLT this month as it is removed from CR and I find I gravitate towards "DVC only" resorts like RIV, SSR, OKW. Even BW has a better feel since you are separate from the Inn other than the lobby which is basically a pass through since it is not where the shops and dining are centered.

 

[disneylandtour]

Personally, I like the Disney aspects in the BLT rooms way better than the way they Disney-ified the hotel side of things.

So very much agree!!! Would much rather have Joe Fowler and Roy O. Disney on the wall than Jack Jack.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

We can only hope. I mean…. no one really wants an Avatar experience yet they are putting it into the park because the movies do well….

Wait hope it does happen or hope it doesn’t!? I do not need Disney’s Tomorrowland rethemed like either FF or mid-century modern…. I don’t think it needs TLC anywhere near as badly as Disney World’s does—but I guess we can all hope together it doesn’t get Avatar theming?

I’m not super in love with the meringue shape they are giving new Space Mtn at Tokyo Disneyland either…but at least it looks more like the future than the past.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Wait hope it does happen or hope it doesn’t!? I do not need Disney’s Tomorrowland rethemed like either FF or mid-century modern…. I don’t think it needs TLC anywhere near as badly as Disney World’s does—but I guess we can all hope together it doesn’t get Avatar theming?

I’m not super in love with the meringue shape they are giving new Space Mtn at Tokyo Disneyland either…but at least it looks more like the future than the past.

TL DL is already mid-century modern theming… I would 100% be OK with using F4 as an IP to breathe some life into it.

 

[ChipTheRescueRanger]

We did the “tour” the other day. Guide was great until the pricing chat.

We from no pressure to high pretty quick. Including telling me the current incentives are only valid for a few days and the use year I would want isn’t ideal and I should have the one they are selling.

Was honest mind you and said can cancel before 10 days. I can see how people get carried away.

But the $200 gift card was in my email almost instantly. So a few rounds of drinks on Mickey for an hour of my time. Can’t complain!

 

[Carouselofplanning]

I need some advice from the experts here. I am not a DVC member but I am now convinced I need to be. My family loves Disney. We are in the northeast so we primarily go to Disney World 1x a year usually, occasionally a 2nd trip happens but not usually. We stay Deluxe. I have always hesitated to buy DVC because quite frankly I was unaware of the resale market and I honestly think direct is significantly overpriced.

I love the hotels at WDW, but none have “wowed” me. The entire place wows me but none of them blew me away. And then I went to Aulani. That has the wow factor. It’s 100% Disney’s most impressive property. And Hawaii is great. Never been until now but know I want to go back. Cash stay was a fortune for an OV room. It’s basically the same price as a resale contract for equivalent points to go every other year. We could not go every year the flight is too much in terms of cost and time. On the other hand, I can usually find a decent discount on a cash rate at WDW, except for “high peak” weeks.
Here’s my question to the experts here who I love engaging with on this board: I only want to buy 1 contract to just wade into the DVC waters. Do I buy Aulani or WDW? When I go to HI for the next 10 years I need to go in July-early Aug (peak) due to school break. WDW I can go April, May, June or typically end of Aug. Was thinking if we don’t go to Aulani in a year where we have 2 years of points we can always find a reservation at WDW (no split stays though). True? In non Aulani years, we could just rent points for that stay. Or should I buy WDW because we go there the most? Any thoughts appreciated!

 

[VGCgroupie]

I need some advice from the experts here. I am not a DVC member but I am now convinced I need to be. My family loves Disney. We are in the northeast so we primarily go to Disney World 1x a year usually, occasionally a 2nd trip happens but not usually. We stay Deluxe. I have always hesitated to buy DVC because quite frankly I was unaware of the resale market and I honestly think direct is significantly overpriced.

I love the hotels at WDW, but none have “wowed” me. The entire place wows me but none of them blew me away. And then I went to Aulani. That has the wow factor. It’s 100% Disney’s most impressive property. And Hawaii is great. Never been until now but know I want to go back. Cash stay was a fortune for an OV room. It’s basically the same price as a resale contract for equivalent points to go every other year. We could not go every year the flight is too much in terms of cost and time. On the other hand, I can usually find a decent discount on a cash rate at WDW, except for “high peak” weeks.
Here’s my question to the experts here who I love engaging with on this board: I only want to buy 1 contract to just wade into the DVC waters. Do I buy Aulani or WDW? When I go to HI for the next 10 years I need to go in July-early Aug (peak) due to school break. WDW I can go April, May, June or typically end of Aug. Was thinking if we don’t go to Aulani in a year where we have 2 years of points we can always find a reservation at WDW (no split stays though). True? In non Aulani years, we could just rent points for that stay. Or should I buy WDW because we go there the most? Any thoughts appreciated!

The best answer is to own both WDW and AUL. But if you want to own only one I would buy Aulani. I wouldn't even rent Aulani because to me personally any money spent can be money put towards owning there. If you need to go to Aulani at a certain time year you have just one option.. Aulani. If you need to go to WDW a certain time of year you have many options so the odds are better at 7 months in WDW.

My advice is I would negotiate hard for a great deal at Aulani or if you have it in you, go after a subsidized Aulani contract.

 

[disneylandtour]

We did the “tour” the other day. Guide was great until the pricing chat.

We from no pressure to high pretty quick. Including telling me the current incentives are only valid for a few days and the use year I would want isn’t ideal and I should have the one they are selling.

Was honest mind you and said can cancel before 10 days. I can see how people get carried away.

But the $200 gift card was in my email almost instantly. So a few rounds of drinks on Mickey for an hour of my time. Can’t complain!

In terms of high pressure, this never used to be the case. I went about a year ago and sat through a presentation so I could see the models of the Poly Tower rooms. It really felt like they hired a bunch of salespeople from some other timeshare company who are now using typical timeshare tactics at Disney.

 

[Mouseforward]

The best answer is to own both WDW and AUL. But if you want to own only one I would buy Aulani. I wouldn't even rent Aulani because to me personally any money spent can be money put towards owning there. If you need to go to Aulani at a certain time year you have just one option.. Aulani. If you need to go to WDW a certain time of year you have many options so the odds are better at 7 months in WDW.

My advice is I would negotiate hard for a great deal at Aulani or if you have it in you, go after a subsidized Aulani contract.

As I read the post I immediately thought @VGCgroupie is going to reply and recommend AUL sub.

She is correct, buy the contract where you want to stay - buy resale AUL and hold out for a subsidized contract. Once you decide - stalk the resale boards like crazy especially on Thursday and Friday

If you truly do not care about the WDW resort - and you are looking at the WDW dates you mentioned- you will be able to get a resort at 7 months.

 

[Maleficent85]

I need some advice from the experts here. I am not a DVC member but I am now convinced I need to be. My family loves Disney. We are in the northeast so we primarily go to Disney World 1x a year usually, occasionally a 2nd trip happens but not usually. We stay Deluxe. I have always hesitated to buy DVC because quite frankly I was unaware of the resale market and I honestly think direct is significantly overpriced.

I love the hotels at WDW, but none have “wowed” me. The entire place wows me but none of them blew me away. And then I went to Aulani. That has the wow factor. It’s 100% Disney’s most impressive property. And Hawaii is great. Never been until now but know I want to go back. Cash stay was a fortune for an OV room. It’s basically the same price as a resale contract for equivalent points to go every other year. We could not go every year the flight is too much in terms of cost and time. On the other hand, I can usually find a decent discount on a cash rate at WDW, except for “high peak” weeks.
Here’s my question to the experts here who I love engaging with on this board: I only want to buy 1 contract to just wade into the DVC waters. Do I buy Aulani or WDW? When I go to HI for the next 10 years I need to go in July-early Aug (peak) due to school break. WDW I can go April, May, June or typically end of Aug. Was thinking if we don’t go to Aulani in a year where we have 2 years of points we can always find a reservation at WDW (no split stays though). True? In non Aulani years, we could just rent points for that stay. Or should I buy WDW because we go there the most? Any thoughts appreciated!

To me it sounds like you probably need to have 2 contracts (1 at Aulani and one at one of the unrestricted WDW resorts (restricted Riviera, Cabins at Fort Wilderness and any future restricted resorts). The restricted resorts can only be used at that resort. If you are going to WDW once or sometimes twice a year and are staying deluxe you would probably be money ahead owning dvc and more than likely wouldn't have the points necessary to book Aulani when the time comes. You could also get away with buying a smaller aulani contract with the intention of only using it at Aulani since you can have up to 3 years of points to utilize with banking and borrowing. Our total cost for our Aulani contracts is $14-$15 per point. For a 1 bedroom oceanview late December- early January is the equivalent of $40-$45 per point with cash! If you are not concerned with having priority at a specific resort Bay Lake Tower and Copper Creek are a great value when you consider cost per point, annual dues and time left on the contracts. As an example of potential saving with dvc vs cash prices the week before Christmas 2024 a studio at the Polynesian was 40% less cost when using an AP discount to book the same view. In mid July this year even with the 40% discounts being offered nothing came close other than a value resort for the points cost of booking a studio at Old Key West. If you were to buy an Aulani contract and a WDW contract I would buy them with the same use year so you can easily combine points at 7 months. Another thing to consider is that for DVC to work well you really need to be planning your trips at least 7 months ahead and if you can book your home resort at 11 months so pick a resort you don't mind stay at for your home. DVC isn't a product that works well if you do last minute trips.

 

[Carouselofplanning]

In terms of high pressure, this never used to be the case. I went about a year ago and sat through a presentation so I could see the models of the Poly Tower rooms. It really felt like they hired a bunch of salespeople from some other timeshare company who are now using typical timeshare tactics at Disney.

Similar experience at Aulani. Did the morning coffee presentation, then a brief chat about how it worked and then numbers came out with super tight deadlines, wanting me of course buy a large contract for the most “savings”. I told the rep I wasn’t making a big financial decision like this on vacation so thanks for the info & I’ll be in touch. Next day voicemail in the room. Day after an email. Next day a hello in the hallway telling me how quick Docusign works. Relax. I told you right out of the gate I’m not buying on the trip. Email day I got home. Pretty persistent.

 

[disneylandtour]

Similar experience at Aulani. Did the morning coffee presentation, then a brief chat about how it worked and then numbers came out with super tight deadlines, wanting me of course buy a large contract for the most “savings”. I told the rep I wasn’t making a big financial decision like this on vacation so thanks for the info & I’ll be in touch. Next day voicemail in the room. Day after an email. Next day a hello in the hallway telling me how quick Docusign works. Relax. I told you right out of the gate I’m not buying on the trip. Email day I got home. Pretty persistent.

Stunning.

Try this: go make a ridiculous (but not wildly ridiculous) request. Say something like, since your company is really looking to sell these contracts, I might be interested for a 35% discount over the current numbers you've shown me. If you can put that discount together, we can talk. Otherwise, I'm not interested. And my guess: you'll never hear from him again. And if you do, all you need to ask is: did you get the 35% discount on top of the numbers you already showed me? Something like this will put you more in control of the conversation. And will end needless needling.

But yeah, one of the things that made DVC different was the lack of endless sales pitches. Also products that are well priced and desirable will sell themselves, mostly. Products that are poorly priced or not that desirable need super pushy sales people to hound customers until they find buyers. Sadly, I think DVC is more in that second camp now, when it used to be in the first one.

 

[matt_in_nh]

I listen to various podcasts and whatnot. There is a theory I hear that I am. It so sure about. That Disney uses ROFR to keep resale up. I don’t believe that. The ROFR avriviry is low single digit percentage of resales from what I can tell. Not sure how that keeps prices high. When I was buying I wanted the best deal I could find and was not too afraid of ROFR. When I was waiting I was very sure my contract was not getting taken and if it did I would have taken another at bat. Now I know people get super paranoid but depending on your resort it is highly unlikely to happen. I think Disney uses ROFR to make money for them not for us. Curious about others thoughts or insights.

 

[pzw90]

I listen to various podcasts and whatnot. There is a theory I hear that I am. It so sure about. That Disney uses ROFR to keep resale up. I don’t believe that. The ROFR avriviry is low single digit percentage of resales from what I can tell. Not sure how that keeps prices high. When I was buying I wanted the best deal I could find and was not too afraid of ROFR. When I was waiting I was very sure my contract was not getting taken and if it did I would have taken another at bat. Now I know people get super paranoid but depending on your resort it is highly unlikely to happen. I think Disney uses ROFR to make money for them not for us. Curious about others thoughts or insights.

I think it’s more so to set a floor for sellers to accept. Broker will surely present the recent ROFR numbers and “Disney buys at this price, you shouldn’t price below that as you’ll be leaving money on the table”. Mind you Disney doesn’t always buy at that price and some will pass at a lower price, but it’s a mental hurdle for some.

 

[disneylandtour]

I listen to various podcasts and whatnot. There is a theory I hear that I am. It so sure about. That Disney uses ROFR to keep resale up. I don’t believe that. The ROFR avriviry is low single digit percentage of resales from what I can tell. Not sure how that keeps prices high. When I was buying I wanted the best deal I could find and was not too afraid of ROFR. When I was waiting I was very sure my contract was not getting taken and if it did I would have taken another at bat. Now I know people get super paranoid but depending on your resort it is highly unlikely to happen. I think Disney uses ROFR to make money for them not for us. Curious about others thoughts or insights.

It's a rare day that Disney's plans are not arranged around making them money. Say what you want about the Walt animatronic at Disneyland (true, it could be better; but it's also kinda cool) but it was an expensive product that wasn't primarily about driving visitation or producing profit. It was an outlier. But to the point: ROFR is arranged to maximize Disney profit. Each division at Disney has a budget that is subdivided into budget lines. I'm sure DVD uses their ROFR budget to buy back what they believe will produce the most profit for them. And also to combine points among similar units. Except for GCV, I think that those who get ROFRed mostly have an unlucky unit number that Disney has been using to collect common points that then can be distributed in any amount they like. The only place I've heard that Disney only ROFRs low cost contracts is from certain brokers, usually when they are trying to sign up a buyer for a slightly over-priced contract.