Points Shock

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Well, speaking only for myself--no, I wouldn't be mad! Score for you! My guide said that, despite appearances, BLT is the third smallest DVC (after BCV and VWL). So I wouldn't get your hopes up in the first few years. But hey, if you get lucky, good for you!

 

[robinb]

Yeah, the points are really high as is the buy-in price. I was all ready to buy into BLT right away but I think I'll want for a better incentive.

FWIW, comparing maintenance fees for two resorts is not really a fair way to do it. MFs often start up low and go up after a few years. In addition, that low, low MF includes a Developer's Subsidy (does anyone know how much it is?). Here is a link to DVC Dues History:
http://personalpages.tds.net/~rb/DIS/DVC/DVCDuesHistory.htm

There is also the initial outlay to consider. If you buy into AKV now your bottom line price for 100 points is $9100 ($104 - $8 incentive - $500 visa card) with 100 developer's points to use (or rent). If you buy into BLT your price would be $10,700 ($112 - $5). That's a difference of $1600 (or $16 per point)! You could save even more if you're willing to rent your developer's points (as I did when I bought AKV) and get another $12 per point in cash for them, bringing the difference to $28 per point. That's real money!

 

[lisareniff]

FWIW, comparing maintenance fees for two resorts is not really a fair way to do it. MFs often start up low and go up after a few years. In addition, that low, low MF includes a Developer's Subsidy (does anyone know how much it is?). Here is a link to DVC Dues History:
http://personalpages.tds.net/~rb/DIS/DVC/DVCDuesHistory.htm

That had crossed my mind and I briefly looked at the charts because others had said the MF will go up after the first year. I looked again at your link and I'm not seeing any huge jump beyond what the other resorts had after the first year. Is there something I'm missing??

There is also the initial outlay to consider. If you buy into AKV now your bottom line price for 100 points is $9100 ($104 - $8 incentive - $500 visa card) with 100 developer's points to use (or rent). If you buy into BLT your price would be $10,700 ($112 - $5). That's a difference of $1600 (or $16 per point)! You could save even more if you're willing to rent your developer's points (as I did when I bought AKV) and get another $12 per point in cash for them, bringing the difference to $28 per point. That's real money!

Yep. That initial outlay is important. AKV works out to a cheaper initial PPP/year and therefore a cheaper vacation for the same points used. Everyone has their own initial outlay for their points and how they value some of the incentives so it is hard to put a blanket statement of one resort vs. another.

 

[lowepg]

FWIW, comparing maintenance fees for two resorts is not really a fair way to do it. MFs often start up low and go up after a few years.

I didnt see a BIG increase after a few years looking at the historicals...

But even if you're assumption is correct, wouldnt AK be due for one of these same BIG increases to MF since they've only had one since opening?

I dont see this fictional "big MF after a few years" affecting BLT moreso than AK. In fact, it's hard to imagine the ongoing cost of BLT to be higher than AK. I would assume just the opposite!

 

[Sheribo]

Keep in mind that the dues at BLT are much less per point because of the higher points per stay.

Okay Debbie, I'll bite. What's a Boo??

 

[fadedgirl]

In addition, that low, low MF includes a Developer's Subsidy (does anyone know how much it is?).

Its a little over five cents per point. Pretty paltry.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

I was actually very surprised how reasonable and very similar getting a 2 bedroom MKV was compared to BCV/VWL/BWV when using their own home resort points and looking at cost instead of points.

I wanted to look at the real cost verus the points for a vacation at each resort. I choose to look at 1 week in dream season and the price was similar for a 2 bedroom MK view at BLT and a 2 bedroom at BCV our other home using BLT and BCV points respectively.

BCV 2bdrm 350pts * $4.87 MF/point = $1,704
BLT-MKV 2bdrm 468pts * $3.67 MF/point = $1,717

Not much difference, eh?

Now if you use VB points for a BLT stay, that's a whole 'nother story.

There is the inital investment add into the equation but that would be different for each one of us depending on the buy in price. BLT is selling for higher then the older resorts but there are less years as well. Recently we were looking at VWL resales (which has the same point structure as BCV) deciding if we wanted to add-on there or BLT. If I add in the inital investment, spread evenly over the remaining years (I know it's not really that simple, but humor me)...

VWL ($80pp + ~2.5 pp (closing cost))/ 33years = $2.5 pp/yr * 350 pts = $875
BLT $107pp/50years = $2.14 pp/yr * 468 pts = $1,001

Total Cost VWL 2bdrm $1,704 + $875 = $2,579
Total Cost BLT-MKV 2bdrm $1,717 + $1,001 = $2719

Not a huge difference ~$140 especially since threre are lots of variables that can change. Like the BLT's MF could go up after the resort is sold out.

I think the moral of the story is to factor in your MF for the points you are using to really know the cost.
_

I totally agree with you!!!! Buy in cost + MF need to be considered. This contact is for 50 years at a prime location!!! Of course the point value will be the highest.

 

[Goofster]

subscribe

 

[Micca]

Excuse me please...LOOOONNNNGGG time Dis-er and pretty good with acronyms, but what is BLT? Pardon me please for being OT.

 

[fadedgirl]

Excuse me please...LOOOONNNNGGG time Dis-er and pretty good with acronyms, but what is BLT? Pardon me please for being OT.

BLT = Bay Lake Tower, the new DVC resort next to the Contemporary at WDW.

 

[thelionqueen]

Personally I don't care about the cost per point. Basically it boils down to what is more imporant to the individual buyer.

For me, AKV could be $45 a point and I wouldn't buy there; I don't like anything about it. I want to buy where I want to stay for the next 50 years. I don't want to "hope" to get BLT at 7 months, I want to be assured of it for my future vacations, and those of my kids and grandkids.

If you are looking to get the lowest overall cost without regard to your home resort, there are lots of ways to do that. I LOVE OKW as well, but BLT is where I want my DVC home to be; regardless of the cost or MF. Yeah, they could've charged more and I still would have bought BLT Just my .02

 

[lisareniff]

BLT = Bay Lake Tower, the new DVC resort next to the Contemporary at WDW.

Of course the full acronym would be BLT@DCR (Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort).

 

[OneMoreTry]

The higher points will help availability. I think it would be ludicrous to charge the same for MK view at BLT and wildebeest view at AK.

I will probably try BLT once in the future. Some year when I bank points. I would only buy if my wife and I think the location would be good for vacations with our DD9 with all the special needs -- and those benefits outweighs what we like so much about OKW.

I'm GLAD they charge more more BLT. When I want to go there I'll have a prayer of getting a room at 7 months -- and I'll be willing to shell out the points if and when that happens.

As for the 50 years: I won't get much use from that unless they build a BLT add on at the HM.

 

[np4gp]

Keep in mind that the dues at BLT are much less per point because of the higher points per stay.

What are the dues at BLT?

 

[bookwormde]

Total dues for 2009 are approximately $3.60 so from 9/1-12/31 that would be $1.20

bookwormde

 

[jade1]

Keep in mind that the dues at BLT are much less per point because of the higher points per stay.

That is true overall, but some families of 5 now have another 1BR option instead of 2BR's, those points are about the same for MK View (at smaller resorts), and less for other views.

 

[rlmas]

Just for a little additional perspective since I too was shocked at the points for BLT...... More points per night equals more total points in the resort over a year to be sold at a higher price equals more upfront money for Disney. Did it cost more to build? Land lease for the ground is probably a premium due to location as well. Thoughts?

 

[Scraper]

I'am just so glad that I can stay off season. We will be planning to stay in a SV studio at BLT. We bought in about 3 years ago at Saratoga. We have only stayed there once. It is all about location to us. Which is why we love the BCV. Although our Dec. stay at AK SV was awsome. I book 7 months out and don't normally have a problem. I had a hard time at a three month out for this Dec. but went on the waiting list and got in. The DVC has been great for us.

 

[TK Brown]

Im going to have to agree slightly with the OP on this one. I just got the BLT point chart in the mail and I thought the points were much more also. After looking (at just the points and not the $$$$) it seems like BLT is about 20-25 more points per week than other DVC resorts. I know were are not comparing exact equals, but its the best I can do. I guess that is not TOO much of a difference for MK convienence.

On a side note, I just happened to look at the lower right hand corner of the point chart......you know the spot for the GV during Christmas Week with a MK view......1287 points for the week!!!! Holy Cow!!!! Id have to save up 5 years of points and sell a kidney!