Potential buyer thinking out loud

[Sandisw]

Wow so much to unpack. I thought a thread like this would clarify things but now I'm really confused! So without quoting everyone, thank you for the opinions. I think it seems based on the responses that what I was leaning towards earlier today, purchasing Poly points might not be the best idea after all? And if I do it might behoove me to wait and see what's up with Poly 2.

We travel in the summer every year. Teacher in family so beholden to school schedule. Just the three of us so would only need studios. Not saying I wouldn't try a 1 bedroom and fall in love with the space which seems to be a lot of people's experiences. As for a cheap SSR...we wouldn't mind staying at almost any deluxe resort. We usually include the Swan in split stays lately so it's not like I'm a hotel snob. I would HOPE that availability would be available in July at any of the hotels we would prefer based on location if I went the SAP points route. I've never stayed at SSR or OKW and I'm sure they're lovely but with a 5 yo I need monorail loop or Crescent lake or Wilderness for the boat. Riv looks absolutely beautiful but alas my wife is NOT a fan of the skyliner even though I am. But based on what I'm saying does it seem feasible to grab a studio at 7 months at any of the resorts I listed? And mind you if I went the cheaper SAP I would get more than the 150 GFV direct and I have no problem upgrading my room category to make it easier to get a studio. AKV I would spring for the savannah view as my kid loves animals etc. etc.

Of course this scenario relies on someone actually selling me an SSR at the lower end I've seen on the ROFR thread.

Summer will be easier for getting rooms at other places and might be worth it to go with SAP, especially if you have some flexibility in dates.

Definitely would want to plan that you’d be getting the more expensive views but again, nothing is impossible.

Just Rememger, that even cheap SSR points might be blocked from the new tower. But if studios is all you need, then you will always have the current PVB as a back up.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

From what you are saying and my own experience, I would buy a small Poly 1 resale contract now. If you love VGF go for it. Otherwise wait until Poly 2 opens, then you can decide if you want to add on there or another resort.

VGF is great...but not sure it makes me feel like oh I just HAVE to stay there. It does have my favorite restaurant Narcoossees on property. Was my first meal at Disney many years ago and is a tradition every time we go back. May I ask what the small Poly contract would do for me though. Just enough for a split stay without over commiting ?

 

[TheDailyMoo]

Summer will be easier for getting rooms at other places and might be worth it to go with SAP, especially if you have some flexibility in dates.

Definitely would want to plan that you’d be getting the more expensive views but again, nothing is impossible.

Just Rememger, that even cheap SSR points might be blocked from the new tower. But if studios is all you need, then you will always have the current PVB as a back up.

That's part of the equation yes...more than a month of dates to work with...rather not push into August for obvious reasons. And willing to go higher than value/standard as room category. With both those factors it feels like maybe it sways the needle a little farther towards a larger SAP contract? I also don't want to miss the sleeping ROFR. I feel like there's a better chance there will be similar if not better direct incentives in the future rather than ROFR being non existent like this again. Anyone agree with that?

And as I type that I remember the beautiful VGF rooms the guide showed me lol. And of course he had to show me the three bedroom villa with the entertainment room. I'm like...yeah ok buddy!

 

[jason423]

At the moment I think I would go with the assumption that the Poly2 may not be eligible if you buy Poly (or anywhere else) resale. Typically you can get the Poly at 7 months without issue but that may also change even if the Poly2 is restricted if they have some new dining options and other attractions that people want to try by walking over from the Poly. One question I would ask is whether or not you think there are any direct benefits that would be useful. For us the biggest one is being able to jump from the higher priced annual pass to the Sorcerer pass but that all depends on how many days you plan on going to Disney since for many a pass probably isnt a big savings. The dining discounts are a little something but not enough to make a dent IMO. Do you think you would want points to stay in Riv or any other future places? That would be a reason to buy direct but you have to figure out your own value for that.

If none of those things are really a value for you then I would just buy the resale Poly contract. That always gets you into where you want to stay and even if the Poly2 is restricted the Poly contract would get you access to add on member incentives so in theory you could buy a Poly2 contract direct if the price works for you and then sell your existing Poly contract. You dont have to do that right away either. Maybe there is a point where they do a deep sale on that the way they are doing on VGF something like 3 years from now to entice you to make a switch.

I had some of the same thoughts you did about what is the better use of money but owning and controlling the reservations has been much better than the rental process and I get to give myself the pat on the back when we land a standard studio at BWV. Plus if there is a year where you dont want to use your points you can always rent them out to pay for a different vacation. For the contracts with a longer term they should at least hold value if you had to sell as well so I wouldnt look at it as having no salvage value (my BWV contract on the other hand..).

 

[TheDailyMoo]

One question I would ask is whether or not you think there are any direct benefits that would be useful. For us the biggest one is being able to jump from the higher priced annual pass to the Sorcerer pass but that all depends on how many days you plan on going to Disney since for many a pass probably isnt a big savings. The dining discounts are a little something but not enough to make a dent IMO.

As much as we'd love to go multiple times a year the truth is we're in the northeast and like I mentioned beholden to a school calendar so in reality we're probably only going once a year. The 10 day park hoppers I bought were wayyy too expensive but I'm assuming still less than the AP with the discount? As for dining I play the gift card shell game and save on average close to 10% on them throughout the year to use on dining. Either way I probably would still play the gift card game to pay the annual dues so that's not a huge concern. Probably would never make it to moonlight magic for years since we have no babysitting on vacation. So yeah direct would be a cool thing to say I have but not needed...for now.

I had some of the same thoughts you did about what is the better use of money but owning and controlling the reservations has been much better than the rental process and I get to give myself the pat on the back when we land a standard studio at BWV. Plus if there is a year where you dont want to use your points you can always rent them out to pay for a different vacation. For the contracts with a longer term they should at least hold value if you had to sell as well so I wouldnt look at it as having no salvage value (my BWV contract on the other hand..).

The better use of money thing is for sure is what's holding me back from just doing it. And I can afford it so that's not the issue. But it's the logical "is this really what we want to use a big portion of our savings on" thought that's keeping me from making an offer or just buying direct. Deep down I know this is a luxury but so is buying a Mercedes versus a honda civic. I lease two cars and I know I'm throwing money away but I want the new car every three years. I make choices like that all the time but this one is a way bigger commitment.

 

[NVDISFamily]

I hate to add to the wait for Poly 2 pile, but that's what I would recommend if I were in your shoes. Just too many big question marks on the pro/cons list to consider. You never know, if the economy isn't doing too great in 2024 perhaps you are able to get into Poly 2 for a deal and also have unrestricted points to use at all future DVC resorts. Also, if the poly rooms are anything like the designs at Riviera or Disneyland Tower, they should be some beautiful 1 and 2 BR villas (and hopefully a 3BR GV that really wows us). Keeping fingers crossed they go for the extra bathroom design (two bathrooms in a 1BR, three bathrooms in a 2BR, etc.).

 

[Sandisw]

As much as we'd love to go multiple times a year the truth is we're in the northeast and like I mentioned beholden to a school calendar so in reality we're probably only going once a year. The 10 day park hoppers I bought were wayyy too expensive but I'm assuming still less than the AP with the discount? As for dining I play the gift card shell game and save on average close to 10% on them throughout the year to use on dining. Either way I probably would still play the gift card game to pay the annual dues so that's not a huge concern. Probably would never make it to moonlight magic for years since we have no babysitting on vacation. So yeah direct would be a cool thing to say I have but not needed...for now.


The better use of money thing is for sure is what's holding me back from just doing it. And I can afford it so that's not the issue. But it's the logical "is this really what we want to use a big portion of our savings on" thought that's keeping me from making an offer or just buying direct. Deep down I know this is a luxury but so is buying a Mercedes versus a honda civic. I lease two cars and I know I'm throwing money away but I want the new car every three years. I make choices like that all the time but this one is a way bigger commitment.

I am a retired teacher and so we traveled in the summer.

Here is something to consider with an AP…what we did was space our yearly trip out 50 or 51 weeks apart.

This way, we bought an AP every other year. Because we were like you, flexible to travel anytime in summer, it worked and saved a lot of money for our family of 5.

So, buying direct, and getting access to the Sorcerer Pass and being strategic, you could get your two summer trips out of one pass.

 

[PolyRob]

That's part of the equation yes...more than a month of dates to work with...rather not push into August for obvious reasons. And willing to go higher than value/standard as room category. With both those factors it feels like maybe it sways the needle a little farther towards a larger SAP contract? I also don't want to miss the sleeping ROFR. I feel like there's a better chance there will be similar if not better direct incentives in the future rather than ROFR being non existent like this again. Anyone agree with that?

And as I type that I remember the beautiful VGF rooms the guide showed me lol. And of course he had to show me the three bedroom villa with the entertainment room. I'm like...yeah ok buddy!

I am not sure if VGF incentives will get better 9/11. VGF sales have been steady for the past few months at this price point and everyday you see tons of posts here talking about buying 150 VGF. I only think we will see more incentives on VGF if sales decline. I would personally only consider DVC right now if you want VGF direct. Since you mentioned summer travel you may have missed the window for the "best" deal with Magical Beginnings. If you took an April or June UY now you'd have to sell back 2023 points rather than 2022.

If you want any PVB I would personally wait for the new tower. You could love it or hate it. If PVB2 is the same association as PVB1 (like VGF1 and VGF2) I imagine resale will tank. If it's not the same association and you like PVB2 better, you just spent 20k+ on something you can't ever use there.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I am a retired teacher and so we traveled in the summer.

Here is something to consider with an AP…what we did was space our yearly trip out 50 or 51 weeks apart.

This way, we bought an AP every other year. Because we were like you, flexible to travel anytime in summer, it worked and saved a lot of money for our family of 5.

So, buying direct, and getting access to the Sorcerer Pass and being strategic, you could get your two summer trips out of one pass.

Love this idea!

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I hate to add to the wait for Poly 2 pile, but that's what I would recommend if I were in your shoes. Just too many big question marks on the pro/cons list to consider. You never know, if the economy isn't doing too great in 2024 perhaps you are able to get into Poly 2 for a deal and also have unrestricted points to use at all future DVC resorts. Also, if the poly rooms are anything like the designs at Riviera or Disneyland Tower, they should be some beautiful 1 and 2 BR villas (and hopefully a 3BR GV that really wows us). Keeping fingers crossed they go for the extra bathroom design (two bathrooms in a 1BR, three bathrooms in a 2BR, etc.).

I am not sure if VGF incentives will get better 9/11. VGF sales have been steady for the past few months at this price point and everyday you see tons of posts here talking about buying 150 VGF. I only think we will see more incentives on VGF if sales decline. I would personally only consider DVC right now if you want VGF direct. Since you mentioned summer travel you may have missed the window for the "best" deal with Magical Beginnings. If you took an April or June UY now you'd have to sell back 2023 points rather than 2022.

If you want any PVB I would personally wait for the new tower. You could love it or hate it. If PVB2 is the same association as PVB1 (like VGF1 and VGF2) I imagine resale will tank. If it's not the same association and you like PVB2 better, you just spent 20k+ on something you can't ever use there.

It's not like I'm in a rush to get rid of my hard earned money and what you two say make sense. And you would steer clear of SSR even if I can nab one for low 90s? We're going to plan to go again next summer and if I'm not jumping on any resale then I'm probably booking with the bounceback offer. I think I can stay a week in Beach Club for under 3k.

 

[Chili327]

- Originally was thinking going the ol' SSR SAP route. Some of you showed me the math about how the VGF direct isn't that far off. Then I began to get into the idea of going direct. Just got back from 10 days split stay the Poly (cash) and BWV with rented points. In that time I was able to tour the GF rooms with a DVC guide and yes...they are gorgeous. The whole property is. I love the food options there. Buuuuutttt...me and the fam really had good vibes at the Poly! And they put me in a room overlooking the construction and I STILL loved every second about it. The newly renovated Moana rooms are really just a great look and feel. Love Capt. Cooks. Love the foliage. The immediate dole whip access. Everything.

- Went over to BWV. Hated it...not the resort, loved the resort. Ok hate is a strong word. Love the EP area resorts and stay at Swan a lot so know the area. But the BW room that we stayed in was so dark and dingy and I KNOW people love it and don't want those rooms renovated because there's an inherent charm to them that they grew up with. I get that. But for me to go from the Poly rooms that felt so refreshing to...well...what felt like a darker unthemed room leftover from 1998. When I say darker I mean poor lighting. And the AC didn't work great. The toilet kept running. The walls were paper thin and we heard a dad screaming at his kids at all hours. And the carpet...But I loved the rest of the resort. And I know the rooms will be renovated and that resale can be had cheap. And walking to EP and HS also can't be beat. But only 18 years left on that contract so is it really worth it. Also why so few Quick service options? I found myself going over to BC/YC or Dolphin for food.

- So now I've started taking into account the mantra of this DVC board...own where you want to stay. We liked the Poly. And looking back at last months ROFR it looks like $140 is possible. Also with Poly 2 possibly being part of those points it could add many more studio choices. If I can snag a contract at right around 140 or even a few bucks less I feel like that may be the way to go? I don't know. I can see myself at VGF too but just to be direct at the higher price point might not make financial sense.

- Just to complicate things I got the bounceback offer for next year and I'm thinking if there are always discounted rack rates (big assumption but it does seem to be a solid trend) do I need to outlay a large sum of money now or is it better to play it by year and at the point I'd be breakeven it would be so far down the road I wouldn't care at that point if buying DVC would've saved me money.

If you've read this far and in case you didn't notice I'm overly analytical and overthink many decisions! I understand DVC is an emotional purpose and not like buying Amazon stock in 1999. I also think that instead of pluncking down 27k now I can find a safe HYSA or safe divvy play that would more than subsidize my trip for next year and years to come. And what if I just want to cruise one year. Or go somewhere else. But also...I want to own points and get to use the dashboard and play around with dates. We love Disney and see ourselves going for the next 10 years at least. I'm sure others have had this same dilemma but I also envy those that jumped in headfirst and have never looked back!

PS Because of this board teaching me so much I was telling the DVC salesperson things that they barely seemed to know! Even if I don't end up purchasing I'll still keep up with all things DVC. It fascinates me.

Buy where your heart is, and you won't be sorry or haunting the website hoping to get the Poly at 7 months.

There is soooo much comfort in buying where you know you love with the reassurance you can book there at 11 months as a fallback and then shop about at 7 months to try other resorts if you wish.

There's nothing like walking into your home resort and feeling the thrill that it will be yours for as long as you love it, because you're an owner.

Go for the Poly. Buy where you .

I agree, and from what I gather from OP as well, buy Poly, it's just a matter of if you want studios or bigger rooms.
If studios buy now, If bigger, wait for Poly2. (you can always add SAP if you want)

 

[Epcot Forever Forever]

It's not like I'm in a rush to get rid of my hard earned money and what you two say make sense. And you would steer clear of SSR even if I can nab one for low 90s? We're going to plan to go again next summer and if I'm not jumping on any resale then I'm probably booking with the bounceback offer. I think I can stay a week in Beach Club for under 3k.

FWIW I grabbed SSR this year for cheap to try to use around the World, including at SSR. I know that I’ll often have only 1-2 options outside SSR, but that’s fine. I’m not *in love* with any of the resorts, I’d just like to not always be in the same place. I think it’s a perfectly good strategy, you just need to have the right expectations.

Traveling in summer will GREATLY improve your odds of getting the resort you’re targeting at 7 months vs traveling almost any other time of year. It’s a perfectly reasonable option.

 

[Jwaire]

A few random thoughts:

1. Many people will tell you that PVB is not hard to get at 7 months, etc. That's somewhat true as the association has more studios than most of the other properties. However, there are times of the year that it was a pain to find availability there including the popular out-of-school holiday breaks. You may be stuck having to get a Lake View room that's more points or put yourself on a waitlist for certain nights for a week or split stay. It can be a hassle if you don't own there.

2. If you purchase SAP points, you better be someone who doesn't care if you don't get what's on your waitlist. And your significant other/partner better be too. The problem with DVC is once you go, you start wanting to invite extended family or friends. Then you are dealing with two waitlists and try to book two separate reservations at a resort you don't own at gets tough.

3. Don't judge a DVC property based on its current remodel. You might not like the look of BWV now, but next year it may be fantastic. Just look at SSR as an example. It went from 0 to 10 in my book. I know someone who picked up SSR for around $60 per point a few years ago. They're feeling pretty good about their purchase right now.

4. In my opinion, the chances that PVB2 will be part of PVB are slim.Those rooms are going to command some of the highest rates (and points) on property based on view alone. The cash side of that tower is going to be gangbusters for DVC. We also don't know the exact makeup of the resort. It looks to be pretty balanced in terms of room types, but there's others that think it's going to weighted more heavily in 1 and 2 bedrooms.

Assuming the new tower is its own association, the full size studio rooms are likely not going to be as large as the current Poly studios. Current PVB studios are around 440 sq feet. I'd be surprised if the new tower full size studios even approach 375.

I was looking for the floor plans with sq footage for all the studios, but couldn't find anyone who had done it. I would be curious to see how big the actual living area of the PVB studios really are. I guess I will take my laser measure next time.

Good luck!

 

[Epcot Forever Forever]

I was looking for the floor plans with sq footage for all the studios, but couldn't find anyone who had done it. I would be curious to see how big the actual living area of the PVB studios really are. I guess I will take my laser measure next time.

Looks pretty dang 50-50 to me. No good way to measure it on my phone.

 

[Jwaire]

Looks pretty dang 50-50 to me. No good way to measure it on my phone. View attachment 778117

I think you're right. Someone (Hello, DVC Rental Store) should measure all the living spaces (without bathrooms) and publish it. It would be helpful to people that are trying to squeeze 4 or 5 people in a room without being cramped.

 

[PolyRob]

It's not like I'm in a rush to get rid of my hard earned money and what you two say make sense. And you would steer clear of SSR even if I can nab one for low 90s? We're going to plan to go again next summer and if I'm not jumping on any resale then I'm probably booking with the bounceback offer. I think I can stay a week in Beach Club for under 3k.

I only purchased where I want to stay. All my contracts are VGF. If you only need a studio I think buying a large enough SSR contract resale to "sleep around" in 1 and 2 bedroom villas of the older resorts will not really save money in the long run. More points, more dues, etc. You could stay in a VGF, PVB, or RIV studio for less points than a 1 bedroom at OKW and SSR. Getting standard studios in these resorts will be much easier with home resort advantage.

I would personally hate booking SSR in hopes of monorail scraps at 7-months. If I want something else and book VGF with my points my fallback is the flagship resort with a walking path to MK.

Take a look at all the DVC accommodations. Studios rarely live up to their cash counterparts. The perk is the kitchenette. I added more and more VGF because of resort studios. I love that it's a regular hotel room with 2 dedicated queen beds. It's the same accommodation as every other GF cash room for a fraction of the cost.

I wouldn't hesitate to book your bounce back. You can always modify it or cancel in the future. 3k for Beach Club is great! If you got 150 SSR points it would be $1,572 ($7.86) alone in dues... BC cash isn't looking so bad without spending 15k.

It's a lot to consider! Sleep around points work for some, but others buy and sell and live by the "buy where you want to stay" mantra.

 

[PolyRob]

A few random thoughts:

1. Many people will tell you that PVB is not hard to get at 7 months, etc. That's somewhat true as the association has more studios than most of the other properties. However, there are times of the year that it was a pain to find availability there including the popular out-of-school holiday breaks. You may be stuck having to get a Lake View room that's more points or put yourself on a waitlist for certain nights for a week or split stay. It can be a hassle if you don't own there.

Another thing that scares me is a potential reallocation with bungalows. We have 43 years...

 

[PolyRob]

Looks pretty dang 50-50 to me. No good way to measure it on my phone. View attachment 778117

I think you're right. Someone (Hello, DVC Rental Store) should measure all the living spaces (without bathrooms) and publish it. It would be helpful to people that are trying to squeeze 4 or 5 people in a room without being cramped.

I know I mentioned it earlier, but the PVB studio conversion really bothers me. Disney took the newest and biggest Poly longhouses with balconies on the 2nd floor and shrunk the sleeping space to put in an awkwardly laid out bathroom. It makes no sense. The hallway and combined bathrooms are 4 inches LONGER than the living area. I think it's honestly smaller than a value resort room.



https://dvcfan.com/deluxe-studio-disneys-polynesian-villas/

 

[Jwaire]

Another thing that scares me is a potential reallocation with bungalows. We have 43 years...

I don't think they have the hutzpah to try it. Every single time they've ever tried something (with malice or not), they've had to deal with the membership (including very smart, dedicated people on this forum that we should all be thankful for).

Not for nothing (this is my bus driver story, but it's not a bus driver ), I asked a cast member that should be in the know about them.

He said 1) they aren't as empty as you think, 2) the cash rate for them is more than adequate and 3) our leadership likes to use them. So there you go.

 

[Jwaire]

I know I mentioned it earlier, but the PVB studio conversion really bothers me. Disney took the newest and biggest Poly longhouses with balconies on the 2nd floor and shrunk the sleeping space to put in an awkwardly laid out bathroom. It makes no sense. The hallway and combined bathrooms are 4 inches LONGER than the living area. I think it's honestly smaller than a value resort room.

Some of it is the furniture and lighting. I have always felt the Riviera studios appear so much larger than the PVB studios (excluding the bathrooms), but look not much difference (and I should have known DVC Fan did this):