Potential buyer thinking out loud

[PolyRob]

Some of it is the furniture. I have always felt the Rivera 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):
View attachment 778119

That's fair, VGF deluxe studios also have a small living area. The dark woods and lack of light are contributing to it at PVB. It's just hard to process because these Poly rooms were the largest on property and DVC didn't consider making larger accommodations like CCV.

 

[StoweFoSho]

There’s definitely some elements of FOMO/analysis paralysis when looking at all the DVC options. Plus DVC is constantly changing- room refurb schedules, pool refurbs, new resorts, transportation options, etc.

The Poly is one of of my family’s favorite resorts and they have much nicer looking DVC rooms since the soft goods refresh. (I will agree the cash rooms are much brighter though). The split bathrooms are great for larger families like mine so that multiple people can get ready/shower, etc. The DVC longhouses also have the best location at the resort in between the two monorail loops (MK and EPCOT) via the TTC walkway and near the ferry to MK.

I know everyone on this thread has said wait for Poly expansion, but that’s a big unknown. If studios are what you are going to want to book- it’s going to be harder to get those if Poly tower is a new association.

Yes, some times of the year Poly studios are available at 7 months, but that isn’t all times. My wife and I are in education and competition for rooms is always higher anytime that school is out. Having home resort priority is a great insurance policy to be able to get what you want.

Owning DVC also has also changed how we vacation to Disney. We like to try other resorts, but every time that we do we realize why Poly is a favorite and we are glad that we own there. It’s also a great value for SAP with the longer contract and lower dues. We also now vacation on more school breaks than just summer- we really enjoy going in the fall and winter for Halloween and Christmas parties.

We also like owning Poly so that we are more “guaranteed” to get the standard views instead of the premium used to get lake view studios.

Yes, SSR and VGF would also be great SAP, but are you the kind of person who is willing to let everyone else book your favorite resort 4 months before you can? And hope there are left overs? Are you comfortable with waitlists? That’s what owning SAP is like. Kinda like flying standby on a plane- sometimes you get on, sometimes you don’t.

 

[Her Dotness]

I'm of the opinion that you can't tell that much about your comfort zone in a given villa type by looking at floorplans.

We'd done that, just us two, before staying in a Poly studio but found the living area much too cramped. Between the regular queen bed and the Murphy when pulled down was a skimpy little nightstand, maybe 16" or 20" wide at most. Had we had kids in the Murphy, I'd have felt like we were sharing a bed--that close by.

On the other hand, the sink-toilet-tub bath is much too large. Granted, the duo bath could be great for getting a family showered in the morning. However, I'd fear they'd feel like they're sleeping in a tent as small as the sleeping area is with beds in use.

I recommend watching lots of video tour reviews of the Poly studios before buying in. Those offer a "you are there" sense no floorplan gives.

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

I'm of the opinion that you can't tell that much about your comfort zone in a given villa type by looking at floorplans.

We'd done that, just us two, before staying in a Poly studio but found the living area much too cramped. Between the regular queen bed and the Murphy when pulled down was a skimpy little nightstand, maybe 16" or 20" wide at most. Had we had kids in the Murphy, I'd have felt like we were sharing a bed--that close by.

On the other hand, the sink-toilet-tub bath is much too large. Granted, the duo bath could be great for getting a family showered in the morning. However, I'd fear they'd feel like they're sleeping in a tent as small as the sleeping area is with beds in use.

I recommend watching lots of video tour reviews of the Poly studios before buying in. Those offer a "you are there" sense no floorplan gives.

I agree. Living space is important, especially as you transition away from being a park warrior into enjoying the resort amenities. Plus, there are going to be trips a kid (or you) gets sick, or it rains nonstop and you HAVE to hunker down. I don’t want to be on top of each other in living spaces for the benefit of future teenagers doing their hair in Florida humidity with bigger bathrooms.

Back to OP, is a tower Poly 2.0 even your style? Your family of 3 can definitely do studios, but would your child want to bring a friend maybe when they’re a teenager? You may want a larger style room just as everyone gets older anyway for privacy and changing sleep habits. If someone wants to come in late/sleep late, it’s a little tougher to be quiet, but not everyone is a light sleeper.

If Poly 2.0 appeals to you and it’s a separate association, will you be bummed if you can’t use the pool and resort amenities of Poly 1.0? We don’t know what will happen, but just trying to give you things to think about.

I’m thinking Poly 2.0 is a separate association but they allow shared pools like CC/BR to handle the crowds, especially since Poly 1.0 and 2.0 are RIGHT next to each other, but what do I know. Until it’s decided, we’re spitballing.

If Poly 2.0 in any way intrigues you, I would wait. If you think it’s hideous and you love Poly 1.0 best, still wait and see if Poly 1.0 resale tanks, LOL, or if incentives are awesome. We do what PP suggested; stagger trips to get more mileage out of APs.

 

[Nursemanit]

I would HIGHLY advise you stay in a PVB deluxe studio before purchasing a contract. I love Poly (look at my DIS name), but I HATE HATE HATE PVB studios. They are nothing like the cash rooms at Poly. They are so dark and dingy with NO overhead light (even post refurb) and I get dizzy thinking about the new hallway decor. They shrunk the size of the giant room down to make a bathroom big enough to put a twin mattress in and include a stall shower in a separate area. I am not trying to offend anyone that owns PVB, just pointing out a PVB deluxe studio does not compare to a Moana cash room.

Look at how dark this room is during the day with the sheer curtain. Those 3 little recessed lights do nothing at night. I had to leave my TV on to see in my room when the sun went down.

View attachment 778048

VGF resort studios are identical copies of the new cash room. Not the same experience with PVB. If you love Grand Floridian rooms, grounds, and dining, Poly is just a short walk down the path by the VGF1 building. I get my Poly fix by walking from GF and enjoying all the resort has to offer, but stay in the superior room (IMO). Best of both worlds.

They did not lose any capacity vs the cash rooms by putting in the split bath. The cash rooms were always almost 50 sq for smaller than the three DVC buildings. The 33% chance of no balcony plus the smaller rooms are why one should avoid the cash side of poly.

 

[Brob2132]

Prospective buyer here too. Essentially in the same boat, waiting for Poly 2 but incentives are incredible. I’ll talk out loud and perhaps it will help.

I think the flexibility of going throughout the summer is one of the biggest items to consider as a few others have said. You essentially have a 2-3 month window where you can hunt for exactly what you want even if not at your home resort. (We also aren’t married to a specific resort although we love the poly).

One thing I have to remind myself (and may help here) is it’s not going anywhere. We have a few financial goals we would like to meet first before dropping the bag on a pure luxury purchase that is not a great dollars/cents investment. Even if we end up missing out on incentives, it’s likely only going to be a couple thousand dollars one way or the other. While that is a lot to any family, two thousand in the grand scheme of things to ensure the timing is right? Not a ton.

 

[Straulin]

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 ?

It gets you in the door to DVC without overextending yourself as you still seem on the fence. Look for a contract with enough points to accommodate a normal trip via banking and/or borrowing. That way you can really experience the whole process and add on as you are comfortable with doing to get to the points you really want.

Also by already being a member, you would be eligible for member pricing at the time poly 2 is released. It is a decent discount over the first publicly available offer normally.

If poly 2 is the same association, then you already have points there. If it is a different association, you can then decide which you prefer and add on as you prefer.

If instead after you try it out, you decide DVC is not for you, small contracts also sell easily. So you will not have too much trouble recouping money at the going price per point.

Edit : This is a do as I say not as I do suggestion. We went full in with 360 at BCV last year. This year we added on another 175 at VGF.

 

[tom1944]

There are positive and negative things about every resort.

If you are a glass have empty person you might have regrets no matter what you buy.

If you are a glass half full you will probably love wherever you decide to buy.

We purchased resale SSR and glad we did.

Deciding on a second purchase and we are all over the map.

I believe we cannot go wrong with what we ultimately buy.

 

[dave_shoo]

I have nothing to add that’s consecutive here. Just wanted to say this is the most helpful online community I have ever seen. I’m currently trying to buy into dvc (resale) for the first time and these posts and subsequent comments are just incredible. Thank you all.

 

[Chili327]

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.

Thats pretty funny coming from someone named “Poly” Rob. lol

 

[tom1944]

Thats pretty funny coming from someone named “Poly” Rob. lol

We have decided we want 2 bathrooms always.

So, 1 bedroom either at BLT or Kidani

2 bedrooms anywhere else.

If we want to stay at BWV, I believe we most likely have to buy there even though we travel end of January or August

If we want Riviera and/or POLY2 Standard we would have to buy direct there. Preferred rooms would require more points than I am prepared to buy.

I believe we can get 2 bedrooms at AKV- J, BRV or CCR during our travel period.

SSR and OKW should also be available.

 

[Cybertruck]

Love this! I went through almost exactly the same thought process as you have set out here before I decided to take the leap. My first contract closed yesterday.

For all the analysis I did over the past year, the final decision ultimately came down to just making a commitment to myself and family to have a proper holiday ever year or two, and yes… to get to use the dashboard and be able to play with points!

I think we all analyse this way too much!

P.s… I went with SSR (predictable, I know)

Congratulations as a SSR resale owner who spent lots of time analyzing before we purchased you made a great decision. Our first objective all those years ago was to stay at every resort and we have stayed all of them except RR. Most of our family will not do the Skyliner and we can stay longer at Wilderness Lodge (family favorite) or BLT with our SSR points. A day off mid week was a huge plus in not overdoing it especially when the kids where younger. With all the improvements at Disney Springs it is a great resort. The tranquility after a long day at the parks is a huge perk in our minds.

 

[bakerworld]

So here's my 2 cents: If you enjoyed the Polynesian then join there. EDIT: I just saw you purchased SSR. Love SSR because the Raglan Road and Boathouse. See my last paragraph (!).

We haven't bought in years so I don't know about the incentives but it seems from the threads that the summer incentives are good. That said, back in '08 we bought the 'direct deal' and basically they're SAP points. We don't particularly love BC but we LOVE the location so we eventually bit the bullet and purchased there in 2012 (being frugal) and 2018 (ef it). It would've been cheaper to just join there back in '08.

Polynesian. We like the older resort. We own at BL and we're not big on high rises. I think the older version gives a more authentic appeal. Did I mention we're into theme - resorts, restaurants, stores, wherever. My point is buy where you LOVE most because when addionitis hits you'll be 2018 us.

We've stayed everywhere except RIV. We prefer the BC location best. We've never had a problem obtaining a studio for at least a two night stay at anywhere except RIV. At the 7 month (even 5 & 6 month) studios at PVB, GFV, CCV, BLT are all attainable. SSR and OKW we've had weeks stays within the 60 day holding period. We're not big on 1Br unless we've a lot of points because they're really a waste of points. JMO. I still say the best beds and bus service is AK-J. LOL

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I have nothing to add that’s consecutive here. Just wanted to say this is the most helpful online community I have ever seen. I’m currently trying to buy into dvc (resale) for the first time and these posts and subsequent comments are just incredible. Thank you all.

Not only is everyone here super nice and helpful but almost TOO good at persuading. I'm not easily swayed but every post has me agreeing with it then I read the next one with an opposite opinion and I'm like YES I AGREE and then the next one etc. etc. Everyone makes valid points and unfortunately this seems to fall under the "there is no right answer" category. Which I hate. I always want there to be the right answer and with DVC even if there IS a right answer you won't find out for 10-15 years when you realize yes it paid off or nope should've used that money elsewhere.

 

[Cybertruck]

Well said The DialyMoo. The whole community will agree on one thing. Should have bought in sooner! Time with the family is priceless. We have gone many other places than Disney but the family still wants to go back.

 

[PolyRob]

They did not lose any capacity vs the cash rooms by putting in the split bath. The cash rooms were always almost 50 sq for smaller than the three DVC buildings. The 33% chance of no balcony plus the smaller rooms are why one should avoid the cash side of poly.

Tahiti (Moorea), Rapa Nui (Pago Pago), and Tokelau had the largest living space on property prior to the DVC conversion. Seems like we’re agreeing because you mentioned these rooms were always 50 square feet bigger. All that extra living space (and then some) was consumed by the split bath. The PVB studio living space is smaller than the cash room even though the rooms themselves are bigger.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

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.

The Poly is one of of my family’s favorite resorts and they have much nicer looking DVC rooms since the soft goods refresh. (I will agree the cash rooms are much brighter though). The split bathrooms are great for larger families like mine so that multiple people can get ready/shower, etc. The DVC longhouses also have the best location at the resort in between the two monorail loops (MK and EPCOT) via the TTC walkway and near the ferry to MK.

Just booked 5 nights at Poly after July 4th with bounceback offer for around 2500. Not horrible. Love those Moana rooms. Will add either before or after to extend the trip. Wouldn't even mind doing Swan. This at least gives me something to have next year while I consider DVC.

 

[PolyRob]

Thats pretty funny coming from someone named “Poly” Rob. lol

It’s true! Poly was always a family tradition and my first WDW resort. I love it’s smells, sounds, stores, and dining (RIP luau). Poly DVC is not Poly cash. That’s why I felt I had to post on this thread. As someone that also loved Poly over the years staying a few nights in a PVB studio completely changed that for me. I purchased VGF sold out while PVB was actively on sale because I couldn’t stand the PVB deluxe studio. The only DVC property I truly loved at that time was VGF. This hasn’t changed which is why I’ve added more and more.

I hope PVB2 is amazing and gets some nice incentives. Maybe we see the expansion of the resort studio with 2 dedicated beds making all units lock off 2 bedrooms? Idk, but I am hopeful. I may get a new home resort if it’s a separate association. Glad I have qualified points to try it out either way.

 

[PolyRob]

Just booked 5 nights at Poly after July 4th with bounceback offer for around 2500. Not horrible. Love those Moana rooms. Will add either before or after to extend the trip. Wouldn't even mind doing Swan. This at least gives me something to have next year while I consider DVC.

Enjoy! Maybe stop by the DVC kiosk in the Poly lobby and ask for a tour of the PVB studio while you’re there if it fits into your park plans. Easy to compare the studio with the room you’re currently staying in. You’ll probably get a Disney gift card for your time as well.

 

[Her Dotness]

...with DVC even if there IS a right answer you won't find out for 10-15 years when you realize yes it paid off or nope should've used that money elsewhere.

Actually, I think there's a "right answer" not mentioned as yet on this thread.

You may get to the break even point sooner than you think even though you go only annually. We sure did. But, we loved staying GF Club Level so broke even on VGF in a couple years. For those typically staying less extravagantly than we did, i.e. virtually everybody else , the average break even is usually said to be 7-10 years.

Dues, of course, you'll pay as long as you own the contract(s), also some taxes depending on how you file. And yes, it more than likely will be contracts-plural. Addonitis gets almost every DVCer sooner or later.

Anyway, as Pete remarked on the recent DVC show, the money you spend on a hotel room is gone. You stayed there, and that's all you got from it. With DVC, you're an owner. You've something to show for that initial payout. You can come back whenever you like or make some money renting out points. Some buy resales solely for renting to cover their dues on the home resort they prefer.

Your points cost per stay may go slightly up or down over the years, but it won't cost you like a for-cash stay will when rates go up-up-UP.

As a DVC owner, your stay feels like it's FREE in comparison. Eventually, it nearly will be.