Potential new DVC owner...getting close..

[godalejunior]

Couple questions....

1. Just found out if VGC is full for our dates, we cannot stay there on points in a regular room. Don't like this but it is what it is.
So that being the case, what is the point conversion for staying at the DLH? I am assuming it is at a much less point per night rate?


2. I am looking at a DVC resale and the per point cost is $84. That seems pretty low...what are the odss that it will get through ROFR?


3. Anyone that has a home base of VGC...I am worried about there being a limited number of units, thus availability. Thoughts?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

1) Even though the room at the DLH would be a regular hotel room rather than a villa it will most likely cost more points. Anytime you trade out (and even going to a Disney hotel is a trade out) it will cost more than if you stay at a DVC location. The charts are on the member website. Disneyland resorts

2) That is a lower price but I would give it a decent chance of passing. VGC direct is the lowest cost from Disney and they did sell some points at $88 direct. There have been few VGC resales so it's hard to gauge but personally I'd give it a try at that price and feel decent about it.

3) IMO, yes, availability will likely be an issue and require booking in the home resort period once the resort sells out.

 

[godalejunior]

Wow, I am surprised about the price difference at the DLH.

I guess I am paranoid that we will spend all this money on DVC and be constantly fighting availability with there only being 50 units at VGC. Thanks for the info.

 

[disneynutz]

VGC is a DVD test to see how the DVC market is in California and it is used to stimulate DVC sales at DL. From all indications, Disney is not happy with the results and there will not be additional DVC resorts at DL. That means that what you see is what you get.

I would not buy at VGC if it were me.

Bill

 

[godalejunior]

VGC is a DVD test to see how the DVC market is in California and it is used to stimulate DVC sales at DL. From all indications, Disney is not happy with the results and there will not be additional DVC resorts at DL. That means that what you see is what you get.

I would not buy at VGC if it were me.

Bill

I know they are not sold out yet...and there is no plan to build more. Out of curiousity why would you not buy at VGC...?

 

[disneynutz]

I know they are not sold out yet...and there is no plan to build more. Out of curiousity why would you not buy at VGC...?

Because it isn't as popular as the other resorts in Florida. VGC will never get the attention and support from Disney because it is the only one at DL and it is very small. If new contracts are selling this slow, can you imagine what it will be like when you decide to sell VGC latter on?

Another reason is because my #1 rule is that you buy where you love to stay. Don't expect book WDW at 7 months and get what you want. DL is nice, I grew up going there, but WDW has DL beat hands down due to "the blessing of size" as Walt said. If I am going to spend money on a vacation, I am going to go where I can get the biggest bang for my money, WDW.

We have enough issues with the DVC resorts at WDW and there thousands of DVC rooms there, and a huge support staff.

I just don't see VGC being a purchase that I would make.

 

[Disney Princess]

I know they are not sold out yet...and there is no plan to build more. Out of curiousity why would you not buy at VGC...?

The previous poster has already answered, but I wanted to let you know that we DID buy points at VGC in addition to our BWV points. (And we would do it again! )

If you are wanting to buy DVC because you are going to be making multiple trips to DLR in CA, then VGC is your only option. Maybe I missed it in a previous post, but if you can plan 11 - 7 months in advance and will mainly use your points at VGC, that is where you want to buy your points. Resale might be better at a WDW resort, but if you are primarily going to stay in CA, then obviously you want points at VGC. Now, if you can't plan more than 7 months out, buying a different resort might be better for pricing now and if you want to resell your points later on.

I think availability at VGC will be difficult if you are trying to book at 7 months using a different resort's points. I think, however, that if you own at VGC and call within the 7-11 month booking window, you should be okay to get what you need. Obviously time will tell, but grand villas and holiday times might be tough, but most of the year owners should be fine if they plan in advance.

I hope I didn't just add to the confusion.

 

[dbs1228]

I agree with PP if you know you will be going to DLR then VGC would be a smart option. I actually have friends (east coast) who own at BLT but love going to DL every other year and are frustrated that they cannot get rooms at VGC and are planning on buying there once they pay off BLT. We bought at both BLT and VGC and are currently using our VGC points for a 2 bedroom OKW next week and a studio at BWV in Aug and we booked both ressies with in the last 2 months. Going forward I am going to bank 2011 points and hopefully summer 2012 we will be making our 1st DL dvc trip, booking 11 months out. I cannot wait.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Because it isn't as popular as the other resorts in Florida. VGC will never get the attention and support from Disney because it is the only one at DL and it is very small. If new contracts are selling this slow, can you imagine what it will be like when you decide to sell VGC latter on?

We have enough issues with the DVC resorts at WDW and there thousands of DVC rooms there, and a huge support staff.

Never get the attention and support from Disney? I think I'll have to respectfully disagree. It's so meshed with GC which is the flagship hotel at DL that I do not worry about the Villa's or the resort not getting attention. And I actually think that the fact that it isn't in the middle of thousands of DVC rooms also works to it's benefit.

As far as sales - yes, I imagine DVD is disappointed but I also think they had unrealistic expectations. They were essentially entering a brand new market and that can take time. And it opened in a terrible economy. I think the opening of Hawaii will be an important component and depending on how that does may factor more into whether another property is built at DL.

Resales down the road? Well - it's not an investment anyway, is it? I'm not terribly worried about that anymore than say an SSR or AKV owner is. If Disney supports ROFR it shouldn't do any worse than some of the other properties. And if Disney ends ROFR then all DVC owners should be concerned.

Since the OP was expressing concern b/c they couldn't get rooms at GC I suspect they are going to use the points there so they would be "buying where they want to stay". That may be more important at this resort than any other given it's size. They should be aware though that there are no guarantees on getting rooms when you want them - especially if it's at popular times. At 11 months it shouldn't be a problem but if they have specific dates that they have to go or can't plan more than 7 months out they should be aware they may have difficulties.

All just my opinions of course.

 

[arthur06]

How close to sold out is VGC? Anyone have any sort of clue!?

 

[disneynutz]

Never get the attention and support from Disney? I think I'll have to respectfully disagree. It's so meshed with GC which is the flagship hotel at DL that I do not worry about the Villa's or the resort not getting attention. And I actually think that the fact that it isn't in the middle of thousands of DVC rooms also works to it's benefit.

The DVC is a client of Disney Parks and Resorts. They/we pay for all of the services that we receive at the resorts. Whether we like it or not, the resorts take care of their cash/direct Guests first and then take care of the DVC. The more DVC business that they get, the more clout and power that the DVC has.

Having only 60 rooms in California when fully declared doesn't give the DVC much clout, and like it or not, that's the way business works.

Bill

 

[godalejunior]

The previous poster has already answered, but I wanted to let you know that we DID buy points at VGC in addition to our BWV points. (And we would do it again! )

If you are wanting to buy DVC because you are going to be making multiple trips to DLR in CA, then VGC is your only option. Maybe I missed it in a previous post, but if you can plan 11 - 7 months in advance and will mainly use your points at VGC, that is where you want to buy your points. Resale might be better at a WDW resort, but if you are primarily going to stay in CA, then obviously you want points at VGC. Now, if you can't plan more than 7 months out, buying a different resort might be better for pricing now and if you want to resell your points later on.

I think availability at VGC will be difficult if you are trying to book at 7 months using a different resort's points. I think, however, that if you own at VGC and call within the 7-11 month booking window, you should be okay to get what you need. Obviously time will tell, but grand villas and holiday times might be tough, but most of the year owners should be fine if they plan in advance.

I hope I didn't just add to the confusion.

We live in WA state and already go to DL two to three times a year...hence why we are looking there. I am an overplanner and do plan far out for our vacations.

I am curious if I am going to have problems if we decide to throw a WDW trip or two in the next few years....booking at 7 months out? What have been your experiences with this?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The DVC is a client of Disney Parks and Resorts. They/we pay for all of the services that we receive at the resorts. Whether we like it or not, the resorts take care of their cash/direct Guests first and then take care of the DVC. The more DVC business that they get, the more clout and power that the DVC has.

Having only 60 rooms in California when fully declared doesn't give the DVC much clout, and like it or not, that's the way business works.

Bill

I just disagree that any big clout is even needed at GC. Clout doesn't seem to get much at WDW and DVC rooms are a pretty high percentage there. What more are we supposed to have to worry about other than the rooms? They are providing everything else to their cash guests also so I don't think amenities will be eliminated. And I'm perfectly certain that the rooms will be taken care of there.

 

[ACDSNY]

VGC would be a good fit for you since you'll be using your points quite often at DLR. You also should be able to get reservations for WDW at the 7 month booking too.

We originally purchased at SSR, but have since sold those points to have most of our points in VGC as that is where we stay the most.

 

[Disney Princess]

We live in WA state and already go to DL two to three times a year...hence why we are looking there. I am an overplanner and do plan far out for our vacations.

I am curious if I am going to have problems if we decide to throw a WDW trip or two in the next few years....booking at 7 months out? What have been your experiences with this?

My in-laws live in WA state, so that is why we bought the CA points. I think if you can plan in advance, which is sounds like you can, VGC is a wonderful choice. Once you are an owner and call 11 months out, you should have few problems securing a reservation.

We own points at WDW too, so we can book 11 months out there, but we have heard of great success of people booking at 7 months because of the sheer number of options. It gets difficult at high season (NYE, Christmas, etc.), but if you are flexible with dates/resorts, you should be able to visit!

Good luck with your purchase. We haven't regretted our decision once. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions!

 

[nunzia]

<<<Because it isn't as popular as the other resorts in Florida. VGC will never get the attention and support from Disney because it is the only one at DL and it is very small. If new contracts are selling this slow, can you imagine what it will be like when you decide to sell VGC latter on?

Another reason is because my #1 rule is that you buy where you love to stay. Don't expect book WDW at 7 months and get what you want. DL is nice, I grew up going there, but WDW has DL beat hands down due to "the blessing of size" as Walt said. If I am going to spend money on a vacation, I am going to go where I can get the biggest bang for my money, WDW.

We have enough issues with the DVC resorts at WDW and there thousands of DVC rooms there, and a huge support staff.>>>




I totally disagree. To me...if you want to stay there as a DVC member, you need to have your home resort there. I think it will be very difficult to stay in a DVC room there without the 11 month advantage, but I think owners there will be able to book at that mark fairly easily. On the other hand, I think I'll be able to get something at WDW at 7 months, since I don't really care where I stay there as long as it's onsite. Of course, I see DLR as my home resort and I will always go there alot more than WDW.
Since our DVC is so small and attached to a large hotel, this will keep our dues lower, and the support Disney gives the hotel section also benefits the DVC section.
It's unfortunate that VGC came on board during the recession, but this is a great opportunity for you to perhaps get in at $84 ( I've seen that contract offered) I'm certain that one day people will look back and wish they'd bought in at VGC, and wouldn't doubt if eventually Disney saw it as a success and built another DVC in Anaheim.

 

[godalejunior]

I really appreciate all your input, both sides of the coin.

 

[godalejunior]

Well we put an offer in to the seller and they accepted. Now on to ROFR to see what happens....

 

[nunzia]

Well we put an offer in to the seller and they accepted. Now on to ROFR to see what happens....

Good Luck!!

 

[dbs1228]

We live in WA state and already go to DL two to three times a year...hence why we are looking there. I am an overplanner and do plan far out for our vacations.

I am curious if I am going to have problems if we decide to throw a WDW trip or two in the next few years....booking at 7 months out? What have been your experiences with this?

We are new to dvc but I have made 2 ressies in the under 7 month time frame, one ressie was a 2 bedroom and the other a studio. I was able to get OKW (also SSR was available) for the 2 bedroom traveling next week and got BWV for the studio traveling beginning Aug for 7 nights. I want to try all the resorts so to me I did not care were I ended up just want certain size accommodations for specific dates. Good luck with your decision!