Ready to take the plunge, looking for feedback

[Marmbruster]

Hi all! I’ve been lurking through a lot of the posts here and have found some really helpful information. Hoping to get some insight into our specific situation.

Chicago based family of four (two soon to be 3 year olds) who love Disney. I discovered the magic of renting DVC points back in 2016 and have been renting for every trip we’ve taken since. It finally dawned on me that it makes a lot more sense for us to buy a resale contract at this point.

How we do Disney:
7 nights every other year, 1 bedroom villa. Typically the week after Thanksgiving, but that will change soon because of our kids schedules. Either way, it will probably be at peak DVC times in terms of points per room.

We’re thinking we want to do 200 points at Grand Floridian. I’ve not actually stayed there yet (planning a quick weekend stay before we make an offer), but we know we want a monorail hotel based on ease of transportation with a stroller and two young kiddos. We LOVE bopping around to other hotels and eating at as many different restaurants as we can. We considered BLT as well but don’t love the theming or their pools.

The plan is to find a contract we like towards the end of the year and pay outright, no financing.

Any thoughts from more experienced DVC veterans on my logic here with number of points and where we want to buy? Full discloser, we toyed with the idea of Copper Creek as well as we love Wilderness but I keep coming back to easier transportation.

 

[Girlstar30]

The only thing i have to say is I highly recommend staying at VGF before you buy there for sure which it looks like you are doing If you can stay at as many monorail hotels you can before deciding which one is for your family since that's what you're narrowing in on.

It makes a huge difference staying somewhere and just walking around. I thought VGF would be my favorite hotel out of the 4 we stayed at when I was looking to purchase DVC and it was actually one of my least favorite (BPK to be precise) after staying and we ended up buying BLT! You may be surprised by what you end up liking after staying

 

[DL1WDW2]

I felt the same way . Did not like BPK at the Grand Floridian but love my 155 points at BLT and will never not love BLT

 

[PolyRob]

Hi all! I’ve been lurking through a lot of the posts here and have found some really helpful information. Hoping to get some insight into our specific situation.

Chicago based family of four (two soon to be 3 year olds) who love Disney. I discovered the magic of renting DVC points back in 2016 and have been renting for every trip we’ve taken since. It finally dawned on me that it makes a lot more sense for us to buy a resale contract at this point.

How we do Disney:
7 nights every other year, 1 bedroom villa. Typically the week after Thanksgiving, but that will change soon because of our kids schedules. Either way, it will probably be at peak DVC times in terms of points per room.

We’re thinking we want to do 200 points at Grand Floridian. I’ve not actually stayed there yet (planning a quick weekend stay before we make an offer), but we know we want a monorail hotel based on ease of transportation with a stroller and two young kiddos. We LOVE bopping around to other hotels and eating at as many different restaurants as we can. We considered BLT as well but don’t love the theming or their pools.

The plan is to find a contract we like towards the end of the year and pay outright, no financing.

Any thoughts from more experienced DVC veterans on my logic here with number of points and where we want to buy? Full discloser, we toyed with the idea of Copper Creek as well as we love Wilderness but I keep coming back to easier transportation.

VGF is my home resort and favorite out of all the WDW DVC options! The dedicated building, check-in, parking lot, covered walkway, and spacious accommodations are beautiful and you now have a dedicated walking path to MK in addition to the monorail like you mentioned.

What time of year do you typically visit WDW? 200 points every other year should cover you in a VGF one-bedroom resort/lake view for 7 days comfortably except peak times on the chart like Christmas and Easter.

BLT has a friendlier points chart and two full bathrooms in a one-bedroom, but I personally prefer the VGF theming. PVB has two full bathrooms in a one-bedroom as well, but the accommodations are much smaller and the points chart is more expensive than VGF for one-bedrooms. The PVB resort views are also much worse than VGF resort views. PVB theme park views are fantastic, but are very, very expensive. I don't blame you for wanting the monorail. It's much easier to access MK from the loop.

I think you have a great plan booking a weekend trip! Just make sure it's in the original villa building (deluxe studio and larger villas) if you want to see that vs Big Pine Key (resort studios) which is a flipped cash hotel building. You can tour BLT and PVB (longhouses and villas) while staying at VGF since they're easy to access via the monorail. VGF is also nice because it's very close to PVB Island Tower and you can utilize all the Poly dining options while staying at VGF.

 

[swampfox28]

Definitely make a reconaisance trip to VGF and see what you think! I'd maybe consider BCV as it's VERY close to Epcot as well as the Skyliner (which kids and adults love!) Maybe also Poly (great pool, can watch the MK fireworks from the beach, and monorail as well as boat transportation!!) Not going to lie, VGF is absolutely gorgeous - but so far I really love OKW (though we're looking hard at resale contracts at AKV and BWV right now as well!) Good luck whatever you decide!!

 

[ShaneDJ]

Don’t discount that full 2nd bathroom in the 1-bedroom villa at BLT and the ease of walking to/from MK (especially with young kids).

BLT is plain looking compared to VGF, yes. But the cheaper per point resale cost, walkability, and full 2nd bathroom compared to VGF should be considered.

Plus, the monorail is usually crowded at the VGF stop during the holiday season (which frustrates some VGF owners).

 

[Marmbruster]

The only thing i have to say is I highly recommend staying at VGF before you buy there for sure which it looks like you are doing If you can stay at as many monorail hotels you can before deciding which one is for your family since that's what you're narrowing in on.

It makes a huge difference staying somewhere and just walking around. I thought VGF would be my favorite hotel out of the 4 we stayed at when I was looking to purchase DVC and it was actually one of my least favorite (BPK to be precise) after staying and we ended up buying BLT! You may be surprised by what you end up liking after staying

Yeah I think ideally I’d do a night at each, but the plan right now is to just snag a confirmed reservation for rent. I’m going to have to try and get really lucky and see if I can get one at each in close proximity, ha.

 

[Marmbruster]

Don’t discount that full 2nd bathroom in the 1-bedroom villa at BLT and the ease of walking to/from MK (especially with young kids).

BLT is plain looking compared to VGF, yes. But the cheaper per point resale cost, walkability, and full 2nd bathroom compared to VGF should be considered.

Plus, the monorail is usually crowded at the VGF stop during the holiday season (which frustrates some VGF owners).

What you’re mentioning highlights my biggest hang ups when it comes to making a final decision. I don’t actually mind the plain looking, I like brutalist architecture. The size of the rooms bugs me but the full second bathroom is a really good point to consider. Hadn’t even thought of that.

 

[Marmbruster]

Definitely make a reconaisance trip to VGF and see what you think! I'd maybe consider BCV as it's VERY close to Epcot as well as the Skyliner (which kids and adults love!) Maybe also Poly (great pool, can watch the MK fireworks from the beach, and monorail as well as boat transportation!!) Not going to lie, VGF is absolutely gorgeous - but so far I really love OKW (though we're looking hard at resale contracts at AKV and BWV right now as well!) Good luck whatever you decide!!

Thank you!! We actually LOVE Beach Club and Boardwalk and have stayed at both and that’s where I initially wanted to buy. I get hung up on the expiry date on those though. Plus we didn’t love the lack of quick service food options there.

 

[Marmbruster]

VGF is my home resort and favorite out of all the WDW DVC options! The dedicated building, check-in, parking lot, covered walkway, and spacious accommodations are beautiful and you now have a dedicated walking path to MK in addition to the monorail like you mentioned.

What time of year do you typically visit WDW? 200 points every other year should cover you in a VGF one-bedroom resort/lake view for 7 days comfortably except peak times on the chart like Christmas and Easter.

BLT has a friendlier points chart and two full bathrooms in a one-bedroom, but I personally prefer the VGF theming. PVB has two full bathrooms in a one-bedroom as well, but the accommodations are much smaller and the points chart is more expensive than VGF for one-bedrooms. The PVB resort views are also much worse than VGF resort views. PVB theme park views are fantastic, but are very, very expensive. I don't blame you for wanting the monorail. It's much easier to access MK from the loop.

I think you have a great plan booking a weekend trip! Just make sure it's in the original villa building (deluxe studio and larger villas) if you want to see that vs Big Pine Key (resort studios) which is a flipped cash hotel building. You can tour BLT and PVB (longhouses and villas) while staying at VGF since they're easy to access via the monorail. VGF is also nice because it's very close to PVB Island Tower and you can utilize all the Poly dining options while staying at VGF.

This is super helpful! We normally like February, October and early December to travel, however I’m not sure how that will shift once it’s harder to get our kids out of school. Good note on where to book when I take my preview trip!

We don’t love the look of PVB, although love Poly itself, so I do love that VGF gets us close for those lovely Trader Sam visits

 

[Disney Spaz]

I think you have taken the time to do your research and a visit will really help. We own at VGF, CCV and now PIT, all for access to 1bdrms. I will say the only reason we didn't add on at VGF and added PIT was to 2nd bathroom in the 1bdrm and VGF was not selling and it was a small add on so we went direct.

For context a 1bdrm at CCV is small compared to the rest of the MK DVC's. It is great for the holidays, which is why we own there but with two growing kids I would say the space in either VGF or the 2nd bathroom at PIT or BLT will be a game changer as they get older. The next really is theming which is more personal choice. I thought BLT would be a win for us but years ago we stayed in both a 1bdrm and then a studio. It was just me and our two kids because DH was pulled in for emergency snow removal and couldn't come. While we loved the convince of MK we felt almost obligated to go to MK every day for convenince. The theming also fell flat for us.

Whatever you choose trust your instincts regarding what resort fells right for your family.

 

[PolyRob]

This is super helpful! We normally like February, October and early December to travel, however I’m not sure how that will shift once it’s harder to get our kids out of school. Good note on where to book when I take my preview trip!

We don’t love the look of PVB, although love Poly itself, so I do love that VGF gets us close for those lovely Trader Sam visits

Of course! If you want VGF in early December you must own it to get into the resort view resort/deluxe studios and one-bedrooms. It's very competitive. I honestly purchased VGF for this time of year so I can still have early and late uninterrupted access to the gingerbread house and tree while being shielded in my separate building with it's own lobby away from the crowds. ( The gingerbread house returns next year)

An Oct UY sounds perfect for you with those travel times, but could be more challenging if you do shift to summer trips. Spring break with school schedules would also work well with an Oct UY. Just do not get a Dec UY if you want to stay at VGF in early December. "Walking reservations" is a controversial topic on this board, but you do not want to see what happens with the VGF booking options 11 months in advance of a December trip with a Dec UY. All the rooms will be gobbled up by owners pushing reservations forward and you will have a very tough time trying to book your actual dates.

I understand what you're saying about Poly. I love the resort overall and it will always hold a special place in my heart because it was the first WDW resort I ever stayed at. The longhouses feel very "WDW Polynesian," but are showing their age and the Island Tower sticks out a bit, but the interior of the tower is much more luxurious. I love the dining and recreation the Poly offers so it's great being steps away via the walking path. I too enjoy Trader Sam's! VGF is a great location for frequent visits. The Tiki Terrace closes an hour before the actual bar and you can always enjoy an extra drink on your walk back to VGF which conveniently passes Wailulu

 

[foodiddiedoo]

Have you checked out the newly refurbished room designs at BLT? I really enjoy the new artwork and the queen sized comfortable Murphy bed in the living room for the 1 bed.

 

[MyDogTink]

I will echo what others said. Stay at VGF prior to purchasing and I wouldn’t dismiss BLT yet. We bought VGF during the 2023 fire sale and it’s not my favorite. It’s beautiful, don’t get me wrong, and I’d love it if it was just DH and I.

We have a 6 yo daughter and BLT is much less stressful. Ease of walking to MK and the 1 BR with 2 full bathrooms with a friendlier point chart than a 2 BR with 2 BR at VGF. Maybe as our daughter grows and we eliminate the stroller, we will grow to love VGF. For now, BLT is our preference.

GF transportation can be frustrating with being the last monorail stop to MK. Of the two ferries, the smaller ferry requires the stroller to be folded.

Again, I think we will grow to love VGF, just not yet.

GL with the decisions. Tough but a good and fun one to be making!

 

[TCRAIG]

I own at BLT and GF - I think your logic for buying at GF is spot on - while I like both resorts a lot (and BC and BWV and BR etc) - BLT pool is just blah - no amount of decor or bathrooms is going to make up for that.

 

[Hubalorian]

Something else just to think about, from ROFR on VGF and potential incentives of buying DVC Direct, there isn’t as huge of a delta between VGF resale and direct at the actively selling properties. Just something to consider

 

[Girlstar30]

I am excited to try the OG VGF rooms, from what I've heard on here, seems to be a lot of people's preference!

 

[Cfabar1]

I have found 1 BR rates at the GF to work out favorably compared to cash. Many on this forum will point out that buying DVC for 1 BR might not be the best way to go, but it is (at least currently) how we tend to stay. As the kids get older we are likely to move to 2 BR units.

The GF building is kind of far from the monorail.just to be aware... Also, many find the GF to be the least convenient monorail resort because buses go to Poly 1st, and the way it whips around.

If your goal is every other year in peak season 200 points or so sounds about right.... it would be 340 or 407 points depending on view type...

Now, if you want Xmas week then you'll need more points - even for every other....

The VGF points chart is tough to feel good about, but the original villas are some of the largest and nicest rooms in DVC... That said, the lack of second bathroom is disappointing. We love VGF because of the options at the resort - so many dining options, we think the pools are the best on the whole in the monorail area because they balance being interesting (BLT's problem) with usually somewhat reasonable crowds (Polys problem).

We also appreciate the walking path, but that it doesn't feel like you're in the MK, but instead a little ways away from it..

 

[Marmbruster]

Have you checked out the newly refurbished room designs at BLT? I really enjoy the new artwork and the queen sized comfortable Murphy bed in the living room for the 1 bed.

Yeah the new rooms actually look great! Mostly just not a fan of the pool area and general atmosphere outside of the hotel. But when as I type that of course I think that’s a bit silly of a thing to be overly concerned about haha

 

[Marmbruster]

I have found 1 BR rates at the GF to work out favorably compared to cash. Many on this forum will point out that buying DVC for 1 BR might not be the best way to go, but it is (at least currently) how we tend to stay. As the kids get older we are likely to move to 2 BR units.

The GF building is kind of far from the monorail.just to be aware... Also, many find the GF to be the least convenient monorail resort because buses go to Poly 1st, and the way it whips around.

If your goal is every other year in peak season 200 points or so sounds about right.... it would be 340 or 407 points depending on view type...

Now, if you want Xmas week then you'll need more points - even for every other....

Good point about the monorail, that makes sense.

Definitely would never do Christmas week, I’m terrified of that. We like to do the week after thanksgiving, but may be shifting more to something in February or October.

We’re also thinking as time goes buy we’d probably add on another contract to up our points and go for the two bedroom as long as we can keep it all in the same use year.