Ready to take the plunge, looking for feedback

[VGCgroupie]

My best advice is once you become a member be prepared to have trips more than once every other year.

 

[Marmbruster]

My best advice is once you become a member be prepared to have trips more than once every other year.

Yeah that’s what I’m most worried about!!

 

[eticketplease]

That pool at Polynesian seems like it would be the best pool out of the monorail resorts, have yet to experience, but I'm sure it gets crowded

When we have stayed there it hasn’t been too bad. The infinity hot tub on the other hand was definitely crowded.

I think both VGF pools were more crowded than the lava pool honestly.

 

[Girlstar30]

That's good to hear since we will be staying there this year in hot September and def planning to go to the pool!

 

[eticketplease]

That's good to hear since we will be staying there this year in hot September and def planning to go to the pool!

They both have bars and the quiet pool sells some alcoholic dole whips if you are into that kind of thing.

 

[Girlstar30]

They both have bars and the quiet pool sells some alcoholic dole whips if you are into that kind of thing.

I'm not, but I could be

 

[juliebee]

You mentioned toying with the idea briefly of Copper Creek and also said that past trips were typically just after Thanksgiving. It is REALLY hard to get reservations at Copper Creek or Boulder Ridge in early December. During that time, points are pretty low at those resorts and they are decorated beautifully, so demand is intense. In case you come back to toying with any property at Wilderness Lodge, just know it may be impossible to get your preferred after Thanksgiving/early December time.
It sounds like the monorail loop is what you are leaning toward now, but just had to throw this out there. Also, as previously mentioned, if you are planning Nov/Dec trips, do NOT get a December use year.
Happy hunting for the perfect contract!

 

[sndral]

… 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

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

Since BPK is all studios OP won’t be staying there.
In sorting through various opinions I think it helps to know how long someone has owned & where they own. However, the only foolproof way to know how well a resort works for you & the way you want to vacation is to stay there. Thus I think your plan to stay at your ‘target’ resorts is a great plan, I did the same before I bought each of my 2 home resorts .
I bought at AKV resale first over a decade ago. My second purchase was a resale VGF contract. I’ve since added on at both resorts. We go once a year in Dec. for 9+ days - sometimes late Nov. into early Dec. sometimes just early Dec., sometimes late Dec. into early Jan. & we alternate years between AKV & VGF.
Although I enjoy my AKV stays, VGF is my favorite resort. I love the spacious 1 br.s & the bubble tub, sitting on the balcony watching the monorails glide by, watching the MK fireworks from Gasparillas’ patio, listening to the piano player in the main lobby, walking through the beautiful grounds, riding the boat to/from the MK or the Poly, or taking a quick stroll over to the Poly for food at one of their restaurants, etc..
I’ve been lucky w/ the monorail or I’ve figured out where to stand on the platform to get a seat because I seem to always get one. The buses haven’t been an issue - or maybe compared to AKV they don’t seem too bad (& there’s always Uber/Lyft/Minivans.) I love the whimsical penguin fountain in the villas building lobby.

I think OP’s 3 year olds will enjoy the splash area.

 

[eticketplease]

Since BPK is all studios OP won’t be staying there.
In sorting through various opinions I think it helps to know how long someone has owned & where they own. However, the only foolproof way to know how well a resort works for you & the way you want to vacation is to stay there. Thus I think your plan to stay at your ‘target’ resorts is a great plan, I did the same before I bought each of my 2 home resorts .
I bought at AKV resale first over a decade ago. My second purchase was a resale VGF contract. I’ve since added on at both resorts. We go once a year in Dec. for 9+ days - sometimes late Nov. into early Dec. sometimes just early Dec., sometimes late Dec. into early Jan. & we alternate years between AKV & VGF.
Although I enjoy my AKV stays, VGF is my favorite resort. I love the spacious 1 br.s & the bubble tub, sitting on the balcony watching the monorails glide by, watching the MK fireworks from Gasparillas’ patio, listening to the piano player in the main lobby, walking through the beautiful grounds, riding the boat to/from the MK or the Poly, or taking a quick stroll over to the Poly for food at one of their restaurants, etc..
I’ve been lucky w/ the monorail or I’ve figured out where to stand on the platform to get a seat because I seem to always get one. The buses haven’t been an issue - or maybe compared to AKV they don’t seem too bad (& there’s always Uber/Lyft/Minivans.) I love the whimsical penguin fountain in the villas building lobby.
View attachment 962286View attachment 962287
I think OP’s 3 year olds will enjoy the splash area.
View attachment 962288

I just started laughing when I saw this!!

When the page loaded it had the pictures in the middle of the screen but the bottom one wasn't fully in view and I immediately read "I think OP's 3 year olds will enjoy the splash area" and I was so looking at the Mary Poppins Penguin Fountain

 

[eticketplease]

I think OP’s 3 year olds will enjoy the splash area.

The PVB splashpad area is a little bigger I believe but DS always loves this one and waiting for the Mad Hatter's hat to dump the water out.

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

VGF is gorgeous, but GF itself is a major tourist attraction. We did the sweet spot DVC early December week at VGF, and the insane crowds in the lobby 24/7 with the tree and shopping and wedding parties and crowds -- ugh. We're past the stroller phase, but my husband uses a scooter, so kind of the same thing. It stressed me out trying to get a spot on the packed monorail.

Only having the birdcage elevator was a PITA, monorails were always packed, and the buses were the worst I have ever used anywhere on property.

This year there's no gingerbread house, but they're installing a pretty sizeable permanent bar in the lobby. From the pics I have seen, IDK where folks are going to go if/when a tree/gingerbread house comes back with those insane crowds.

Don't get me wrong, VGF IS gorgeous. The rooms are lovely. The views of Electrical Pageant off our balcony was magical. You just want to go when it's MOBBED. At the very least I'd shoot for 150x2=300 at VGF, because needing peak weeks for the kids' school schedule is rough. We only do peak school weeks and a 1B, too, and 300 has done well for us. It's nice to have some wiggle room so you're not sweating a reservation.

If you would like/can handle the walking path to/from MK in December, I think that's the way to go.

Dining options are great, pools are very nice, and good shopping. It's really just the melee in the lobby/transportation that made me batty, but that may be an "us" thing. After several trips, peace back "home" at the resort trumps some location factors. I don't think VGF is ever a bad choice to buy -- definitely will hold resale value -- just manage expectations if you're going anywhere near November 1-NYD for getting around the hubbub.

 

[starsaber25]

So my wife and I were down to BLT and VGF when we bought our contact. The monorail loop/transportation/walkability were big priorities for us. We ended up buying 200 pts at BLT for a few reasons. First the overall purchase price was better. It was even more of a gap last year when we bought then now. Next, the point chart is more friendlier at BLT. You can get more bang for your buck. BLT/CR also have some very nice restaurants if we needed to stay behind and dine at the resort. VGF is obviously a powerhouse in the dining ring but we figured we could just take the monorail there. So this is what went into our decision process BEFORE ever staying at either resort. So now what is reality?

We have now stayed at BLT in a 2 bedroom. There is absolutely no beating that walk to MK. I mean nothing. The monorail to EPCOT is very easy. The Monorail back to CR? Not as easy but still okay. It takes a while and it gets packed once you get back to the MK resorts. The pools? Yeah they really aren't anything special. It was January so our kids went into the pool for about 30 min. My wife and I just sat at the bar next to the pool and had a drink. The pool area at CR is bigger and you can certainly spend your time over there. Overall? We couldn't be happier that we bought here.

However, we will be staying at VGF in October. So I guess that is when the real comparison will take place. I just don't know how much it will change my mind even if VGF is an amazing resort. I can visit the restaurants if I want. I can visit the lobby if I want. I got a studio here in October 6 months out as I booked this past month. There are still studios left right now for my travel period (Columbus Day Weekend) at BPK. So it wasn't too hard to book here in a prime time of the year. But we are excited to stay and see if we made the right choice. I think we did but time will tell.

 

[mamaofsix]

We bought VGF and are extremely happy with the choice. You will not regret it!

We go during busy spring break and I don't find the pools are mobbed. And if you're staying in a 1 bedroom, you will have your own gorgeous, quiet lobby that is never busy like the main lobby. The rooms at VGF are exactly my style. They feel luxurious. Cannot say the same for other surrounding resorts.

Aside from the beautiful theming, the easy transportation is the next best thing.

I love the Poly but it is even busier than the GF. It's great to be close enough to pop over for a meal but not be staying there. We would never stay at BLT. It has lower and cheaper points for a reason.

Dining options are INCREDIBLE. My advice: get enough points for a 2 bedroom so grandparents and guests can come along. Date night at Narcoossee's or Citricos while your kiddos are watched by a relative is priceless.

 

[starsaber25]

We would never stay at BLT. It has lower and cheaper points for a reason.

What is the reason? Is the reason that it went on sale in 2009 which is 16 years ago? Is it because it is a lower resort on the overall nicer resort scale?

 

[mamaofsix]

What is the reason? Is the reason that it went on sale in 2009 which is 16 years ago? Is it because it is a lower resort on the overall nicer resort scale?

The resort, rooms, pools, etc. are just too plain for me. Nothing "wow" about the resort. Very beige. The perk used to be proximity to MK, but now that the GF has a walkway, it's not unique.

The walkway from GF is only a bit further and it's a prettier view than going through a parking lot and roadway.

ETA: I think a lot of this comes down to the style you prefer. If you love the style of BLT, then that is the resort for you and it is a great choice!

 

[Marmbruster]

You mentioned toying with the idea briefly of Copper Creek and also said that past trips were typically just after Thanksgiving. It is REALLY hard to get reservations at Copper Creek or Boulder Ridge in early December. During that time, points are pretty low at those resorts and they are decorated beautifully, so demand is intense. In case you come back to toying with any property at Wilderness Lodge, just know it may be impossible to get your preferred after Thanksgiving/early December time.
It sounds like the monorail loop is what you are leaning toward now, but just had to throw this out there. Also, as previously mentioned, if you are planning Nov/Dec trips, do NOT get a December use year.
Happy hunting for the perfect contract!

Yeah I can understand that. Wilderness Lodge was stunning when we went this past December.

Good to know on use year!

 

[Marmbruster]

Since BPK is all studios OP won’t be staying there.
In sorting through various opinions I think it helps to know how long someone has owned & where they own. However, the only foolproof way to know how well a resort works for you & the way you want to vacation is to stay there. Thus I think your plan to stay at your ‘target’ resorts is a great plan, I did the same before I bought each of my 2 home resorts .
I bought at AKV resale first over a decade ago. My second purchase was a resale VGF contract. I’ve since added on at both resorts. We go once a year in Dec. for 9+ days - sometimes late Nov. into early Dec. sometimes just early Dec., sometimes late Dec. into early Jan. & we alternate years between AKV & VGF.
Although I enjoy my AKV stays, VGF is my favorite resort. I love the spacious 1 br.s & the bubble tub, sitting on the balcony watching the monorails glide by, watching the MK fireworks from Gasparillas’ patio, listening to the piano player in the main lobby, walking through the beautiful grounds, riding the boat to/from the MK or the Poly, or taking a quick stroll over to the Poly for food at one of their restaurants, etc..
I’ve been lucky w/ the monorail or I’ve figured out where to stand on the platform to get a seat because I seem to always get one. The buses haven’t been an issue - or maybe compared to AKV they don’t seem too bad (& there’s always Uber/Lyft/Minivans.) I love the whimsical penguin fountain in the villas building lobby.
View attachment 962286View attachment 962287
I think OP’s 3 year olds will enjoy the splash area.
View attachment 962288

Ugh does Disney pay you to market VGF because man you’re good! That splash pad looks awesome and they would DEFINITELY love it. You’re really hitting the nail on the head. Last trip we sat at Epcot with the boys and watched the monorails for almost an hour while we snacked because they’re so enamored. I love people watching at resorts as well which I think VGF seems great for.

 

[Marmbruster]

VGF is gorgeous, but GF itself is a major tourist attraction. We did the sweet spot DVC early December week at VGF, and the insane crowds in the lobby 24/7 with the tree and shopping and wedding parties and crowds -- ugh. We're past the stroller phase, but my husband uses a scooter, so kind of the same thing. It stressed me out trying to get a spot on the packed monorail.

Only having the birdcage elevator was a PITA, monorails were always packed, and the buses were the worst I have ever used anywhere on property.

This year there's no gingerbread house, but they're installing a pretty sizeable permanent bar in the lobby. From the pics I have seen, IDK where folks are going to go if/when a tree/gingerbread house comes back with those insane crowds.

Don't get me wrong, VGF IS gorgeous. The rooms are lovely. The views of Electrical Pageant off our balcony was magical. You just want to go when it's MOBBED. At the very least I'd shoot for 150x2=300 at VGF, because needing peak weeks for the kids' school schedule is rough. We only do peak school weeks and a 1B, too, and 300 has done well for us. It's nice to have some wiggle room so you're not sweating a reservation.

If you would like/can handle the walking path to/from MK in December, I think that's the way to go.

Dining options are great, pools are very nice, and good shopping. It's really just the melee in the lobby/transportation that made me batty, but that may be an "us" thing. After several trips, peace back "home" at the resort trumps some location factors. I don't think VGF is ever a bad choice to buy -- definitely will hold resale value -- just manage expectations if you're going anywhere near November 1-NYD for getting around the hubbub.

Yeah I thought a lot about the “peace” factor. We did love the relaxation element when we did WL and AKV but ultimately felt like there was a lot of wasted transportation time. We didn’t mind that when it was just the two of us, but with toddlers it was a lot harder.

I’ve definitely seen a lot of people saying crowd size at VGF is one of the biggest down sides so definitely important to be factoring in.

 

[matt and beth]

I bought 450 points direct at BLT in September of 2024. You can get most resorts direct but you have to actually call and ask about it.

What did they hit you for pp if you don’t mind me asking?

 

[Hubalorian]

Ugh does Disney pay you to market VGF because man you’re good! That splash pad looks awesome and they would DEFINITELY love it. You’re really hitting the nail on the head. Last trip we sat at Epcot with the boys and watched the monorails for almost an hour while we snacked because they’re so enamored. I love people watching at resorts as well which I think VGF seems great for.

If you are looking for a good splash pad, Wilderness lodge has an awesome one too!