Rumor: Direct Minimum for DVC Purchase Increasing to 150 Points

[Where'sPiglet?]

I wonder how far they're going to take this. For some time, I believe the minimum purchase was 230 points, back when Old Key West was the only DVC resort, and called that, even. Then, I know it was a 160-point minimum for a while, which is why we see so many 160-point contracts, particularly at AKV and BLT.

I wonder if 150 is where they are planning to land for a long-term minimum buy-in, or if they will continue to raise it. I think having smaller minimums was good for making the program more accessible for more people, but it also really strained the studio availability. They sell (sold?) it as a "Home Away From Home" and market the rooms larger than a studio, but then many people only book studios, for a variety of reasons.

Also, 230 points and the Old Key West points charts went a LOT farther than 150 points does on the Riviera points charts, so I could see them continue to raise the minimum. They do make a lot of money off their financing program, so maybe that's what they want?

 

[Nabas]

You do still get discounts on food and merchandise.

I use my Annual Pass for that.

Heck, my Disney Visa has some discounts.

 

[Sandisw]

The official document only lists "select dining or merchandise discounts" and has, in the past, been interpreted to mean special event discounts, not routine dining discounts. It does seem ambiguous, which is why I said it's debatable.
https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/media/dvc/en/hidden-pages/MEADS_02_25_18_Clean.pdf

Again, the current perks allow food and merchandise discounts. I didn’t say it is the only way to get discounts, but just adding for others that those are still there and have not gone away because the post I responded to implied the lounge was it.

 

[Sandisw]

Again, I can get most of those discounts with my Disney Visa...

Of course there are other ways to get discounts, but it doesn’t change that it is a benefit for owners currently.

Definitely been better for me than my a Disney Visa.

 

[KAngela]

You forgot:

-Top of the World Lounge

Even us resale people get Top of the World Lounge if we're BLT owners!

 

[ScubaCat]

You forgot:

-Top of the World Lounge

Even us resale people get Top of the World Lounge if we're BLT owners!

Everyone does, actually.

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/faq/reselling/what-is-included/

 

[dvc lover 1970]

All the current physical blue cards expire at the end of 2021 so my GUESS is that they want to reach whatever the final target is before then. And, may as well do it before the 50th kicks off so they can start selling 150 a pop. Maybe they'll finally have some sort of electronic validation, too, vs. inconsistently asking for a plastic/digital card and sometimes your ID.

Also, may as well bump it up before bringing back AP sales, too. No sense in letting people lock in at 125 for a gold pass now.

The original membership cards did not have an expiration date on them. Costs them more to keep making cards every three years. My guess is in 2021 all cards will be digital. Bottom line in my opinion...those who want resale will buy resale and those who want the ease and perks of direct will buy direct and those who dont know about resale will also buy direct.

 

[ScubaCat]

The original membership cards did not have an expiration date on them. Costs them more to keep making cards every three years. My guess is in 2021 all cards will be digital. Bottom line in my opinion...those who want resale will buy resale and those who want the ease and perks of direct will buy direct and those who dont know about resale will also buy direct.

That certainly would make sense. Digital is the way everything else is headed. We'll all find out one way or another soon enough!

 

[Best Aunt]

PP is correct - when they started selling BLT, if your first contract was direct with Disney you had to buy in with at least 160 points. I didn’t pay attention to changes before or after that.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Well, I know people that have been denied, Regardless, it’s a blue card membership perk

People are quick to knock the few perks blue card holders have. But the minute DVC introduces really nice perks ( ie: after hours parks, Moonlight Magic, etc) then the crying will begin. Just cant please everyone.

 

[Sandisw]

Just had another thought. This may be why we saw the increase in SSR?

 

[Prince John Robin Hood]

You forgot:

-Top of the World Lounge

That's available to all DVC members

 

[dvc lover 1970]

Just had another thought. This may be why we saw the increase in SSR?

Did SSR go up? I didn't see or hear anything about it on the member page.

 

[ScubaCat]

Did SSR go up? I didn't see or hear anything about it on the member page.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/direct-price-increase-coming-5-27.3838750/

 

[eandt]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1398368049791709190

I was hoping for the AP's to return and then would begrudgingly pull the trigger on the 125 but if this increase to 150 min buy in is true,..... like the fat kid in dodge ball I'm out.

 

[mickey10171]

People are quick to knock the few perks blue card holders have. But the minute DVC introduces really nice perks ( ie: after hours parks, Moonlight Magic, etc) then the crying will begin. Just cant please everyone.

That was exactly my motive for making direct my first DVC purchase! Whenever a new perk comes out I want to make sure I have access to it (whatever the perks may or may not be lol)

 

[ParkHoppers]

Just had another thought. This may be why we saw the increase in SSR?

I was thinking the price increase might be to put SSR close enough in price to RIV that people would consider RIV instead of SSR. Unless RIV sales are strong in which case I have no point. Lol.

 

[limace]

People are quick to knock the few perks blue card holders have. But the minute DVC introduces really nice perks ( ie: after hours parks, Moonlight Magic, etc) then the crying will begin. Just cant please everyone.

Has there been an afterhours perk for DVC besides moonlight magic?

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

150 points and here’s a list of your perks.
-DVC lounge at Epcot.

Enjoy that thirty thousand dollar soda!!!

You forgot the backpack.

 

[Skicks35]

With the frequency of these increases (and knowing DVC) does anyone think DVC would potentially end the "grandfathering" practice to anyone below whatever the new minimum is?

Not 100% sure what that would cause and I imagine that would be a PR nightmare and administrative headache, but was just curious.