The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group - 3.0

[VGCgroupie]

I honestly don't know which avenue makes the most sense, cost wise. Especially long term. I think it will really come down to if we see VDH and actually WANT to own there. Or if we decide we just want to do VGC every trip. There are, of course, some benefits to owning at least 150 direct. I just can't see us spending the money on 150 VGC direct though.

There are many things to consider. Pros and cons for each. You really need to do the math for each option. The extra 14 years at VDH shouldn’t be forgotten.

 

[AstroBlasters]

So basically 10 of those trips to be close to that being similar to the $10,000-ish more in up front costs. (And if we only stayed at VDH every other trip...that would take us about 20 years. Ha!)

But, it is much easier to get a 1bd and 2bd at VGC.

I was looking at it from the angle of you want to build up to another 70-75 points, but will probably never find a contract in that range, in your UY, that is that much cheaper than direct when accounting for the likely stripped points and higher resale closing costs.

 

[Jperiod]

So basically 10 of those trips to be close to that being similar to the $10,000-ish more in up front costs. (And if we only stayed at VDH every other trip...that would take us about 20 years. Ha!)

I think it's a no brainer to stick with VGC. Those taxes will add a significant cost to your stays and resales are locked in to one resort. VGC is also closer walking, has its own entrance, great park views, nothing holds a candle.

 

[VGCgroupie]

If you get me the price of 100 points current incentives for VDH I can give you the numbers factoring in TOT.

 

[ClaraOswald]

There are many things to consider. Pros and cons for each. You really need to do the math for each option. The extra 14 years at VDH shouldn’t be forgotten.

True. Though we'd be trying to sell it before it expires. My husband turns 96 the year it expires.

But, it is much easier to get a 1bd and 2bd at VGC.

I was looking at it from the angle of you want to build up to another 70-75 points, but will probably never find a contract in that range, in your UY, that is that much cheaper than direct when accounting for the likely stripped points and higher resale closing costs.

I wonder if there will even be any direct points available when I'm actually ready to buy more points. All of this might be moot if there's nothing at that time.

If you get me the price of 100 points current incentives for VDH I can give you the numbers factoring in TOT.

I'm honestly not sure what the current incentives bring it down to. But if we bought VDH, we'd do 150 points in order to get direct benefits.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I think it's a no brainer to stick with VGC. Those taxes will add a significant cost to your stays and resales are locked in to one resort. VGC is also closer walking, has its own entrance, great park views, nothing holds a candle.

I used to think it was a no brainer but now I'm not so sure. The location of VDH will be more appealing when they build all of the Disneyland Forward stuff in that area. The taxes are a bummer but it's my understanding that we're technically paying those at VGC too, just they are already lumped in. I could be wrong on that.

I do think that we'd get way less trying to sell a VDH contract vs. a VGC in a couple decades though, due to the restrictions.

 

[AstroBlasters]

If you get me the price of 100 points current incentives for VDH I can give you the numbers factoring in TOT.

I think they would do 150 to get blue card and because they want 1BDs

 

[AstroBlasters]

True. Though we'd be trying to sell it before it expires. My husband turns 96 the year it expires.



I wonder if there will even be any direct points available when I'm actually ready to buy more points. All of this might be moot if there's nothing at that time.



I'm honestly not sure what the current incentives bring it down to. But if we bought VDH, we'd do 150 points in order to get direct benefits.

But hasn’t your issue been that you want around 75points and the contracts are too big or too small? You could buy 25 direct points now and then a more readily available 50 point resale contact later.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I used to think it was a no brainer but now I'm not so sure. The location of VDH will be more appealing when they build all of the Disneyland Forward stuff in that area. The taxes are a bummer but it's my understanding that we're technically paying those at VGC too, just they are already lumped in. I could be wrong on that.

I do think that we'd get way less trying to sell a VDH contract vs. a VGC in a couple decades though, due to the restrictions.

IMO, VGC > VDH…. but…. having VDH gives you nice options because of additional availability and those cheap point chart weeks.

I also just really enjoy the Palm Breeze Bar, Trader Sam’s, and the Lounge.

Now, with that said…. My wife and I have reservations at Hearth Stone lounge and Carthage Circle Lounge for date nights when we visit in August…. so, they both have some good places.

 

[Girlstar30]

I used to think it was a no brainer but now I'm not so sure. The location of VDH will be more appealing when they build all of the Disneyland Forward stuff in that area. The taxes are a bummer but it's my understanding that we're technically paying those at VGC too, just they are already lumped in. I could be wrong on that.

I do think that we'd get way less trying to sell a VDH contract vs. a VGC in a couple decades though, due to the restrictions.

The maint dues are a little higher at vdh is something to consider too, although not significant if you really want that resort

 

[ClaraOswald]

But hasn’t your issue been that you want around 75points and the contracts are too big or too small? You could buy 25 direct points now and then a more readily available 50 point resale contact later.

I'm not truly looking to buy yet. We won't really consider buying for another couple years, in reality. Unless a unicorn contract comes up in 2026...then we might jump on that. But definitely won't buy in the remainder of 2025.

IMO, VGC > VDH…. but…. having VDH gives you nice options because of additional availability and those cheap point chart weeks.

I also just really enjoy the Palm Breeze Bar, Trader Sam’s, and the Lounge.

Now, with that said…. My wife and I have reservations at Hearth Stone lounge and Carthage Circle Lounge for date nights when we visit in August…. so, they both have some good places.

I hope someday we'll be able to check out some of the different options. Never been to any of the restaurants except the QS place for breakfast.

 

[Girlstar30]

I wasn't sure where to post his Hooray for me post, but my guide just scored me 100 points in my use year!

Congratulations

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I want another 100 points at VGC in June UY, so this is very tempting. But I don't need them until probably 2028 since we're set for next year and have other plans for 2027... So I should probably just wait and save money through resale later on

 

[ClaraOswald]

I want another 100 points at VGC in June UY, so this is very tempting. But I don't need them until probably 2028 since we're set for next year and have other plans for 2027... So I should probably just wait and save money through resale later on

We might be duking it out for those June 100 point contracts on the resale market in 2028.

 

[Girlstar30]

I want another 100 points at VGC in June UY, so this is very tempting. But I don't need them until probably 2028 since we're set for next year and have other plans for 2027... So I should probably just wait and save money through resale later on

If i ever buy resale again I will do it a year and a half out from when I actually need the points because of 11 month window and such, I really thought that I would be good for September starting the process in January and needing the points, very stressful

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

If i ever buy resale again I will do it a year and a half out from when I actually need the points because of 11 month window and such, I really thought that I would be good for September starting the process in January and needing the points, very stressful

Good point, I should probably be looking in early 2027, then! So you can have the 2028 contracts, @ClaraOswald

The reason we need more points is that we're planning to start the process of becoming parents via adoption this year. It takes a while, could be a year or two, but I'm looking ahead and realizing we're going to need to switch from studios to 1BRs!
We also have all our WDW points direct/have blue card, so don't need VGC to be direct

 

[Girlstar30]

Good point, I should probably be looking in early 2027, then! So you can have the 2028 contracts, @ClaraOswald

The reason we need more points is that we're planning to start the process of becoming parents via adoption this year. It takes a while, could be a year or two, but I'm looking ahead and realizing we're going to need to switch from studios to 1BRs!
We also have all our WDW points direct/have blue card, so don't need VGC to be direct

Yeah it sounds like a long time, but with booking windows, negotiating price, finding matching uy if you want, possibility of falling thru and delays, I think its the right time to start for 11 month booking and no worries. Good thing banking exists as well to use for the next year.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Good point, I should probably be looking in early 2027, then! So you can have the 2028 contracts, @ClaraOswald

The reason we need more points is that we're planning to start the process of becoming parents via adoption this year. It takes a while, could be a year or two, but I'm looking ahead and realizing we're going to need to switch from studios to 1BRs!
We also have all our WDW points direct/have blue card, so don't need VGC to be direct

With the trips we're thinking of, we likely won't need more points until maybe 2030, actually. So 2028 is probably a good time for me.

Congratulations on the adoption process! So exciting!

 

[AstroBlasters]

With the trips we're thinking of, we likely won't need more points until maybe 2030, actually. So 2028 is probably a good time for me.

Congratulations on the adoption process! So exciting!

So… then you will not look at aggregators or the ROFR thread for another 2.5 years?

 

[VGCgroupie]

I just went through all my contracts and spreadsheets. I have have 2 contracts at VGC purchased separately. One I haven’t used so I will put that aside.

My 153 point VGC purchased resale vs my 300 point VDH purchased direct. Both just under a year old.

VDH I did factor in things I received for free or discounted due to being direct.

My VGC is paid for 16.5%
My VDH is paid for 47%

Yes I included when I paid TOT.
There are days when I get a little down on buying VDH since it’s restricted, but this has me feeling much better! While VGC is highly sought after and some would say the most valuable resort.. it has yielded me way way less than any of my other contracts. Mainly due to only wanting to use it at VGC and rarely being able to get rooms there, and I have had the ability to get rooms at VDH. 2nd if there’s under 7 month availability at VGC I just use my cheaper SAP points.

Just thought I’d share. I’m still team VGC all the way but VDH isn’t terrible. If I sold today yes VGC would sell for more than VDH. But since I split my VDH 300 into 3 contracts if I sold I wouldn’t get terribly less (as of now since the market has hardly any)

Just food for thought for @ClaraOswald

Edit to add: DH says the only reason we have paid for contracts so much so quickly is because we are vacationing too much.. so there’s that.