To buy Poly or not to buy Poly

[js]

If you want the monorail just so you have it always, then yes, I would purchase on a monorail resort. Not just because the kids are little now since, as we know,
they do grow up.
If you want monorail, purchase monorail. But, I wouldn't purchase AKVs. To me, they are too far from a lot of things.
We purchased at SSR when the kids were smaller knowing as they got older, they could go to DTD on their on their own, bring friends for trips,
eat, drink and walk back to the resort. My dh and I, with the kids now older, can plan a trip and know we have DTD in our back yard.
But, there are so many properties that we all purchase for so many reasons, it is great to have variety. But, I wouldn't advise to purchase
a property just because you need the convenience now. I would look at it for years to come for the future

Especially that the Poly rooms are really studios. We are a family of four and our least accommodations we book are a two bedroom but with my kids different sex and now 22 and 18, we just booked THVs for a three bedroom. As your kids get older, none of you will want to be in the same room together for a full week! At least my family LOL

Good luck!

 

[constantstar]

If you want the monorail just so you have it always, then yes, I would purchase on a monorail resort. Not just because the kids are little now since, as we know,
they do grow up.
If you want monorail, purchase monorail. But, I wouldn't purchase AKVs. To me, they are too far from a lot of things.
We purchased at SSR when the kids were smaller knowing as they got older, they could go to DTD on their on their own, bring friends for trips,
eat, drink and walk back to the resort. My dh and I, with the kids now older, can plan a trip and know we have DTD in our back yard.
But, there are so many properties that we all purchase for so many reasons, it is great to have variety. But, I wouldn't advise to purchase
a property just because you need the convenience now. I would look at it for years to come for the future

Especially that the Poly rooms are really studios. We are a family of four and our least accommodations we book are a two bedroom but with my kids different sex and now 22 and 18, we just booked THVs for a three bedroom. As your kids get older, none of you will want to be in the same room together for a full week! At least my family LOL

Good luck!

This is one of the hardest parts about deciding a home resort for me. Number 1, I want convenience...now. But, my kids are 2 & 4 so buses, while lovely, can be a pain. When they're older, I'll need room. That's why I liked the flexibility of choosing a different resort each trip. I've heard that isn't always possible though. Saratoga does sound lovely, and the price is right. Maybe I should look more in to the resort.

 

[JamesVader46]

huxbnw,
We are a family of 5 in our early 40's with twins 9yrs. old and a little one at 2 1/2yrs old. We stayed at Poly for the first time for the Monorail as well. We too are fans of AK. We just returned Sunday from our last Disney trip 4/3. During our visit we finally sat down with a DVC rep from the visitor booth at Poly after a couple of yours looking into becoming DVC Members. We direct purchased 175 points at Poly and my wife and I are very excited about Poly being our home resort. Just joining DISBoards there is a strong opinion to purchase resale for considerable savings. You must do what makes you comfortable and is a perfect fit for your family's needs. Our family can't wait to take our next trip to Disney as first time DVC Members and hear "Welcome Home". Our goal is passing this down to our children and did get input from them on how they felt about the resort and transportation options Poly offered as well. When we did sign we knew what we where buying, great savings on a room for the next 50 years and was told up front more than once that certain perks could go away at anytime. In light of what has just happened with people who only own resale makes me feel, initially glad to remain loyal and purchased direct despite people on this board saying I can't believe anybody would pay direct at Poly for $168 per point that is crazy. Call me crazy then, but in the end it is all about perspective and your family's situation. I respect everyone's approach and I believe there is no right or wrong way. Our family knew this time we were ready to jump in with both feet and felt the time was right.

 

[MinnieB]

In light of what has just happened with people who only own resale makes me feel, initially glad to remain loyal and purchased direct despite people on this board saying I can't believe anybody would pay direct at Poly for $168 per point that is crazy.

I assume by buying 175 points you got the $2,250 discount? In that case you only paid $155.14 per point!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I think the opinion about Poly on DISBoards is less about "always buy resale!" and more about "don't buy Poly if you want 1BRs/2BRs/to stay at other WDW resorts." We have seen people told that 7 month bookings at other resorts are "easy!" when they are most certainly not, there's a guy on another topic right now who was told that booking extra people past capacity in a room was "commonly done," etc.

For OP, who is thinking long-term and wants 1BRs, Poly is a very expensive home resort option where he/she cannot book a 1BR. So it's absolutely essential to really consider the cost-benefit of the Poly for that situation. Paying premium rates and not getting an 11-month window is not a great strategy in high season at WDW.

There is also some sentiment that DVC is pricing themselves insanely, yes, but the key takeaway from that is that if you buy Poly, you need to want 11-month Poly booking, and love studios 4eva, because it's a bad idea to pay 2x the price for a resort you won't want to stay in.

I'm glad Poly works for you, and welcome home.

 

[disneynutz]

huxbnw,
We are a family of 5 in our early 40's with twins 9yrs. old and a little one at 2 1/2yrs old. We stayed at Poly for the first time for the Monorail as well. We too are fans of AK. We just returned Sunday from our last Disney trip 4/3. During our visit we finally sat down with a DVC rep from the visitor booth at Poly after a couple of yours looking into becoming DVC Members. We direct purchased 175 points at Poly and my wife and I are very excited about Poly being our home resort. Just joining DISBoards there is a strong opinion to purchase resale for considerable savings. You must do what makes you comfortable and is a perfect fit for your family's needs. Our family can't wait to take our next trip to Disney as first time DVC Members and hear "Welcome Home". Our goal is passing this down to our children and did get input from them on how they felt about the resort and transportation options Poly offered as well. When we did sign we knew what we where buying, great savings on a room for the next 50 years and was told up front more than once that certain perks could go away at anytime. In light of what has just happened with people who only own resale makes me feel, initially glad to remain loyal and purchased direct despite people on this board saying I can't believe anybody would pay direct at Poly for $168 per point that is crazy. Call me crazy then, but in the end it is all about perspective and your family's situation. I respect everyone's approach and I believe there is no right or wrong way. Our family knew this time we were ready to jump in with both feet and felt the time was right.

IMO we tend to push resale on readers because not all know that it exists and that they can save some money and many don't know that they can buy resorts other than what Disney is selling. Many don't know that Disney isn't giving away free points from last year and many don't realize that Disney manipulates the prices and benefits to convince people to buy direct. Most don't know about UY's and that choosing the correct one might pay off later.

In the end it's the buyers money and of course they can spend it how ever they want, education is power.

Bill

 

[bobbiwoz]

My DH and I really enjoyed Poly accommodations, the 2 bath units appealed to us, as well as the size of the studio. However, because we are getting used to booking 1 bedrooms, we will not be booking Poly very often, and only if we get in at 7 months, we do not own there.

However, we do like BLT's 1 bedroom accommodations. The Community room there has been a hit with our grandchildren, and going up to the TOTWL is so very convenient, and I really like fireworks!

We do not often walk to the MK, but yes, that's a nice plus.

We own at VGF and BLT of the resorts on the monorail.

On DCL when we have gone to the Members Meeting, I notice they DVC people talk about "splurging " on a Poly bungalow for a night or two, as they emphasize reasons for buying there. Honestly, I would not want to own at a resort where I felt I would have to move during my stay to fully enjoy my home resort! I also think at the point cost, at 7 months, one is likely to be available.

What I do not like about BLT or Poly are the pools, I like one deeper and larger, but children seem to have great times there.

I would not rule out BLT, personally it would be my choice!

 

[JamesVader46]

I assume by buying 175 points you got the $2,250 discount? In that case you only paid $155.14 per point!

You are correct.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I assume by buying 175 points you got the $2,250 discount? In that case you only paid $155.14 per point!

You are correct.

Enjoy your purchase!

 

[JamesVader46]

I think the opinion about Poly on DISBoards is less about "always buy resale!" and more about "don't buy Poly if you want 1BRs/2BRs/to stay at other WDW resorts." We have seen people told that 7 month bookings at other resorts are "easy!" when they are most certainly not, there's a guy on another topic right now who was told that booking extra people past capacity in a room was "commonly done," etc.

For OP, who is thinking long-term and wants 1BRs, Poly is a very expensive home resort option where he/she cannot book a 1BR. So it's absolutely essential to really consider the cost-benefit of the Poly for that situation. Paying premium rates and not getting an 11-month window is not a great strategy in high season at WDW.

There is also some sentiment that DVC is pricing themselves insanely, yes, but the key takeaway from that is that if you buy Poly, you need to want 11-month Poly booking, and love studios 4eva, because it's a bad idea to pay 2x the price for a resort you won't want to stay in.

I'm glad Poly works for you, and welcome home.

All very good advice. Our family purchased in a manner that we were comfortable with and everyone situation is different. I appreciate all the veterans of this board for their in depth knowledge and look forward to learning more. I feel I have a good starting point and have opportunities to grow from here. Such as add points in the future whether its resale, direct or buying into a different resort giving us more flexibility down the road.

 

[JamesVader46]

Enjoy your purchase!

Thank you! Can't wait to use it! What is great is everyone has a different way to the magic, isn't that what it's all about?

 

[cedricandsophie]

Bay lake one bedroom is a great space especially with two bathrooms. The studio is like a closet though. My husband stayed by himself in a studio for a couple nights and hated it. We have 150 points at bay lake and I alternate staying there every other year. I like it. I like the pool, the atmosphere, the proximity to Cali grill, the monorail for having dinner at other resorts, the top floor lounge for watching fireworks, the boat to wilderness, etc. We have points at other resorts too but this is the only one on the monorail. We don't do parks much anymore so the closeness to MK had little to do with it although if we want to go to another non monorail resort for dinner I like being able to walk to MK and get a bus.

 

[JamesVader46]

Bay lake one bedroom is a great space especially with two bathrooms. The studio is like a closet though. My husband stayed by himself in a studio for a couple nights and hated it. We have 150 points at bay lake and I alternate staying there every other year. I like it. I like the pool, the atmosphere, the proximity to Cali grill, the monorail for having dinner at other resorts, the top floor lounge for watching fireworks, the boat to wilderness, etc. We have points at other resorts too but this is the only one on the monorail. We don't do parks much anymore so the closeness to MK had little to do with it although if we want to go to another non monorail resort for dinner I like being able to walk to MK and get a bus.

We choose Poly for a lot of the same reasons you explained in your post. We have three kids from 9 to 2 1/2 but the 9 year old twins aren't coaster kids yet and if we do go to a park by middle of the day they are asking to go back to the resort for activities and pool. We don't mind because we are not the type to run and go from rope drop and close it down. We like it more relaxing and this helps make our trip more enjoyable.

 

[pangyal]

Poly is a unique property because as your kids grow, you can start really taking advantage of that TTC that is a few minutes' walk from your room and take the monorail directly to Epcot as well as MK. It's an incredible location alongside with everything else. If you've established that the studios work for you, I would go for it for sure. We bought a Poly resale but that's only because we got a great deal with the UY we wanted, and we like to use it for split stays. With the current promotion, you would be only be paying $5-10 higher than current VGF resale prices.

 

[js]

I think the opinion about Poly on DISBoards is less about "always buy resale!" and more about "don't buy Poly if you want 1BRs/2BRs/to stay at other WDW resorts." We have seen people told that 7 month bookings at other resorts are "easy!" when they are most certainly not, there's a guy on another topic right now who was told that booking extra people past capacity in a room was "commonly done," etc.

For OP, who is thinking long-term and wants 1BRs, Poly is a very expensive home resort option where he/she cannot book a 1BR. So it's absolutely essential to really consider the cost-benefit of the Poly for that situation. Paying premium rates and not getting an 11-month window is not a great strategy in high season at WDW.

There is also some sentiment that DVC is pricing themselves insanely, yes, but the key takeaway from that is that if you buy Poly, you need to want 11-month Poly booking, and love studios 4eva, because it's a bad idea to pay 2x the price for a resort you won't want to stay in.

I'm glad Poly works for you, and welcome home.

I absolutely agree with this statement. I really think with the Poly, unless you are buying 600+ points to stay in bungalows, you are purchasing knowing that a family of five will always be comfortable staying in a studio. If this is not the case, you will need to book at 7 months a different resort this the reason not to spend the money for Poly points. I know my family of four would never want to do this thus we only book 2 bedrooms and higher. But different strokes for different folks.

 

[js]

huxbnw,
We are a family of 5 in our early 40's with twins 9yrs. old and a little one at 2 1/2yrs old. We stayed at Poly for the first time for the Monorail as well. We too are fans of AK. We just returned Sunday from our last Disney trip 4/3. During our visit we finally sat down with a DVC rep from the visitor booth at Poly after a couple of yours looking into becoming DVC Members. We direct purchased 175 points at Poly and my wife and I are very excited about Poly being our home resort. Just joining DISBoards there is a strong opinion to purchase resale for considerable savings. You must do what makes you comfortable and is a perfect fit for your family's needs. Our family can't wait to take our next trip to Disney as first time DVC Members and hear "Welcome Home". Our goal is passing this down to our children and did get input from them on how they felt about the resort and transportation options Poly offered as well. When we did sign we knew what we where buying, great savings on a room for the next 50 years and was told up front more than once that certain perks could go away at anytime. In light of what has just happened with people who only own resale makes me feel, initially glad to remain loyal and purchased direct despite people on this board saying I can't believe anybody would pay direct at Poly for $168 per point that is crazy. Call me crazy then, but in the end it is all about perspective and your family's situation. I respect everyone's approach and I believe there is no right or wrong way. Our family knew this time we were ready to jump in with both feet and felt the time was right.

How exciting! Enjoy all the planning and your trips! I love DVC!

 

[Dean]

I absolutely agree with this statement. I really think with the Poly, unless you are buying 600+ points to stay in bungalows, you are purchasing knowing that a family of five will always be comfortable staying in a studio. If this is not the case, you will need to book at 7 months a different resort this the reason not to spend the money for Poly points. I know my family of four would never want to do this thus we only book 2 bedrooms and higher. But different strokes for different folks.

IMO the Poly offers some additional nuances. So first you go through all the thought process of whether DVC works for you then you go through the retail vs resale question in general and only then is it a fair consideration to look specifically at the Poly. With the high points, limited villa options, high buy in costs and likelihood of a reallocation increasing studios long term; it's very much a specialty choice. Put another way and assuming one actually cares at all about cost and value; one who buys the Poly is saying that DVC in general makes sense, that retail makes sense, that they are OK with the risks & limitations of Poly, that they'll reserve almost all of the time there and that they'll reserve at or around 11 months out most of the time. Anyone who's informed and doesn't fit all of those conditions is likely making a poor choice or as a minimum, paying a very hefty and likely unnecessary premium to be a member.

 

[js]

IMO the Poly offers some additional nuances. So first you go through all the thought process of whether DVC works for you then you go through the retail vs resale question in general and only then is it a fair consideration to look specifically at the Poly. With the high points, limited villa options, high buy in costs and likelihood of a reallocation increasing studios long term; it's very much a specialty choice. Put another way and assuming one actually cares at all about cost and value; one who buys the Poly is saying that DVC in general makes sense, that retail makes sense, that they are OK with the risks & limitations of Poly, that they'll reserve almost all of the time there and that they'll reserve at or around 11 months out most of the time. Anyone who's informed and doesn't fit all of those conditions is likely making a poor choice or as a minimum, paying a very hefty and likely unnecessary premium to be a member.

I fully agree. Like I said different strokes. For me, I wouldnt want to purchase here if my family was even one child. Kids get bigger and privacy is needed for kids and adults. Even with the promise of vacations for years to come, for me, Im hoping my kids along with grandchildren. Still studios? Not for me but Im not saying anyone shouldnt buy there people love it. Just saying its all things Im sure families have thought or should think about since the OP is asking.

 

[Jfine]

IMO the Poly offers some additional nuances. So first you go through all the thought process of whether DVC works for you then you go through the retail vs resale question in general and only then is it a fair consideration to look specifically at the Poly. With the high points, limited villa options, high buy in costs and likelihood of a reallocation increasing studios long term; it's very much a specialty choice. Put another way and assuming one actually cares at all about cost and value; one who buys the Poly is saying that DVC in general makes sense, that retail makes sense, that they are OK with the risks & limitations of Poly, that they'll reserve almost all of the time there and that they'll reserve at or around 11 months out most of the time. Anyone who's informed and doesn't fit all of those conditions is likely making a poor choice or as a minimum, paying a very hefty and likely unnecessary premium to be a member.

What's the likelihood of reallocation to studios? Is the idea that they'll lower the bungalow value? I thought those were doing well with rentals?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

What's the likelihood of reallocation to studios? Is the idea that they'll lower the bungalow value? I thought those were doing well with rentals?

I'd put reallocation odds as high, because of the way people are requesting Standard Studios. Everyone wants, roughly, 9 particular rooms in Tokelau, and there's been more than one tantrum at the desk about being assigned Pago Pago. Among the Lake View category, people get upset about a first floor assignment.

I would expect all of the shift-around to be within the studio category. Some form of Standard (Parking Lot), Preferred (Garden or Bungalow View) and then Lake View (upper two floors of the Moorea units already considered LV).