Trying to Make Sense of it all an odd idea? Thoughts?

[NeverSayNever]

We are considering buying into DVC but are not sure that the resorts offered are right for us.. .We love and generally stay at GF, so maybe the closest is BLT.. with that in mind here is the question.

I know you can use your points to stay at GF but obviosuly the per night points is much greater then at the other resorts. If our intent (or back up plan if BLT is not available on the dates we wanted) was to stay at GF wouldn't it make sense to just buy the cheapest points (ie VB or HH) and then use them at GF ? Is there any benefit (other then the 11mth vs the 7mth) to buying a resort at WDW? In general our work/lifestyle does not afford the opportunity to plan 111mths out) Is a point just a point regardless?

I hope my question is clear... if not please ask so I can try to clairfy. The input is greatly valued and appreciated!

Thanks,
Never

 

[FindTheMickeys]

That seems to make sense. However, don't forget about the Maintenance Fees. Those resorts have some hefty MFs...

 

[Granny]

I think if you look at the DVC point schedule to book the GF you will find that DVC is a very expensive way to stay at the GF. For instance, a quick glance at the GF reservation charts shows that a room at GF using DVC points valued at $10 per point (typical valuation) would be about $700-$1,000 per night. And that's just for a room...not a suite or the Royal Palm Club. That seems pretty steep to me!

 

[vicki_c]

I think if you look at the DVC point schedule to book the GF you will find that DVC is a very expensive way to stay at the GF. For instance, a quick glance at the GF reservation charts shows that a room at GF using DVC points valued at $10 per point (typical valuation) would be about $700-$1,000 per night. And that's just for a room...not a suite or the Royal Palm Club. That seems pretty steep to me!

Plus the $95 transfer fee. And the additional $95 fee if you decided to change anything about the reservation. And more stringent cancellation guidelines - once booked as reservation points at a non-DVC resort, they remain reservation points with stricter use guidelines.

 

[Deb & Bill]

But you can do what you want with your points. But using them for DVC is a much better decision. No matter what any guide selling the points tell you.

One more consideration. If you have a difficult time making a reservation with a longer lead time, you might not be able to use points at a non-DVC Disney resort at all. You can't make a reservation for the Disney Collection for a time during the last four months of your Use Year during that same time frame. So if your UY is Sept, you can't decide in May (or June, July, Aug) to make a reservation at the GF with those points during those same months. It's the rule of four.

Timeshare ownership doesn't make a lot of sense if you can't plan your vacations with a longer lead time. If you continually try to book them a short time out, you may be consistantly disappointed.

 

[Sandisw]

DVC does provide the best value if you use it to stay at DVC resorts. However, if you can not plan before the 7 month mark, then yes, it doesn't matter what resort points you own as you are points can be used anywhere.

Of course, depending on when you travel and how far in advance you call (you mention not being able to call at 11 but will it be 7? Or 4?, etc.) could make a difference if you can even get availability.

I would not buy VB or HH if my intent was to use them solely for WDW. While you may not be able to plan that far out now, things could change and owning there will prevent you from ever booking prior to 7 months. Plus, due to higher MF"s, in the long run, it will cost you more. However, if you choose one of the cheaper DVC resorts resale, like SSR or OKW, then you will at least be able to book at WDW during home resort period if you ever get to that point.

But, as others have mentioned, if you only want BLT and if not that, GF, then I don't think DVC is the right product for you as I think you will be disappointed in the availability of BLT on short notice and it is just not cost effective to use them for the GF on a regular basis.

And, as someone already pointed out, depending on the UY you choose you have to be sure that you call at least 4 months out if your travel will be during the last four months of the UY.

Good luck!

 

[Crystal_27]

If you wanted to use your DVC points to stay at the GF infrequently (i.e., every 5 years or so) that might be a good idea. However, given that just 1-2 nights at the GF equates to the same point usage as a week at the DVC resorts (not to mention the $95 booking fee), it probably doesn't make sense to buy into DVC simply to stay at the GF - - you would get better deals just relying on Disney room discounts. Hope that helps - - good luck!

 

[disneynutz]

If GF is where you love to stay, then the DVC doesn't seem to be right for you. You might want to rent a reservation and give BWV or another DVC resort a try.

Bill

 

[Greysword]

You can likely do better (cost wise) using a code or free dining whe available. Since the economy will not fully recover for some time, Disney is likely to continue these programs for a while.

You mayalso want to wait and see if DVC decides to build somethign at the GF in the future. The rumor mill has always swirled around the Poly or GF being the next on property DVC resort, depending on how well BLT sells.