VDH direct, AUL direct or wait for VDH resale?

[shellymae]

This will be my first DVC purchase so looking for advice, in case I’m overlooking anything.

I hope to eventually own at VDH, AUL, and VGC (in that order). My question is, should I do VDH direct or wait for VDH resales OR purchase AUL direct?
We’re a family of 4 that lives in Northern California. We go to DLR several times a year, and so far do Hawaii annually, but may reduce this to every other year in the future.

Option 1: VDH direct
The cost of VDH direct is painful. But after incentives, it comes out to $189/pp
$230/pp on 150 point contract
- $1,650 (developer credit)
- $1,500 (dream it forward/welcome home)
- $3,000 (magical beginnings)

Is this a good deal? I know dues are high and so are transient taxes. But with living in California I may just be used to taxes getting in the way of my fun anyway

Option 2: VDH resale
The restrictions don’t bother me too much, we’d do this trip annually and I’d be sure to buy a SMALL one so we don’t end up holding too much points. However, will savings on resale be worth it to give up the flexibility of where I can use my points?

Option 3: AUL direct
This option is purely just a way to get into DVC at a lower pp, bypassing the resale restrictions so I can try to book VDH at 7 months. Yes we’d go to AUL, but not as much as DLR. Otherwise, I’d want a resale on this for sure.

I feel like I have 3 doors in front of me and I don’t know which one to take. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[AstroBlasters]

1) What size accommodations and views do you normally choose?

2) What time of year are you generally traveling to DLand and Hawaii?

3) When is your next trip?

4) Why VDH direct first over VGC resale?

 

[emchen]

VGC resale as a first. Get the hang of dvc.

Then a direct at any of the newer resorts with the best all-in cost per point per year after incentives.

That way you can get your member benefits, easily MATCH your VGC use year, get 7-mo availability at VDH (preferred view studios are easy to get and can comfortably sleep your family of 4). Ticks all your boxes. That’s what I would do if I could do it all over again (resale first, then direct).

 

[DVCmeesh]

VGC resale as a first. Get the hang of dvc.

Then a direct at any of the newer resorts with the best all-in cost per point per year after incentives.

That way you can get your member benefits, easily MATCH your VGC use year, get 7-mo availability at VDH (preferred view studios are easy to get and can comfortably sleep your family of 4). Ticks all your boxes. That’s what I would do if I could do it all over again (resale first, then direct).

Totally agree with @emchen ! SoCal native here, I bought VGC resale first after much research (it was the VDH parking clause for me). Then we purchased VGF direct with the summer incentives! We were able to match our UY AND break our 150 purchase into three 50pt contracts. Currently we’re able to book 7-mo out for AUL and VDH with no problem. We’re still contemplating buying VDH or adding another VGC resale.

 

[shellymae]

1) What size accommodations and views do you normally choose?

2) What time of year are you generally traveling to DLand and Hawaii?

3) When is your next trip?

4) Why VDH direct first over VGC resale?

1. We normally pick preferred view deluxe studios, but will eventually want 1 bedroom when our kids are bigger (no rush on that)

2. We travel to Hawaii in spring (April/May) and Disneyland for Halloween (sept/oct) + random times of year when we can swing it.

3. Next trip is to DLR October 2024 - holding off all vacation so we can buy dvc.

4. VDH direct over VGC resale because we want to stay at VDH. VGC is actually lowest priority for us, and a resale VGC would mean we can’t book at VDH until we get a direct contract at a newer resort.

 

[shellymae]

VGC resale as a first. Get the hang of dvc.

Then a direct at any of the newer resorts with the best all-in cost per point per year after incentives.

That way you can get your member benefits, easily MATCH your VGC use year, get 7-mo availability at VDH (preferred view studios are easy to get and can comfortably sleep your family of 4). Ticks all your boxes. That’s what I would do if I could do it all over again (resale first, then direct).

I actually was really thinking of the VGF sale few months back but followed the advice of “buy where you want to stay”. Now I regret it lol. I totally agree, 7 months with the amount of studios they have should be fine plus we are generally very flexible with dates

 

[shellymae]

Totally agree with @emchen ! SoCal native here, I bought VGC resale first after much research (it was the VDH parking clause for me). Then we purchased VGF direct with the summer incentives! We were able to match our UY AND break our 150 purchase into three 50pt contracts. Currently we’re able to book 7-mo out for AUL and VDH with no problem. We’re still contemplating buying VDH or adding another VGC resale.

I’m reading in the groups about the parking clause but my guide said parking and laundry is in included like the other contract. Should I double check with her?

I wish I bought VGF back during the summer, but the whole “buy where you want to stay” advice kept ringing loud in my ear lol

 

[Sandisw]

I will add is that it might take a few years to see a smaller VDH on the resale market…keep that in mind.

If you know VDH is going to be a regular place to visit, I have to recommend direct. It gives you access to everything you want…granted VGC at 7 months isn’t easy…but the points can be used there when there is.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I’m reading in the groups about the parking clause but my guide said parking and laundry is in included like the other contract. Should I double check with her?

I wish I bought VGF back during the summer, but the whole “buy where you want to stay” advice kept ringing loud in my ear lol

I am typing this as I sit in a 1BD at VGC overlooking Pixar Pier while my family sleeps our golden hour away because we have closed the park the last two nights. I own at Aulani & VGC.

1) I believe you were smart not buy a WDW resort if you specifically wanted to use the points at DLand and Aulani. People who are WDW focused are going to have different strategies.

2) There are not very many 1 bedrooms at VDH and as more points are sold you are most likely going to need home resort advantage to get them.

3) I will caution that the point charts are very similar at VDH and VGC in October and VGC ends up being more economical in that case because of the transient tax.

4) I personally would go VGC resale before the prices shoot up after a potential 2024 remodel and then get the ability to buy into VDH/AUL at current member pricing in the same use year.

5) HOWEVER, I am sensing from your posts above that your heart is set on VDH and I can confirm that it is a lovely resort and that you will NOT be disappointed. DVC is a luxury purchase and I would recommend that you get your VDH direct points.

6) I would go into the contract after Oct 23rd so that you are within your 10-day window where you can rescind if the next round (post Oct 31) of incentives are more advantageous.

 

[emchen]

I’m reading in the groups about the parking clause but my guide said parking and laundry is in included like the other contract. Should I double check with her?

I wish I bought VGF back during the summer, but the whole “buy where you want to stay” advice kept ringing loud in my ear lol

Parking (for now) is settled and is free. DVC explicitly reserves the right to reverse policy at any time.

@AstroBlasters
4) I personally would go VGC resale before the prices shoot up after a potential 2024 remodel and then get the ability to buy into VDH/AUL at current member pricing in the same use year.

Ditto this important point.

@shellymae wrote: I wish I bought VGF back during the summer, but the whole “buy where you want to stay” advice kept ringing loud in my ear lol

Don’t regret not taking advantage of summer incentives cuz you probably would’ve regretted not being a member earlier to optimize the “current member” incentives!

May I suggest a hybrid approach and leaving a little to fate? Start by actively seeking and entering into a good deal on a VGC resale. The ROFR thread and dvcrofr.com provides great comps of what a “good deal” is. Then if you haven’t found one that works for your family by 10/23 or 10/24, then call up your guide and do as @AstroBlasters recommends with regards to the 10-day rescission period.

Finally, you exhibit early signs and symptoms of add-on-itis (such as, regret for not buying earlier and FOMO for new resorts)…so know that if you come down with it, your thoughtful plans will go out the window. Read some of my links in my signature for some group therapy.

 

[shellymae]

I am typing this as I sit in a 1BD at VGC overlooking Pixar Pier while my family sleeps our golden hour away because we have closed the park the last two nights. I own at Aulani & VGC.

1) I believe you were smart not buy a WDW resort if you specifically wanted to use the points at DLand and Aulani. People who are WDW focused are going to have different strategies.

2) There are not very many 1 bedrooms at VDH and as more points are sold you are most likely going to need home resort advantage to get them.

3) I will caution that the point charts are very similar at VDH and VGC in October and VGC ends up being more economical in that case because of the transient tax.

4) I personally would go VGC resale before the prices shoot up after a potential 2024 remodel and then get the ability to buy into VDH/AUL at current member pricing in the same use year.

5) HOWEVER, I am sensing from your posts above that your heart is set on VDH and I can confirm that it is a lovely resort and that you will NOT be disappointed. DVC is a luxury purchase and I would recommend that you get your VDH direct points.

6) I would go into the contract after Oct 23rd so that you are within your 10-day window where you can rescind if the next round (post Oct 31) of incentives are more advantageous.

All AMAZING advice, thank you!

After hearing from seasoned DVC owners, I'm thinking we will go to VGC resale first, before the 2024 refurb announcements. Then with already being a member, try to get direct member pricing on VDH. AUL resale when the time is right. Yikes, I already feel addonitis and I am not even a member yet. LOL Renting for 6 years makes me think we should have done this way sooner!

 

[shellymae]

Finally, you exhibit early signs and symptoms of add-on-itis (such as, regret for not buying earlier and FOMO for new resorts)…so know that if you come down with it, your thoughtful plans will go out the window. Read some of my links in my signature for some group therapy.

I fear I do, and I'm not even a member yet. Haha you are right - these plans way go out the window! I'll be in for group therapy!

 

[AstroBlasters]

All AMAZING advice, thank you!

After hearing from seasoned DVC owners, I'm thinking we will go to VGC resale first, before the 2024 refurb announcements. Then with already being a member, try to get direct member pricing on VDH. AUL resale when the time is right. Yikes, I already feel addonitis and I am not even a member yet. LOL Renting for 6 years makes me think we should have done this way sooner!

Others have been able to get member pricing on direct once they are through ROFR on a resale.

Also, you can throw direct on the Disney credit card at 0% for 6-months and then roll that to a 0% for 24m card after 6-months if you want to get the points now and pay everything off over the next 2-3 years.

 

[shellymae]

Others have been able to get member pricing on direct once they are through ROFR on a resale.

Also, you can throw direct on the Disney credit card at 0% for 6-months and then roll that to a 0% for 24m card after 6-months if you want to get the points now and pay everything off over the next 2-3 years.

I was considering that too. Any idea how many CC I can pay with? If I did direct and they still have MB incentive, I wanted to use 1 or 2 CC, and roll the rebate into one of the CC and pay off the rest.

Alsom, any rec's on 24m 0% cards?

 

[NVDISFamily]

So many options and variables to this decision. Here are some thoughts...

I love Disneyland and IMO it's the better Disney experience for short to moderate trips to get the Disney fix. With that said, once you become a member and get you login to the site you will be VERY tempted by all of those shiny WDW resorts that are on the booking engine and your mind/heart will start to wander to what could be over there. With the changes to DVC and the restricted points issues, how you buy could greatly impact how you use your points for your three main targets (given VDH's restrictions) and also how you could use your points in the future if you do venture east given that we could have 3 restricted resorts at WDW by the end of next year (Riviera, FW Cabins, and Poly Tower).

There is also the question of how young your family is and how long you plan to own. We have younger kids and are somewhat new members (joined in 2022) so the conversion of the 2042 resorts plus any new resorts that are built along the way will likely impact us.

If you only plan on buying a total of 150 to 300 points, I would recommend you consider just putting all of your points into a single bucket, likely at VDH, and using those points to book AUL, VGC, and WDW (if you ever decided to make trips there). You'll never get locked out of anything as you have all direct points.... What if they build some awesome resort at what is now the Toy Story parking lot 5 to 10 years from now that has a Skyliner that runs into the heart of the esplanade? We love VGC and that's why we purchased a good number of points there. It will be very hard to get in at 7 months there, but not impossible especially if you are going for the larger rooms. I've had some luck already booking into VGC with my much cheaper WDW points and it feels good!

Now if you plan on buying multiple medium (to large) size buckets of points then you have so many more options. I'd recommend you consider hunting for a subsidized AUL contract on the resale market or try and ninja VGC for a deal if you can. I'd just consider weighting your direct point buckets a bit more if long term FOMO might get to you

Good luck on making your decision.

 

[garalex]

I am also in Northern California, with similar requirements
I decided to get direct and resale AUL with idea that I would like to have 10-14 days in Hawaii (has to planned ahead including flights) with 11 months as home, and getting 2-3 days stays (more flexibility here) in DL would be easier even within 7 months. If I am wrong I will add some DL points later.

 

[Cfabar1]

In your case, I like the idea of buying VDH.... It is the new, shiny hotel. You'll get 50 years of points that you can use. It is a great location, and beautiful property. The tax is high, but if you end up using the points elsewhere, you won't have to pay it. If you're there, you'll have a great stay on property in Anaheim.

You'll be able to use your points easily, and I would recommend until you get to at least 1 week in whatever size accommodation you think you will want to have in the future (or present) don't buy multiple resorts.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I was considering that too. Any idea how many CC I can pay with? If I did direct and they still have MB incentive, I wanted to use 1 or 2 CC, and roll the rebate into one of the CC and pay off the rest.

Alsom, any rec's on 24m 0% cards?

https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/balance-transfer/

 

[Curiousporpoise]

I’m west coast based and love going to Disneyland and Aulani every year too. I’ve been following this board, and just missed the Aulani direct promotion for $133 point at (300 points) at the end of 2021. I’m still bummed about that, and I doubt Disney will offer that promotion again. The VGF recent promotion seemed close, but we are so far away so passed on that.

I decided to purchase Aulani resale in order to qualify for VDH member pricing in 2023. Many people recommended buying resale first to save thousands of dollars when a new resort opens. The member incentives at VDH were not that great, and I think I saved a total of $100. I am obsessed now and I’m already thinking about my next strategy. My husband does not love DVC, as he really loves daily housekeeping and access to club level. So I might continue to book hotel stays when I run out of points.

I thought about buying resale VGC, but the pricing was so high. We actually have a friend with older children that wants to sell his contract, but I just couldn’t pull the trigger at that price. Plus I think that VGC and Aulani are badly in need of a remodel.

Good luck on your strategy! Once you start, addonitis becomes a real thing…

 

[MartyParty]

All AMAZING advice, thank you!

After hearing from seasoned DVC owners, I'm thinking we will go to VGC resale first, before the 2024 refurb announcements. Then with already being a member, try to get direct member pricing on VDH. AUL resale when the time is right. Yikes, I already feel addonitis and I am not even a member yet. LOL Renting for 6 years makes me think we should have done this way sooner!

Tinker Bell in the ointment comment here. For a counter recommendation I recommend VDH direct. You’ll have flexibility to book at all DVC hotels plus all the West Coast locations: VDH, VGC, and AUL.

Pure speculation on my part but in 3-5 years time you wont be able to come close to buying direct on the West Coast for $189 per point. Also, will be interesting to see how the VDH resale pricing goes, but again those will be restricted to only VDH.

Just be careful that you don’t end up with a rack of points that you cannot combine and use on the West Coasts. On the flip side, if you’re going to one off purchase enough points at VDH, VGC, and AUL then you’re plan will do just find.

Good luck.