VDH direct, AUL direct or wait for VDH resale?

[emchen]

Plus I think that VGC and Aulani are badly in need of a remodel.

VGC has a hard refurb coming up. Many anticipate towards end of 2024 or early 2025. All the resorts have a schedule: 7-14...soft goods refresh at 7 years and hard goods renovation at 14. VGC is overdue thanks to COVID.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Going against the majority here and recommending that you buy VDH direct. It's what I ended up doing after watching VGC resale for a few years. The cost for VGC resale is higher than VDH direct. VDH will give you priority booking there and use of all the other resorts that you are interested in. I love VGC, but not enough to pay the going rates and lose the ability to book VDH. Buying direct, you can book VDH and waitlist the same stay at VGC if you would rather stay there and not have to pay the additional tax if the waitlist comes through. You can't buy resale VGC and waitlist VDH if you are hoping to stay there.

 

[intamin]

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).

This is probably what I'd do. I'm not sure what your timeline is regarding when you plan to add on other contracts but if you plan to do it in relatively quick succession within 1 year of one another this is probably what I'd do.

If you think this is something that you're going to get over time, I'd probably opt for VDH first just so you can lock in the price even though you wouldn't get current member pricing and have those points be good anywhere and then add on resale VGC/AUL depending on priorities.

Doing it the first way would be preferred though as @emchen said so they can match your UY for VDH and get current member pricing.

 

[emchen]

DVC is such a complex product that there is no way to know how it will work best for your family beforehand.

I suggest placing added weight to the opinions of those who match your familiy’s profile the best.

I thought about buying resale VGC, but the pricing was so high.

Going against the majority here and recommending that you buy VDH direct. It's what I ended up doing after watching VGC resale for a few years. The cost for VGC resale is higher than VDH direct. VDH will give you priority booking there and use of all the other resorts that you are interested in. I love VGC, but not enough to pay the going rates and lose the ability to book VDH. Buying direct, you can book VDH and waitlist the same stay at VGC if you would rather stay there and not have to pay the additional tax if the waitlist comes through. You can't buy resale VGC and waitlist VDH if you are hoping to stay there.

Be sure to consider the total cost and not just the purchase cost, because that can be very misleading. There are a lot of threads that go into value comparison so I won’t get into the weeds here.

 

[Kidguile]

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?

I don't think they care how many CC you use as long as it's all paid in full within the agreed upon date. Most got 90 days to close, I got 60 days.

I used the Disney Premier for 2% back and 6 months 0% APR.

I used Discover for the rest because I was able to get 0% for 1 year since I already had them. If you don't, the signup bonus is pretty good for the 0% APR and double cash back within the 1st year.

 

[Paul Stupin]

I would go with VDH direct. VGC resale is monumentally expensive, and you’ll never be able to use the points to stay at VDH.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I would go with VDH direct. VGC resale is monumentally expensive, and you’ll never be able to use the points to stay at VDH.

You can get a couple loaded 160 point contracts in the $260s…

 

[ark101]

I vote VDH direct in your case. Everyone recommending VGC resale seem to ignore that you mentioned VGC is lower priority for you. And worse still you can’t use those points to stay where you actually prefer. Buy where you want to stay is the general consensus ( bar a few special cases).

 

[Chili327]

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).

Be sure to consider the total cost and not just the purchase cost, because that can be very misleading. There are a lot of threads that go into value comparison so I won’t get into the weeds here.

You can get a couple loaded 160 point contracts in the $260s…

I vote VDH direct in your case. Everyone recommending VGC resale seem to ignore that you mentioned VGC is lower priority for you. And worse still you can’t use those points to stay where you actually prefer. Buy where you want to stay is the general consensus ( bar a few special cases).

DVC math told me that VGC at or under $290 was a cheaper than VDH at $230. (but that was my own situation for 100 points or less, and no discount in VDH)

You really can’t go wrong eitherway, and as posted VGC being the lower priority, so my only real advice is buy sooner than later, because the most common with everyone is “I wish I bought sooner.” And if you’ve been renting for 6 years!!!?? You’re past that stage.

 

[emchen]

I would go with VDH direct. VGC resale is monumentally expensive, and you’ll never be able to use the points to stay at VDH.

If you do the math, and calculate the total cost per point over the lifetime of the contracts, VGC at $260 per point is $12.39 per point per year (dues are by far the greatest cost over the life of the contract). VDH is $13.40 per point per year. These are based on 2023 dues and member incentives for the direct VDH contract.

You can get a couple loaded 160 point contracts in the $260s…

Yup! Beats VDH total cost of ownership by $1 per point per year.

I vote VDH direct in your case. Everyone recommending VGC resale seem to ignore that you mentioned VGC is lower priority for you. And worse still you can’t use those points to stay where you actually prefer. Buy where you want to stay is the general consensus ( bar a few special cases).

We aren’t ignoring VGC is lower priority for you, but rather are recognizing that your first contract will likely not be your last! Lmao !

If you agree that is likely the case, then you can be strategic about how you approach the order of contracts.

 

[emchen]

If you do the math, and calculate the total cost per point over the lifetime of the contracts, VGC at $260 per point is $12.39 per point per year (dues are by far the greatest cost over the life of the contract). VDH is $13.40 per point per year. These are based on 2023 dues and member incentives for the direct VDH contract.

Yup! Beats VDH total cost of ownership by $1 per point per year.

We aren’t ignoring VGC is lower priority for you, but rather are recognizing that your first contract will likely not be your last! Lmao !

If you agree that is likely the case, then you can be strategic about how you approach the order of contracts.

And here’s one of the “DVC math nerds” right on cue.

DVC math told me that VGC at or under $290 was a cheaper than VDH at $230. (but that was my own situation for 100 points or less, and no discount in VDH)

…Opened my eyes to this non-intuitive fact and subsequently validated by my own spreadsheet and data.

You really can’t go wrong eitherway, and as posted VGC being the lower priority, so my only real advice is buy sooner than later, because the most common with everyone is “I wish I bought sooner.” And if you’ve been renting for 6 years!!!?? You’re past that stage.

I bought 11 years after our first tour at DL.

VGC was live inventory in 2008!

So if you buy in this year,@shellymae, you’ll be five years quicker on the uptake than we were. Haha!

 

[TinkAgainU]

If you go Direct VDH but still want the 11 month advantage at AUL, you might consider spending heavy on VDH, but calculate the every-other year trip to AUL and buy that at Resale with 1/2 the points. Buy the AUL first for Member discounts.

Although be sure you are comfortable with any Use Year(s) decision too. It is very stressful to have a trip in the month before your year end, knowing you may lose those points if you cancel last minute.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Sometimes things are about the heart more than the math. There is value in getting to stay in a brand new resort and feel like a “full member” with discounts, member lounge, etc.

 

[MartyParty]

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!

You asked for advice Shellymae and you’ve got it and then some.

My final thought is there is no wrong answer here. The answer that is correct is the one that works for your family. Sounds like you’ve done the maths and thought about how you want to vacation.

I’ve told this story before, but we bought Poly points direct in 2015 (other direct choice was AUL) and have never stayed at Poly. Tried during Covid but got cancelled. We’ve stayed at VGC two or three times in a one bedroom on our Poly points. Stayed lots of other places but not Poly.

Point being your choice will be right and likely better than ours with Poly. At this point we’re happy with our DVC membership. No regrets.

 

[Kidguile]

And here’s one of the “DVC math nerds” right on cue.

…Opened my eyes to this non-intuitive fact and subsequently validated by my own spreadsheet and data.

I bought 11 years after our first tour at DL.

VGC was live inventory in 2008!

So if you buy in this year,@shellymae, you’ll be five years quicker on the uptake than we were. Haha!

I know this was a simplified calculation but I'm sure others will point out that with VDH - the transient tax is paid upon check-out vs VGC where it's in the dues.

I rather have the longer term with VDH and a lower $189 per point vs the resale VGD at $260 and have the points available for future DVC properties.

 

[Paul Stupin]

I know this was a simplified calculation but I'm sure others will point out that with VDH - the transient tax is paid upon check-out vs VGC where it's in the dues.

I rather have the longer term with VDH and a lower $189 per point vs the resale VGD at $260 and have the points available for future DVC properties.

I think you’re right. So many people are pushing VGC, but not taking into account that none of those resale points can ever be used at VDH, or any other new DVC resort. For me, that’s significant. And they’re not going to get you any extras, like entrance to the new Tomorrowland Lounge, or any other fun stuff DVC cooks up for Anaheim down the line. Hard to put a cost on that, but it means something to me. Also, as we all know, the points are too expensive to ever justify using them at any other pre restrictions DVC resort.

As an LA local with points at VGF, CC and Aulani, I used to enjoy the occasional night at VGC booking at seven months, but ultimately realized that I wasn’t enjoying the stays as much as I had hoped. For me, the rooms are old, dark and gloomy. I’m not sure how much of that will ultimately be corrected by the upcoming refurb.

As a contrast, though smaller and possibly a tad less immersive, VDH just seems more cheerful, fun and contemporary.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I know this was a simplified calculation but I'm sure others will point out that with VDH - the transient tax is paid upon check-out vs VGC where it's in the dues.

I rather have the longer term with VDH and a lower $189 per point vs the resale VGD at $260 and have the points available for future DVC properties.

https://dvcfan.com/2023/05/09/is-disneyland-hotel-or-grand-californian-a-better-investment/?amp=1

“After doing a spreadsheet analysis which is imperfect at best, assuming a 4.0% increase in dues each year for VDH and a 4.5% increase for VGC, and a 3.2% increase in the transient tax each year (this is based on the increase from $2.73 per point in 2023 for the tax to $2.82 per point in 2024) my estimates say for 150 points at around $255-260 per point VGC is a better deal over ten years while at 37 years (the number of years left on VGC) even at $310 per point you come out ahead. If you’re buying a smaller contract with no incentives, $270-275 is the break-even point for ten years.“

 

[AstroBlasters]

I think you’re right. So many people are pushing VGC, but not taking into account that none of those resale points can ever be used at VDH, or any other new DVC resort. For me, that’s significant. And they’re not going to get you any extras, like entrance to the new Tomorrowland Lounge, or any other fun stuff DVC cooks up for Anaheim down the line. Hard to put a cost on that, but it means something to me. Also, as we all know, the points are too expensive to ever justify using them at any other pre restrictions DVC resort.

As an LA local with points at VGF, CC and Aulani, I used to enjoy the occasional night at VGC booking at seven months, but ultimately realized that I wasn’t enjoying the stays as much as I had hoped. For me, the rooms are old, dark and gloomy. I’m not sure how much of that will ultimately be corrected by the upcoming refurb.

As a contrast, though smaller and possibly a tad less immersive, VDH just seems more cheerful, fun and contemporary.

This is not for the OP, as I think VDH direct seems to be the best fit for them.

VGC is definitely in need of a refurb and VDH is shiny and new with a cool vibe.

I did just read somewhere that getting a pool chair at VDH felt like Aulani in the summer… so that will need to be monitored…

However the new Paradise Pier pathway right next to the VGC tower that drops you right into the park…. that is amazing!

Also.. the views aren’t event close… see attached.

Also, Disney Forward could put VDH in the middle of a loud and ugly
construction zone for a decade…. that’s not going be enjoyable.

Other points for studio people to consider before taking the plunge:

1) Is having a bathtub important? If so, not every VDH studio has a bathtub.

2) What about having a balcony? Is sitting outside and having the ability to take a moment important to you? Not all VDH studios have balconies.

 

[MartyParty]

This is not for the OP, as I think VDH direct seems to be the best fit for them.

VGC is definitely in need of a refurb and VDH is shiny and new with a cool vibe.

I did just read somewhere that getting a pool chair at VDH felt like Aulani in the summer… so that will need to be monitored…

However the new Paradise Pier pathway right next to the VGC tower that drops you right into the park…. that is amazing!

Also.. the views aren’t event close… see attached.

Also, Disney Forward could put VDH in the middle of a loud and ugly
construction zone for a decade…. that’s not going be enjoyable.

Other points for studio people to consider before taking the plunge:

1) Is having a bathtub important? If so, not every VDH studio has a bathtub.

2) What about having a balcony? Is sitting outside and having the ability to take a moment important to you? Not all VDH studios have balconies.

What floor / room are you in Astro and did you request it? We've stayed at VGC a few times a got nothing buy pine trees (but we could hear the sounds from your picture)!

 

[Paul Stupin]

This is not for the OP, as I think VDH direct seems to be the best fit for them.

VGC is definitely in need of a refurb and VDH is shiny and new with a cool vibe.

I did just read somewhere that getting a pool chair at VDH felt like Aulani in the summer… so that will need to be monitored…

However the new Paradise Pier pathway right next to the VGC tower that drops you right into the park…. that is amazing!

Also.. the views aren’t event close… see attached.

Also, Disney Forward could put VDH in the middle of a loud and ugly
construction zone for a decade…. that’s not going be enjoyable.

All true! But that view you’re showing is a far cry from the views I’ve been given the 4-5 times I’ve stayed at VGC in one bedrooms. Most of the time our room has faced some version of a fenced off California Adventure service area obscured by greenery. And there are higher floor rooms where you can see only a small sliver of the park, and I think they’re a lot more numerous than the rooms offering the view you’ve pictured.

Anyway, of course it’s a nice resort, and it’s all very subjective, but there are negatives. For me, even though it was clearly inspired by the Wilderness Lodge, it just doesn’t compare.