VDH Questions for Purchasing

[Girlstar30]

I am still in my recission period for Polynesian. I never thought I would be interested in VDH, but here I am. I didnt realize that the price for a 150 point contract was nearly $3000 less than Poly and I can honestly see us going there more because of the convenient location for holidays and celebrations. I have my share of FL points and perhaps since 150 points doesnt go very far, this contract may better serve us for Disneyland stays!

My trend has been to try to snag every holiday i can at vgc and it would be nice to have some guarantees!

So I have questions for those who've researched much more than I have for purchasing VDH, which has been close to zero:

When everything is all declared VDH will only have 344 units and PVB will have 644 units?

I noticed that VDH resales tend to go for even higher than Poly and im wondering if this is due to low inventory or if this will be the norm? Guesses are fine, I know we cant tell the future. I know its restricted, but it being in California and relatively small makes me wonder if it could retain its value?

Is VDH deeded or is it part of the trust?

Dues are pretty high. Is this strictly due to it being in California? It is a tower so is it really that much to maintain?

I think I know the answer to this, but can Tot somehow go away?

Do people really believe that the theme parks will really be expanded to the hotel?

Does anyone know how many 1 bedrooms will be at this hotel vs pit when its all declared and how many garden rooms?

Does the one bedroom have two bathrooms? Are there any views in the one bedroom or is it also terrible?

I think thats all for now

 

[Girlstar30]

@VGCgroupie I need you again

 

[airjay75]

Well, first, I am not a VDH or DLR expert. I haven't been to DL since the 1990s and I have no idea when I will make it back. That said, here are my thoughts.

I think I would ask yourself this question - where do you most plan/want to actually use these direct points you're buying? If that answer is VDH, buy VDH. If it is anywhere else, buy PVB.

You're buying direct, so presumably you plan to keep these points for the long-term. I wouldn't bet much money, if any at all, on whether a VDH or PVB resale contract will be worth more money in 20+ years. Roll the dice. Who knows.

PVB dues are less than VDH, and I'd bet on it staying that way. So, PVB is a better SAP+ option. You're paying low dues, so whether you use them at PVB or exchange them into another resort, you're getting pretty good use out of your points. You can't say the same for VDH. Dues are higher and the year-over-year increases have been on the higher side for new DVC resorts.

Home resort priority matters A LOT at VDH. Hard to see that changing anytime soon. It matters a lot right now at PIT, but I would not bet money on it staying that way. The points chart is high. PIT is only being declared as PIT points are sold, but you have all the existing PVB points that have been able to book into PIT as soon as they are declared. That is skewing what availability will eventually look like there. If you're flexible with views, I don't think PIT is going to be terribly difficult to book at the 7-month mark outside of high demand times like December. That said, we don't know for sure.

VDH does have 8 years more on the contract than PVB. That isn't nothing. Still, given the higher dues, I don't think I'd buy VDH as SAP+. But, if you plan to use those points at VDH most of the time, I'd buy that over PVB.

 

[airjay75]

@VGCgroupie I need you again

I'm sure she will have some excellent thoughts for you .

 

[Girlstar30]

Well, first, I am not a VDH or DLR expert. I haven't been to DL since the 1990s and I have no idea when I will make it back. That said, here are my thoughts.

I think I would ask yourself this question - where do you most plan/want to actually use these direct points you're buying? If that answer is VDH, buy VDH. If it is anywhere else, buy PVB.

You're buying direct, so presumably you plan to keep these points for the long-term. I wouldn't bet much money, if any at all, on whether a VDH or PVB resale contract will be worth more money in 20+ years. Roll the dice. Who knows.

PVB dues are less than VDH, and I'd bet on it staying that way. So, PVB is a better SAP+ option. You're paying low dues, so whether you use them at PVB or exchange them into another resort, you're getting pretty good use out of your points. You can't say the same for VDH. Dues are higher and the year-over-year increases have been on the higher side for new DVC resorts.

Home resort priority matters A LOT at VDH. Hard to see that changing anytime soon. It matters a lot right now at PIT, but I would not bet money on it staying that way. The points chart is high. PIT is only being declared as PIT points are sold, but you have all the existing PVB points that have been able to book into PIT as soon as they are declared. That is skewing what availability will eventually look like there. If you're flexible with views, I don't think PIT is going to be terribly difficult to book at the 7-month mark outside of high demand times like December. That said, we don't know for sure.

VDH does have 8 years more on the contract than PVB. That isn't nothing. Still, given the higher dues, I don't think I'd buy VDH as SAP+. But, if you plan to use those points at VDH most of the time, I'd buy that over PVB.

This is honestly throwing me for a loop because I really see myself staying at vdh more. I need to look at the point charts vs PIT, but it is bothering me knowing my points arent going to go far at PIT. I know we cant responsibly afford more than 150 for now and my wife, im sure, wants to spend our money on other things too

There are so many options in FL that I don't see myself staying at PIT nearly as much as VDH. I know we will want to do several small trips at vdh/vgc every year if possible. My family and friends that saw it all loved vdh. And not all of them are able/willing to travel far. With VDH, we can make memories with all of them. My wife's father has a terminal illness and I think spending time with him at VDH would be a memory she would never forget.

I cant believe im considering this and I dont mean to be flighty, but im starting to think this may be the better choice for us

 

[VGCgroupie]

I am still in my recission period for Polynesian. I never thought I would be interested in VDH, but here I am. I didnt realize that the price for a 150 point contract was nearly $3000 less than Poly and I can honestly see us going there more because of the convenient location for holidays and celebrations. I have my share of FL points and perhaps since 150 points doesnt go very far, this contract may better serve us for Disneyland stays!

My trend has been to try to snag every holiday i can at vgc and it would be nice to have some guarantees!

SO SO much easier to get a random studio at VDH at random times. Which is hugely beneficial for a local like yourself. But one caveat to this is your Poly points can book VDH now. but then you are using using up your Poly home resort advantage points where its needed to get better room values.

I noticed that VDH resales tend to go for even higher than Poly and im wondering if this is due to low inventory or if this will be the norm? Guesses are fine, I know we cant tell the future. I know its restricted, but it being in California and relatively small makes me wonder if it could retain its value?

Nobody know the answer to this. Presumably VDH is higher right now due to scarcity of VDH listings. But will that hold true or will VDH stay higher due to it being CA? We need a crystal ball for that.

Is VDH deeded or is it part of the trust?

Not part of the trust.

Dues are pretty high. Is this strictly due to it being in California? It is a tower so is it really that much to maintain?

Yes it's CA.

I think I know the answer to this, but can Tot somehow go away?

No. But remember you only pay when you stay. Also, the tax is much lower than what others pay on Harbor % wise.

Do people really believe that the theme parks will really be expanded to the hotel?

Yes.

Does anyone know how many 1 bedrooms will be at this hotel vs pit when its all declared and how many garden rooms?

People know. Check out the owners thread page 1.

Does the one bedroom have two bathrooms? Are there any views in the one bedroom or is it also terrible?

Yes 2 baths! The layouts are basically Poly tower layouts. My 1 bed view was amazing.

I think thats all for now

I never pushed VDH because I didnt think you wanted it. But I think it's a wise choice being a local and that it has a much longer contract. And you already own WDW points.

 

[airjay75]

This is honestly throwing me for a loop because I really see myself staying at vdh more. I need to look at the point charts vs PIT, but it is bothering me knowing my points arent going to go far at PIT. I know we cant responsibly afford more than 150 for now and my wife, im sure, wants to spend our money on other things too

There are so many options in FL that I don't see myself staying at PIT nearly as much as VDH. I know we will want to do several small trips at vdh/vgc every year if possible. My family and friends that saw it all loved vdh. And not all of them are able/willing to travel far. With VDH, we can make memories with all of them. My wife's father has a terminal illness and I think spending time with him at VDH would be a memory she would never forget.

I cant believe im considering this and I dont mean to be flighty, but im starting to think this may be the better choice for us

I can very easily see how VDH may well be a better option for you. Use those VDH points at VDH most of the time - and, maybe you occasionally use them at WDW when your resale points aren't enough for what you want there.

And, you know, sometimes when things really come into focus and we're faced with an actual decision, that is when it becomes clear what actually makes the most sense. So, I think the exercise you're going through is a good one.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Also I did not look at price sheets again but did you say VDH is $3000 cheaper? If so thats $20 per point! Thats a big number. Even though VDH is said to loose more value due to restrictions when sold, right away you are $20 per point ahead of the game.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

This doesn’t totally answer your question, but here’s my take: we stayed at VDH last summer and loved it. The vibe, the water slide, the CMs…it just felt special. We left that trip knowing we’d buy a west coast contract.

Then checkout happened… and paying for the ToT hurt a lot. So when a guide found us a small direct VGC contract, I said yes.

Don’t get me wrong…we really enjoy VGC. But in hindsight, I didn’t buy where we actually want to stay the most, and I do regret that a bit. I wouldn’t be shocked if a small VDH contract shows up in our future for split stays.

All this is to say If I were you, I’d check 7-month availability at POLY for when you usually travel. If you can generally snag something there, I’d go VDH.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I think I know the answer to this, but can Tot somehow go away?

I also forgot to tell you my usual spiel about TOT and VDH vs VGC. Here goes..

There are certain seasons (not all) where the point cost for VDH is so much less than the point cost for VGC that paying the TOT costs you less money than if you had stayed at VGC on your points instead.

 

[tx911]

I'm speechless, but I know there will be a happy ending

 

[Disney.dad]

We love VDH. We added on another direct contract there over Christmas to go with our other direct DLH points. We are a family of 5 and require 1 or 2 bedrooms. Priority is critical for us and you only pay the TOT when you use the points there. Booking at 7 months seems possible most of the year in a studio if you do it at exactly 7 months. We do think Disney forward will develop in closer to the hotel with park expansion and/or help property values out there long term. Poly original longhouses do not seem that difficult to book. Poly tower studios appear difficult for now at least. Good luck.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I'm speechless, but I know there will be a happy ending

People love to hate VDH.. until they dont.

Guilty

 

[VGCgroupie]

I promise I dont sell VDH for a living...

You will also save money on closing costs at VDH vs Poly

 

[VGCgroupie]

View from my 1 bed.

 

[Disney.dad]

I promise I dont sell VDH for a living...

You will also save money on closing costs at VDH vs Poly

VDH closing costs are cheaper for whatever reason

 

[VGCgroupie]

VDH closing costs are cheaper for whatever reason

Yes and it helps alot when decide to split contracts.

 

[tx911]

People love to hate VDH.. until they dont.

Guilty

I quite like it myself! I’ve only stayed once (for cash IIRC) and it was great!

 

[Girlstar30]

SO SO much easier to get a random studio at VDH at random times. Which is hugely beneficial for a local like yourself. But one caveat to this is your Poly points can book VDH now. but then you are using using up your Poly home resort advantage points where its needed to get better room values.

Nobody know the answer to this. Presumably VDH is higher right now due to scarcity of VDH listings. But will that hold true or will VDH stay higher due to it being CA? We need a crystal ball for that.

Not part of the trust.

Yes it's CA.

No. But remember you only pay when you stay. Also, the tax is much lower than what others pay on Harbor % wise.

Yes.

People know. Check out the owners thread page 1.

Yes 2 baths! The layouts are basically Poly tower layouts. My 1 bed view was amazing.

I never pushed VDH because I didnt think you wanted it. But I think it's a wise choice being a local and that it has a much longer contract. And you already own WDW points.

Thank you! I was thinking about how we were planning to book our welcome home stay there and how that alone would eat up all the points.

And then @juliebee wrote in a different thread about a disneyland 70th promo that brought the price down $1500 and I didnt hear about that one so I went down that rabbit hole and noticed its about 3k cheaper than Poly for 150 points.

I think Poly is overpriced right now and I can see why, but more years on vdh is really attractive. And we have to pay the ToT anyways when we stay there so it is what it is. I think we've stayed at vgc 4 times now which is more than any other resort. I honestly see us choosing vdh more than vgc right now. We just loved it. When I toured the 1 bedroom I loved it too. The hotel just screams Disney and so do I

 

[atthebeachclub]

Still, given the higher dues, I don't think I'd buy VDH as SAP+

I agreed until this point.

A few reasons I felt more comfortable with VDH over PIT (and there is even another reason I am not going to mention as it will invoke trolls):

-VDH has more usable seasons. Winter may get more expensive at PIT, but I don’t want to go at any other season. I can go to California in the summer and enjoy though.

-If only buying 150 points, the actual total difference in dues isn’t some huge annual number. Yes, it’s higher, but not outrageous. I would say if buying 300+, look more closely at this.

-Climate change risks are real in both places but I suspect they are riskier in Florida.

-There are way more options to stay in Florida with your DVC points than in California. I will probably be able to find a spot in Florida when I want to go. The reverse isn’t always true with Florida points in California.