Sorry for changing the direction of this thread once again, but I really feel compelled to respond to this post found on page 8, which responds to one of my previous comments made on Friday afternoon. I didn't have access to my computer over the weekend, so again, sorry for the delay.
Ben - In my opinion, no. You are not getting more "accommodations" at VGF than you are at say BLT, at least not nearly enough to justify the 55% premium (average 2014 purchase price for BLT is $97/point per the ROFR thread, as compared to $150/point for VGF). Surely, VGF is more "opulent" in terms of fixtures and finishings. I think it's fair to say that VGF is the most luxurious of all the
DVC resorts, but to say that you get more "accommodations" is just plain wrong. By and large, actual resort "accommodations" do not change much from deluxe to deluxe. You pay a slight premium (rack rate) for GF vs CR for those extra few ounces of luxury, but to say that you get better "accommodations" is not true. Looking at a few categories that you touched on in your post, let's compare VGF/GF to BLT/CR:
- Rooms - Quite frankly, there is not much difference in terms of actual accomodations found amongst any of the DVC rooms from resort to resort. Sure, some are slightly larger than others (i.e. OKW), and others have nicer finishings with things like crown molding (VGF), but by and large, the rooms are much the same amongst their respective category (Studio, 1BR, 2BR, etc). As mentioned, VGF takes the cake in terms of luxury finishings, but BLT isn't far behind with things like granite countertops, glass backsplash, mosaic tile shower w/ rainfall style faucets, etc. Quite frankly, I'd gladly give up the crown molding of VGF for the additional full bathroom found in BLT's 1BR. In my mind, having an extra bathroom is an actual, measureable "accommodation", and for me, this gives the nod to BLT (at least for the 1BR's).
- Transportation - This category is pretty much even, as both resorts have monorail, boat and bus options. However, I give the nod to BLT for having additional boat service to WL and FW, which gives quick access to additional restaurants and site seeing opportunities. Also, having the option to walk to MK is a great perk. Nod to BLT.
- Pools - This is subjective, but in my opinion, neither hotel has the best pool options. However, BLT definitely has more of them. BLT has 3 adult pools, 1 kiddie pool, 3 hot tubs, 2 water slides and a splash & play area. VGF only has 2 adult pools, 1 hot tub, 1 water slide and a splash & play area. I like different aspects of each resort's offerings better, but the nod goes to BLT for having more options.
- Restaurants - Sure, VGF wins this category for number of options available. But I do not view this category as a "resort-specific" accommodation, as anyone at BLT can eat at GF, and vice versa. While VGF certainly has the most exclusive restaurant in V&A's, BLT is not far behind with California Grill (typically ranked only second to V&A's on property). As mentioned previously, you are also only a short boat ride away from Artist Point, and a quick monorail ride away from the Poly & GF's restaurant options. Nod to GF, only for having the most options under one roof, but again, I think this is "off topic".
- Spa - Again, not a "resort-specific" accommodation, but both resorts offer spa services. I'm not an expert on this because I never take advantage of these services, but I believe VGF's spa to have more options than BLT's. Slight nod to VGF.
- Lounges - TOTW Lounge is the best lounge on property, hands down. Nod to BLT
- Lobby - Again very subjective, but I think this is a tie. I prefer CR's Grand Canyon Concourse to GF's lobby, but I prefer VGF's lobby to that of BLT's. I think both resorts score very well here. Tie.
To summarize, I do not feel that you get more actual resort accommodations at VGF vs. BLT. Disney has structured its resorts so that a "moderate is a moderate", much like a "monorail deluxe is a monorail deluxe". As previously mentioned, on a cash reservation, you pay a slight premium for VGF over BLT, as you are paying for those extra few ounces of luxury (i.e. robes, the ability to watch TV in your bathroom mirrors, etc.). But to me, those things are not worth the 55% premium to make this my home resort. If VGF was a resort that I "had to stay at", then for me it would be worth the premium for that reason alone - not because I would be getting much more over any other resort. For me, VGF is a resort that I would love to "try", but by no means, do I need to own there, as I see no tangible benefits for the hefty premium paid. Your mileage may vary.
It's fortunate for you that you feel that way. Otherwise, your BLT purchase would have been a mistake, no?
That having been said, the hundreds of thousands paying a premium to stay at the Grand Floridian over the years instead of the Contemporary says otherwise. Who to believe? I usually stick with where the money goes....that's generally what governs value and appreciation/depreciation.
What I think is funny is that you all have your lists of "facts" that aren't facts at all. The bottom line, as has been stated many times by people of both sides, is that if you want to stay at VGF...if you want to stay at the Grand, the Disney proclaimed flagship resort of WDW, you have to buy at VGF.
I also found it comical that every area you thought the VGF won on in your little analysis was deemed to be a "side issue" or an irrelevant feature....lol. That I found humorous
And yea, the TOTWL that Disney can't pay people to patronize (and thus may be closed according to rumor)....beats out the Grand and their orchestra, lol...you can stroll through the grounds of the Grand amongst all the beautiful landscaping and buildings, or you can stroll through the cold concrete of the Contemporary...yea, I can see that's a tough one.
Rooms: There is no comparison. the 2 bathroom argument is the best one. Yes, you're right, all those many times that I need 2 toilets....what a luxury.
Without hitting all the other categories, I think I can safely say that I think the Grand beats the contemporary in every category. The one thing I will give BLT is the walk to MK, but then, who wants to walk? Don't we walk enough? The monorail and boats are much more pleasant.
To each their own...I didn't come here to attack other people's choice of DVC....we were simply justifying our purchase. Unfortunately, you thought it necessary to say how your DVC was better ... good for you. I'm glad you feel that way. Feel better now?
I'm very comfortable with my purchase and haven't met many VGF owners who aren't. Time will tell who is right about the supply and demand and how that effects the DVC value of VGF. We will see.
Until then, why not be positive? You bought into DVC for Disney Magic...yet I see so little of the Disney optimism and happiness around here....not much magic. Lots of sour attitudes...lots of new people being bombarded with everything from Get out of the purchase as fast as you can to....you never should have purchased, you can't afford it (as if that's our determination to make....that's hubris)....to my resort is better than yours, you should have purchased there....anything to upset the day of somebody feeling good...lol. How many posts in this thread were people who felt the need to come in and say how much they dislike VGF....as if somebody asked....good for you...as I said earlier, whatever makes you feel better....
As for me, I'm happy and I'm not going to let you or anyone else take that away from me. Hopefully, the other VGF purchasers feel the same way. Life's too short to let the joy be taken out of something that is supposed to be joyous. Might as well enjoy the ride...I wouldn't change a thing....
) and the walk from Epcot.
Bill
