VGF worth the Money ? Why I think YES!!!

[Thisdman]

Easy answer. With a week of Mercedes Points, you can pay 3 weeks of a Toyota, or the same week of a Dodge Caravan if you need more seats for friends. So after a few times trying the Mercedes, you'll pick whatever car fits your actual needs for your upcoming trip and if you don't need a Mercedes, why would you choose one? just because you already paid for those more expensive points?

Tell me that's better to rent out those Mercedes points for a premium price to someone who actually needs/wants a Mercedes than using them for Toyota, and that's OK. But telling me that a Mercedes owner will not ever want to trade down isnt logical; sure they will!

Can you show me where I can get 3 weeks at another dvc resort for the same amount of points, or less, then I can get at VGF for 1 week?

Can you show me where I can get a 1 bedroom at another dvc resort for the same amount of points, or less, then I can get at VGF for 1 week?

Also, I don't remember reading anyone say that VGF owners will NEVER want to trade down. Maybe I missed it. Can you point to the quote?

Thanks in advance for the clarification.

 

[DougEMG]

Is VGF worth the cost.

I think VGF is worth the cost provided:

1.) You want to stay at the VGF all the time.
2.) You can always book in your home resort window.
3.) You can easily afford it.

I was doing really good until I hit number 3.

Most of my points are at SSR & OKW which I bought because of the price. I also bought some BWV points even though they were more expensive because I want to stay at BWV and not take the chance of not being able to get in. And even though VGF is costing 2-3 times the cost of resale on a SSR/OKW contract and it costs more points to stay there, I'm still occasionally tempted to buy at VGF just so I could stay there whenever I wanted to; and that is what would make it worth it to me.

 

[Thisdman]

Also, what happens if you can only vacation specific times (school vacations, etc) and even as an owner you can't get availability at VGF? Your only choice would be to skip the trip, or "trade down" with the expensive points. While I always TRY to plan my trips 11 months in advance, it is not always possible.

You could say the same thing for all dvc resorts. If they didn't limit the amount of points they sold they would run into this problem all over the place and no one would buy. I know there is no guarantee but if most people are being turned away at the busiest times I don't think they would be selling many of these contracts at any resort.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

This is a funny thread.
I think if the purchase makes sense in the buyers head, then that is all that matters. Looking for justification will always spark up a debate like this as everyone views value in different ways. In a discussion like this, who is to say that anyone else is right or wrong?

The only thing I don't like is the whole Mercedes/Honda analogy. It feels a tad pretentious. I have little-to-no interest in ever staying at the Grand Floridian. It's Disney's more unique resorts such as AKV and VWL that appeal to me the most. So I guess, using the same analogy, I should argue that people are better buying a VW Beetle.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

This is a funny thread.
I think if the purchase makes sense in the buyers head, then that is all that matters. Looking for justification will always spark up a debate like this as everyone views value in different ways. In a discussion like this, who is to say that anyone else is right or wrong?

The only thing I don't like is the whole Mercedes/Honda analogy. It feels a tad pretentious. I have little-to-no interest in ever staying at the Grand Floridian. It's Disney's more unique resorts such as AKV and VWL that appeal to me the most. So I guess, using the same analogy, I should argue that people are better buying a VW Beetle.

Well said... And VW beetle

 

[chukdotcom]

This is a funny thread.
I think if the purchase makes sense in the buyers head, then that is all that matters. Looking for justification will always spark up a debate like this as everyone views value in different ways. In a discussion like this, who is to say that anyone else is right or wrong?

The only thing I don't like is the whole Mercedes/Honda analogy. It feels a tad pretentious. I have little-to-no interest in ever staying at the Grand Floridian. It's Disney's more unique resorts such as AKV and VWL that appeal to me the most. So I guess, using the same analogy, I should argue that people are better buying a VW Beetle.

I completely disagree with this.

 

[chukdotcom]

You could say the same thing for all dvc resorts. If they didn't limit the amount of points they sold they would run into this problem all over the place and no one would buy. I know there is no guarantee but if most people are being turned away at the busiest times I don't think they would be selling many of these contracts at any resort.

Yes, and that is my point. If you have to use your $150 pts at an $80 pt resort, then that is bad. If you have to use your $80 pts at another $80 pt resort, that is not bad.

And by definition, most people are turned away at the busiest times. There are no more units available December 1 than there are May 1.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

This is a funny thread. I think if the purchase makes sense in the buyers head, then that is all that matters. .

Wanted to add one more thing..
I agree with this, as long as the buyer as all the information/Has taking time to do research/and can afford it..

 

[Thisdman]

Yes, and that is my point. If you have to use your $150 pts at an $80 pt resort, then that is bad. If you have to use your $80 pts at another $80 pt resort, that is not bad.

And by definition, most people are turned away at the busiest times. There are no more units available December 1 than there are May 1.

And if you had to use your $80 points at a $60 resort that would be bad too, right? We can go round and round. Maybe I wasn't clear. Are you saying most (more then half) owners trying to book at their home resort during the busiest times get turned away due to availability at 11 months? I for one have no interest in going during Xmas or Easter simple because it's to busy but I am interested in knowing your thoughts, I'm new to this.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Wanted to add one more thing..
I agree with this, as long as the buyer as all the information/Has taking time to do research/and can afford it..

Yes, that is what I meant by the comment. I think for anything to make true 'sense' it should be researched.

For almost any purchase, whether it be DVC, car, or even a new pair of shoes, it is near impossible to work out a perfect formula where finances, practicalities, and emotions are perfectly in balance. So we do the research and work out what will work best for us. If it makes us happy, who is anyone else to argue that we made the wrong choice with our money.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I completely disagree with this.

To each their own.

 

[PacoDF]

Can you show me where I can get 3 weeks at another dvc resort for the same amount of points, or less, then I can get at VGF for 1 week?

Can you show me where I can get a 1 bedroom at another dvc resort for the same amount of points, or less, then I can get at VGF for 1 week?

Also, I don't remember reading anyone say that VGF owners will NEVER want to trade down. Maybe I missed it. Can you point to the quote?

Thanks in advance for the clarification.

OK. My statement was exaggerated at the numbers side.

You can stay 12 nights at a AKV Value Studio (with 11 left over points) with 1 week (7 night) points of a VGF Studio (Adventure Season).

You can stay 6 nights at a AKV Value 1 BR (with 8 left over points) with 1 week points of a VGF Studio (Adventure Season).

So, yes, my statement maybe was exaggerated, but the idea remains the same. With the points needed for VGF you can do a LOT more on other cheapier resorts and that's OK. I'm just making a point that lots of people will consider/need such scenarios a lot of times!

 

[chukdotcom]

And if you had to use your $80 points at a $60 resort that would be bad too, right? We can go round and round. Maybe I wasn't clear. Are you saying most (more then half) owners trying to book at their home resort during the busiest times get turned away due to availability at 11 months? I for one have no interest in going during Xmas or Easter simple because it's to busy but I am interested in knowing your thoughts, I'm new to this.

Yes. But 80->60 is less than 150->60. And the only reason I didn't use $60 because I didn't want to get into an argument about resale prices. Bottom line is, if you are going to be booking at 7 months, you should own the cheapest points. And if you can't get VGF at 11 months, then your points aren't worth any more than the SSR ones. So if you have to book something else because VGF isn't available, you are taking a much larger hit than any other DVC owner.

"Are you saying most (more then half) owners trying to book at their home resort during the busiest times get turned away due to availability at 11 months"

Yes, way more. For every person that gets a reservation at 7-11 months for the first week in December, there will be at LEAST 1 that can't.

 

[disneynutz]

OK. My statement was exaggerated at the numbers side.

You can stay 12 nights at a AKV Value Studio (with 11 left over points) with 1 week (7 night) points of a VGF Studio (Adventure Season).

You can stay 6 nights at a AKV Value 1 BR (with 8 left over points) with 1 week points of a VGF Studio (Adventure Season).

So, yes, my statement maybe was exaggerated, but the idea remains the same. With the points needed for VGF you can do a LOT more on other cheapier resorts and that's OK. I'm just making a point that lots of people will consider/need such scenarios a lot of times!

Some people are happy staying in values, some moderates, some deluxes, some DVC. Some DVC's want standard studios to save some points, others don't mind spending more. The reality is there is something for everyone and Disney knows this. They feel that a small VGF will draw an ownership who doesn't mind spending the points at Disney's number 1 resort. Others will give it a try, some will buy, others won't.

Bill

 

[Andrew015]

Yes, and that is my point. If you have to use your $150 pts at an $80 pt resort, then that is bad. If you have to use your $80 pts at another $80 pt resort, that is not bad.

And by definition, most people are turned away at the busiest times. There are no more units available December 1 than there are May 1.

When you buy into DVC, one of the "perks" is the ability to stay at any of the DVC locations, provided that you can find availability within the 7 month booking window if booking outside of your home resort. Keep in mind, the fact that resorts outside of VGF cost less per point via resale is partly because the contracts expire ~20 years sooner (depending on resort). It's not necessarily because you're getting $70 per point "less" in terms of accommodations. By and large, a 1BR at "X" resort is roughly the same as a 1BR at "Y" resort in terms of actual accommodations. Yes, VGF has newer and nicer finishings, but you are not getting much more in terms of room size, ammenities, transportation, etc.

At the end of the day, if your desire is to stay at VGF for the majority of your travels, AND the extra lifespan of the contract is of value to you and your family, then it is worth the premium to own there to guarantee availability at the 11 month window. If you do not intend on staying there often NOR do you care about having a contract that lasts until 2064, then I find it a tremendous waste of money to buy-in at $150/point when other resorts can be had for so much less.

People have to keep in mind, when buying into DVC, you are not buying into a specific hotel. Rather, you are buying POINTS in a timeshare program that lasts a pre-determined period of time. By virtue of the program, you HAVE to select a home resort. If a particular home resort AND/OR duration of contract associated with said home resort means anything to you, then it can be worthwhile to own at that particular home resort. If not, then economics certainly play a bigger part and choosing a less-costly $/point or annual maintenance fee is a much better avenue to take.

All too often, these types of conversations become heated, as many of us are emotionally attached to certain resorts. When making the decision of whether or not to buy into DVC, one needs to take the personal feelings out of the equation, crunch the numbers for the various options (which resort, resale or direct, how many points), and determine what is best for your family and your situation. And that's the end of the story, folks.

 

[Thisdman]

OK. My statement was exaggerated at the numbers side.

You can stay 12 nights at a AKV Value Studio (with 11 left over points) with 1 week (7 night) points of a VGF Studio (Adventure Season).

You can stay 6 nights at a AKV Value 1 BR (with 8 left over points) with 1 week points of a VGF Studio (Adventure Season).

So, yes, my statement maybe was exaggerated, but the idea remains the same. With the points needed for VGF you can do a LOT more on other cheapier resorts and that's OK. I'm just making a point that lots of people will consider/need such scenarios a lot of times!

I think people get your point. It's expensive, point wise, to stay at VGF. The next question would be can someone actually book the rooms you mentioned at the 7 month mark? I don't know the answer to that but if someone does it might help a person who is currently researching to buy. Thanks for your honest reply.

 

[chukdotcom]

When you buy into DVC, one of the "perks" is the ability to stay at any of the DVC locations, provided that you can find availability within the 7 month booking window if booking outside of your home resort. Keep in mind, the fact that resorts outside of VGF cost less per point via resale is partly because the contracts expire ~20 years sooner (depending on resort). It's not necessarily because you're getting $70 per point "less" in terms of accommodations. By and large, a 1BR at "X" resort is roughly the same as a 1BR at "Y" resort in terms of actual accommodations. Yes, VGF has newer and nicer finishings, but you are not getting much more in terms of room size, ammenities, transportation, etc.

At the end of the day, if your desire is to stay at VGF for the majority of your travels, AND the extra lifespan of the contract is of value to you and your family, then it is worth the premium to own there to guarantee availability at the 11 month window. If you do not intend on staying there often NOR do you care about having a contract that lasts until 2064, then I find it a tremendous waste of money to buy-in at $150/point when other resorts can be had for so much less.

People have to keep in mind, when buying into DVC, you are not buying into a specific hotel. Rather, you are buying POINTS in a timeshare program that lasts a pre-determined period of time. By virtue of the program, you HAVE to select a home resort. If a particular home resort AND/OR duration of contract associated with that home resort means anything to you, then it can be worthwhile to own at a particular home resort. If not, then economics certainly play a part and choosing a less-costly $/point or maintenance fee is a better avenue to take.

BLT is only 4 years less, but you can buy resale for $60 less. Again, buying VGF is fine exclusively for staying at VGF. If you own VGF points and book anywhere else, you are throwing money out the window. And it may very well be your INTENTION to always stay at VGF, but the reality is, that may not be possible unless your travel schedule is very flexible. For those that only travel busy weeks (like me), you may have a lot of trouble getting a reservation even in your home window. Fixed week makes a lot of sense at VGF IMO.

 

[Andrew015]

BLT is only 4 years less, but you can buy resale for $60 less. Again, buying VGF is fine exclusively for staying at VGF. If you own VGF points and book anywhere else, you are throwing money out the window. And it may very well be your INTENTION to always stay at VGF, but the reality is, that may not be possible unless your travel schedule is very flexible. For those that only travel busy weeks (like me), you may have a lot of trouble getting a reservation even in your home window. Fixed week makes a lot of sense at VGF IMO.

Chuck,

A few things. You are comparing Direct vs. Resale. If the benefits of buying direct mean anything to you, then it's really hard to quantify the value of those perks (it's really up to the individual). Secondly, if your intention is to stay at VGF every single year from now until 2064, then buying there is definitely worth the price of admission. Yes - if you plan to travel at "peak" times or always want specific accommodations, then yes, the fixed-week option does make a lot of sense. I find it hard to believe that very many people truly want to stay at the same resort, in the same accommodations, once per year or more for the next 50 years. However, this probably is the case for some, but I can't imagine many. Many of us actually enjoy bouncing from resort to resort, as you are taking advantage of the "perks" of the program. I don't view it as "throwing money away" if I stay at a resort that could be bought cheaper than my home resort. I view it as taking advantage of the system that I paid into. Most of those people that bought into VGF will probably try to stay there as much as possible, but will also enjoy trying out other locations. This is taking advantage of one of the many "perks" of DVC.

Once again, you are not buying into a specifc resort. Rather, you are buying points in a timeshare program that last a specific period of time. It's as simple as that. You and only you can determine what price per point is acceptable to YOU. Luckily, there are LOTS of options (buying resale, buying direct, renting points, buying something other than DVC or not buying anything at all). It's still a free country (I think), and you can decide how to spend your hard-earned discretionary income as you see fit.

 

[chukdotcom]

Chuck,

A few things. You are comparing Direct vs. Resale. If the benefits of buying direct mean anything to you, then it's really hard to quantify the value of those perks (it's really up to the individual). Secondly, if your intention is to stay at VGF every single year from now until 2064, then buying there is definitely worth the price of admission. Yes - if you plan to travel at "peak" times or always want specific accommodations, then yes, the fixed-week option does make a lot of sense. I find it hard to believe that very many people truly want to stay at the same resort, in the same accommodations, once per year or more for the next 50 years. However, this probably is the case for some.

Once again, you are not buying into a specifc resort. Rather, you are buying points in a timeshare program that last a specific period of time. You and only you can determine what price per point is acceptable to YOU. Luckily, there are LOTS of options (resale, direct, renting points, buying something other than DVC or not buying anything at all). It's still a free country (I think), and you can decide how to spend your hard-earned discretionary income as you see fit.

Not really. When VGF comes on resale, it will likely be $135+. And I realize you aren't buying into a specific resort. But you ARE buying a booking advantage at a specific resort. Which is not much different in practice.

 

[Andrew015]

Not really. When VGF comes on resale, it will likely be $135+.

I'm not quite sure what you're getting at here. Yes, it will be more than the other resorts because it is "new" and has the longest remaining contract length of any of the resorts, but it will still be ~$20-$30/point less than buying direct. What's your point?

And I realize you aren't buying into a specific resort. But you ARE buying a booking advantage at a specific resort. Which is not much different in practice.

If and only if that booking advantage means anything to you. I get that you want the booking advantage at VGF, but are concerned that you might not always be able to book 11 months in advance. Unfortunately, that's the name of the game, and if it doesn't work for you, then DVC might not be the right fit. However, I think you might be onto something with the fixed-week notion. It seems to me that that's your best option if you don't want to stay anywhere but VGF and can't always book 11 months in advance. What's the problem with going in this direction?