What's Cheaper? Value Resort or DVC Rentals?

[lindseynicole]

Hi everyone!

I'm a Disney newbie and I'm planning a trip for my family and I for this January.

I'm wondering if it would be cheaper to stay at a Value Resort (Pop Century) or to do a DVC Rental.

Thanks!

 

[Msmithmd]

Value resort is cheaper. Moderate cheaper also. DVC is a better value than deluxe. Unless you have enough people that it would require two value rooms to fit them all. If that is the case you would have to do the math to see whether two value rooms or a DVC two bedroom would be more economical.

 

[Nabas]

I'll pick July 4th week as an example, June 29 to July 6 (7 nights).

Caribbean Beach Resort rack rate: $1544

Caribbean Beach Resort summer "room only" discount: $1235

Pop Century rack rate: $1182

Pop Century summer "room only" discount: $1005

Old Key West Studio: 108 points

(AKV has a "Value" room that's less points but these are limited and very difficult to book.)

DVC point rentals typically range from a high of $14/point down to $12/point; much less if someone needs to get rid of their points on short notice. (I recently paid $7/point to book a one-bedroom villa at AKV about 3 weeks out. The points were expiring at the end of that month.)

At $14/point, the OKW Studio comes out to $1512.

At $12/point, the OKW Studio comes out to $1296.

 

[Nabas]

For January, they haven't published "room only" discounts yet nor are 2014 rates available online. For this example, I'll use 2013 rates and the same percentage discounts as actually available for July. I'll use late January (7 nights) as sample dates. Note that room rates typically have increased 2-4% annually in recent years.

Note that January has the Disney Marathon and MLK Weekend. Rates for these dates are higher and Disney doesn't always offer discount room rates for these dates. Conversely, DVC points remain constant throughout the month. If you are going during special dates, DVC can be more competitively priced.

Caribbean Beach Resort rack rate: $1310

Caribbean Beach Resort summer "room only" discount (20%): $1048

Pop Century rack rate: $780

Pop Century summer "room only" discount (15%): $663

OKW Villas Standard View Studio: 76 points

At $14/point, the OKW Studio comes out to $1064

At $12/point, the OKW Studio comes out to $912

 

[kristenrice]

In regards to the PP mentioning marathon week...DVC resorts will fill up quickly, especially studios at host resorts during marathon week. If you are considering a rental, you better be ready to book soon if you will be traveling over marathon week.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[GoofyLo]

If you're solely looking at cost, the value resort is less as the other posters have given examples. However, if you look at the cost of the value vs the DVC, you can see that DVC is only slightly more. IMO, it's worth it to do DVC. You have to keep in mind that DVC would allow you to stay in a deluxe resort with more amenities than the value resort offers. In a studio you will also have more room as well as a kitchenette. This can save you money as well. We always have breakfast in our room before hitting the parks. Of course if you do a 1 bedroom you will have even more room, a full size kitchen, and a washer/dryer. With a 1 bedroom you're also looking at a greater cost because it would be more points.
I think it depends on what you're looking for.

 

[Dean]

Assume a decent discount for Jan but don't forget about the 12 to 12.5% taxes on the cash rooms.