Where Should We Add On?

[DisneyFam2326]

Hi friends! I wanted to share our thoughts on the resorts we've stayed at and get your input as we look to add another contract in 2025.

A little about us:
We're a family of four (kids are 3 and 5), and we usually stay in one-bedrooms or two-bedrooms when grandparents join. We're in our 30s and bought our first DVC contract during the VGF "firesale" (150 direct points), which we use for our annual Thanksgiving trip. Last year, we added 300 direct points at Riviera. We often pay cash for short trips or to test new resorts—we’re doing Disneyland Hotel + VGC this year. We’d love to do Aulani in 2026 with family, so that’s on our radar too.


We don’t need all the points right now, but we plan to add steadily each year (yes, we’re in the cycle—buy a contract, need annual passes, go more, need more points… you know the drill!).

Our Resort Stays + Thoughts​

Bay Lake Tower (BLT)
Pros: Walkability to MK is unbeatable. Love Top of the World Lounge, Steakhouse 71, and the fifth sleeper in the rooms.
Cons: Theming and pool are bland. It feels more functional than magical.
Bottom line: We value convenience—and MK is our favorite park—so this is still a contender for us.

Grand Floridian (VGF)
Pros: Peaceful, elevated, and still family-friendly. Love the theming, pool, Rose Bar, and overall feel. Fireworks from Narcoossee’s dock is peak Disney for me.
Cons: The point chart is steep, especially during peak travel windows.
Bottom line: My personal favorite. If points weren’t a factor, I’d stay here every time.

Riviera (RIV)
Pros: Feels like home. Skyliner to two parks is a huge win. Love the coffee shop, Topolino’s, pool, and room layouts.
Cons: The Skyliner is tough in the summer months.
Bonus: We love the ease of adding direct points here and the longer contract (2070).
Bottom line: We’re very happy owners here, but the point chart is heavy.

Copper Creek (CCV)
Pros: Huge hit with our kids. They loved the pool, theming, splash pad, and activities. Peaceful vibes, quiet room, and a friendly point chart.
Cons: No walkability, rooms felt narrow, limited fireworks views.
Bottom line: We were surprised how much we loved it—and we’d absolutely stay again.

Beach Club Villas (BCV)
Pros: Walkable to EPCOT, fantastic dining access, great resort activities, and a strong point chart.
Cons: Noisy room on night one, no fifth sleeper, rough walk to HS in the heat, and 2042 expiration gives us pause.
Bottom line: A great experience overall, but maybe not the best fit for us long-term.

Poly: We’ve stayed—but it wasn’t for us.

Our 2025 Dilemma: Where to Add Next?​

We’re looking to add another contract next year. Here’s what we’re weighing:

Option 1: Add more Riviera direct
Pros: We already own here and love it. Easy to add on. Longest contract (2070).
Cons: Highest price per point and a heavier point chart. We only own at heavier point chart options IMO.

Option 2: Buy at CCV or BLT (resale)

• Either one could help offset our Thanksgiving trip or be banked for Aulani in 2026 if we find a loaded contract.

We love hearing others’ logic when buying (or adding on), so if you've been in a similar spot—or just have thoughts—we’d appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance! This group has been such a valuable resource for us, and I always leave with new things to consider.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Hi friends! I wanted to share our thoughts on the resorts we've stayed at and get your input as we look to add another contract in 2025.

A little about us:
We're a family of four (kids are 3 and 5), and we usually stay in one-bedrooms or two-bedrooms when grandparents join. We're in our 30s and bought our first DVC contract during the VGF "firesale" (150 direct points), which we use for our annual Thanksgiving trip. Last year, we added 300 direct points at Riviera. We often pay cash for short trips or to test new resorts—we’re doing Disneyland Hotel + VGC this year. We’d love to do Aulani in 2026 with family, so that’s on our radar too.


We don’t need all the points right now, but we plan to add steadily each year (yes, we’re in the cycle—buy a contract, need annual passes, go more, need more points… you know the drill!).

Our Resort Stays + Thoughts​

Bay Lake Tower (BLT)
Pros: Walkability to MK is unbeatable. Love Top of the World Lounge, Steakhouse 71, and the fifth sleeper in the rooms.
Cons: Theming and pool are bland. It feels more functional than magical.
Bottom line: We value convenience—and MK is our favorite park—so this is still a contender for us.

Grand Floridian (VGF)
Pros: Peaceful, elevated, and still family-friendly. Love the theming, pool, Rose Bar, and overall feel. Fireworks from Narcoossee’s dock is peak Disney for me.
Cons: The point chart is steep, especially during peak travel windows.
Bottom line: My personal favorite. If points weren’t a factor, I’d stay here every time.

Riviera (RIV)
Pros: Feels like home. Skyliner to two parks is a huge win. Love the coffee shop, Topolino’s, pool, and room layouts.
Cons: The Skyliner is tough in the summer months.
Bonus: We love the ease of adding direct points here and the longer contract (2070).
Bottom line: We’re very happy owners here, but the point chart is heavy.

Copper Creek (CCV)
Pros: Huge hit with our kids. They loved the pool, theming, splash pad, and activities. Peaceful vibes, quiet room, and a friendly point chart.
Cons: No walkability, rooms felt narrow, limited fireworks views.
Bottom line: We were surprised how much we loved it—and we’d absolutely stay again.

Beach Club Villas (BCV)
Pros: Walkable to EPCOT, fantastic dining access, great resort activities, and a strong point chart.
Cons: Noisy room on night one, no fifth sleeper, rough walk to HS in the heat, and 2042 expiration gives us pause.
Bottom line: A great experience overall, but maybe not the best fit for us long-term.

Poly: We’ve stayed—but it wasn’t for us.

Our 2025 Dilemma: Where to Add Next?​

We’re looking to add another contract next year. Here’s what we’re weighing:

Option 1: Add more Riviera direct
Pros: We already own here and love it. Easy to add on. Longest contract (2070).
Cons: Highest price per point and a heavier point chart. We only own at heavier point chart options IMO.

Option 2: Buy at CCV or BLT (resale)

• Either one could help offset our Thanksgiving trip or be banked for Aulani in 2026 if we find a loaded contract.

We love hearing others’ logic when buying (or adding on), so if you've been in a similar spot—or just have thoughts—we’d appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance! This group has been such a valuable resource for us, and I always leave with new things to consider.

CCV has an amazing value due to its cost up front, dues, length of contract and very low point chart.

BLT can be comparable to CCV in overall value if you only stay standard resort view, any other view and the value becomes substantially less due to higher points to stay. If you need an extra bathroom in a 1 bedroom BLT is where you can get this compared to CCVs 1 bedroom.

 

[DisneyFam2326]

CCV has an amazing value due to its cost up front, dues, length of contract and very low point chart.

BLT can be comparable to CCV in overall value if you only stay standard resort view, any other view and the value becomes substantially less due to higher points to stay. If you need an extra bathroom in a 1 bedroom BLT is where you can get this compared to CCVs 1 bedroom.

You're making me think on this bathroom - my girls are 3 + 5 but when they are teenagers, then maybe that's worth it. My husband loves BLT for the ease, I struggle with it not feeling like a resort. But I'm not unhappy when I'm there by any means. Thank you for this!

 

[cruisehopeful]

After reading what you posted, I would go with BLT resale.

 

[RuntheMouse]

For you I’d do a BLT resale. Agree with you on the lack of resort feel but with MK being your favorite, young girls and the point chart it just makes sense. When you need a GF fix, hop on the monorail!

 

[matt and beth]

I’d agree 90% with everything you said! With the exception of Poly. The second shower in the studio could be a huge bonus for quick stays in your future.

Like you state, BLT is just so sterile! The rooms are pretty sweet though. Especially the second bath.

We are in our young 50s with three college age kids. We own GFV, CCV, and BWV. Wife loves GFV (boujee), I really like CCV (BBQ and short stroll to the room), and the kids absolutely love BWV. They love the nightlife, food, and entertainment. They love the freedom to walk to Epcot or DHS whenever they want. Miniature golf is even an easy stroll. Fish in the lagoon. Ride the bikes. Go dive in the Nemo Tank. Drink around the world. It’s their little slice of happiness.

 

[DVC Gma]

Hi friends! I wanted to share our thoughts on the resorts we've stayed at and get your input as we look to add another contract in 2025.

A little about us:
We're a family of four (kids are 3 and 5), and we usually stay in one-bedrooms or two-bedrooms when grandparents join. We're in our 30s and bought our first DVC contract during the VGF "firesale" (150 direct points), which we use for our annual Thanksgiving trip. Last year, we added 300 direct points at Riviera. We often pay cash for short trips or to test new resorts—we’re doing Disneyland Hotel + VGC this year. We’d love to do Aulani in 2026 with family, so that’s on our radar too.


We don’t need all the points right now, but we plan to add steadily each year (yes, we’re in the cycle—buy a contract, need annual passes, go more, need more points… you know the drill!).

Our Resort Stays + Thoughts​

Bay Lake Tower (BLT)
Pros: Walkability to MK is unbeatable. Love Top of the World Lounge, Steakhouse 71, and the fifth sleeper in the rooms.
Cons: Theming and pool are bland. It feels more functional than magical.
Bottom line: We value convenience—and MK is our favorite park—so this is still a contender for us.

Grand Floridian (VGF)
Pros: Peaceful, elevated, and still family-friendly. Love the theming, pool, Rose Bar, and overall feel. Fireworks from Narcoossee’s dock is peak Disney for me.
Cons: The point chart is steep, especially during peak travel windows.
Bottom line: My personal favorite. If points weren’t a factor, I’d stay here every time.

Riviera (RIV)
Pros: Feels like home. Skyliner to two parks is a huge win. Love the coffee shop, Topolino’s, pool, and room layouts.
Cons: The Skyliner is tough in the summer months.
Bonus: We love the ease of adding direct points here and the longer contract (2070).
Bottom line: We’re very happy owners here, but the point chart is heavy.

Copper Creek (CCV)
Pros: Huge hit with our kids. They loved the pool, theming, splash pad, and activities. Peaceful vibes, quiet room, and a friendly point chart.
Cons: No walkability, rooms felt narrow, limited fireworks views.
Bottom line: We were surprised how much we loved it—and we’d absolutely stay again.

Beach Club Villas (BCV)
Pros: Walkable to EPCOT, fantastic dining access, great resort activities, and a strong point chart.
Cons: Noisy room on night one, no fifth sleeper, rough walk to HS in the heat, and 2042 expiration gives us pause.
Bottom line: A great experience overall, but maybe not the best fit for us long-term.

Poly: We’ve stayed—but it wasn’t for us.

Our 2025 Dilemma: Where to Add Next?​

We’re looking to add another contract next year. Here’s what we’re weighing:

Option 1: Add more Riviera direct
Pros: We already own here and love it. Easy to add on. Longest contract (2070).
Cons: Highest price per point and a heavier point chart. We only own at heavier point chart options IMO.

Option 2: Buy at CCV or BLT (resale)

• Either one could help offset our Thanksgiving trip or be banked for Aulani in 2026 if we find a loaded contract.

We love hearing others’ logic when buying (or adding on), so if you've been in a similar spot—or just have thoughts—we’d appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance! This group has been such a valuable resource for us, and I always leave with new things to consider.

When you said more "functional than magical' was a very very right on statement. That is how it feels. But I like it & watch for resale there. Good Luck with your decision!

 

[DisneyFam2326]

I’d agree 90% with everything you said! With the exception of Poly. The second shower in the studio could be a huge bonus for quick stays in your future.

Like you state, BLT is just so sterile! The rooms are pretty sweet though. Especially the second bath.

We are in our young 50s with three college age kids. We own GFV, CCV, and BWV. Wife loves GFV (boujee), I really like CCV (BBQ and short stroll to the room), and the kids absolutely love BWV. They love the nightlife, food, and entertainment. They love the freedom to walk to Epcot or DHS whenever they want. Miniature golf is even an easy stroll. Fish in the lagoon. Ride the bikes. Go dive in the Nemo Tank. Drink around the world. It’s their little slice of happiness.

Thank you for sharing this. Reading this makes me so excited for the many years of memories ahead. And we love the new poly tower but with a heavy point chart and my heart at Grand Floridian - it's just not for us. We had the BEST staff interactions and other family interactions at copper creek. There were so many kind kids + families.

 

[DisneyFam2326]

When you said more "functional than magical' was a very very right on statement. That is how it feels. But I like it & watch for resale there. Good Luck with your decision!

I think it could be incredible if they added more disney history (pictures, designs, memorabilia, etc.) and added a monorail slide. I know it will probably never happen but a girl can dream.

 

[Patmcpsu]

Your assessments all sounds accurate - no resort is a silver bullet. With that being said, I recommend you diversify so you can have more resorts available at 11 months. That would suggest BLT or CCV is the right answer based on your situation.

If buying direct, maybe wait for Lakeshore Lodge to go on sale. Buying more Riviera direct would be too redundant for its price tag.

 

[emlu218]

Personally, I wouldn't buy direct contracts if I already owned one. Resale prices are so low right now and have been down for the last year or so. I would get more points for my dollar.

 

[airjay75]

I own 300 RIV direct points. I have kept thinking I want points at a MK resort for priority booking there. Like you, don't love Poly - PIT itself is great, but the resort overall seems busy and pools too crowded (based on my research, not personal experience other than my tour in April). VGF is just out of the picture budget wise IMO - Disney is ROFR'ing those contracts, resale contracts are expensive, and points chart is steep. If Disney wants to start selling VGF direct at Poly/RIV prices, that will be a different story. But, seems like getting a 1 BR at the 7 month mark there isn't too terribly difficulty most of the time. BLT, preferred view 1 BRs, also sound like they are pretty easy to get at the 7 month mark. I was thinking a lot about a BLT resale contract, but am thinking more and more about more direct RIV points - gives me flexibility for booking RIV into the future, and probably gets me access to VGF or BLT most of the time (PIT may not be so difficult to book as they declare more points, free up more rooms, and it isn't the newest and shiniest toy on the block). I haven't been as focused on CCV, so can't speak as much there. I'll just say, I put in 4 offers last week on BLT resale contracts, and I am increasingly feeling like I'm glad they were rejected because I'm now leaning more and more towards adding more direct RIV points.

 

[Girlstar30]

I own 300 RIV direct points. I have kept thinking I want points at a MK resort for priority booking there. Like you, don't love Poly - PIT itself is great, but the resort overall seems busy and pools too crowded (based on my research, not personal experience other than my tour in April). VGF is just out of the picture budget wise IMO - Disney is ROFR'ing those contracts, resale contracts are expensive, and points chart is steep. If Disney wants to start selling VGF direct at Poly/RIV prices, that will be a different story. But, seems like getting a 1 BR at the 7 month mark there isn't too terribly difficulty most of the time. BLT, preferred view 1 BRs, also sound like they are pretty easy to get at the 7 month mark. I was thinking a lot about a BLT resale contract, but am thinking more and more about more direct RIV points - gives me flexibility for booking RIV into the future, and probably gets me access to VGF or BLT most of the time (PIT may not be so difficult to book as they declare more points, free up more rooms, and it isn't the newest and shiniest toy on the block). I haven't been as focused on CCV, so can't speak as much there. I'll just say, I put in 4 offers last week on BLT resale contracts, and I am increasingly feeling like I'm glad they were rejected because I'm not leaning more and more towards adding more direct RIV points.

I see the value in adding more points at the same resort. We love one bedrooms and views/club level in our home resorts and with 180 and 160 points we can only get three nights in February at each.

This simply won't work for how many times we want to go and then the stress of what if I want to add on at 7 months and the room I want isn't available especially akv club level.

Were going to have access to 750 points for next year once our SSR processes on top of the 616 we had access to this year and im either going to have to learn how to not going to WDW twice a year, stay in studios and not go with extended family or buy another contract. I prefer the latter

So yeah basically im going to need more points

 

[DisneyFam2326]

I see the value in adding more points at the same resort. We love one bedrooms and views/club level in our home resorts and with 180 and 160 points we can only get three nights in February at each.

This simply won't work for how many times we want to go and then the stress of what if I want to add on at 7 months and the room I want isn't available especially akv club level.

Were going to have access to 750 points for next year once our SSR processes on top of the 616 we had access to this year and im either going to have to learn how to not going to WDW twice a year, stay in studios and not go with extended family or buy another contract. I prefer the latter

So yeah basically im going to need more points

I feel this so deeply. We just keep going and going, and with one bedrooms (or two bedrooms with extended family) - the points go so quick. I'm also a bit torn about adding on at RIV because it's a resort I think we'd only buy direct, we love the flexibility of being able to use our points other places.

 

[Girlstar30]

I feel this so deeply. We just keep going and going, and with one bedrooms (or two bedrooms with extended family) - the points go so quick. I'm also a bit torn about adding on at RIV because it's a resort I think we'd only buy direct, we love the flexibility of being able to use our points other places.

I would only go direct riv as well. Timeshares are already restrictive enough without adding even more restrictions. I dont even entertain the thought of a riv resale only for myself.

I can see why riv owners need to buy resale to add on more points to their contracts in an affordable way and that is a concern to me that I do think about when considering a direct purchase. Other resorts have the resale add on option that unlocks way more resorts *sigh*

 

[MsChristy12]

I think it comes down to choosing between these two - Convenience (BLT) or Love of a resort (CCV).
Usually, in this situation I would say go with the one to your heart's content but I own BLT, and I know for me it can be magical despite the somewhat sterile vibe. You and your family might be able to find this magic too (whatever it might be), then this may become the perfect resort. Will the not so magical pools be a big deal when your kids get older? All of you love CCV and you already said you will absolutely stay here again, so I don't see any downside buying here. I am team buy where you want to stay, and at the end of it all, we need to enjoy our vacation to the fullest!

 

[LoveDaisy]

It seems like you prefer larger rooms and with small children I would not want to do split stays and to be ‘homeless’ when someone needs a nap or a break. I’m also not sure if you may have a third child since yours are still so young, if you were to have 3 kids you may always want a 2 bedroom. Also as your children age they may bring a friend and you may want two bedrooms for most stays.

I would buy at one of the two places you already own or I would sell Grand and buy BLT again to allow you enough points for larger rooms.

 

[disneylandtour]

I might add two more cons to your VGF list:

(1) There is often a very long line (like 20 or more minutes) to get a monorail from Thanksgiving to New Year, when the Gingerbread house is up.

(2) I'd say that VGF is the least kid-friendly (most adult-centered) of the MK area resorts. Kids aren't kids for ever--so this is probably only a concern for the next 10-ish years. Your contract wherever you purchase will last more than 10 years. But GF, overall, attracts older clientele, fewer families. Aside from the splash pad, most of the elements, even the pools, tend to slant more to adult interests, compared to WL/CCV or PBV, which have more family elements.