Will Disney Rethink the Fixed Week Option?

[Breyean]

When we bought at Aulani a couple of years ago the fixed week was an option available. But it didn't appeal to us at all.

At VGF, from reading some veteran posters logic behind buying a fixed week, it makes me wonder whether Disney will reconsider the rules or even offer this in any new DVC resorts (like Poly).

As I understand it, for the fixed week you buy about 10% more points than you would need for that week if you just looked at the points charts. So this is a plus for Disney since it encourages people to buy more points. But at a resort like VGF (or Poly) do we really think selling points will be an issue?

Second thing - the week is fixed, but since the calendar isn't, if you are aiming for a specific day, like Christmas, New Year's or the marathon, every 7 years you will probably miss that one day. I believe someone posted the guides are mentioning this to people who were looking for Christmas since it's not really guaranteed because of the way the calendar changes each year.

But if you are looking for a TIME rather than a specific date, like early December, or during F&W, etc, then missing one day probably won't make that much of a difference since you can still get the week for the event or time frame since they last more than one day.

So this is a plus for people aiming for a general time frame that might be hard to book otherwise and want to know they have a room at a great resort each year.

But here's where I start wondering about the future of this program. The owner of the fixed week has bought 10% more points, as stated previously. He has the option to cancel his fixed week and convert those points to normal DVC points to be used anywhere, any time. This is the ultimate in flexibility. He is guaranteed his week if he wants it. If not, he's back in the pool with the rest of us.

And, although it might become impossible to do once the resort is up and running, he could even cancel his fixed week, get the points, and then book that same week, at the lower points charts costs of points. And he'd have points left over since that reservation would require fewer points than his fixed week option.

Other than DVC selling a few more points upfront with the fixed week, I really don't see the benefit to them. But I do see a lot more benefits with a fixed week at a WDW resort than at Aulani, given all the special events which appeal to various people. You are guaranteed your reservation with no penalty, and even a benefit (more points to use elsewhere than if you took your week) if you don't use it and stay somewhere else or some other time.

What am I missing here?

 

[disneynutz]

When we bought at Aulani a couple of years ago the fixed week was an option available. But it didn't appeal to us at all.

At VGF, from reading some veteran posters logic behind buying a fixed week, it makes me wonder whether Disney will reconsider the rules or even offer this in any new DVC resorts (like Poly).

As I understand it, for the fixed week you buy about 10% more points than you would need for that week if you just looked at the points charts. So this is a plus for Disney since it encourages people to buy more points. But at a resort like VGF (or Poly) do we really think selling points will be an issue?

Second thing - the week is fixed, but since the calendar isn't, if you are aiming for a specific day, like Christmas, New Year's or the marathon, every 7 years you will probably miss that one day. I believe someone posted the guides are mentioning this to people who were looking for Christmas since it's not really guaranteed because of the way the calendar changes each year.

But if you are looking for a TIME rather than a specific date, like early December, or during F&W, etc, then missing one day probably won't make that much of a difference since you can still get the week for the event or time frame since they last more than one day.

So this is a plus for people aiming for a general time frame that might be hard to book otherwise and want to know they have a room at a great resort each year.

But here's where I start wondering about the future of this program. The owner of the fixed week has bought 10% more points, as stated previously. He has the option to cancel his fixed week and convert those points to normal DVC points to be used anywhere, any time. This is the ultimate in flexibility. He is guaranteed his week if he wants it. If not, he's back in the pool with the rest of us.

And, although it might become impossible to do once the resort is up and running, he could even cancel his fixed week, get the points, and then book that same week, at the lower points charts costs of points. And he'd have points left over since that reservation would require fewer points than his fixed week option.

Other than DVC selling a few more points upfront with the fixed week, I really don't see the benefit to them. But I do see a lot more benefits with a fixed week at a WDW resort than at Aulani, given all the special events which appeal to various people. You are guaranteed your reservation with no penalty, and even a benefit (more points to use elsewhere than if you took your week) if you don't use it and stay somewhere else or some other time.

What am I missing here?

Aulani offered the fixed week because the folks from Japan are accustomed to that program. Offering it at VGF tells me that all new resorts will have the same offer to attract even more buyers, people who want the DVC points system and the traditional timeshare fixed week program. IMO the fixed week program is a win win for the reasons that you mentioned. I don't think that we would have purchased VGF if it wasn't for the fixed week.

Bill

 

[jel0511]

I don't believe you are buying 10% more points, just paying 10% more for the fixed week option. For instance say it costs 10k for a week in a studio and you want that week to be fixed. The points required are 250, you'll pay 11k for the fixed week option. If you choose to convert to points you'll receive 250 points, this is how I understand the fixed week option to work.

 

[Breyean]

I don't believe you are buying 10% more points, just paying 10% more for the fixed week option. For instance say it costs 10k for a week in a studio and you want that week to be fixed. The points required are 250, you'll pay 11k for the fixed week option. If you choose to convert to points you'll receive 250 points, this is how I understand the fixed week option to work.

No. Many people, including the PP, who have bought fixed week already explained this. There are a few threads with people discussing this exact thing. You buy more points - you don't pay more per point - than you would need for the week you chose.

I think in the case of one person, he wanted a fixed week studio and the points charts for then were 125 points. He had to buy 139. If he doesn't use the fixed week, he gets all 139 to use. Of course, he has to pay dues on the 139...

 

[BestDadEver]

No. Many people, including the PP, who have bought fixed week already explained this. There are a few threads with people discussing this exact thing. You buy more points - you don't pay more per point - than you would need for the week you chose.

I think in the case of one person, he wanted a fixed week studio and the points charts for then were 125 points. He had to buy 139. If he doesn't use the fixed week, he gets all 139 to use. Of course, he has to pay dues on the 139...

I don't know anything about the fixed week but your saying that anyone that buys a fixed week can elect not to go that week and get the points to use at anytime . And they can do this every year .

I would think that's kind of an issue no .And would think disney have something in place to limit how often you could do that .

 

[Breyean]

I don't know anything about the fixed week but your saying that anyone that buys a fixed week can elect not to go that week and get the points to use at anytime . And they can do this every year .

I would think that's kind of an issue no .And would think disney have something in place to limit how often you could do that .

That's why I asked if I was missing why this makes sense from DVC's perspective.

So far every post, on this board and another Disney oriented board, made by people who have bought the fixed week make it seem as though there are no restrictions on usage.

If you find the actual answer, I'd be interested in knowing, because so far I don't see how DVC benefits.

 

[drusba]

Query: I assume by fixed week it means purchasing a particular numbered week in the year, e.g., the 35th week of the year. But what does DVD consider to be the week: Sunday to Sunday? Saturday to Saturday? Other?

Also, if it is like Sunday to Sunday (or Saturday to Saturday), how is week one determined, e.g., begins first Sunday of the year? and how many designated weeks are there per year, 51, 52?

 

[disneynutz]

That's why I asked if I was missing why this makes sense from DVC's perspective.

So far every post, on this board and another Disney oriented board, made by people who have bought the fixed week make it seem as though there are no restrictions on usage.

If you find the actual answer, I'd be interested in knowing, because so far I don't see how DVC benefits.

The weeks are Sunday to Sunday. As I posted, Disney benefits because people who don't like the point system will now buy using the fixed week program. People who like the point program and buy a fixed week get the benefits of both programs.

Bill

 

[JAM113]

That's why I asked if I was missing why this makes sense from DVC's perspective.

So far every post, on this board and another Disney oriented board, made by people who have bought the fixed week make it seem as though there are no restrictions on usage.

If you find the actual answer, I'd be interested in knowing, because so far I don't see how DVC benefits.

This is correct. We just did it this week. We cannot stay our entire fixed week this year, so we cancelled the reservation, rebooked for 5 of the nights, switched from standard to lake view as we figured we might as well see what the other view looks like while we have the chance, and now have 30 points leftover to bank for next year.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I don't think that we would have purchased VGF if it wasn't for the fixed week.

Bill

So you bought VGF Bill? After how many threads of how you wouldn't without staying and how bad the views were going to be?

JK btw - it certainly looks beautiful.

 

[Caren90]

OK, here is a related question:
If an owner buying a fixed week opts out of their week does that unit go back into the pool for DVC members or does Disney have the first option to sell that week for cash? If the answer is the latter, than this is a HUGE win for Disney. Also, with so many holiday fixed weeks being bought, doesn't it lessen the ability of other VGF point owners chances of getting reservations those weeks? What good is an 11 month early booking window if the rooms are already reserved by fixed week guests or if they go back to DVC for cash reservations?

Stephen

 

[disneynutz]

So you bought VGC Bill? After how many threads of how you wouldn't without staying and how bad the views were going to be?

JK btw - it certainly looks beautiful.

You got me, I was trying to decrease the competition.

What won us over was a couple of things, one being guaranteed the lake view with a fixed week. It's not a great view but it has more water than VWL. We spend a lot of time in our room and at the resort and the standard views we just wouldn't be happy with. We got a peak at the model earlier this month, and we spent time at the resort checking out the sight lines. As soon as we found out that there could only be a maximum of 6 fixed week contracts for our size room and week, and how the program actually worked, that change the urgency. I also think the fixed weeks will catch on for some room sizes and views. December has turned out the be the popular fixed week period.

I told DW, if we hate it, we sell.

Bill

 

[tjkraz]

As I understand it, for the fixed week you buy about 10% more points than you would need for that week if you just looked at the points charts. So this is a plus for Disney since it encourages people to buy more points.

That's enough of a reason right there. Anytime DVC can sell 330 points to a buyer who would otherwise only need 300, it's a "win" for them.

And like Bill said, it's another option to offer buyers who want the guarantee of a fixed unit every year. Yes the dates will change but the reservation is readily available without any 11 month hassles. And the owner can easily opt out if they wish.

It's just a few different lines in the contract and a pre-planned reservation 1x per year. Administratively it costs DVC virtually nothing. Really no downside to them.

If an owner buying a fixed week opts out of their week does that unit go back into the pool for DVC members or does Disney have the first option to sell that week for cash?

It goes back into the pool for points reservations.

 

[Caren90]

Bill, When do you have to let Disney know if you are using your week? Is there a time limit before the points go into holding?

Stephen

 

[JimMIA]

So you bought VGC Bill? After how many threads of how you wouldn't without staying and how bad the views were going to be?

JK btw - it certainly looks beautiful.

I was wondering if someone was gonna call that!

 

[tjkraz]

Bill, When do you have to let Disney know if you are using your week? Is there a time limit before the points go into holding?

Stephen

It's subject to all of the usual limitations. Must opt out at least 31 days out to avoid Holding. But FW contracts still have a traditional Use Year with a banking deadline at the 8th month. Depending upon the Use Year and Fixed Week owned, buyers may need to cancel further out in order to bank the points.

 

[HHISand]

It's subject to all of the usual limitations. Must opt out at least 31 days out to avoid Holding. But FW contracts still have a traditional Use Year with a banking deadline at the 8th month. Depending upon the Use Year and Fixed Week owned, buyers may need to cancel further out in order to bank the points.

I spoke with one of the sales people today and was told that for VGF Fixed Week, the owner would need to opt out of the fixed week 31 days before the use year starts if they do not want to use the fixed week in that use year. He said this without knowing what time of year I might want a Fixed Week. He said the converted points would then work normally with the 8 month banking deadline.

 

[tjkraz]

I spoke with one of the sales people today and was told that for VGF Fixed Week, the owner would need to opt out of the fixed week 31 days before the use year starts if they do not want to use the fixed week in that use year. He said this without knowing what time of year I might want a Fixed Week. He said the converted points would then work normally with the 8 month banking deadline.

That's not consistent with the information I have in-hand:

Those Members who choose to “opt out” of their guaranteed-week reservation for the year must contact Member Services 31 or more days prior to their guaranteed-week reservation arrival date to receive the amount of Vacation Points reflected on their Purchase Agreement and Deed. These Vacation Points will then follow all of the same business and Use Year rules as a floating-use Disney Vacation Club membership (such as the Rule of Four, banking and borrowing) and may be used for all reservations and exchanges, subject to availability, based on the home resort rules and regulations.

 

[Dean]

I spoke with one of the sales people today and was told that for VGF Fixed Week, the owner would need to opt out of the fixed week 31 days before the use year starts if they do not want to use the fixed week in that use year. He said this without knowing what time of year I might want a Fixed Week. He said the converted points would then work normally with the 8 month banking deadline.

It's 31 days before the week starts.

When we bought at Aulani a couple of years ago the fixed week was an option available. But it didn't appeal to us at all.

At VGF, from reading some veteran posters logic behind buying a fixed week, it makes me wonder whether Disney will reconsider the rules or even offer this in any new DVC resorts (like Poly).

As I understand it, for the fixed week you buy about 10% more points than you would need for that week if you just looked at the points charts. So this is a plus for Disney since it encourages people to buy more points. But at a resort like VGF (or Poly) do we really think selling points will be an issue?

Second thing - the week is fixed, but since the calendar isn't, if you are aiming for a specific day, like Christmas, New Year's or the marathon, every 7 years you will probably miss that one day. I believe someone posted the guides are mentioning this to people who were looking for Christmas since it's not really guaranteed because of the way the calendar changes each year.

But if you are looking for a TIME rather than a specific date, like early December, or during F&W, etc, then missing one day probably won't make that much of a difference since you can still get the week for the event or time frame since they last more than one day.

So this is a plus for people aiming for a general time frame that might be hard to book otherwise and want to know they have a room at a great resort each year.

But here's where I start wondering about the future of this program. The owner of the fixed week has bought 10% more points, as stated previously. He has the option to cancel his fixed week and convert those points to normal DVC points to be used anywhere, any time. This is the ultimate in flexibility. He is guaranteed his week if he wants it. If not, he's back in the pool with the rest of us.

And, although it might become impossible to do once the resort is up and running, he could even cancel his fixed week, get the points, and then book that same week, at the lower points charts costs of points. And he'd have points left over since that reservation would require fewer points than his fixed week option.

Other than DVC selling a few more points upfront with the fixed week, I really don't see the benefit to them. But I do see a lot more benefits with a fixed week at a WDW resort than at Aulani, given all the special events which appeal to various people. You are guaranteed your reservation with no penalty, and even a benefit (more points to use elsewhere than if you took your week) if you don't use it and stay somewhere else or some other time.

What am I missing here?

The week resets generally every 6 years. For Xmas that means you'd lose one year with the week ending on 23 or 24 Dec and another with Xmas day being checkout about every 6. I don't think they can actually sell more points total for the year. While it's possible one could cancel and rebook at the lower points, there is risk in doing so. I'm sure some will try it and some will be successful picking up the extra points in the process. IMO IF VGF make sense in the points totals close to those of the fixed weeks and one has a specific time they'd like to hit part of the time, there's really no reason not to do so. DVC is actually being somewhat generous in some situations compared to other timeshares who price them based on the market and not a points chart.

 

[Breyean]

It's 31 days before the week starts.

The week resets generally every 6 years. For Xmas that means you'd lose one year with the week ending on 23 or 24 Dec and another with Xmas day being checkout about every 6. I don't think they can actually sell more points total for the year. While it's possible one could cancel and rebook at the lower points, there is risk in doing so. I'm sure some will try it and some will be successful picking up the extra points in the process. IMO IF VGF make sense in the points totals close to those of the fixed weeks and one has a specific time they'd like to hit part of the time, there's really no reason not to do so. DVC is actually being somewhat generous in some situations compared to other timeshares who price them based on the market and not a points chart.

That's what it seemed like to me as well. A pretty good deal for the owners who don't mind paying for more points, getting a guaranteed week when they plan to travel often, and having no penalty for canceling if they want.