Winter Dec 25 - Jan 26 Direct Incentives

[Girlstar30]

January 1 there is a new reservation for blue card holders without having to pay anything or attend wicked wind down.

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...rs/member-experiences/top-of-the-world-lounge

For others.. to be clear my comment about if it was worth buying direct was sarcasm.

Im literally in a room that is categorized as resort view that i can fully see the fireworks from. There is a tree in front that is less than ideal, but its not blocking any fireworks.

How do they come up with these room categorizations?? If I booked tpv and got this room I wouldnt even complain. This is better than preferred imo at resort view prices. At least its keeping my TOTWL fomo at bay because id rather watch them from the room, channel 72

 

[Girlstar30]

This might be an eye-of-the-beholder thing. I was in Kidani in February/March 2024---so that would have been less than two years prior to a hard goods refurb. I don't remember anything I might have complained about. I'll be in Jambo next Feb/March, which will be months prior to the commencement there, so I'll be rolling the dice again. But over the years, I've been in a number of rooms that are later in their refurbishment cycle, and while I usually notice a few things here or there, none of them were important enough that I still remember what they were.

I don't mean to suggest that everyone is happy with the late-cycle rooms. I know that a lot of folks are genuinely unhappy with such units. But, that might be based on expectations. I just moved to a home that was built in 1932. It was lovingly cared for by the prior owners, and in excellent shape. But it also has "character" which is another way to say "it's old." There is only so far lovingly-cared-for will take you.

This is more for folks new to DVC who might be reading along thinking that if the rooms are "that bad" there is no reason to buy. One might infrequently draw a bad room, but at least from where I sit they are well-kept.

AKV Jambo is screaming for a refurbishment imo, the jacuzzi tub jets are It was so bad they apologized and offered free housekeeping the duration of our stay

 

[tx911]

I think I need to stay at cfw before pulling the trigger

I would be careful with that one unless LSL is included!

 

[Girlstar30]

See I thought the AKV studio room was in terrible shape in April of 2025. Well the bathroom not the furnishings since those look to be well made. The shower smelled and I got the ick factor when I had to use it.

Full disclosure. I have lived in newly built homes for the last 20 years. Each my of 5 homes in the last 20 years were built new and I was the first owner of each.

This was our experience this month as well

 

[Girlstar30]

I would be careful with that one unless LSL is included!

Im kidding, I dont like the room setup at all, isnt the bunk bed in the master?? I could be wrong. Also no laundry is a killer, im in a studio now and sad we cant do laundry and I have to microwave my water for tea, oh the horrors

 

[ClaraOswald]

Given that your family really likes Wilderness Lodge… I wonder if you’ll be Lakeside Lodge fans….

I suspect I will be. Right now my husband flat out said "I don't want to but at Lakeside Lodge." But he could change his tune if he saw it. Though I don't think we'd purchase there over VDH.

I will really be curious to see what happens in 2042. If we end up just buying more VGC resale, I suspect we could buy direct at WDW in 2042...if they have any good places or start selling BRV again.

The way I laughed so hard at this, ive already daydreamed about stuffing my christmas lights and inflatables to decorate my cabin in an owners locker I dont have

Well, if you have direct points, you could use them at the cabins once in a while without having to buy there (with their crazy high dues.)

 

[Girlstar30]

I suspect I will be. Right now my husband flat out said "I don't want to but at Lakeside Lodge." But he could change his tune if he saw it. Though I don't think we'd purchase there over VDH.

I will really be curious to see what happens in 2042. If we end up just buying more VGC resale, I suspect we could buy direct at WDW in 2042...if they have any good places or start selling BRV again.



Well, if you have direct points, you could use them at the cabins once in a while without having to buy there (with their crazy high dues.)

Yes me buying the cabins was a joke

 

[airjay75]

Military/Cast Member incentives Poly/Riv...

https://dvcexplorer.com/fin/c/Polynesian_Prospect_CastMilitary.pdf

https://dvcexplorer.com/fin/cm/Riviera_Member_CastMilitary.pdf

Thank you! Added

 

[Genie+]

Just noticed I only subtracted $1500 for MB and not $3000. Oops!

So It's actually $28,800
$192 per point.

And then if you can use the $500 off with D23 that takes it down to $28,300 or just under $189 a point. Not too shabby.

That really is Not Too Shabby

A price benchmark often noted is 2023 VGF summer incentives in the low $160s on 150pts. By the time you add TVM and consider the longer length of contract left on VDH, $189pp is not that far off.

There’s been 6.33% cumulative inflation over that time. Many of us bought back then at $161pp which is the equivalent of $177pp today. After we sold back first year of points with Magical Beginnings, VGF had 41 years left. Right now direct VDH includes 2025’s points for every UY, and even with selling those back via MB there’s still 48 years left of points.

Adjusted for inflation we have:

VGF at $177pp with 41 years left

VDH at $189pp with 48 years left

For the $12pp difference VDH comes with another 7 years worth of points.

Those points are far out in the future so I wouldn’t attribute too much value, but there is some value. Either more time for our family to use it or more ‘meat on the bone’ left if we eventually choose to sell. The extra $12pp at least has something to show for it.

This VDH price looks pretty good relatively speaking.

 

[airjay75]

I used to think there weren't enough benefits for direct members but in really thinking about it i do believe there are. Being resale makes it stand out more. Every time ive come there has been something I could benefit from. Being local to Cali there have been parade viewings, the Stacia Martin meet up. Maybe not too much, but some nice touches.

Heavy discount at restaurants during welcome home weeks, it seems like there's always a MM event going on somewhere, I could be eating at TOTWL tonight, hoop dee holidays, MMB would greatly benefit me for the OTUP, etc.

I know youre already direct, so this is just more me thinking outloud

After 2042 there will no doubt be new crescent lake offerings and thats where the real "I made the right decision" will probably come in.

Im not sure if you like split stays but we can always bank and borrow direct points to stay in the restricted resorts, having up to 450 points at one time with a 150 point direct.

I would be OK with rotating restricted and non restricted resorts for the life of my contract and just buying the minimum needed for blue

Yeah, I hear everything you're saying. I think, for someone who likes or loves Poly, 150 direct points there to get blue card benefits is as close to a no brainer as it gets. You can make up the cost difference between direct and resale with a few years of APs, dining discounts, and some MMs - and, if Poly's resale value holds up, it's about as close as you're going to get to a risk-free proposition (not saying it is risk-free, just as close as you're going to get). The current CCV sale isn't quite as good because resale CCV prices have not kept up with PVB, so you've got more a "drive off the lot" loss, and you need to make sure you're in it for more of the long haul to be worth it. And, of course with the restricted resorts, we all know you shouldn't be buying points there unless you love that resort and want them for the long-term.

My main struggle at the moment is whether it is worth it for more direct points. My direct RIV points are definitely enough - I don't really need more direct points. If I decide I really like LSL, and availability is as I expect it to be, I'll have plenty of points to use there. Then, I have my resale CCV points for O14 resort stays. But, what if I want to have a year where I want to use my points at RIV AND LSL? Or a different future resort? How much value will I place on even more of my points being able to be used everywhere? How much more will I like having more direct points to easily exchange for APs through MMB? (Of course, no guarantee that last benefit will stick around, but it is a pretty nice one right now - the ability to easily monetize your direct points without renting.)

Those are the current direct benefits I'd get value from. But, then, there is what we all know is likely to happen at some point - that is, further devaluation of resale points. How long before MM early registration is only available if your stay is booked using direct points? Could they limit lounge access to stays on direct points? How long before more benefits are added to direct points? Could they offer better exchanges on them in the future?

For me, as someone who already knows I love one of the restricted resorts and plan to stay there many times into the future, I see a lot of value in points being direct for that alone. The resale restrictions are doing their job for someone like me. Is it enough for me to buy more direct points at CCV? I'm not sure the current benefits are enough, but when viewed as a hedge against the potential of future benefits and flexibility, it might be. Of course, that could end up being a bad hedge and waste of money too. Just haven't decided where I land on that yet.

 

[atthebeachclub]

That really is Not Too Shabby

A price benchmark often noted is 2023 VGF summer incentives in the low $160s on 150pts. By the time you add TVM and consider the longer length of contract left on VDH, $189pp is not that far off.

There’s been 6.33% cumulative inflation over that time. Many of us bought back then at $161pp which is the equivalent of $177pp today. After we sold back first year of points with Magical Beginnings, VGF had 41 years left. Right now direct VDH includes 2025’s points for every UY, and even with selling those back via MB there’s still 48 years left of points.

Adjusted for inflation we have:

VGF at $177pp with 41 years left

VDH at $189pp with 48 years left

For the $12pp difference VDH comes with another 7 years worth of points.

Those points are far out in the future so I wouldn’t attribute too much value, but there is some value. Either more time for our family to use it or more ‘meat on the bone’ left if we eventually choose to sell. The extra $12pp at least has something to show for it.

This VDH price looks pretty good relatively speaking.

VDH price is relatively reasonable right now if you are interested in home resort priority there. Welcome Home Weeks + Magical Beginnings this summer brought it to $187/pt (not including closing costs), and this winter promo is only about $5 more per point at 150 points. Seems like a reasonable option for those interested.

 

[Genie+]

VDH price is relatively reasonable right now if you are interested in home resort priority there. Welcome Home Weeks + Magical Beginnings this summer brought it to $187/pt (not including closing costs), and this winter promo is only about $5 more per point at 150 points. Seems like a reasonable option for those interested.

Ah thanks! You actually answered a question I had… What was the best VDH price so far

 

[atthebeachclub]

Ah thanks! You actually answered a question I had… What was the best VDH price so far

I don’t know if it’s the best so far; it’s when I bought so I kept the price sheet! It made a lot of sense then with my December use year.

 

[Girlstar30]

Yeah, I hear everything you're saying. I think, for someone who likes or loves Poly, 150 direct points there to get blue card benefits is as close to a no brainer as it gets. You can make up the cost difference between direct and resale with a few years of APs, dining discounts, and some MMs - and, if Poly's resale value holds up, it's about as close as you're going to get to a risk-free proposition (not saying it is risk-free, just as close as you're going to get). The current CCV sale isn't quite as good because resale CCV prices have not kept up with PVB, so you've got more a "drive off the lot" loss, and you need to make sure you're in it for more of the long haul to be worth it. And, of course with the restricted resorts, we all know you shouldn't be buying points there unless you love that resort and want them for the long-term.

My main struggle at the moment is whether it is worth it for more direct points. My direct RIV points are definitely enough - I don't really need more direct points. If I decide I really like LSL, and availability is as I expect it to be, I'll have plenty of points to use there. Then, I have my resale CCV points for O14 resort stays. But, what if I want to have a year where I want to use my points at RIV AND LSL? Or a different future resort? How much value will I place on even more of my points being able to be used everywhere? How much more will I like having more direct points to easily exchange for APs through MMB? (Of course, no guarantee that last benefit will stick around, but it is a pretty nice one right now - the ability to easily monetize your direct points without renting.)

Those are the current direct benefits I'd get value from. But, then, there is what we all know is likely to happen at some point - that is, further devaluation of resale points. How long before MM early registration is only available if your stay is booked using direct points? Could they limit lounge access to stays on direct points? How long before more benefits are added to direct points? Could they offer better exchanges on them in the future?

For me, as someone who already knows I love one of the restricted resorts and plan to stay there many times into the future, I see a lot of value in points being direct for that alone. The resale restrictions are doing their job for someone like me. Is it enough for me to buy more direct points at CCV? I'm not sure the current benefits are enough, but when viewed as a hedge against the potential of future benefits and flexibility, it might be. Of course, that could end up being a bad hedge and waste of money too. Just haven't decided where I land on that yet.

Honestly if they do stuff when im direct like limit lounge access to direct points stays only, that would make me want direct even less.

Because I wouldnt trust that they wouldnt pull some more bs like only people that own at a trust resort can stay at a trust resort or something like that. They've been good at grandfathering people into what they were getting themselves into so i wouldnt worry about that.

I think a lot of people would be pissed if they play games like that, but we will see if they care

 

[Girlstar30]

Judging by the surveys theyre sending people, I think booking window advantages are coming in the future. How, I dont know.

I think they will make having a trust resort appealing in some ways and imo that will be the ability to have home resort priority in multiple resorts.

They have to make these rising prices appealing as resale costs less and less. Maybe having a trust resort will be the good hedge if your in it for the long haul as I think most of us are I already got three of these old school deeded

 

[VGCgroupie]

The cabins were actually intriguing me this time I know the product isnt for me (maybe) but wow people really go all out.

One guy literally had a frozen theme on his golf cart and a snow blower so his golf cart was snowing. Seems like a really fun place to be during the holidays!

Have you watched the golf cart seasonal parades on you tube? I have a ton of FOMO. I want to be one of those people, but I just dont think we ever will be. Would be so fun to experience once though! I can see why the cabins are so hard to get at the Halloween/Christmas seasons.

 

[Brian Noble]

what if I want to have a year where I want to use my points at RIV AND LSL?

You can't do everything! There is nothing wrong with doing one in year A, and the other in year B. None of these resorts are going anywhere.

 

[Brian Noble]

I want to be one of those people, but I just dont think we ever will be. Would be so fun to experience once though! I can see why the cabins are so hard to get at the Halloween/Christmas seasons.

While there are still so few declared, it might be worth doing as a cash-rental from Disney. They aren't that expensive...relatively speaking, anyway.

 

[Girlstar30]

Have you watched the golf cart seasonal parades on you tube? I have a ton of FOMO. I want to be one of those people, but I just dont think we ever will be. Would be so fun to experience once though! I can see why the cabins are so hard to get at the Halloween/Christmas seasons.

I havent, I need to! I was really impressed with people's decorating! We did the holiday sleigh ride and got to see a few of them. Some of these people have to be local with the amount of decorations

 

[Girlstar30]

My guide also referred to CCV as a "flash sale" when I e-mailed her about it. She also noted that she cannot guarantee they won't sell out before Feb. 9th, the stated end date of the "flash sale."

I mean, they gotta do something to gin up some interest, I suppose. And, they never like hearing that you're going to wait to decide. I'm skeptical that they will sell a whole lot of points with this incentive - it's a decent incentive for a sold out resort, but you can still save quite a bit going resale. It's also only available as an add-on, not to new members. That said, I suppose you never know. I think I've convinced myself to wait until I finish our trip to CCV that is 1/31-2/7. If we enjoy it as much as I think we will, I imagine I'll be opening my wallet for some direct CCV points. If they do decide to pull the sale, well, I guess it wasn't meant to be.

I remember when I was buying akv a "flash sale" came out and it ended after about two and a half weeks, way sooner than the current incentive period, but I *think* the end date being sooner had been announced at the time of sale