Hi all,
We just returned from Disney and stayed at the Grand Floridian. We have a toddler and family in Florida so this will be an annual trip to Disney for years to come. I have stayed at lots of resorts and the GF is my favorite and my husband loves it too. We went to a DVC open house finally and learned more. We are interested in buying 100 points direct from Disney before the next price increase to get the benefits and adding on the secondary market. DVC veterans- is this a decent sounding plan?
Our other question is about the VGF. We would always go around New Year’s, but know how low the DVC availability is there- would we have issues getting a studio or 1 bedroom booking at the 11 month mark? I would hate to spend the money for the GF and get shut out of staying there. Thoughts?
As others have mentioned -- buy resale first and then worry about getting direct points later. You didn't say exactly what dates you want to stay -- which would drastically change how many points you need.
If you stay Dec.24 through the Jan 1, then a standard studio will cost more than 250 points for those 8 nights.
Review this chart.
https://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/GF-Points.htm
Also -- understand that they CAN and WILL raise studio points at their whim -- without reducing point costs in other rooms. One bedrooms typically cost double what a studio costs in points, so if you think you'll need 250 points for a studio, you'll need 500 for the 1BR.
Lastly, if you're only going once a year and the same time each year -- there's absolutely no reason to buy direct. The ONLY real benefit a direct purchase gives you (at least for the next few days) is an AP discount...but if you're not going at least twice, then you won't be getting an AP...so it's pointless.
With respect to being able to use your points at another future resort -- are you really going to use your VGF points at another spot? Probably not. They're far too valuable. Additionally, if any future resorts are super bad ***, you probably won't be able to get in at 7 months anyways (See VGC).
So in summary -- figure out how much your stay will cost in points -- then add 20% to that to account for any future reallocations, and buy RESALE.
*ETA -- if you still want direct after all of that -- once you own resale, they're more willing to put you on the waitlist for direct points. And you only need 75 -- not 100 -- for member benefits.