What do you features do you lose when you buy DVC resale?

[baddagger]

Hello,

Over the weekend went and looked at 6 different hotels and interested in between Bay towers, Wilderness lodge and grand Floridian.

Im kind of leaning towards Bay towers with the theme park view, but also interested in the lounge on the 16th floor that only dvc members can enter(even though i could not see it when i took the tour). If i buy resale would i lose access to that? On big thing why im interested in the lounge is for the view for fireworks

 

[zavandor]

Access to the BLT lounge is not guaranteed for anyone, not ever direct purchasers. It has been closed for a long time during and after the pandemic peak and currently requires a reservation for a paid event to go up to watch the fireworks. That event is currently (I think) only for direct purchasers.

The main thing you lose is the possibility to book at Riviera and all future resorts that will be built and sold with the same resale restrictions as Riviera. We still don't know if the new Disneyland Tower or if Poly 2 will have the resale restrictions (my bet: yes for the Disneyland Hotel tower, yes for Poly 2 if it's a separate Condominium association, not otherwise).
You also lose access to special events (like Moonlight Magic night events or film previews) and discounts (20% on merchandise, 10% off table service).
And if the APs are back, direct purchasers used to get a discount or the possibility to buy the same pass as Florida residents (the old Gold pass and the new Sorcerer).

But as you can see with the AP and the lounge, none of those perks are guaranteed and can go away at any moment. Buying direct just for the perks may cost more than the savings. Access to the newest resorts may be a concern, but currently it's only one out of 15 and we are not even sure if other resorts will have the same restrictions. If you get a good deal on a resale contract, I'd say: go for it.

 

[Spinster Travel]

The Top of the World Lounge is only available to those members who are entitled to "Member Extras" aka "the blue card". Until its reopening, it was open to all DVC members regardless. If you are not already a "Blue Card" DVC member, you'd have to purchase a minimum of 150 points Direct to qualify. As many can attest, benefits can and do change. I have a mixture of Direct and Resale points, but do not own enough Direct Points to qualifty for Member Extras so I am locked out of the lounges (Top of the World and Epcot Member Lounge) and have to pay full price for my Annual Pass. I am able to get the annual pass because I never cancelled mine during COVID and right now the only pass available is the cheapest pass and only Florida Residents can purchase that pass. Buying Direct just for the Member Extras is a risky proposition because all the things you thing are important, can go away at any time. If you are comfortable with that risk, than by all means go direct, but Bay Lake Tower will cost you a hefty dime compared to Resale and the other resorts that Disney is actively selling. VGF with the incentives is a better buy. Good luck!

 

[BamaGuy44]

Access to the BLT lounge is not guaranteed for anyone, not ever direct purchasers. It has been closed for a long time during and after the pandemic peak and currently requires a reservation for a paid event to go up to watch the fireworks. That event is currently (I think) only for direct purchasers.

I'm pretty sure a reservation isn't required to use TOTWL. But without it your spot isn't guaranteed. And it's not just for direct purchasers, resale contracts bought before Riviera went on sale are grandfathered into "Blue card" status. BUT in OP's case, buying resale will indeed lock them out of the lounge.

OP, to me the only worthwhile benefits of blue card would be not being locked out of Riviera and future resorts (possibly), the ease and speed of purchase, and the merch/dining discounts (obviously these would never make up the cost difference, but nice to have) . I had never even heard of TOTWL until last year when I started researching DVC. And I've been to WDW 20+ times, so clearly I can do without it. I get the appeal of it though.

We don't do enough park days per year to care about APs, never had one. But I can see where the discount would be a big deal to families who are able to take advantage of it.

Having said that, my next purchase will be direct pretty much due to FOMO, and the fact that with the strong incentives on RIV and VGF (and hopefully Poy2), and the current state of the resale market, the cost gap isn't so wide as in the past. For any resort without really good incentives, I couldn't justify direct.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

One feature you lose buying resale is cash in your pocket.

Riviera resale is a special issue; if you buy RIV resale you can only book RIV, forever, no 7-month booking elsewhere.

The financials to buy several 2042 resorts direct just don't make sense relative to cost and the sketch Direct Benefits. It makes no sense to buy BWV or BCV direct (or even to buy them resale as sleeparound points). For some other resorts, there are arguments either way direct and resale, but the arguments tend to emotional (not financial).

 

[Sandisw]

I'm pretty sure a reservation isn't required to use TOTWL. But without it your spot isn't guaranteed. And it's not just for direct purchasers, resale contracts bought before Riviera went on sale are grandfathered into "Blue card" status. BUT in OP's case, buying resale will indeed lock them out of the lounge.

OP, to me the only worthwhile benefits of blue card would be not being locked out of Riviera and future resorts (possibly), the ease and speed of purchase, and the merch/dining discounts (obviously these would never make up the cost difference, but nice to have) . I had never even heard of TOTWL until last year when I started researching DVC. And I've been to WDW 20+ times, so clearly I can do without it. I get the appeal of it though.

We don't do enough park days per year to care about APs, never had one. But I can see where the discount would be a big deal to families who are able to take advantage of it.

Having said that, my next purchase will be direct pretty much due to FOMO, and the fact that with the strong incentives on RIV and VGF (and hopefully Poy2), and the current state of the resale market, the cost gap isn't so wide as in the past. For any resort without really good incentives, I couldn't justify direct.

To clarify, resale purchases bought after April 2016 lost access to membership extras…it wasn’t tied to RIV.

What changed with RIV were the resale restrictions on where one can use points.

 

[BamaGuy44]

To clarify, resale purchases bought after April 2016 lost access to membership extras…it wasn’t tied to RIV.

What changed with RIV were the resale restrictions on where one can use points.

Ah, fair point. I should just wait for you to clarify these things for people, you're much better at it

 

[Sandisw]

Ah, fair point. I should just wait for you to clarify these things for people, you're much better at it

Not to worry…keep it all straight can be hard.

 

[Ruttangel]

The TOTWL is not exactly the perfect viewing location for fireworks. You are definitely off centre so can look a bit strange perspective. A unique and interesting view but not perfect. I actually prefer Ohana or Narcoossees view or just bite the bullet and go in the park.
Or even Use the money saved on resale to do the boat dessert party in the lagoon.

 

[MJJME]

The key is to buy a mix to get the benefits and save some $......Buy the minimum amount to get the benefits (I think its now 100 points) and buy the remainder points you want in resale (just make sure to get the same use year)

 

[CarolynFH]

Buy the minimum amount to get the benefits (I think its now 100 points)

It's currently 150 points, in one contract for new members, can be split into multiple contracts by existing members (even resale) who are adding on.

 

[jscottnc]

Buying direct at VGF may not be totally unreasonable. The incentives bring the price per point almost within reach of resale prices, if you buy a lot of points. I expect some perks to come back when Disney needs to generate "guest demand".

 

[Nursemanit]

I will second the observation that the fireworks view is really at a bad angle especially when it rains. You can view them better from the walkway to BLT for free

I will recommend strongly the Woodsman or Huntman? Drink at TOTWL if you like Old Fashioneds - it is a very heavy spice but I like that in a drink. Just ask for the one that is the Kitchen Spiced Old Fashioned

The food is Meh - I would skip the reservations and just go for a drink.

 

[pianomanzano]

Buying direct at VGF may not be totally unreasonable. The incentives bring the price per point almost within reach of resale prices, if you buy a lot of points. I expect some perks to come back when Disney needs to generate "guest demand".

Current incentives aren’t that great for new members at VGF, it’s $200+/pt at 200 points and 198/pt at 300 pts. So still a 30-40 dollars spread compared to resale.

 

[heynowirv]

The key is to buy a mix to get the benefits and save some $......Buy the minimum amount to get the benefits (I think its now 100 points) and buy the remainder points you want in resale (just make sure to get the same use year)

It's 150 points for direct benefits.

 

[dvc lover 1970]

the perks you loose resale are the followings: no blue card, no ability to book RIV or future dvc resorts. Blue card benefits include 10% off at certain restaurants, and 20% off on merchandise (I think disney visa perk is similar to this). the major perk are the annual passes, but who knows when those will go on sale again. Honestly, given your preference of resorts, I would purchase resale at either BLT or VGF

 

[Nursemanit]

the perks you loose resale are the followings: no blue card, no ability to book RIV or future dvc resorts. Blue card benefits include 10% off at certain restaurants, and 20% off on merchandise (I think disney visa perk is similar to this). the major perk are the annual passes, but who knows when those will go on sale again. Honestly, given your preference of resorts, I would purchase resale at either BLT or VGF

I saved $37 on dining and $36 on merch, and $17 on an experience in a one-week trip. That number will go up for large families I am just one person.

There is no DVC discount at TOTWL , or any of the F&W booths ( except for one in Canada?)

The restaurants at Swan and Dolphin have dropped their participation in the DVC discount ( they were 20%)

Basin gave me 15% on my smelly soap.

The lounge in Epcot is a true perk - I used that waiting for the downtime on Cosmic Rewind.

You have to ask - unless you do mobile checkout for merch which auto adds the discount. Only the shops at the GF, LeCellier , and Steakhouse 71 asked me if I had DVC which was nice.

The Epcot lounge, Enchanted Rose, and Steakhouse 71 asked for a photo ID to match my DVC ID on the phone. So if you are the main member carry ID.