News Disney Riviera Resort announced

[nickys]

Why do you think people are buying in at less points?

Excuse me, but "Well duh"!

They want the perks of direct membership for as little as possible. But many of those people are then going out and buying more points resale after a year or two, so it isn't about money perks e, just value for money.

Which I know / think is what you're trying to say. But I don't get this "2 price points" thing. That's only an option resale. And the demand for Riviera will be higher than for CC or even the Poly. I expect very little resale options until post 2021.

 

[dennis-in-ct]

Below or same as BLT/GF/Poly...maybe. Definitely more than BW/BCV. IMO.

Even though DVC seemingly ran out of deluxe resorts to add onto, I don’t think it’s any coincidence that Riviera is so close to DHS with SW opening at the same time. I’d also guess that DVC is footing much of the gondola cost. Who knows, they might not have even happened without Riviera.

Very interested to see how this resort comes out. Doesn’t tempt me to add on to my membership, but nothing has at the insane prices. Think I’ll prefer to continue using my “cheap” SSR points at the deluxe resorts. Same reason I avoid OKW and SSR, just enjoy the amenities and locations much more.

I’m sure DVC is hoping the gondola is the equalizer so they don’t have to lower prices or points.

Speaking of “cheap” SSR points, why wouldn’t someone buy the cheapest resell points they can to buy into DVC?

 

[matt9112]

?? Yep you're rude. What you mean to say is because you would not pay than anyone elsr who would is stupid.

For my 50th my husband and i stayed at the 4 season in Paris. Room set us back 10 grand for 7 days. He had just finished his chemo and we were celebrating. I'm not saying it to brag but we could afford it and we felt it was money well spent.

I am amazed at how people will judge how others spend THEIR dough.

So exactly why is someone who pays the price for the poly a "dingbat" as you call them.

I just want to know if my presence ruins your lobby experience because I am simply a mortal

 

[eliza61nyc]

I just want to know if my presence ruins your lobby experience because I am simply a mortal

lol, I've got armed guards surrounding me, although I'm lactose intolerant after the first mickey bar and dole whip, it's quite possible I could clear the lobby easily.

 

[dennis-in-ct]

I wasn't speaking only about Riviera. I was speaking of DVC in general. They try and sell you that you will make your "investment" back in X years. At $200+ a point, that math is foggy at best. And anyone buying into it, well, you know.

I remember when boardwalk was being sold direct. The cost was about 7K to buy the 150 points. And I remember thinking the total cost of my on-property trip at a Moderate resort was about 1000. Which meant I could visit WDW 7 times on my own. After 7 more trips to WDW, I may not want to come back or I may want to go somewhere else.

An annual pass was about 350. And a room only AP discount was anywhere from 89. To 109 a night depending on the season, and the r/t airfare was 100 to 200(max) depending on the time of year.

The thought of spending 7K on just the ROOM (not tickets or airfare included) AND the dues owed alone would pay for ANOTHER trip to WDW. I couldn’t wrap my head around *why* people would even consider the DVC purchase.

Also at this time, I remember seeing old key west on the resale market for 34. A point. This was also before Disney removed the benefits from resale. The purchase would allow you to book non-disney resorts.

I have come to the conclusion that DVC is ultimately an emotional purchase. It shouldn’t be viewed as a “good deal” - it can’t be no matter how you apply the math. It just isn’t. A person buys DVC because they just want to. Why buy a KIA when you can buy a Mercedes? Same thing. It’s what you WANT and it’s what you can AFFORD. It is not because it’s a “deal”.

 

[nickys]

Speaking of “cheap” SSR points, why wouldn’t someone buy the cheapest resell points they can to buy into DVC?

Many do.

But if you're looking for studios, the availability at 7 months is getting much more difficult. Partly due to the number of people who buy the minimum number of points they need to book the cheapest room types.

Which is why people advise to buy where you would be happy to stay. Even right at the 11th month mark it is all but impossible to book certain room types/ resorts/times of year.

 

[The Mom]

There is no need to insult people who choose to spend their money on things that you, personally, would not - even if you could afford to do so. Unless it is somehow coming out of your wallet/purse.

 

[LAKid53]

Speaking of “cheap” SSR points, why wouldn’t someone buy the cheapest resell points they can to buy into DVC?

Because unless you have a minimum number of direct from DVC points, you are not eligible for all the member benefits. When I bought DVC, the minimum contract was 50 points. Add-ons through DVC are minimum 25 points.

If I wanted to buy into DVC, I'd purchase the minimum through DVC to get all the member benefits and then purchase additional points through third party resellers.

The first resorts' contracts will be expiring in 2042. It will be interesting to see if DVC offers us current owners an extension and how much that will cost.

 

[wdisney9000]

I have come to the conclusion that DVC is ultimately an emotional purchase. It shouldn’t be viewed as a “good deal” - it can’t be no matter how you apply the math. It just isn’t. A person buys DVC because they just want to. Why buy a KIA when you can buy a Mercedes? Same thing. It’s what you WANT and it’s what you can AFFORD. It is not because it’s a “deal”.

I have to counter that and say that for some (not all) it isnt emotional, it is just extremely cost effective *if you know you plan on visiting more than once each year. You can get a resale at SSR for appx $19k for 200 points. That will allow you apx 15-17 nights per year in a studio room (depending what time of year you visit). A studio room at SSR with an AP discount averages $285 per night (on the low end). That equals appx $4,200 per year. The $19k price of DVC at SSR has paid for itself within 4.5 years. After 4.5 years, you re basically staying for free.

Annual dues you say?? Annual Dues will cost you a little over $1k per year. Considering that now it costs $20 per night to park at a deluxe, that comes out to $300 per year (15 nights x $20 per night), you save as a DVC member which helps offset the annul dues fee. We live close enough to drive (6-7 hour drive) and we always drive. You can buy points from other DVC members who are selling at a low price ($14-16 per point) and just rent them out at $18-20 per point. That would yield appx $500 if you buy 100 points and rent them out. Between that and the money you save on parking, it essentially covers 80% of your annual dues. Or even if you just pay the annual dues out of pocket, it costs under $100 per month.

I am not saying that this plan is for everybody. But it works great for us. I am sure there are many others like us who visit several times a year and will do so for many years to come. Had we done it years ago, we would have saved a lot of money. My wife and I have been visiting for well over 13 years. We had been renting points since 2011 and spent well over $15k in the last 7 years renting points alone until we decided to finally to take the DVC plunge.

 

[GoofGoof]

For my 50th my husband and i stayed at the 4 season in Paris. Room set us back 10 grand for 7 days. He had just finished his chemo and we were celebrating. I'm not saying it to brag but we could afford it and we felt it was money well spent.

I am amazed at how people will judge how others spend THEIR dough.

I agree on your general point. I drive a practical car, don’t usually buy the latest gizmos and gadgets when they first come out, dress “economically” and live generally at or below my means in most ways. The one place I spend money like a drunken sailor is on vacations. It’s almost always worth it to me to upgrade to a better room view or stay at a slightly nicer place. I don’t really care if people think it’s stupid or not. It’s my money.

Disney is a really expensive vacation overall. DVC gives you the option to potentially save some money vs paying the cash hotel rate assuming you go frequently enough and you want to stay in a deluxe resort. With the direct price at $200 per point it’s hard to justify the purchase based purely on economics. If you just compare paying for a hotel room vs becoming an owner the breakeven point is really far away if ever. In my example of an upgraded room view my 2 options may be view of the parking lot or a view of the ocean for more money. The only way I’m going to see the ocean is to pay the extra money. With DVC you always have the option of either renting points or paying for the same or a very similar cash room. You don’t need to be an owner to stay at most of those resorts. That’s why the economics don’t work.

There are some non-economic factors as well. Things like access to owners lounges or events or the sense of pride in ownership. Those factors can’t be quantified and are pretty subjective. Based purely on math alone the numbers don’t work anymore.

 

[LAKid53]

Not sure I get the point of this?

The only option to buy into Riviera initially will be direct. And like I said in another reply, before I saw the continuing debate, many Riviera buyers will be adding on with 25 or 50 points. Others will buy 75 as new buyers.

Very, very few will be buying 200 points direct. IMO.

I imagine they'll have a timeframe of about 2 years to have sold something like 70% of points. With SW:GE and the other new stuff opening 2020/2021 , I think it will sell without problems. People are buying in with a lot less points than they used to, which is putting pressure on studio availability in particular.

There is very little at this new DVC resort that will entice me to add-on points here. I have contracts in all MK resorts but BLT, which I'm not interested in. I'd add-on to one of them through resale before I'd buy into Riviera Beach. Stayed at CBR several times. Resort didn't impress me. I know Disney is upgraded the food court and Shutters. But they've got a ways to go to match what GF, Poly, BLT, Boulder Ridge/Copper Creek and the Epcot DVC resorts offer....and not just in dining options.

Frankly, imho, Disney/DVC made a mistake in tearing down buildings at CBR to build a new resort. Was there insufficient land available to build in that area? You've taken cash rooms out of inventory at a low end moderate...and Disney needs more moderate inventory.

 

[LAKid53]

I have to counter that and say that for some (not all) it isnt emotional, it is just extremely cost effective *if you know you plan on visiting more than once each year. You can get a resale at SSR for appx $19k for 200 points. That will allow you apx 15-17 nights per year in a studio room (depending what time of year you visit). A studio room at SSR with an AP discount averages $285 per night (on the low end). That equals appx $4,200 per year. The $19k price of DVC at SSR has paid for itself within 4.5 years. After 4.5 years, you re basically staying for free.

Annual dues you say?? Annual Dues will cost you a little over $1k per year. Considering that now it costs $20 per night to park at a deluxe, that comes out to $300 per year (15 nights x $20 per night), you save as a DVC member which helps offset the annul dues fee. We live close enough to drive (6-7 hour drive) and we always drive. You can buy points from other DVC members who are selling at a low price ($14-16 per point) and just rent them out at $18-20 per point. That would yield appx $500 if you buy 100 points and rent them out. Between that and the money you save on parking, it essentially covers 80% of your annual dues. Or even if you just pay the annual dues out of pocket, it costs under $100 per month.

I am not saying that this plan is for everybody. But it works great for us. I am sure there are many others like us who visit several times a year and will do so for many years to come. Had we done it years ago, we would have saved a lot of money. My wife and I have been visiting for well over 13 years. We had been renting points since 2011 and spent well over $15k in the last 7 years renting points alone until we decided to finally to take the DVC plunge.

I agree. I looked at how frequently we travel, length of stay for each trip and type of resort/room we stayed in. DVC made sense. And I bought when DVC was offering points at a discount for the resort I wanted.

My daughter and SIL are planning to have a child in the next 12 months. Knowing that we now have access to the resorts and room type we like for the next 50 years is a big plus. I won't be around when my last contract expires, but I've left my family 1-2 WDW vacations or cruises a year until 2067 or thereabouts.

 

[GoofGoof]

There is very little at this new DVC resort that will entice me to add-on points here. I have contracts in all MK resorts but BLT, which I'm not interested in. I'd add-on to one of them through resale before I'd buy into Riviera Beach. Stayed at CBR several times. Resort didn't impress me. I know Disney is upgraded the food court and Shutters. But they've got a ways to go to match what GF, Poly, BLT, Boulder Ridge/Copper Creek and the Epcot DVC resorts offer....and not just in dining options.

Frankly, imho, Disney/DVC made a mistake in tearing down buildings at CBR to build a new resort. Was there insufficient land available to build in that area? You've taken cash rooms out of inventory at a low end moderate...and Disney needs more moderate inventory.

They are adding rooms at Coronado so the total number of moderate rooms may be close to a wash.

 

[GoofGoof]

I have come to the conclusion that DVC is ultimately an emotional purchase. It shouldn’t be viewed as a “good deal” - it can’t be no matter how you apply the math. It just isn’t. A person buys DVC because they just want to. Why buy a KIA when you can buy a Mercedes? Same thing. It’s what you WANT and it’s what you can AFFORD. It is not because it’s a “deal”.

DVC can be a good deal (or at least it could in the past) if you compare it to cash rates at a deluxe resort. When you compare it to value or even moderate it’s not likely to be a bargain. So it’s not comparing a Kia to a Mercedes it’s comparing buying a Mercedes today (DVC) vs leasing one with a series of 1 year leases (paying cash rates). Either way you get the Mercedes it’s just a different way to pay for it.

 

[LAKid53]

They are adding rooms at Coronado so the total number of moderate rooms may be close to a wash.

I hope that's true. Based upon the photos of the renovated rooms and other resort upgrades, that resort is going to be even more popular.

 

[seascape]

I hope that's true. Based upon the photos of the renovated rooms and other resort upgrades, that resort is going to be even more popular.

Actually the number of moderate rooms will increase.

 

[LAKid53]

DVC can be a good deal (or at least it could in the past) if you compare it to cash rates at a deluxe resort. When you compare it to value or even moderate it’s not likely to be a bargain. So it’s not comparing a Kia to a Mercedes it’s comparing buying a Mercedes today (DVC) vs leasing one with a series of 1 year leases (paying cash rates). Either way you get the Mercedes it’s just a different way to pay for it.

I agree. We stayed at WL on a great discounted rate and never went back to moderates or values. And that was the 1st resort I bought into at a fantastic discounted direct from DVC resale - for lucky. Had to wait a couple of months, but worth it.

 

[LAKid53]

Actually the number of moderate rooms will increase.

Even better

 

[eliza61nyc]

My story is pretty similar. I had been to Disney when I was a pre teen when it first open but back then, I don't think we even entertained staying "onsite", there was only I think the Contemporary and the Poly.

When I returned for the first visit with my family we stayed at the cabins at Ft Wilderness. Love at first sight. we enjoyed the extra space, the full kitchen and the deck with a grill. It definitely made travelling with 3 small kids really nice. We joined dvc in 2001, before 9/11 so I don't think Disney had all the discounts they have now but we knew immediately that we always wanted a full kitchen when we came so going DVC was perfect. At the time they were pre selling the Beach club, my coworker had just purchased at the Boardwalk (also direct) so we crunched the numbers and purchased.

For us it was not about the "deals". we knew that if we wanted to save money there were more economical ways to go to Disney. for us it was strickly about the ability to travel annually and stay like we wanted to. lol, once my late husband walked out the back of the resort right to Epcot it was game over.

Now looking back I can see the cost savings, last year I took maybe 9 family members, would I have done that out of pocket? this year I've got 3 trips on tap. first one is with my friends of 35 years. 4 of us staying in a 2 bedroom at Kidandi village, then in August it's a trip with the minions (5, 20 somethings, may God have mercy on my soul). lol

But I will say I have on many occasions and will probably do so again, made purchases that were probably not the most economical way to go. Not every aspect of my life is governed by the bottom line.

2 weeks to go!! doing happy snoppy dance.

 

[HauntedPirate]

Not sure if the rooms being added at Coronado will be priced to "replace" the rooms that have been lost at CBR, when the PR release only mentions "suites and concierge-level services". I'd guess at least half of the tower rooms will be standard rooms, but the higher rooms will likely be more expensive.