Grand Floridian Villas

[ParentsOf4]

I agree. I think it will be at $165 by this time next year. I am surprised that they don't have the info on the main WDW site or even the DVC site yet, though. If they did, it would be promoted a lot more.

I think everyone was surprised by the $145/point starting price for current DVC members. I was expecting $195/point.

Instead, the surprise was the high initial MF along with the inflated points chart. For example, a VGF standard studio is 17 points/night in October vs. 15 points/night at BLT (much lower MF) or 10 points/night at BWV (similar MF). These really take the "bargain" out of the $145/point purchase price. Taking everything into account, VGF is still the most expensive DVC resort in Orlando but I don't think this surprises anyone.

I think you're right. I'll be surprised if VGF is not at least $165/point by the end of the year. With only 2.5M points to sell and an improving economy, it's hard to imagine Disney needing to offer discounts to bring the price below $145/point. If you're going to buy direct at VGF, now could be the time.

Otherwise, maybe just wait for the Poly? The more I read about it, the more is sounds like the Poly will be the DVC crown jewel in Orlando.

 

[AmongMadPeople]

Otherwise, maybe just wait for the Poly? The more I read about it, the more is sounds like the Poly will be the DVC crown jewel in Orlando.

That's what we're doing. I like the rooms, and we'll try for something at 7 months for our next trip. However, I don't like the transportation situation at the Grand Floridian, it would truly take a walkway to the MK to get me to reconsider a small add on. I'm crossing my fingers that when Poly starts selling, we aren't looking at prices approaching $200. At the current pace of increases, I could see it happening though. Also hoping that since its not the flagship, Polynesian point requirements will be more in line with BLT.

 

[riess424]

I agree. I think it will be at $165 by this time next year. I am surprised that they don't have the info on the main WDW site or even the DVC site yet, though. If they did, it would be promoted a lot more.

If you go onto the DVC members site and click on GF they do have the $145 listed with it going up to $150. You just have to search around a little bit on GF section

 

[GoofGoof]

That's what we're doing. I like the rooms, and we'll try for something at 7 months for our next trip. However, I don't like the transportation situation at the Grand Floridian, it would truly take a walkway to the MK to get me to reconsider a small add on. I'm crossing my fingers that when Poly starts selling, we aren't looking at prices approaching $200. At the current pace of increases, I could see it happening though. Also hoping that since its not the flagship, Polynesian point requirements will be more in line with BLT.

I agree. Poly and CR are similar priced for regular hotel rooms. I hope the DVC points are around the same. It may come down to room sizes and amenities. VGF rooms are the largest DVCs outside of OKW and they are nicely done. The only downside I see is not having the extra bathroom in the villas like BLT and some of AKV. The TV in the bathroom mirrors is a cool touch. If Poly rooms are more in line with BLT as far as size goes I think the prices should be comparable. Probably not going to debut at $145 a point. If its $150 or under I'm in as soon as they go on sale

 

[Disneykidder]

I'm with @GoofGoof. If prices are around the same as VGF then I am in for add~ons, too. I've always wanted to stay there. We love Hawaii and we love the restaurants at the Poly and the grounds. I think it will be the creme de la creme and I want in at the 11 month mark!! I'm stoked about it! I know there is a lot of debate about too many DVCs popping up but I think that this one will be perfect!! I

I must say that I am impressed that DVC is offering VGF at a lower price to current DVC owners (at least until 6/19)...kind touch.

 

[captainkidd]

Just from the quick glance of the rooms, the living area and master bedroom look stunning. The tub, and kitchen - Eh, not so much.

 

[captainkidd]

Did you see the TV built into the master bedroom mirror?

No, I didn't. Do you have a link?

 

[ParentsOf4]

No, I didn't. Do you have a link?

Check out the following link:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/grand-floridian/maps-a-photos

Looks like the mirrors have TV's in both studios and the villas.

 

[captainkidd]

I really don't know how I feel. I LOVE the rooms at the GF, but these ones leave me a bit cold. They seem like they'd be better suited at BLT, at least the bathrooms anyway.

 

[ScoutN]

Check out the following link:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/grand-floridian/maps-a-photos

Looks like the mirrors have TV's in both studios and the villas.

That is a waste. I would call it that even if it was visible from the pickle pinching location.

 

[Phonedave]

I got the email too. I don't have a rep so it just comes from the generic DVC mailing list. I'm surprised it didn't go up more than $5. I wouldn't be surprised if it hits $165 by the end of the year or this time next year.

I never got an email. But I did get a thing in the mail. It is a fold out thing - very hard to explain, it is folded in the middle and the folded the other way, and the whole thing unfolds to become this big sales pitch.

-dave

 

[Sumrdog]

I never got an email. But I did get a thing in the mail. It is a fold out thing - very hard to explain, it is folded in the middle and the folded the other way, and the whole thing unfolds to become this big sales pitch.

-dave

I got that thing yesterday. I thought it was very difficult to read and a huge waste of paper...

 

[Phonedave]

I got that thing yesterday. I thought it was very difficult to read and a huge waste of paper...

Me too. I was reading it at out kitchen table, which is a little bistro set. I had to get up and go to the dining room so I could spread it out on a table.


-dave

 

[Sumrdog]

Me too. I was reading it at out kitchen table, which is a little bistro set. I had to get up and go to the dining room so I could spread it out on a table.


-dave

Haha...I think the marketing group totally dropped the ball on that mailer. I too had to relocate from my breakfast bar to fully unfold it.

 

[Disneykidder]

I never got an email. But I did get a thing in the mail. It is a fold out thing - very hard to explain, it is folded in the middle and the folded the other way, and the whole thing unfolds to become this big sales pitch.

-dave

I got that yesterday, too. I like the floorplan and they even say that the price will go up to the general public. I just wish we had gotten it two weeks ago.

 

[GoofGoof]

I never got an email. But I did get a thing in the mail. It is a fold out thing - very hard to explain, it is folded in the middle and the folded the other way, and the whole thing unfolds to become this big sales pitch.

-dave

I got the weird fold up thing too. Kinda cool but still not buying in.

 

[Tiggerish]

I'm now anxiously awaiting this VGF mailing...haven't gotten it yet, although I have no intention of buying in.

 

[slappy magoo]

I think everyone was surprised by the $145/point starting price for current DVC members. I was expecting $195/point.

To be honest, I wasn't surprised. I figured the point charts would be somewhat/significantly higher than all the other Orlando resorts, but not necessarily the price. Because there aren't as many points available, this makes more sense. This way fewer of the current DVC members will opt to try to get into VGF at the seven month window, as it will require more points or a shorter stay. A one bedroom villa for a week before 12/23 is 268 OR 321 points. Comparable to the higher end rooms in VAK or BLT but much more than lesser views in either of those locations and miles away from any of the other 1BRs.YMMV depending on the size of the accommodation you need, but I can't imagine a whole lot of members arranging a trip at the 11 month window, and then at the 7 month window trying to swap into VGF for the same length of time and shelling out all those extra points (which could be used for trips later! Assuming they have the points to use or borrow!), or making the trip shorter (NOOOO!) or paying cash for the amount of nights not covered by the amount of points available (Wait, HOW MUCH? But that's total, right? A NIGHT! LIZBETH I'M COMIN" TO JOIN YOU!).

 

[ParentsOf4]

To be honest, I wasn't surprised. I figured the point charts would be somewhat/significantly higher than all the other Orlando resorts, but not necessarily the price. Because there aren't as many points available, this makes more sense. This way fewer of the current DVC members will opt to try to get into VGF at the seven month window, as it will require more points or a shorter stay. A one bedroom villa for a week before 12/23 is 268 OR 321 points. Comparable to the higher end rooms in VAK or BLT but much more than lesser views in either of those locations and miles away from any of the other 1BRs.YMMV depending on the size of the accommodation you need, but I can't imagine a whole lot of members arranging a trip at the 11 month window, and then at the 7 month window trying to swap into VGF for the same length of time and shelling out all those extra points (which could be used for trips later! Assuming they have the points to use or borrow!), or making the trip shorter (NOOOO!) or paying cash for the amount of nights not covered by the amount of points available (Wait, HOW MUCH? But that's total, right? A NIGHT! LIZBETH I'M COMIN" TO JOIN YOU!).

VGF has no dedicated studios and only 47 lock-offs. Booking a Studio for more than a day or two will be close to impossible unless you own there. Everyone else is going to be forced into a very pricey 1-bedroom villa, assuming they can get it.

With 47 dedicated 2-bedroom villas, those might be the easiest to book. But even a Standard View is 46 points/night for the slowest season (compared to, for example, 30 points for BWV).

VGF is going to eat through the points of anyone who tries to stay there.

 

[slappy magoo]

Not sure if this was mentioned in this thread, but apparently, DVC is giving VGF owners an option of paying an extra 10% and getting "locked in" weeks with an opt-out. So you could buy the points necessary for a studio in VGF for, say, the third week in August, play the extra 10% premium, and you'll always be automatically booked for a studio in VGF the third week in August. You'd have to call and cancel your plans to not have it.

I'm sure it won't happen, but I wonder what they'd do if so many people went for this option that there were literally not enough studios to go around.