Is the Disneyland Hotel DVC Worth It? Cost Analysis for DVC Member Pricing + Magical Beginnings

Sales have begun for the newest Disney Vacation Club resort - the Villas at Disneyland Hotel. VDH went on sale to existing DVC members first, and there are some great offers available. Today I'll be taking a deep dive into the numbers for these offers, and discussing whether it's worth it to buy at this new DVC property, and how to get the best possible deal on this brand new Disneyland DVC resort. I help you to determine how to get the best per point price, calculate your savings on DVC reservations vs. cash stays at the Disneyland Hotel, and maximize your savings on your DVC purchase. I also calculate the potential savings with the Spring 2023 Magical Beginnings offer. I do all the math so you don't have to!
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0:00 Intro
1:56 Resale Restrictions
3:12 Transient Occupancy Tax Explanation
3:58 Rooms, Location, Cost
4:45 Promotional Offer for Existing DVC Members
5:58 Maintenance Fees/Dues
6:52 Transient Occupancy Tax Cost
8:50 Comparison of VDH Studio & Disneyland Hotel Room Costs
9:51 Cost Breakdown for 150 Point Purchase
11:59 Per Point Cost for a VDH Studio
12:34 Disneyland Hotel Cash Booking Cost
14:50 How to Save More With the Spring Magical Beginnings Offer
17:51 Who Should Buy VDH?
Images from Disney Vacation Club

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Are you tempted to buy at this resort? Are these incentives enough to motivate you to purchase here?

[@sade66119]

I did buy in at 150 points, the historic resale value over at Grand Californian swayed me. I believe there is a unique resale market in CA that doesn't exist in Florida. There are less units available in CA than in FL, and Anaheim is not allowing Disney to build "new" hotels on their property. So, I think that in the future, once all of these points are sold, the resale value will increase.

[@sade66119]

Additionally, we had to get some forms notarized, and they were booked up until a couple weeks ago, we originally bought in May. Our DVC guide told us not to worry about the wait, they've been selling the contracts at the new resort like crazy that's causing a slight delay in getting contracts notarized.

[@PDXJKS]

We bought in. Disneyland is our home resort and I have always loved the retro vibes of that space. We were bummed about the transient tax but I think over the life of the contract, we won’t regret it!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Given the historical pricing of VGC, it’s pretty likely to be in-demand. Congrats on your purchase!

[@Bobswatercooler]

Ohhh sooooo tempting!! Add-on-itus is for real!!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yep. It’s tempting to add on a small contract here.

[@thegoat8319]

Thank you for doing the math!

[@Dangerman64]

I am kicking around the idea of buying into dvc at the villas. We already vacation about 10 days a year. We checked the point chart and fou d the most optimal point distribution thorugh yhe year for our schedule. Wish the video wasnt just about current dvc members buying in but also talked about how it would differ for new members.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

At the time of this video, we didn't yet know the pricing for new members so that's the main difference. Sounds like it may be a good fit based on your travel habits.

[@Chunkymonkey309]

This was such a helpful video. Thank you!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Thanks so much for watching! 😎

[@atropos0754]

I was waiting for your logic and math. Thank you😊

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Well, hello there! 👋 Thanks so much for watching!

[@tdub8361]

I was definitely going to buy, then decided not to due to the high dues and TOT, then bought 50 points lol! I love the design and being in the bubble

[@Bobswatercooler]

I might be right with you on that 😅

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I can’t complain when I see my husband make this comment! I hope he means it! 😆

[@RockSpuds]

Love it! We did 150 🎉 historically we have done Disneyland more than Disney World, now being owners at both i see us going east and south equally. Flights to Orlando from salt lake are most of the time the same price as into orange county or long beach. Also, many in our family will be using out VDH points, I can see us adding a few more once we see what the resale values end up at. Keep up the great work

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Congrats! That’s great that you’ll have flex to visit both coasts.

[@JeffA_]

Thank you for breaking it down. I took a look a couple days ago and very impressive in person.

[@JeffA_]

Exterior only… of course 😉

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I was going to say... have you been snooping around? Take us with you! 😆

[@thegoat8319]

Also consider that the magical beginnings payment for points would be taxed as income.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

That is an excellent point! Thanks for mentioning that.

[@Bobswatercooler]

On the plus side you wouldn’t have to pay that till tax time hehe 😜

[@codymatsuda2774]

We are in Hawaii and the Aulani is our home resort. Trying to use points at the Grand Californian or Disneyland during popular times like Halloween and Christmas proved to be a blunder. So we jumped in and we are not looking back. We gained a new home resort and are able to have the ahead of time booking and that is what we value because we of course have to fly there. =) aloha!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

We haven't visited Aulani yet, so I'm really looking forward to going some time in the next few years. I can see why the 11 month booking window would be a priority for you. Congrats on the new contract!

[@echen71]

I think you need an update on VDH just before Grand Opening and then 3 months after. Love your work, keep it up!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yeah, I probably do. Unfortunately I won't be able to get out there any time soon to see it in person. Thanks so much for watching!

[@timc.8391]

Your videos that explain the cost of DVC are so wonderful and helpful, thank you. BTW, I have zero interest in buying at this resort, the resale restrictions and TOT confirmed why I don't buy direct

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Who knew people would want me to do math for them on KZbin?! 😆 Thanks so much for watching! 👋

[@vocaljazzfan]

We've been waiting anxiously since they announced it several years ago. The ToT we hadn't thought about but well.. going to pay it in California - it's not a Disney thing. Too bad Disney didn't negotiate it lower like they did with VGC though. But we'll just budget for it and on we go with the original purchase plan. We bought in on day 1 and are excited for booking day May 16! It will be nice to have points at both VGC and VDH. I can see some split stays - tee hee. And hey if Disneyland Forward actually happens... it's going to be in the middle of all the new awesome. And well.. Trader Sam's like you said. Haha. Curious to know what they will do with the former Steakhouse 55 space. Loved this video and your breakdown. It's still a great bargain even if you're getting hotel discounts. And this contract we bought with cash, baby! We won't talk about our other contracts that were financed. Haha. I think getting preferred view studios at 7 months will be pretty easy except maybe a couple times in the year. But we love changing it up and doing Duo sized room or 1-2 bedroom and... we now have enough points we might be able to splurge for a GV once in a blue moon... so owning here will help make that more possible. We tend to reserve right at the 11 month mark. Appreciate your insight - high quality content delivered with a smile. XOXO

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Congrats on your new contract! 🎉👏 I totally think of you as the ultimate VDH “Superfan”! 😃 Also, please invite us to party with you at the GV! 🍾

[@katherinedeliberatefare]

Hi, Jenn. Thanks for the mathematical magical explanation. And, congratulations on the World of DVC affiliation. ❤ We are more than likely not going to purchase at Villas at Disneyland Tower as the resale restrictions are too much for me. Also, I just love the Grand Californian and am hopeful to find a contract on resale (my notification is set)...the location cannot be beat! Are you and your family going to purchase any direct VDT points?

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

We’re still on the fence. We don’t go to DL as often, but it’s much easier for us to fly out for a weekend from where we live. Best of luck snagging a GC contract! You better be fast! 🤞

[@sheilaa1333]

We’re going to start with 50, but I suspect we won’t end there…. 😂

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I can certainly relate to that feeling!

[@Nekobuster999]

Awesome video, thank you for the analysis. We bought in just yesterday. Unfortunately our agent told us that Magical Beginnings is NOT available for The Villas at Disneyland. Magical Beginnings is only available at the other three resorts.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Congrats on your new contract! I have friends who did Magical Beginnings offer on Villas at Disneyland a few months ago. There must have been a change since then.

[@Nekobuster999]

@@TheMagicInTheMusic So we talk with additional DVC about Magical Beginnings. The follow up explanation was that Magical Beginnings is not available outside the US. (We are outside the US.)

[@justinbaker2883]

Thanks for the math. 4.25 (price per point of actual contact) is only 26% of the total cost (16.04 total with dues). Kinda changes your idea of "ownership"

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Ouch! 😣 You’ve certainly got a point there!

[@ryanmoore3257]

So I don’t know if you saw this but after watching your video I was directed to a 14 minute ad that has Disney walking through the hotel under construction. Turns out those Deluxe Studios that have the balcony are actually in their own little mini tower next to the DVC pool. They almost look like double decker cabanas. While it is sad that not all rooms have the balcony I have to admit these look super cool.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yes! That’s where a lot of that B-roll in MY video came from. It was a really great little feature with lots of new detail. 👍

[@seanwhent9588]

I’m sure it’s worth it if you are comparing to rack rates. However, there is less need to stay at a Disney property in California than there is in Florida. There are many decent or really nice other hotels within reasonable proximity to the park. I am a frequent work traveler and have more Marriott points than I can ever use so applying some of those for the Westin or JW Marriott nearby makes a lot of sense (and I won’t get a TOT bill either). What ultimately made me decide against VDH is that I don’t see myself ever doing a resort only stay there. My first home is Aulani which is a great resort. We decided to add at Grand Floridian where I would consider doing a resort only stay.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yeah, make a good point. Grand Floridian is the perfect place to do a resort-only stay. I just don't think I could stay away from the theme parks!

[@onelittlespark3576]

You could probably rent the points out for more than $22 per point if you did it yourself.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Exactly.

[@echen71]

I ran that experiment (one tranche bought in May of 150 pts and opted for MB and the other tranche of 150 pts in June which I tried renting out) and ended up transferring to another owner for $23 pp. So your hypothesis is valid. On the other hand, the effort it took was a little much. I first tried renting, but just ended up making a mess...and it was just harder cuz they made VDH owners call into MS for reservations and changes until July 27, which was a lot more work and caused unnecessary stress...still, can't wait for our first stay there on Oct 8!

[@kasandracarrillos1658]

We’re buying! We were told you can only get a feb use year. Do you know if this is true? Thank you Jen!!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

That doesn’t sound right to me. I know that existing members are always offered use years that match their other contracts, so they can definitely sell other use years. If you want a different use year, definitely ask for it.

[@sade66119]

keep in mind, there are limited number of DVC rooms available in California vs Florida. Meaning, for those people who may be searching for a DVC resale contract in California, may only have Disneyland hotel available to them, if they are wanting to buy in California

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yes, that’s absolutely true. I would definitely recommend that you buy at the geographic area that you’d like to stay in - get a Disney World home resort if you want to be there, get a Disneyland home resort if you want to stay at DL, etc.

[@lauramiller289]

So interesting. I'll be super interested to see how easy or hard DVC owners at WDW find it to book at DVH. it's a beautiful resort but the resale and tax restrictions make it a lot less appealing to me!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yes, that will be interesting. We have booked VGC several times, but always in off-peak times of year. Hopefully we’ll be able to do the same at VDH.

[@davyannajones]

Do you have any info on the Polynesian Tower?

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

We really don't know much yet. We know that it should offer studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, and will have some dining option... and that's about it at the moment.

[@billjanetcsu]

Thank you. It all seems to pricy.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yeah, it’s all pretty expensive. At DL there are plenty of off-site options that are more affordable. But for those of us who love the immersion of bring on-site, it may still be worth it.

[@bobgargiulo802]

We will definitely be staying there, but not purchasing. Looks amazing, but we usually go to Disney World so a purchase would not be smart for a "once every 5+ years" type schedule. Just want to say I love your Imagination framed poster in the background. I have the Illuminations and Millennium Celebration ones framed behind me! 😎😎

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I wish we had picked up more of those posters. I’m a huge Horizons fan and all the classic Epcot stuff, but Figment will always be my fav!

[@bobgargiulo802]

Totally agree about vintage Epcot merch! They do still have these posters on shop Disney including Horizons if you are interested...

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

@@bobgargiulo802, that’s great! I know what to tell my husband to get me for our anniversary! Well… IF we don’t decide to get a contract at VDH instead! 😆

[@bobgargiulo802]

@@TheMagicInTheMusic 😆

[@ArcadeJackpotMaster]

As a California maybe but hope they have Magic key rates.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

We're Disney World annual passholders, so our experience with discounts for Magic Key. Hopefully there's something good for you.

[@kathleenproctor5207]

I bought in! I also own at VGC but am hoping that VDH has better availability due to its larger size ( compared to VGC). No matter where you stay in Anaheim, you will be paying the TOT. I also think that the resale restriction will have less impact at Disneyland than it does at Riviera as I think most people buying VDH are doing it to stay at Disneyland and that will also be true of resale buyers.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

That’s an excellent point. Why buy at VDH if you don’t plan to stay there?

[@emtadamd9488]

Had no idea about that transient tax. Yikes. I know you’d still get out ahead eventually in the contract but that just pushes the break-even mark further down the line.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yeah, that's a big negative or a lot of prospective members. For us it was a deal-breaker. I LOVE staying at a DVC resort and having no bill at the end. Paying a transient tax bill that high makes the vacation a lot less relaxing for me.

[@Tommy-B.]

I’m curious, is the transient tax because of Disney or California?

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

This is a California tax. My understanding is that at Grand Californian, they chose to absorb this tax into the maintenance fees (dues) for the property, whereas this new resort will have it billed separately.

[@Tommy-B.]

@@TheMagicInTheMusic I appreciate you actually having an answer to my question. It was only half rhetorical. I didn’t expect anyone to know but I really was wondering which it was. Should have guessed that it’s Cali’s fault.

[@michaelcertain415]

The resale restrictions are a deal breaker. The use tax is just piling on to that decision for us.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yeah, I’m not a fan of the resale restrictions. That’s what makes the Grand Floridian so appealing, in my opinion.