Disney Vacation Club Continues Unprecedented Growth With Two New Development Projects

[minniemoomoo]

As always Disney has given us so much to enjoy. I can't wait to stay at both properties. Even if it's for one night the Treehouse will be such an adventure that I've seen all my life....
I'm planning our next trip as I write...

[Crow]

I had a perfect view of the CR ones last wk when i had a room in the main building
the TReehouse ones would appeal to me
doubt if I could ever afford any though

[SFTrny]

Treehouse Villas are BACK!
Treehouse Villas are BACK!!!
Treehouse Villas are BACK!!!!!

Wahoo for Treehouse Villas!

[lockedoutlogic]

i was happy when it became clear that they intended on a DVC unit at comtemporary.....

....which was about 10 seconds after the last people checked out of Garden North.....


but now two years later....i can't shake the bummed feeling....

why do we have to keep mass producing units at Saratoga?

granted...they are nicer units.....but seriously....the last thing we need are more peeps booking outta saratoga....

their facilities are already inadequate and overtaxed.....now they have to build 60 more units for 8 people...

you know....it's not just that i LOATHE saratoga....

it's that Disney used to show a little restraint in this....a good restraint...

could VWL been twice as big...or three times? yes
would they have still sold no problem?
yes
same two questions...same two answers with BCV...

Saratoga has gotten out of hand.....it's a mass produced, poorly thought out and constructed....DVC demand factory. Built on the site of an absolute disaster that was Disney Institute

It's not one bit better than OKW....and more points

they've added enough at saratoga....and soon at AKV i believe....to ensure that the 7 month window becomes largely academic....

you know what that sounds like? a traditional timeshare....

....the exact thing that DVC swears they are not....

[Tekneek]

you know what that sounds like? a traditional timeshare....

....the exact thing that DVC swears they are not....

It must be a cash cow for Disney and they cannot stop going back to the trough for more. Disney will do almost anything for a buck right now and hope to be able to deal with the consequences later. It doesn't seem like there are too many in the marketplace that are concerned about tomorrow either, since many cannot wait to get in.

It seems laughable to me that Imagineering is "inspired" to "dream up" new DVC units. I never ever had the impression that they were motivated by those kinds of things. It sounds more like Disney management is inspired to give preference to Imagineering projects involving the growth of DVC.

[doodleboy]

It must be a cash cow for Disney and they cannot stop going back to the trough for more. Disney will do almost anything for a buck right now and hope to be able to deal with the consequences later. It doesn't seem like there are too many in the marketplace that are concerned about tomorrow either, since many cannot wait to get in.

Cash cow in many ways to be sure. If WDW could turn every resort room into a DVC, they most certainly would. Think about it. Every time they sell a DVC membership they have built in a long term regular customer. Some of us were visiting annually previous to the creation of DVC, but I am sure to visit annually now. In fact with my DVC being paid off we make the trip twice a year and stay in a resort on the second trip. They are guaranteed your park admission and dining dollars on a regular basis. If you decide not to go you will most likely rent, trade, or even better let your points expire so they can rent the room to someone else. Not to mention they are still collecting a maintenance fee for upkeep. Even more genius is placing them next to existing resorts so that some resources can be shared further reducing costs. As long as they keep selling the magic to folks like us, they will continue to grow.

My question is when are they going to build another gate to handle the increase in visitors, and why do they constantly seem to be cutting budget on things when they are busier than ever?

[Tekneek]

My question is when are they going to build another gate to handle the increase in visitors, and why do they constantly seem to be cutting budget on things when they are busier than ever?

Those are the #1 questions for me right now. Development costs for new attractions, like Midway Mania, aren't as big as they sound when the same basic attraction is put into two parks. So, why are they giving the appearance of going cheap on the parks when revenue/attendance appears to be at least as expected (if not better)?

Does anyone (on the outside) know how the money is breaking down? Where is all the DVC money going? If it was a way to get 90% - 95% of your money spent on WDW alone, that would be a good selling point for me.

[andypooh]

amy guesses on when the BLT will become available to the general public? and will there be anything left??

[Imagineer1981]

I love that the Contemporary villas have the same style as the original building. I was worried it may not match as well and would ruin the look. The new treehouses should be exciting too!

Now if only I had the money to be DVC member...stupid gas prices

[EeyoresBestFriend]

I mustn't be as loaded as the rest of you since I cannot afford timeshare.

I am dissappointed that the villas on the Sassagoula will not be available for people like me to get into.

I guess we're are just not what Disney wants.

[MickeyMousse]

Knew about the CR DVC phase but news to me about the SSR Treehouses!
My oldest DS has been wanting to stay at CR forever, so that would be our next choice of places to stay....that's IF we can get a reservation!!
The SSR treehouses look spacious and nice, but we found SSR to be too out of the way for us.
Thanks Jason for all the info!!!!

[doombuggy]

Looks like sales for BLT begin on Sunday 9/21 for those already DVC members. If the price is right, I will have to add-on there - the MK is my favorite park and I have been waiting for this!!

[harlowandthemermaid]

I would love to buy in at BLT but I know we don't have the money for it right now. I like the sound of the rooftop deck!

[Ian]

Looks like sales for BLT begin on Sunday 9/21 for those already DVC members. If the price is right, I will have to add-on there - the MK is my favorite park and I have been waiting for this!!

Actually, it's on sale now. We're meeting with our guide tomorrow and probably signing the papers same day.

I mustn't be as loaded as the rest of you since I cannot afford timeshare.

I am dissappointed that the villas on the Sassagoula will not be available for people like me to get into.

I guess we're are just not what Disney wants.

I'm curious ... have you ever priced DVC? I see from your signature that you've stayed on property at some moderate resorts previously and that you visit pretty regularly.

Not only can you probably afford DVC, but it would probably save you a lot of money. A lot of people, for some reason, assume DVC is not affordable, but when you really take the time and look into it that normally proves not to be the case. Chances are you'd end up coming out ahead.

their facilities are already inadequate and overtaxed.....now they have to build 60 more units for 8 people...

you know....it's not just that i LOATHE saratoga....

Saratoga has gotten out of hand.....it's a mass produced, poorly thought out and constructed....DVC demand factory. Built on the site of an absolute disaster that was Disney Institute

It's not one bit better than OKW....and more points

Well, I know from reading other posts of yours that you're not a big SSR fan, but I gotta say ... I couldn't disagree more with your assessment of the resort.

I'm not sure what you think is so "poorly thought out" about it and I completely and totally disagree that it's "not one bit better than OKW" ... I've stayed at both and in my opinion SSR is head and shoulders better than run down, worn out, antiquated, smelly Old Key West. We just did a 2BR at OKW in May and I can tell you I won't go back. To me, OKW feels like some cheap, tawdry motel somewhere. Not my thing at all.

Anyway, I guess my point is it's clearly a matter of personal preference as to whether or not you like SSR. I, for one, am quite glad to see them expand our offerings with the treehouses and I'm pretty certain most other SSR owners do, too.

amy guesses on when the BLT will become available to the general public? and will there be anything left??

I think it's like October 3rd. Not sure if they'll be anything left ... from what I hear they're moving very, very quickly.

Cash cow in many ways to be sure. If WDW could turn every resort room into a DVC, they most certainly would.

Absolutely. It's pure genius, really. They basically outsource the upkeep and maintenance costs to the owners, while at the same time ensuring repeat guests for years to come. It's a brilliant business model.

[mjstaceyuofm]

I'm not sure what you think is so "poorly thought out" about it and I completely and totally disagree that it's "not one bit better than OKW" ... I've stayed at both and in my opinion SSR is head and shoulders better than run down, worn out, antiquated, smelly Old Key West. We just did a 2BR at OKW in May and I can tell you I won't go back. To me, OKW feels like some cheap, tawdry motel somewhere. Not my thing at all.

Anyway, I guess my point is it's clearly a matter of personal preference as to whether or not you like SSR. I, for one, am quite glad to see them expand our offerings with the treehouses and I'm pretty certain most other SSR owners do, too.

I've never stayed at SSR and to my recollection I don't think I've ever bashed it... but all I have to say is wait 15 years and tell me about how SSR is not "run down, worn out, antiquated, and smelly."

We own at OKW and really do like it a lot. I like the laid back atmosphere - but I did notice on our last trip to there a few weeks ago in August that the place had some of the same feel to me as it did to you. Each room needs a massive upgrade - flat panel TV's, iPod docks/alarm clocks, serious maintenance on all the HVAC, new paint, thorough scrubbing, windows that don't sweat, re-stocked kitchens, blinds that work, doors that open flawlessly, etc.

I noticed the grounds seemed overgrown too. I personally like the layout, atmosphere and subdued decor, but agree the place needs some TLC. It's not that it was dirty, just in need of significant overhaul. My whole point is that I wonder if the dues will not fully cover the mega-infusion of cash OKW needs right now? or is that it's just not a priority yet? Either way, I can't see the situation being any different 12 to 15 years from now at SSR...

Back on-topic:

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think the addition of BLT and the Treehouse Villas are excellent additions to the DVC program. I'd like to add-on to my DVC points and buy at BLT, but not in this economy. If I get to stay there at some point in the next 10-15 years using my OKW points, I'll be happy.

[Jeff T]

What's the cost per point at this new DVC resort?