Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ...why has Disney been offering 60% off villas at OKW and SS to its CMs? Could it be that what DVCers really want is to stay at resorts on top of the MK and EPCOT ... and not huge complexes near DD? Just a thought ... BTW, anyone know why there are two 17-story cranes on-site at the Contemporary Resort? Must be building another BAH/pin shack, I guess.
Originally Posted By MPierce I really think they have flooded the DVC market. That is what I feel the main reason. is for offering huge discounts. Way to many rooms, and not enough demand. With the addition of the new Vilias at AKL it's only going to be less in demand at these two resorts. I have no idea what those cranes are for since Disney has not officially told me yet. The only thing I know it could not possibly be is a massive DVC unit. I mean wouldn't that be stupid. You have just begun the AKL construction SSE hasn't sold out, and you can't fill all the DVC units as it is. On top of all that it would put a heavy burden on the over taxed monorail system, and upset some folks already paying a premium for a MK resort. Maybe that's just going to be a huge gift shop.
Originally Posted By cmash95 60 percent off? interesting because I was told by dvc that okw was sold out and the only thing available to buy into right now is akl and a few SS. but then timeshare salesmen are the most agressive people I have ever met.
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy ^^ The 60% off is referring to the rates charged for non-DVC members to rent rooms that are not reserved by DVC members. OKW has been sold out for quite some time.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <...why has Disney been offering 60% off villas at OKW and SS to its CMs? Could it be that what DVCers really want is to stay at resorts on top of the MK and EPCOT ... and not huge complexes near DD? Just a thought ... BTW, anyone know why there are two 17-story cranes on-site at the Contemporary Resort? Must be building another BAH/pin shack, I guess. < here's a thought - the economy is in the crapper - and with so many people losing their homes ...less are traveling anywhere - let alone every year. another thought - people always flock to what's shiny and new --( SS not sold out is it ? ) - as for me, I'm very happy with OKW. Would like to stay at AK villas once though after the construction ends
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<^^^I'm detecting a bit of sarcasm from your post, Spirit.>> Clearly, you put new batteries in your sarcasm detector, Jim.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<here's a thought - the economy is in the crapper - and with so many people losing their homes ...less are traveling anywhere - let alone every year.>> That absolutely is playing a part. The economy in this country sucks, unless you're a top executive, an institutional investor or George Bush. FWIW, I would estimate 3 of every 4 guests I saw at WDW last week were either from the UK or somewhere else in Europe. <<another thought - people always flock to what's shiny and new --( SS not sold out is it ? ) - as for me, I'm very happy with OKW. Would like to stay at AK villas once though after the construction ends>> No. SS is not sold out. I don't believe it is close to it either. But I admit I don't have a clue how Disney determines just how many points equals a sold out resort. Clearly, OKW has been sold out for years (except when they added that extra building). Yet, it is almost always available at a discount for regular guests. It is often used/given as an upsell or even a free upgrade (as is SS now). And while I partly agree with you, I also look at it this way: if people flock to what's new than SS should be sold out all the time practically. It isn't. And I also have a feeling DVC at DAK Lodge won't be as much of a success as Disney hopes. Most people want to be near the MK or Epcot. You'd think DAK was in Tampa talking to some guests.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Well of course people like staying next door to the MK or Epcot! Why do you think a gorgeous resort like the AK Lodge can never sell out? Because of its location. But as others have said, the resorts are fully sold. You just have people wanting to try the newer resorts that are close to the parks. Is that a bad thing for Disney? Hell no. They are selling space in the new resorts that is not rented at the time, and renting space in the old resorts that has already been paid for many times over. And this is bad HOW? Disney may be crazy, but they are crazy like a fox. By the way... Disney gets a pretty fair bonus for the DVC units close to the parks. The units at Boardwalk, Beach Club and Wilderness Lodge cost considerably more than comparable units at OKW or SS. Does that mean they had to drop points because of low occupancy? No way. Point values are established at the time the DVC resort is initially sold. It was Disney recognizing from the start that as with most real estate, the three most important things are location, location, location. Why would any of this surprise anyone?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <No. SS is not sold out. I don't believe it is close to it either. But I admit I don't have a clue how Disney determines just how many points equals a sold out resort.< If I remember correctly - they sell points equal to fill the rooms , less either 3% or 5% - can't remember) of stock. I believe they assume that on a yearly basis. One of the reason I don't believe OKW is full as often, is many of the people who bought in early on I believe ventured in because they really had the extra income around to do so. A large portion of the buyers I know from OKW paid cash - no financing. Also anyone who did buy in has long since paid it off. I really believe those demographics - coupled with the fact for many their kids are now grown - lead to more exchange of points for other vacations also. Maybe I'm all wet, but it is my guess. For some when the kids are grown they stop going ( not me ! ) - <And while I partly agree with you, I also look at it this way: if people flock to what's new than SS should be sold out all the time practically. It isn't.< shiny and new - not just new While I don't mind SS - some feel it is 'cold' - and when they announce AKL while SS still being sold - big mistake.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <And I also have a feeling DVC at DAK Lodge won't be as much of a success as Disney hopes. Most people want to be near the MK or Epcot. You'd think DAK was in Tampa talking to some guests. < I don't totally disagree with this because some guests have to have convenience...and then that is where they belong - right next to what they want. I rather be with those who know they are at Disney yet take some time to actually relax and have a vacation too. I admit, having a view out the window of Cindy's Castle would be very cool - but many rooms, even at GF - Cont or Poly do not - let alone DVC. The closest DVC to MK is at WL - and that is relatively few units and no view. The only one I get - although not my preferred taste - is BW because if you want some night life and activities right outside your door - that is the place DVC wise.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<But as others have said, the resorts are fully sold. You just have people wanting to try the newer resorts that are close to the parks. Is that a bad thing for Disney? Hell no. They are selling space in the new resorts that is not rented at the time, and renting space in the old resorts that has already been paid for many times over. And this is bad HOW? Disney may be crazy, but they are crazy like a fox.>> Can I just say I love you Trippy ... not in the sexual sense of course ... but just the same ... you're such a safe choice. Like an Applebees, you always know what you're gonna get.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<shiny and new - not just new While I don't mind SS - some feel it is 'cold' >> I like the place ... a lot. I don't find it cold. I find it peaceful, tranquil and relaxing. With two quality options for dining, a great pool area and an amazing spa on site. <<- and when they announce AKL while SS still being sold - big mistake.>> Gee, 'ya think ;-) Which is why the Contemporary Tower will be completed at this rate before Disney ever announces it!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I admit, having a view out the window of Cindy's Castle would be very cool - but many rooms, even at GF - Cont or Poly do not - let alone DVC. The closest DVC to MK is at WL - and that is relatively few units and no view.>> Yep ... and guess what? The new tower at the Contemporary, looking at its footprint and the prior renderings that were online before Disney legal got them taken down, is going to have far more rooms facing the pool, Bay Lake and maybe Space Mountain then the entire kingdom or Cindy's.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<Can I just say I love you Trippy ... not in the sexual sense of course ... but just the same ... you're such a safe choice. >> Sure, you can say that. And don't worry... if I ever catch the gayness I will stay away from you. (Although TDLFAN will probably have to go into hiding...) ;-)
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <The new tower at the Contemporary, looking at its footprint and the prior renderings that were online before Disney legal got them taken down, is going to have far more rooms facing the pool, Bay Lake and maybe Space Mountain then the entire kingdom or Cindy's. < and some will flock to it - people like me will stay at OKW.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<and some will flock to it - people like me will stay at OKW.>> Yes. When a person matures and becomes more sophisticated, like vbdad and myself, we like a little more peaceful existence in a place where screaming 3-year-olds are at a minimum; or at least further from you. For me, Old Key West and the Fort Wilderness Cabins are two such places. Even during peak seasons you can get a little peace and quiet at those two resorts. To a certain extent you would never even know that the busiest theme park in the world was just a mile or so away. Some may call that the boonies and boring. I call it WDW's version of heaven.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 well said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ after a day at the parks, I am looking to kick back and relax ( or even in the middle of the day ! )
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Even as someone with little ones, I also prefer the tranqual experiences, and would therefore look at OKW for resale if I ever expand my vacation ownership portfolio. I know that Pop Century and the All Stars are my idea of vacation Hell.
Originally Posted By jmuboy POP was not that bad, of course I was gone from sun up to sun down doing stuff around the resort. And my room faced the lake and Disney's "As Long as their is imagination left in the world we'll never complete this resort" side of the porperty. So it was a quiet expereince overall. I will say I reluctantly booked POP because I hated All-Stars - way too loud and overrun with teen groups that WDW books into those three properties (bands, cheerleading events, etc). But POP was a different expereince. Nice even. I normally use my DVC on trips but am saving my points. POP was no a bad alternative for the $$$.
