DVC-Eagle Pines --POSTPONED !

[DVCDAVE]

Villas at Eagles Pines is now postponed indefinitely. Got the word when my CM called about doing an add on at VWL before it sells out (expected on or before Dec. 31st).

[TinkerbellRules]

I figured this would happen with the economy and all.

[Luv2Dream]

I just returned tonight from WDW and I spoke with an accountant for DVC in one of the lines for the rides. I asked him if things had come to a screeching halt since 9/11 and he said "pretty much, yes". Anticipated sell-out date for VWL is 12/01. He said that Eagles Pines was "pushed back" until the economy improves.

[sgtpet]

My guide informed us on Sunday that it might not happen. I guess it is so.

[Doctor P]

Frankly, I won't be surprised if the opening of BCV is also pushed back--it costs money to staff the additional facility (though not as much as if it was a true stand alone hotel) and Disney is in cutback mode right now. I don't think it will be delayed long, but there would seem to be an incentive to proceed more slowly.

[Pluto4President]

Honestly, how long can BCV be pushed back if VWL will sell out 12/01. After all, you can't sell from an empty shelf!

[dianeschlicht]

I doubt they can push back anything about BCV since they have the building nearly up and they need something to sell after 12/01. My guess is the Eagle Pines will be the only casualty right now.

[PamOKW]

Hopefully, they won't, but "not having anything to sell" isn't a good reason to go ahead with BCV. If they are not going to begin Eagle Pines they won't have anything to sell in the future anyway. Once VWL sells out, they could cut the staff down to only sell what remains of HHI and Vero. Once the timing is right to open BCV, they could then re-staff. Many WDW workers are having their hours reduced and/or eliminated. The DVC sales staff isn't immune.

Having the building completed isn't justification either, considering that they keep postponing Pop Century as well.

Hopefully, things will pick up by Thanksgiving and they'll go ahead with BCV as expected.

[vernon]

IMHO BCV will go ahead as scheduled. It will be interesting to see how this effects the resale prices. Part of me thinks with less inventory coming on line it should push the prices higher, but with Disney probably scaling back it's sales force and advertising less people will hear about it.

[DVCDAVE]

To add to what VERNON said, I think with no Early Entery or other perks, there will be less incentive to buy DVC

[Pluto4President]

I don't know about that Dave. I bought to secure on-site, at least yearly, vacations for my family. The EE or other perks which have been cut back or eliminated would have no phase on me purchasing now if I weren't already a member.

[Orky15]

Can't really blame 'em! Makes sense. Any word on the likelyhood of WLV selling out by the end of the year, given the economy?

[DVCDAVE]

I received an Email from DVC last Friday, it said that if you haven't made up your mind yet on buying in to VWL, act soon as they expect it to sell out before the end of the year.


PLUTO4 PRES I agree with you, same with me too. But in the past (pre-DVC) I always stayed on site whenever possible due to EE. Seems to me that many people won't now due to the added expense, hence it may reduce the attractiveness of DVC in many peoples eyes (and budget). Why pay a premium when the service and perks are almost identical, weather you are in a DVC studio, or at the Marriot down the road a mile or two?

[Orky15]

I know that I am actually planning on buying soon... regardless of the current economy. I am thinking of buying a resale if possible, as I predict people be nervous and more inclined to sell if they've been thinking about it. I don't know how true this will prove, but my desire to buy soon is not at all affected by the lack of EE. I love the resorts as much as, if not more than the parks, and as long as they have not plummeted in quality, I want in! I could be an exception though.

[Granny]

DVCDAVE....

I'm not sure the suspension of EE will affect DVC sales all that much. I am inclined to guess that it will affect the on-site WDW resorts more.

IMHO, people who come to WDW on an infrequent basis are more inclined to have the "commando" mentality and the EE would be critical to them.

On the other hand, DVCers often refer to the relaxed way they can approach the parks since they know they will be back soon and can catch anything they miss at that point.

Is EE a nice perk for DVC and on-site resort guests?....sure it is. I just think that it is more important for the resort guests in a general sense. With all the empty hotel rooms in Orlando, and the heavy discounting, I think the suspension of EE may make a significant number of people think about staying off-site who might have otherwise stayed on-site.

My greatest fear on this topic? Disney brings back EE for resort guests only and not DVC.

[WebmasterDoc]

My greatest fear on this topic? Disney brings back EE for resort guests only and not DVC.

I don't think that is a likely scenario, as Disney rents many rooms at DVC resorts to guests who are not DVC members. EE is a perk which doesn't add any more expense for the DVC resort guests anyway. The staffing levels are the same whether OKW or BWV guests decide to use EE or not.

I fully expect EE to return as soon as WDW has signs that the crowds are returning to normal levels.

Don't lose any more sleep over that one! ;)

[Rock'n Robin]

I'm with Doc on that one. They never check IDs going into the park anyhow (mind you I haven't been there since 9/11). Whoever shows up at EE entry time seems to get in; I've never seen anyone turned away. And as he said, how can they let other BWV, VWL, etc. guests in and not us? Don't worry about it. Now about ending pool hopping....that I worry about! :D
Robin M.

[DVCJman]

Certainly we all have lots of different thoughts when it comes to why we bought into DVC. Many saw different perks as a good way to justify their purchase. I felt that the best reason was to secure excellent lodging with a "one-time" purchase. I have had WDW vacations that I didn't even go to the parks. I enjoyed going to the different resorts and just plain taking it easy. Others in my party would go and visit the parks each day and that was fine. I can't think of any specific perk that would make me rise up in arms about it being taken away. The reason I like DVC is the type of accomodation and space I get for my points.

[Halle]

I am disappointed that Disney is putting a hold on the Villas at Eagle Pines. I believe that they would sell as well as the other DVC resorts. I feel that DVC owners are folks who buy in because they like the Disney experience, whether it be spending your entire vacation in the parks or relaxing at the pool and in your villa. I know the bottom line is profit but cash in the hand .....selling DVC is better than empty hotel rooms. Maybe they should turn the Grand Floridian into a DVC resort.........just kidding!!!

[chris1gill]

That's a REALLY good idea Halle!!! Or, maybe they can revamp PO-FQ so that it could be a DVC resort!!! It's very cute from the outside!!! The theming is there, they just have to modify the units....

[plutospup]

I talked to a CM this afternoon. She said that BCV are expected to be sold as soon as January, and will be sending info to me when available. DVC is a hot property, even with the slower economy. They need something to sell when VWL sell out, which is expected very soon.

[Disney Adventurer]

I'm a little sad that Disney has decided to postpone the Villas at Eagle Pines but it does not come as a big surprise. In todays economic situation (compounded by the events of 9/11) almost every company is implementing "contingency" plans. Any smart company will make the sacrifices today to insure their long term viability. And let's face it, Disney is a vacation for us, but for them it's a business. Disney, like many companies today, are looking to trim costs wherever possible, and the delay of capital investment is a sure way of saving money. Through the years DVC has proven to be very profitable for Disney, so I am almost 100% confident that as soon as the economy awakens and travel gets closer to normal levels, VEP will be full speed ahead.

[Lhargus]

I just did an add-on today and my guide told me VEP was still a
go for 2004.:)

[doubletrouble_vb]

I guess I'm in the minority in thinking that VEP being postponed is good news. I like the fact that Disney seems huge & undeveloped...if it becomes one unrelenting resort after another it won't be any different from staying offsite.

PS... I've never used early entry! Probably because I go in off periods. What would really hurt is the elimination of the Concierge Collection! Granted its a perk but there are enough choices in my vicinity to make its existence exciting!

[raidermatt]

We've never used EE, and likely never would've anyway, since we aren't the early rising types while we're on vacation (unless I have a tee time :D ).

But I know its important to many, so I hope it comes back soon.

Not really surprise about Eagle Pines, and I wouldn't be too surprised by a BCV delay either.

[jcodespoti]

I always say that we are going to use the EE perk when we go to WDW. Somehow that never happens. I guess its because we stay at jelly rolls til 1 or 2 in the morning.


Joe in CT

[ralphd]

I do not think Disney will delay BCV. DVC seems to have a large list of members (including us) interested in adding points at BCV.
The resort is in a good location and will also attract non-members
prior to a sell out.
ralphd


:)

[Lhargus]

I just talked to my guide again to finalize my add on and he told me that the guides have been informed of a false rumour on the internet about VEP being postponed. They were assured that VEP is still on track....

[Halle]

VEP still on track.....YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[norestneeded]

A fairly reputable and accurate theme park site (www.screamscape.com) has reported today that VEP is still a go. Just goes to show how quickly one of these rumors can be transformed into a fact.