Will THV will be available for non-owners?

[bobbiwoz]

We have seen that non-owners at AKV have booked concierge. Do you think that treehouses will be that popular with SSR owners that they all will be taken in the 8-11 month home resort priority?

I've been looking up resales, but have put action on hold until DVC comes out with definitive information. I don't need HA accessible, but steps are difficult for me, but still for a single trip a year, it could work, for a few years at least.

SSR owners, are you so enamoured with the idea of the THV that each and every time you go to book a 2 bedroom, the THV will be your first choice of accomodations? Will you go for one every time? occassionally? never?

DH and I will be down alone before the family joins us, and I think we'll at least take the boat to OKW or POR from DTD to check out the location from the waterway.

Are there many other non-SSR owners who will likely buy because of the THV?

Thanks. I'm more confused about this issue than any other that involves DVC.

Bobbi:goodvibes

[MiaSRN62]

My thoughts....and I'm no way as good as some other DIS'ers are on analytical analysis of issues like this.

But I *think* because the THV are so few (I think like 60 ?), it's going to be pretty difficult for non SSR owners to rent them. And I have read about people here on the DIS saying they wanted to make SSR their "home" resort based mostly on the ability to have the 11 month window for the THV. I do think they will be that popular.

As far as non AKV owners being able to book concierge there.....I don't even think AKV is 50% sold yet ? Maybe I'm wrong. I'm going by a few things I've read. So perhaps when AKV does become completely sold, the concierge will become a bit tighter to secure for non-owners ? And those "value" rooms too. I think AKV owners will have the edge on them. Just speculation on my part. Nothing scientific. ;)

[DisDaydreamer]

Hey Bobbi, I don't think it will be possible to book much inside the 11 month window if at all. I do think there will be purchases made just to get the 11 month window for THV. At least for the first couple years.

[Chuck S]

I think when they very first open, they may be relatively easy to book for a very, very short time, as those with existing 2 bedroom reservations at SSR may not want to try to change plans close to their travel date. Then I think they will become very, very hard to book as SSR owners will want to "experience" a Treehouse. Once the "new" wears off in a couple years, they may become easier to book, again.

It all depends upon the economy, too. SSR owners may try to book the Treeouse for speculative rentals, thinking the THVs will bring a premium per point over a standard SSR reservation.

[bobbiwoz]

...
It all depends upon the economy, too. SSR owners may try to book the Treeouse for speculative rentals, thinking the THVs will bring a premium per point over a standard SSR reservation.

Interesting point. I think for sure they will be a premium reservation. Oh well. I asked my DS, DDiL at the announcement if they thought the family would be interested in staying at a treehouse, and I send them a link to some information. Within minutes, they both responded with a resounding YES! So, my family is interested, I'm just not sure it would be a good purchase for me.

Bobbi:goodvibes

[TEK224]

I own at SSR. I may try to book THV once to give the kids the experience (and me, too). But I don't think I'd be booking THV on every visit.

Terri

[bobbiwoz]

My thoughts....and I'm no way as good as some other DIS'ers are on analytical analysis of issues like this.

But I *think* because the THV are so few (I think like 60 ?), it's going to be pretty difficult for non SSR owners to rent them. And I have read about people here on the DIS saying they wanted to make SSR their "home" resort based mostly on the ability to have the 11 month window for the THV. I do think they will be that popular.

As far as non AKV owners being able to book concierge there.....I don't even think AKV is 50% sold yet ? Maybe I'm wrong. I'm going by a few things I've read. So perhaps when AKV does become completely sold, the concierge will become a bit tighter to secure for non-owners ? And those "value" rooms too. I think AKV owners will have the edge on them. Just speculation on my part. Nothing scientific. ;)


And that's a good point too about AKV not being sold out and the SSR owners are already there, just waiting for opening date of THV. Thank you.
Bobbi:goodvibes

[Tinkerbellcrafter]

We are one of those owners but won't be booking a 2bdrm every trip because there are only 3 of us traveling, usually....

[Donna M]

We own there and would try for the treehouse if we bring a group down to check it out.

We like trying out different resorts too so we haven't stayed at SSR for a few years now.

I agree that owners would be interested in trying them if they have a need for the space, but some people wouldn't like the remoteness.

[Anal Annie]

We are waiting on more info. from DVC to decide if the THV's will be an option for us if we travel with more than just the 3 of us. We usually fly and use the DME bus...they appear pretty remote so I don't know how practical they will be without a car on site. Also not thrilled with the bunk bed idea. That sorta ruins 1 of the bedrooms for us. I DO think that with only 60 units available that they WILL be popular tho and have doubts about their availability at 7 months. Sorta like the BLT MK units...they will be in limited supply. I cannot fathom using points for concierge level at AKV since we just don't have that many. Of course, we fly coach too. We're just your average family that's lucky to have what we have and don't splurge on that much. So my anal planning side looks at the THV's and says "bargain" for 3 bedrooms and I would suspect that would be the case for many SSR owners. But I don't think I would purchase more points to stay in them...I would just take my chances. I think.

No, I know I would.:rolleyes1

[janni518]

I think that any time I am going to rent a 2BR I am going to try to get THV first. If they are indeed going to be the same amount of points I'd rather have the THV experiemce.

[crazydizfans]

My thought is - although this is cool - they are tucked away and the amenities will not be the same as the other resorts. I would only rent if I wanted to be away from everyone.

[wdw4life]

If I am traveling with a group I will probably book THV. In fact, that is the plan in the next year or two. If it is just my normal traveling party of two people then I'll stick with the studio.

[CarolMN]

There seem to be lots of members who want to stay close to the HH house - remember all the requests for Congress Park, the Springs and the Grandstand.

The THV will be quite remote - I'm not so sure they will remain so popular as to preclude a few being available at the 7 month mark. We'll see.

I don't think I would buy SSR just to have access to them. There seem to be quite a few SSR points available for rental and enough SSR members who want to stay elsewhere, that trades might be easy to do. Anyway, that's my plan if we decide to travel with a family that would appreciate staying in a THV.

[Deb & Bill]

They may be three bedroom villas, but they won't sleep as many as the GV (three bedroom villas) - they only sleep nine. The master bedroom shower looks a bit funky to me.

[DMKEDM]

I'm an SSR owner who's been wanting to stay in the treehouse villas since way back when (about 12 years ago) when I first saw them on a boat ride from what was then Dixie Landings! My "problem" is that my usual "group" is 2 people (me & my son) or perhaps 3, if we take one other friend of my son's...basically I NEVER need a 2-bedroom, much less a 3-bedroom!

But I'll book there just as soon as I can find someone to take with me! (And that won't be a hard thing to do at all!!!)

Anyway, I think SSR owners might be very interested in the "trade" part of the R/T board...I know I'd be willing to consider trading my SSR points (or an SSR/THV reservation) for something. And there are some people on DIS (you're one, Bobbi) who I feel like I already "know" from frequent postings and regular reading...the usual caution about renting/trading seems less urgent when dealing with such a well-known DISBoards "personality."

You won't have ANY trouble finding an SSR owner who would be willing to trade w/you, I'm sure, if you want to try a time at THVs before making a decision to buy...

Good luck w/your decision!

[Goofy's apprentice]

I am sn SSR owner and looking forward to a stay in the THV's. However, it will not be a regular booking for us. We still love Congress Park, we still love all the other resorts. I agree that they may be difficult to book at 7 months in the first years but will become moe available later.

It looks like the THV's will have some unique differences from other locations and will be desireable for that. However, those same unique differences also means that some will just not be interested in them. Our friends don't like VWL because it is 'darker'. They didn't buy there and they own all the other resorts. I can see them feeling the same about the THV's.

We tend to 'sleep around' at all the DVC's depending on what type of trip we are planning. The THV's just will give us another unique option.

[bobbiwoz]

I'm an SSR owner who's been wanting to stay in the treehouse villas since way back when (about 12 years ago) when I first saw them on a boat ride from what was then Dixie Landings! My "problem" is that my usual "group" is 2 people (me & my son) or perhaps 3, if we take one other friend of my son's...basically I NEVER need a 2-bedroom, much less a 3-bedroom!

But I'll book there just as soon as I can find someone to take with me! (And that won't be a hard thing to do at all!!!)

Anyway, I think SSR owners might be very interested in the "trade" part of the R/T board...I know I'd be willing to consider trading my SSR points (or an SSR/THV reservation) for something. And there are some people on DIS (you're one, Bobbi) who I feel like I already "know" from frequent postings and regular reading...the usual caution about renting/trading seems less urgent when dealing with such a well-known DISBoards "personality."

You won't have ANY trouble finding an SSR owner who would be willing to trade w/you, I'm sure, if you want to try a time at THVs before making a decision to buy...

Good luck w/your decision!


Very interesting, thank you, and I'm learning a lot from this thread!

I've just made a "date" with Meriweather to meet in DTD and take the OKW boat to see what the THV area looks like from the water.:goodvibes She's the person who sent me my "bobbiwoz" disboard button, and she'll be staying at OKW when we'll be there in November! We finally will meet!

My DS/DDiL have 3 children. I would love to give DS/DDiL their own bedroom, and the 3 DGC would share the 3rd bedroom, with one on an air mattress or something. :goodvibes

OK...I also will consider the "not really have to buy" posts seriously. Trade? Yes, something that I hadn't thought of at all.

Bobbi

[Buckeye Fan]

We tend to 'sleep around' at all the DVC's depending on what type of trip we are planning. The THV's just will give us another unique option.
I totally agree, and we have made our rounds as well. This is what we enjoy most about DVC. I don't see us booking one of these every year, unless we stay there this summer (keeping fingers crossed for a reservation!) and just absolutely fall in love.

As for booking the THVs at the 7 month window, I think some of it will depend on the transportation situation. Some of those villas in the back are a haul to the main building. It's just not practical for people with little kids, or for those who aren't completely mobile. However, for the same number of points as a 2-BR (if that ends up being true), they will be a good value.

Lastly, I think the size of the resort will make it difficult at the 7 month window. If we were talking about VWL or BCVs opening up 60 units, I would say the chances would be better at the 7 month mark. SSR has so many members, though, 60 units is nothing. If they are popular, even once the newness wears off, I doubt there will be availability at the 7 month window.

[dizney4us]

We own at SSR and do hope to try a treehouse at some point, but I don't think it would happen every single time. I stayed in one a long time ago and I'm excited to stay in the new ones, and if golf carts are available to rent for the week, that will be even better as far as my kids are concerned. I think doing a trade is a great idea, you shouldn't have any trouble doing that.

[Deb & Bill]

...I've just made a "date" with Meriweather to meet in DTD and take the OKW boat to see what the THV area looks like from the water.:goodvibes ...

I think you need to take the POR/POFQ boat to see better. I don't remember seeing anything on the OKW boat last summer.

[bobbiwoz]

I think you need to take the POR/POFQ boat to see better. I don't remember seeing anything on the OKW boat last summer.

OK, we can do that. Meriweather will be staying at OKW so we thought we could take the boat home with her, but if we part our ways, that will be fine. Thank you.
Bobbi:goodvibes

[MiaSRN62]

Buckeye Fan says :As for booking the THVs at the 7 month window, I think some of it will depend on the transportation situation. Some of those villas in the back are a haul to the main building. It's just not practical for people with little kids, or for those who aren't completely mobile.


Found this info about amenities/busses at THV taken from DVCNews.com (so if this info is accurate, looks like their will be additional means of transportation from the THV :

But the Treehouse area will also add its own selection of amenities including a quiet pool & hot tub, boat dock and two bus stops.

Artwork distributed by Disney depicts a barbeque grill outside the villa.

In the Treehouses' prior life guests were able to rent golf carts to better facilitate movement around resort property. It is not yet known if the golf carts will reappear along with the Treehouses in 2009.

[doconeill]

We have seen that non-owners at AKV have booked concierge.

Are you referring to booking villa rooms, or Concierge in general? Club-level is not an exclusive of DVC at AKL...

[tjkraz]

I think the treehouses will be a lot like OKW Grand Villas at 7 months--occasionally there will be a handful of bookings but not with any consistency and only in very rare cases during peak travel periods.

Not including the treehouses, there are already 360 dedicated Two Bedroom villas at SSR. Add in the lockoffs and there is potential for hundreds more.

Certainly there will be people who want to be in SSR proper--closer to the main pool, Downtown Disney view, etc. But with the treehouses being the same points as a 2B and representing only 10-15% of all 2Bs in use at any given time, I think they'll be full of owners most of the year.

One thing that could happen to help availability at 7 mos is owners booking a Treehouse 11 mos out and then switching to another resort. If successful, that would free up the treehouse for a 7 mo booking...assuming there aren't any SSR owners on the waitlist prior to 7 months. ;)

[spiceycat]

don't know - these were not popular with WDW guests - they are remote.

some people love it - others don't.

as you say steps - but again I though there was a elevator that connects a couple of units together.

It has swimming pools - a couple of them at least - don't remember any whirlpool tubs. sounds like the building won't have this thing. (this is a guess - need to see the layout)

like my 1-bedroom stays to include a whirlpool so really want it for 2-bedroom.

My brother is interested - but hey he can stay there and I can stay in a studio at BWV, BCV or VWL - then we are both happy.

[JaxFLBear]

Are you referring to booking villa rooms, or Concierge in general? Club-level is not an exclusive of DVC at AKL...
Yes, bobbiwoz is referring to concierge villas at AKV. There have been multiple posts from non AKV owners that were able to get concierge after the 7 month window opened.

[tjkraz]

as you say steps - but again I though there was a elevator that connects a couple of units together.

There are no elevators. Four units will be handicapped-accessible using a ramp system.

It has swimming pools - a couple of them at least...

There will be at least one nearby pool with a whirlpool spa.

...don't remember any whirlpool tubs. sounds like the building won't have this thing. (this is a guess - need to see the layout)

like my 1-bedroom stays to include a whirlpool so really want it for 2-bedroom.

Each room will have a rectangular whirlpool tub--the same style being added to AKV.

[DisFlan]

There seem to be lots of members who want to stay close to the HH house - remember all the requests for Congress Park, the Springs and the Grandstand.

The THV will be quite remote - I'm not so sure they will remain so popular as to preclude a few being available at the 7 month mark. We'll see.

I agree - they look like they'll be lovely, but they may be more isolated than many members will be happy with. We loved the old Treehouses, but not much is close or handy. It takes a bit of a plan to get anywhere. (You won't just quickly skip over to the resort store for milk or a mug refill as you would at some of the other resorts.) There will probably be an initial rush to try them out, but as you say, we'll have to see what happens in the long run.


DisFlan

[southtexasmom]

We are owners at SSR, we most likely will try THV once but we will not request it for every trip.