Beach Club Sales vs. Boardwalk Sales?

[Tinkrbell]

Can anyone tell me why Beach Club has sold so darn fast compared to BWV???

The locations between the two are similar, and they are both upscale resorts, but I am perplexed as to why? Is it simply because of SAB??

I believe that it took 2-3 yrs. for BWV to sell out, and BCV are already 40% sold, projected to sell out by the end of the year, and just opened 3 days ago. Most people haven't even seen them.

Just Wondering?

[WebmasterDoc]

There are probably many factors involved in the answer. BWV took over 4 years to sell out. It opened in summer 1996 and sold out in fall 2000. During that time, OKW was also being sold onsite and VB and HH were also for sale. BWV is also a much larger resort than BCV.

At this time, only BCV is available thru DVC as an onsite resort. To this point BCV sales have been driven by existing members- both as a 150 "home resort" and as an add-on tho their other holdings.

Certainly the location and amenities are also affecting the strong sales to this point, but there are also significant "other" reasons.

Enjoy!

[spruce]

I think that many people like the location of the BW but couldn't buy there because it is sold out. I also think that many new buyers waited to buy at BCV instead of WLV because they liked the epcot resort area more then they liked the WLV area. I think financing is easier through Disney then through timeshare financer (unless you get a 2nd mortgage and not everyone owns a home). In addition to these thoughts, I think that many DVC owners are adding-on at BCV for whatever reason. We added at BCV to have the 11 month advantage in order to add to our OKW or BWV stay with a day at BCV and SAB.......spruce

[PamOKW]

When BWV opened, DVC was still an unknown to the vast majority of Disney visitors. OKW is not on the beaten path. You had to take the time to stop and find out what DVC was all about and then go see it. The BWV sales center is right there on the Boardwalk where folks are more likely to wander in. So, the general public is much more aware of the DVC concept since either OKW or BWV first began sales.

There were also many people "waiting" for BCV to open and were ready to sign up the moment it opened. Another one of the many considerations -- when BWV opened it had an increase in price. When BCV opened, the attractive money back/free stay offer was extended along with the knowledge that price would go up after sales had begun. This could have pushed folks who might have "thought it over" longer.

[Tinkrbell]

PamOKW- What was the price increase at BWV from??

When we looked into BWV, Nov. 99, the price was actually less than $50/pt. with only the $500 dept.(I'm still nagging my dh about not signing up then :( ...) From my understanding, OKW started at about $52 or $53/pt ten years earlier.

But anyway, I'm sure your right about the fact that it was unknown to many people then. Advertising sure pays off.

Doc- Thanks again for your speedy reply. Pointing out the size of the resorts is a huge factor, I didn't even think about that.

Thanks


Were OKW owners allowed to purchase BWV at that rate? If you already owned OKW, did you qualify for the MB at BWV?

[WebmasterDoc]

Actually, all resorts have the same selling price at the same time. There may be an incentive available which lowers the price (Magical Beginnings is $5 at BCV and $10 at VB and HH), but otherwise the price per point is the same. With Magical Beginnings, your first year's points are returned to DVC- but you would still pay maintenance fees on those points.

OKW did begin it's sales at about $50, but by 1996, when BWV began sales, the price had risen to about $58 per point. (I'm sure someone remembers the exact price in summer '96- it may have been higher.)

BWV was never offered at $50 per point as a purchase from DVC.

[DeeP]

OKW did begin it's sales at about $50, but by 1996, when BWV began sales, the price had risen to about $58 per point. (I'm sure someone remembers the exact price in summer '96- it may have been higher.)
This is when I bought my BWV membership and I think you are right it was either $58.00 or $59.00 a point. That sounds like such a bargain compared to todays prices! :)

[DebbieB]

When we looked into BWV, Nov. 99, the price was actually less than $50/pt. with only the $500 dept.(I'm still nagging my dh about not signing up then ...)

Was that a resale? I bought in September 1999 at BWV and it was $65 per point. They had the magical beginnings program where you could sell back your first year's points for $10pp, up to 150 over the phone or 200 in person. So if you bought 150 or 200 and sold them all back, the least it could have been is $55 per point net (direct from DVC).

It would be interesting to find out how much of BCV's sales are add-ons from current members and how much are new members.

[Tinkrbell]

Doc- The actual quoted price was about $63/pt

$9412.50 Quoted sales price
-$2000 for MB
-----------------
$7412.50 Purchase price would equal $49.42/pt


Of course this is before the 9.95% interest rate making the total payments $11,760.80 bringing the price up to $78/pt. This is all from my Note and Truth-in-Lending Disclosure Statement from DVC. Now you know why I'm still so mad at DH for not going through with the sales process, what a deal that was.

[wdwsos]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
OKW did begin it's sales at about $50, but by 1996, when BWV began sales, the price had risen to about $58 per point. (I'm sure someone remembers the exact price in summer '96- it may have been higher.)

Just looked over all my little contracts and it was actually a bit higher....

In August of 1995, when we first bought, the price per point was $62.75.

Add-ons in October of '96 and September of '97 were the same - $62.75.

Add-on in March of 2000 was at $65/pt.

Add-on in November of 2000 was $67/pt.

Add on in March of this year was at $75/pt.

[DebbieB]

Tinkrbell,

Are you sure it was November 1999? I remember when I first looked into DVC in early 1999 it was $62.75, but the price went up to $65 by the time I bought in September (around May or June I'd say).

[BCV23]

In our case we bought at BCV because we liked the location and promised atmosphere. We toured OKW when it was still called the DVC as I recall. I would have bought that day, but my husband didn't see it as a good investment and also thought as our children grew we would not go to WDW as often. Hah...we used to go about once/year...we've gone 3 times this year with Oct. and Dec/Jan trips planned. When just BWV was available and the VFW, I didn't push it because neither one is our cup of tea. The Boardwalk has too busy of an atmosphere for us and we go to northern Wis. each August so aren't interested in that kind of decor when we are in Florida. They are both beautiful resorts so please don't flame me...just not for us. In fact if BCV ends up being too hectic or frustrating (I don't care for the lack of a 24 hour snack bar)...it'll be off to OKW for us. I know it has even fewer dining options but the extra space would make up for it for me. Saw the BCV on Monday though and it is lovely. Can hardly wait for October.

[Tinkrbell]

I'm Sorry, your right it was Nov. 98. Thanksgiving.

DebbieB- No that was not a resale, it was direct through Disney, but as noted I was wrong about the year. All of those figures were from my Disney Truth in Lending statement including the interest rate.

We were also on site when we purchased, so I don't know if they offer a better deal for being there, as opposed to a phone sale. When our paperwork arrived at home a few weeks later,
DH backed out of the deal and cancelled.

[mikesmom]

I think you have something called "critical mass" working for DVC. The more members you have , the more people are around to talk about it, the more people hear about it (in a positive note!) the more people join, etc. Plus you have places like here at the DIS to spread the word. Word of mouth is a very powerful marketing tool and once that snowball starts rolling downhill it picks up speed.

Each succeeding DVC resort is selling out faster and faster. In addition, it became obvious there for a while that the BWV area, with it's easy walk-in to 2 parks is sometimes very hard to get if you don't have an 11 month window. I suspect some of the quick buyers are current owners or others who wanted ressies in the Boardwalk area and couldn't always get them.

[PamOKW]

I guess I should look at the cost history before posting.....there was NOT an increase when BWV opened. The price went from $61.50 to $62.75 when Vero opened in October 1995. BWV opened in July 1996. It looks like the next increase wasn't until January 1999 when it went to $65.

If anyone has info that "fills in the blanks" differently, please share and I'll try to keep a running history.

[Dean]

Originally posted by Tinkrbell
Doc- The actual quoted price was about $63/pt

$9412.50 Quoted sales price
-$2000 for MB
-----------------
$7412.50 Purchase price would equal $49.42/pt


Of course this is before the 9.95% interest rate making the total payments $11,760.80 bringing the price up to $78/pt. This is all from my Note and Truth-in-Lending Disclosure Statement from DVC. Now you know why I'm still so mad at DH for not going through with the sales process, what a deal that was. $62.75 X 150 points is $9412.50. However, you would have had to buy 200 points to get the $2000 discount for MB at $12550. You would have still had to pay for fees for that year and the discount for 150 points would have been max of $1500. That still places the per point costs at above $56 per point with no points for the first year. Resale at that time could be had for less than $50 per point including all of the add on costs. If you wanted, you could also rent your first years points on a resale effectively giving you the same deal assuming adequate points availability.

[elissam]

Has anyone considered that it is just a nicer resort? ... quieter, newer, many rooms with very special views, and, especially, with the best pool of all the resorts in WDW?

If the resorts were equal why would people be paying such a premium for BCV when BWV resales are available and interest rates are at an all time low?

The fact that BCV is 40% sold out in such a down economy speaks to how appealing the resort is. If the economy were still booming I bet it would already be sold out by now.

BCV owners have the Boardwalk and Epcot amenities easily available to them, but BWV owners do not have SAB or the serenity which BCV provides. So I think many people perceive that you can have it all at BCV (assuming price is not your primary consideration) whereas you can't get the best of everything at the other resorts.

[Dean]

Originally posted by elissam
Has anyone considered that it is just a nicer resort? ... quieter, newer, many rooms with very special views, and, especially, with the best pool of all the resorts in WDW?

If the resorts were equal why would people be paying such a premium for BCV when BWV resales are available and interest rates are at an all time low?

The fact that BCV is 40% sold out in such a down economy speaks to how appealing the resort is. If the economy were still booming I bet it would already be sold out by now.

BCV owners have the Boardwalk and Epcot amenities easily available to them, but BWV owners do not have SAB or the serenity which BCV provides. So I think many people perceive that you can have it all at BCV (assuming price is not your primary consideration) whereas you can't get the best of everything at the other resorts. While I'm sure there's an element of accuracy to this, I don't think this is a major reason. People buy for a number of reasons and include. Those would consist of those that want to buy BCV because they like the location. Those that want to buy from DVC directly and this is all that is selling. Those that don't know any better and went on the tour. Those that are buying BCV as an add on for any one of a number of reasons. Those that wish they could buy BWV or OKW. Those that want to have access to SAB and see buying there as the ticket. I'm sure there are other variations.

Remember that VWL sold out as fast or faster than BCV is likely to. While I really like WL, I don't see the villas there as having quite the appeal across all of the owners as BW and BCV. I know there are those that waited specifically for BCV knowing they could buy BWV resale at a cheaper price but suspect it's a relative few. The one concern I have about BCV, WLV and DI is being the step child of the resort in question. In both current cases the DVC is a relatively small component and at WLV so far, it appears DVC members have at times been treated second rate. Poor service, inaccurate answers, folio problems, rooms reserved but not available and the like. While I suspect and hope these are the exceptions rather than the rule, they have been reported far more than similar issue at BWV or OKW even though they have more rooms. I hope it's simply growing pains but have some concerns. BWV is different because the DVC portion is the major component and was there from the get go.

[Terry S]

Originally posted by Dean
I know there are those that waited specifically for BCV knowing they could buy BWV resale at a cheaper price but suspect it's a relative few

Dean, I am not quite sure I understand what you mean by this statement. Everyone on these boards that bought at BCV knew they could have bought BWV cheaper, they just didn't want to! That is not a relative few!

[Tinkrbell]

Dean-When we were purchasing they added our $500 down to the $1500 MB payment to make it equal $2000.

[MdmMim]

I purchased at the BWV just before it sold out. I never really looked into buying DVC, as I thought it was out of my price range and didn't think I'd be traveling to WDW enough to make it work. I will say that for me the internet with all its message boards and web sites increased my DVC knowledge and got me interested in the Club. (It took a few years of researching and reading "the boards" to convince me.) There was a time when few people really knew about DVC--where would you learn about it except at WDW? I think more and more people know about DVC these days, resulting in resorts selling out sooner. JMHO :D

[WebmasterDoc]

When we were purchasing they added our $500 down to the $1500 MB payment to make it equal $2000.


Yes, but that $500 was not part of any discount incentive- that was money you were paying toward the purchase price and should be included in the total you would have actually paid.

[Tinkrbell]

Yes, I see where I miscalculated there.

Anyway, It doesn't seem that the price has been a deterrent for most people in buying at this resort now. I think the people who want to be there recognize the value.

So is it (BCV) just a better resort? Better location? Better amenities?etc. I don't know enough about BWV to compare, only stayed at BC once, but we loved it. Is the theming significantly different between the two?

I know there are going to be MANY reasons as to WHY, but I am just fascinated with the extemely fast sales of this beautiful sounding resort.

[wdwsos]

Originally posted by Terry S


Dean, I am not quite sure I understand what you mean by this statement. Everyone on these boards that bought at BCV knew they could have bought BWV cheaper, they just didn't want to! That is not a relative few!

Not arguing your point, but don't forget how many of us on these boards bought an *add-on* at the BCV. For me, it was easier than getting on the waiting list for a resale at another resort, and I wanted in before the price jump. Also, resales on small amounts are both hard to get, and expensive when adding in the closing costs.

Speaking of the price jump, the guide at the Member Update a few weeks ago said that they were expecting the sale of BCV to slow down somewhat now that the price has gone up to $80/pt. They expect that a big reason for the quick initial sale of the BCV was because many current members were purchasing their add-ons, like I did, before the increase.

I'm not arguing that the BCV isn't a great resort - I bought points there myself for those trips with just my husband when we want to walk into Le Cellier every night for cheddar cheese soup. ;) I'm only saying the the speed at which they're selling has to do with many different factors.

[ripleysmom]

I would expect to see another big jump in sales when BCV is approved for sale in NY, especially since they extended the incentives to current DVC members in NY.

[joepoe]

Originally posted by Tinkrbell
Doc- The actual quoted price was about $63/pt

Our price in Oct of 1998 was $63/pt from DVC when we bought BWV

[PamOKW]

So is it (BCV) just a better resort? Better location? Better amenities?etc.

I don't think any resort is "better". There are too many subjectives factors (just look at the resort fights that break out on these boards). It is possible that the factors that make-up BCV appeal to a wider range of people. However, VWL sold-out very quickly as well. Personally, I admire the beauty of the WL but it just has no appeal to me for my Florida vacation. There are pros and cons to every resort and they strike a different chord with everyone. It's hard to say one is "better".

I also think that the pool of people interested in DVC keeps growing and if they don't buy BCV now, it will be 2004 before there is another WDW DVC available and it is the still unknown DI concept. The original presentation on Eagle Pines really appealed to me. I have no idea what DI will be like and just can't get excited about it at all. If I were buying today, I'd buy BCV in a minute.

[DebbieB]

I don't think it was because it's a better resort, all these sales happened before it even opened and anyone stayed there to experience it. Beach Club and Stormalong Bay has always had a popular following, so that maybe part of it. Just like WL always had a popular following and it sold out quick. Boardwalk was totally new when it opened, so no one had any experience with it.

I don't think alot of people want to deal with resales. You have to find one with the right amount of points, right month, right price. Add-ons less than 150 points are hard to get. Then you have to negotiate. Most people would rather deal direct with DVC, sign the papers and get it over with. Plus the original incentives they offered in February were competitive with resales.

[Tigger1]

If I had a choice betwen OKW (where I already own) and BCV( a place I have never seen) I would choose BCV. Reasons, closer to parks, Pool.

If it was BWV and BCV, I am not sure. I think BCV would be more quite, and I would get to use pools from both resorts, therefore BCV would likely win.

VWL, maybe I wold choose this one before OKW.

Vero and HH. I have never been to HH. I can not get ressies in the summer since I try to close to summer. So I am not sure about HH. We love vero. I might buy points there before anywhere else.

Tigger

[Terry S]

I think Debbie B hit one of the biggies right on the head. BC has a huge following (that is why we bought), BW was brand new.

[Dean]

Originally posted by Terry S


Dean, I am not quite sure I understand what you mean by this statement. Everyone on these boards that bought at BCV knew they could have bought BWV cheaper, they just didn't want to! That is not a relative few! First, I acknowledged there were those that bought BCV because they wanted to. Remember that most members are not on this board and it is doubtful that most even know about the resale market.

It is my impression and to a certain extent, assumption, that the group that waited to buy BCV as their main ownership at a higher price when they knew they had other options including buying resale is a relative small percentage. that is a small percentage of the overall total that have purchased. I could be mistaken but sincerely doubt it. Since I would not include in this group add ons less than 150 pts, those that bought without knowing about the other options and those that wanted to buy directly from DVC regardless of home resort. So we could be talking somantics and it really doesn't matter. I don't think we have anything to argue about in this area.

[Lisa F]

Originally posted by PamOKW


I don't think any resort is "better". There are too many subjectives factors (just look at the resort fights that break out on these boards). It is possible that the factors that make-up BCV appeal to a wider range of people. However, VWL sold-out very quickly as well. Personally, I admire the beauty of the WL but it just has no appeal to me for my Florida vacation. There are pros and cons to every resort and they strike a different chord with everyone. It's hard to say one is "better".

I also think that the pool of people interested in DVC keeps growing and if they don't buy BCV now, it will be 2004 before there is another WDW DVC available and it is the still unknown DI concept.

I just thought this was worth repeating and bolding.

Lisa

[AnnK]

Pam is correct. Which resort is best( or better) is subjective. For those who want quiet, with location BCV is better, I like the action at BW, I also prefer MGM over Epcot, though I don't mind walking to either from BWV, I think MGM is a bit of a hike for BCV. BWV is more in the middle, BCV is close to Epcot. Two of the biggest reasons for our lack of interest in ownership of BCV are first BCV doesn't have a "Community Hall" for some that makes no difference, but for US it makes a BIG difference. Our children LOVE BW Community Hall, and I enjoy being able to sun by the quiet pool while they get their share of activities and video games. The second reason is BCV does not offer GV's, which again for some doesn't make a difference, but since that is what we stay in now, we don't really have much interest in BCV. We have done SAB. It's a nice pool but we have NOT gone there in 4 years because the kids just don't care to go there anymore. In fact we have not pool hopped anywhere in 4 years. For those who think BCV is better, they are right as far as it is "better" for them. BCV is not "better" for us. We bought a BWV add-on in Sept , even though we knew BCV would go on sale shortly. We bought through Disney because we like to buy direct from Disney and not from resales, we paid more for our BWV points than BCV is selling for now, so it's not a matter of price. We bought BWV because we prefer BWV. It really does come down to personal preference.