Anyone plan on buying DVC-Hawaii or DVC-DC?

[AuntTink]

I was just wondering who is seriously considering buying into DVC-Hawaii and/or DVC-DC (at National Harbor, Maryland) when they come available?

I don't think I would go to Hawaii much. I see that as maybe once in a lifetime trip. Doesn't attract me that much - I know what planet am I from?.

DC sound great to me. There is just so much to do there for little or no cost. A great place for families and for educational outings. I spent my teenage years there (Springfield, VA) and had a blast with my Dad, some real father/daughter bonding occured in those outings. I wouldn't want to go every year, but I wonder how hard it will be able to get in at 7 months, so maybe a small contract.

[disneynutz]

For us WDW is what makes DVC a winner. Outside of WDW a hotel is just a hotel. We might stay at Hawaii once but we would never buy there. I think that Disney is spreading themselves too thin and they have illusions of grandeur thinking that every resort that they build will be a success. VGC is already a sales disappointment and DVD wants to sell it out as fast as possible and move on.

[bwvBound]

I look forward to visiting both (assuming the new DC location includes DVC) -- but am not considering add-ons at either. I'm quite happy having only one DVC "home" resort (*). My guess is that DC will be harder to book than HI. Reasons for the guess: HI, while very high demand, has lots of timeshare inventory. DVC owners will be able to book DVC HI and locations across other islands through exchange company and affiliated resort relationships. Folks owning other timeshares may want to exchange into DVC HI - but have plenty of other options should their request fail. // DC, on the other hand, has very few timeshare properties in the immediate area and is already considered a highly sought-after reservation. (Kinda like NYC. Hint, hint!)
Most DVC owners are located east of the Mississippi ... making flights to HI somewhat less attractive than continental US travel.
Parents with school-age children will quickly justify a quick trip to our Nation's capital ... while possibly needing additional justification before carting the entire family out to see the Polynesian history of the islands. DVC in DC sounds a bit like a spoon full of sugar taken with medicine?
HI likely to have more DVC units than DC.
DC will likely suffer strong seasonal demand (lots of competition for small windows of time) whereas HI holds general year-round attraction (spreading the demand across wider windows of time).Just guessing.

(*) Disclaimer: DVC is one of five different timeshare products for me ... so I feel sufficiently diversified w/out owning at multiple DVC properties.

[adminjedi]

We are probably going to buy HI!:love:
We are on the west coast so it will be a quicker trip for us allowing for short stays. Although it won't have "the world" atmosphere and activities, it will certainly be a well done hotel with amenities. We like the Disney service with a smile and resort/park cleanliness. I think the pool area will be a fun addition that other hotels don't offer. Also, Waikiki has changed so much over the last decade or two that it will be nice to have a great place to stay on Oahu.

[DVC Mike]

Nope, not me.

[Crystal_27]

For us WDW is what makes DVC a winner.

Yup - that's exactly how we feel, especially given that we can drive to WDW without having to pay the additional costs of airfare. We will probably eventually get around to visiting DVC Hawaii and DC, but only after we reach a point where we need a break from the magic (and, in our family, that could take years). ;)

[Dean]

DC is a scary place from a timeshare standpoint. My understanding is that the Wyndham resort there sold poorly and Wyndham is a lot more aggressive than is DVC in terms of sales. For HI they'll be going head to head with Marriott who is also more aggressive, offers preview stays, offers tour incentives, etc. This should be interesting. My prediction is that unless DVC changes their sales tactics it'll be a long time before we see any more off property options if ever and that's a shame because more choices are good for many members. It might or might not create more competition at the 7 month window, it would NOT depend on the number of units and points but rather the underlying demand of the properties in question throughout the year.

[Doug7856]

For us Hawaii holds no interest as a purchase, but DC will be a buy for us (assuming it is DVC).

Hawaii is a place we want to go to, but I can't imagine a commitment to 50 years of vacations there. We live in Maryland and have limits on travel times (my wife is a teacher) so off season travel is not possible.

The National Harbor location is 17 miles from our home. It would be a great short break getaway, especially if they do some sort of indoor pool/water park option that has been speculated on. We would probably focus our travel there during winter periods -- we love DC during the cooler temps. There are so many festivals and events that would make this a great location for us. I don't think the commitment to DC by Disney is real firm, so we'll see what happens. Should they build DVC, we plan to buy.

[Mr_Potts]

For us to buy in DC will depend on the themeing. I would love to see some animatronics there, helping to tell the story of American history. If it is a destination in itself with attractions I will add on.

As for Hawaii, we will be staying at Ko Olina this July at the Marriott Beach Club to see the construction and get a feel for whether we could imagine returning year after year.

[JLitfin]

No, not planning on adding on at either.

When I travel to Hawaii, I usually stay at the Marriotts on the islands. We stayed at Marriott KoOlina several years ago and it was wonderful. Can't wait to return.

DC is so close to my home, I don't need a timeshare to visit Washington and it's attractions.

Maybe once it's built I might try to reserve at 7 months, just to check out the new resorts.

[Brian Noble]

My understanding is that the Wyndham resort there sold poorly and Wyndham is a lot more aggressive than is DVC in terms of sales.
Alexandria is effectively sold out and has been for some time---I don't think they are in active sales there anymore. National Harbor, despite a lousy locaiton and not even being open yet (it opens in Feb 2010), was 40% sold this past summer, selling into the teeth of a nasty recession.

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/06/29/story5.html

That doesn't sound so bad to me. On the other hand:

For us WDW is what makes DVC a winner.
This is a big problem for Disney. They just haven't translated well outside RCID's boundaries. They do keep trying though.

Edited to add: I suspect they are going to see how HI moves before making a final decision on the DC property. If HI does poorly, the DC space may be a conventional hotel.

[hygienejean]

Does anyone know when HI will open its doors? When do you think they will start to sell points?

[Doug7856]

Does anyone know when HI will open its doors? When do you think they will start to sell points?

No firm date (that I'm aware of) but they are saying 2011 opening. I guess sales will start sometime next year (2010).

[LIFERBABE]

I have zero desire to sit on a plane that long, so Hawaii will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us. No add on for us.
No desire to add on in DC either.

WDW DVC is "home" for us. We can go and do nothing, just hang out as a family. The other locations have "purpose" so totally different requirement. They are more "1 and done" type places. Dont have many years left with the boys and looking more at retirement years. WDW DVC will suit us for leisurely trips and does not require long flights.

[eporter66]

If we ever add on it will be another WDW resort.

[dwelty]

I suspect that most DVC owners east of the Mississippi will not buy in Hawaii.

In a recent interview Jim Lewis expressed the desire to expand DVC to the west coast Market in a big way. Hawaii would go along way to do this. Hawaii is a huge market for the West Coast. In the east people go to Florida or the Carribbean, in the west many of them go to Hawaii.

I do not believe the Hawaii property is really aimed at the East Coast demographic. Which would explain why most of you are not interested.

See interview below:

http://www.dvcnews.com/index.php/news-program-information-163/1053-jim-lewis-on-dvc-western-expansion

I have to say, for those of you who have never been to Hawaii, it is not at all like the Carribbean. No third world poverty, no trashy houses, just beautiful beaches, neighborhoods and Resorts. I have visited many tropical destinations and it is by far the best location I have ever visited. Also, you never feel like an outsider, it is just another state.

[Maistre Gracey]

According to some DVC people I spoke with last trip, the Hawaii project will be targeted more toward the Asian market.
This will have a secondary benefit for Disney, as they will than likely use points to visit WDW.

On another note, I find it hard to assume VGC is a sales disappointment. DVC doesn't seem to be marketing it too heavily, so perhaps it's going according to plan. Fact is, we just don't know exactly what their plan is.

Now, to the question.. No, I will not be purchasing Hawaii or DC. I will likely visit.

MG

[Anal Annie]

We live 25 miles out of DC and I have zero interest in a timeshare in the city. If I want to go downtown I can hop on the metro & go for the day.

We LOVE Hawaii and try to go every 5 years. Although Oahu is not our favorite island we usually spend a few nights there before moving on to better places. I doubt we will buy points there unless we find there is no availability at 7 months.

I think it is going to be cost prohibitive for us to buy points there and possibly even too point intensive to consider as a viable option to staying outside of Waikiki. I have a definite limit on how many points I will use for per night. VGC has pretty much hit that limit with me with their weekend point requirements for a studio in the summer being as high as weekend pts. at WDW. I have my own perception of the value per point. If you value the points at $10 each then a weekday night in the summer at VGC is = to $230. WeekENDS at 40 pts per night are OUT. We just simply don't spend $400 / night for a room. I anticipate Ko'Olina to be every bit as expensive per point and just as point intensive to use as VGC so we would only use it on a limited basis. I know I can book a decent enough room in Waikiki for around $200 / night. No way to know for sure about Hawaii until DVC releases more info. about the points & pricing. But definitely couldn't care less about D.C.


dwelty - it is not that I am not interested...it's just not Maui and I think it will be overpriced... I agree with your other thoughts tho about Hawaii. It is VERY CLEAN. People do not litter (fines are high), the islands are gorgesous, the weather is PERFECT, the Hawaiian language is BEAUTIFUL but certainly the fact that it's another STATE is great. No passports, no foreign currency...

[mickeys girl 52]

Not unless they move the Castle and Mickey there.:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

[Brian Noble]

I find it hard to assume VGC is a sales disappointment.
It is presently the least expensive property of those in active sales at which to purchase---less even than SSR. That seems like a pretty clear signal to me.

[beccasmom]

We would probably not buy at either.

We love DC and it is a 2-hour drive from here, so we would definitely use our points to stay at a DC DVC. Tons of things to do, many of them free or at low cost. Fabulous for history buffs like us. :goodvibes

Hawaii sounds wonderful and we would use our points for that at some point. We've been there before and LOVED it. :love: Just wonderful. But it is a LONG flight from here and buying there would just not be practical or cost-effective for us. We would not get there often enough to make it a smart decision for us. And we would try to combine it with a California visit for sure.

[BWV Dreamin]

I have to say, for those of you who have never been to Hawaii, it is not at all like the Carribbean. No third world poverty, no trashy houses, just beautiful beaches, neighborhoods and Resorts. sta
I don't know about that. When I watch "Dog- The Bounty Hunter" he goes into some rough, seedy neighborhoods!!!:rotfl::rotfl2::laughing:

[kikiq]

It is presently the least expensive property of those in active sales at which to purchase---less even than SSR. That seems like a pretty clear signal to me.

Clear signal of what? I don't think supposedly low DVC sales anywhere should be any indication of lack of interest. We had money saved to buy GCV points but when my DH was asked to take a 10% cut in pay and the Southern California economy slowed, we decided to wait a bit. And finally when I received a pink slip and was not offered a full time teaching position this fall, we decided that the money saved needed to stay put. Not because we're not interested because we still are, but because it doesn't make economic sense right now.

And to answer the question...we have a family condo in Honolulu. BUT it costs $$$ to maintain even if no one is living there. We might sell it if the costs get to be too high. It would be less expensive to buy DVC points and pay those MFs. We live in SoCal, so yes, we would consider buying Hawaii DVC.

[Maistre Gracey]

It is presently the least expensive property of those in active sales at which to purchase---less even than SSR. That seems like a pretty clear signal to me.
Really?? Even after figuring the point per night correction??

First one I looked at - SSR Choice season 1br = 24 points
Same category VGC = 34 points

That's 42% more points per night...

I'm just sayin'..
MG

[Brian Noble]

Clear signal of what?
That VGC is not selling as well as Disney would like, relative to the sales rate at AKV, SSR, and (especially) BLT. California is not alone in suffering through a poor economy---most of the southeast and midwest are experiencing similar unemployment rates, etc.

Really?? Even after figuring the point per night correction??
My understanding is that most GCV contracts tend to be smaller than those sold in Orlando, though I'm taking others' word for that. I've not looked at the deed registrations. It's not that surprising though because the nights-per-stay in DLR are typically much lower than the nights-per-stay at WDW. In hindsight, I think Disney did err in over-pointing the GCV rooms, but with the very large West Coast contingent, plus the very small number of rooms available here, I'm not sure anyone could have predicted that.

[BWV Dreamin]

Disneyland/California is really a different type of trip compared to WDW/Florida. Weather is different. Crowds are different. The city is different. It really is something that can be done in 3-4 days as compared to 7 or more in Florida. The neighborhood hotels are very nice, and more cost effective for this destination. The two markets are apples and oranges.

[Maistre Gracey]

That VGC is not selling as well as Disney would like, relative to the sales rate at AKV, SSR, and (especially) BLT. California is not alone in suffering through a poor economy---most of the southeast and midwest are experiencing similar unemployment rates, etc.
That might be true, but it can't be assumed. It's obvious to me that DVC is concentrating their efforts on AKV and BLT.
Perhaps they figure VGC will sell "well enough" without a marketing blitz..??

MG

[Brian Noble]

The two markets are apples and oranges.
There's no question about that. But, "points" are a common currency across the two. And, right now, points at that property are less expensive, but when first offered, they were priced identically to other properties. You don't lower the price on something because it is selling well.

And, really, the things you point out are exactly the reasons why DVC has a tougher row to hoe in DLR than it does at WDW---shorter trips, plenty of nice hotels, suites, and even timeshare units within easy walking distance of the gates. In short, they don't have anywhere near the "special sauce" they do in Orlando.

They have even less "special sauce" in HI or DC, where they don't have a pretty theme park to look at.

Perhaps they figure VGC will sell "well enough" without a marketing blitz..??
Then why lower the price?

[arthur06]

I really dont have any desire to own at either place. Went to DC a few years ago, and while we really enjoyed it, not something that we would do every year. As for Hawaii, not something we can AFFORD to do every year.

On property Disney really controls all aspects. If attendence at AK is low, there is the choice of adding a new attraction. Disney owns thousands or acres of undeveloped land that could be used for future expansion/growth. Off property, you are really subject to the effects of other variables. Disney's interest in central Florida is HUGE. Disney's interest in DC or Hawaii, not so much! I will stick to all things Disney.

[Maistre Gracey]

Then why lower the price?
Again, back to my original point..
Once you factor in the higher per night requirements, it's by far not the cheapest resort to stay at.

MG

[disneynutz]

That might be true, but it can't be assumed. It's obvious to me that DVC is concentrating their efforts on AKV and BLT.
Perhaps they figure VGC will sell "well enough" without a marketing blitz..??

MG

Which abrevation is correct VGC or GCV? :confused3

In my conversation with an insider, I was told that DVD knows that the DVC isn't a good fit at Disneyland so they only developed a small number of units just to have a presence there. Prices would be set low to close sales out as soon as possible and they decided not to waste additional money with a big advertising push.

Disney is also not happy with the publics response to projects outside of Disney Parks. ABD is a failure and it will have continued cut backs and price increases to cater to a wealthy niche market.

[Brian Noble]

Sure, but the per-point pricing is relative, not absolute. It was initially offered at one price point, equivalent to other properties. It's now selling for less. That's not something you do with a product that's meeting sales expectations.

[jade1]

For us WDW is what makes DVC a winner. Outside of WDW a hotel is just a hotel. We might stay at Hawaii once but we would never buy there. I think that Disney is spreading themselves too thin and they have illusions of grandeur thinking that every resort that they build will be a success. VGC is already a sales disappointment and DVD wants to sell it out as fast as possible and move on.


Exact same here.

[Maistre Gracey]

Sure, but the per-point pricing is relative, not absolute. It was initially offered at one price point, equivalent to other properties. It's now selling for less. That's not something you do with a product that's meeting sales expectations. Or in lieu of a marketing blitz. Pick your sales strategy.. Heavy marketing or lower the price..
Fact is a night to stay at VGC will cost more than most (possibly all) other DVC resorts.

MG

[Maistre Gracey]

Which abrevation is correct VGC or GCV? :confused3

In my conversation with an insider, I was told that DVD knows that the DVC isn't a good fit at Disneyland so they only developed a small number of units just to have a presence there. Prices would be set low to close sales out as soon as possible and they decided not to waste additional money with a big advertising push.

Disney is also not happy with the publics response to projects outside of Disney Parks. ABD is a failure and it will have continued cut backs and price increases to cater to a wealthy niche market.
Isn't the official name "The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa"?
Thus, I would think the proper acronym is "VGC".

If DVC only wanted a presence in DLR and wanted to sell out quickly, why did they make the point requirements so high? In addition, they certainly didn't start out selling points cheap.

MG

[Brian Noble]

In addition, they certainly didn't start out selling points cheap.
I can think of two possible reasons for the higher price initially.

One: they initially had higher expectations.
Two: they intentionally soaked the "absolutely must own at DLR" crowd for as much as they though they could get.

It's probably some combination.

[Maistre Gracey]

I can think of two possible reasons for the higher price initially.

One: they initially had higher expectations.
Two: they intentionally soaked the "absolutely must own at DLR" crowd for as much as they though they could get.

It's probably some combination.
And on this point, we agree..

MG

[disneynutz]

And on this point, we agree..

MG

:cheer2::banana:party::banana::cheer2:

[SpaceRangers]

Not planning on buying either. Hawaii and DC are both places that I would like to go once or twice, but not enough that I would want them as my home. We own at BLT and VGC.

[DenLo]

Nope, not me.

Me neither. Will probably stay at both, but not buy.

[Dean]

Alexandria is effectively sold out and has been for some time---I don't think they are in active sales there anymore. National Harbor, despite a lousy locaiton and not even being open yet (it opens in Feb 2010), was 40% sold this past summer, selling into the teeth of a nasty recession.

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/06/29/story5.html

That doesn't sound so bad to me. On the other hand:


This is a big problem for Disney. They just haven't translated well outside RCID's boundaries. They do keep trying though.

Edited to add: I suspect they are going to see how HI moves before making a final decision on the DC property. If HI does poorly, the DC space may be a conventional hotel.You certainly are closer to Wyndham than am I but the info I've gathered over the last few years suggested that Alexandria underperformed expectations. Companies like Wyndham and BG are harder to compare because they tend to sell one or a small group of resorts from all of their sales sites. Still, DVC's passiveness in the sales area is their largest deterent. It should be fun to see how things go.

[dwelty]

Regarding VGC, The pricing is now not that much different than SSR. My understanding is that BLT is essentially carrying sales at WDW during this tough economy, which would explain why the price is going up soon. I am not so sure they want to sell VGC out so quickly and have nothing to sell in California until Hawaii comes on line.

I have been to WDW twice in the last year, and you cant find any information about VGC at any of the Kiosks, even at the SSR sales center there is no marketing material. If they were really desperate to "unload" VGC, I think they would take any opportunity they could to market it at every DVC location. It is being marketed exclusively at DLR. During the Grand Opening, it was stated that the property came in two months early and under budget. At the current pricepoints, they are certianly not loosing money.

As to the potential value of VGC, I think it is a heck of a deal if you look at the maintenance fees. They are the lowest in the company, and likely to stay that way due to the lack of transportation costs in California,and relatively low property tax, (Prop 13). Once DCA is finished with it's 1.2 billion makeover, It will be a park truly worthy of the Disney name. these units will be in high demand by locals and visitors alike.

[kikiq]

As to the potential value of VGC, I think it is a heck of a deal if you look at the maintenance fees. They are the lowest in the company, and likely to stay that way due to the lack of transportation costs in California,and relatively low property tax, (Prop 13). Once DCA is finished with it's 1.2 billion makeover, It will be a park truly worthy of the Disney name. these units will be in high demand by locals and visitors alike.

Which is why we still want to buy at VGC when finances are right. I mean, really, I so want to hear my grand daughter say that her grandparents are taking her to their "home" inside Disneyland/DCA. It might not be something understandably that many people back east care about but to many DLR faithful, what a rush. In fact, after we first saw the models, we said that if they were condos for sale, we would sell our house and move in. (We're empty nesters, a 2 bdrm would be perfect)

[Fellowship9798]

While I would love some VGC points, I have no interest in Hawaii or DC. I like to enjoy the Disney magic with a park nearby. I don't think I need to pay the "Disney premium" to stay at a hotel outside DL or WDW.

Kind of OT but related to the debate about VGC cost above, there certainly was value to me last week in being practically inside DCA when we stayed there. We entered DCA through the Grand Californian entrance but we forgot something back in the room. My DW took DD3 and DS4 to play in the Redwood Creek play area while I went back. When I got back to our 1BR unit, I looked out the window at DCA and was close enough to see them in the park climbing the nets and could wave hello (after calling DW on the phone to let he know to look up a bit). They were maybe 100' - 150' away.

The proximity to DCA and the view inside the park have value to me that is a premium over several of the WDW DVC resorts, but that's just me. Unfortunately I couldn't sell DW on the need to add on there.

[mgroshans]

Nope, we won't be buying at either. Maybe stay there, but definetely not buy.

[dianeschlicht]

I LOVE Hawaii, and when DVD announced they were building there, I was so excited, but I have to say, Oahu, and that side of Oahu are not at all what I would have asked for if they would have asked me!!

We went to that area last time we were there, and I just couldn't see staying there. I much prefer Kauai or the Big Island of Hawaii. Oh well, maybe we can use it as a few days at the beginning and end of a trip. We like to stay on Oahu a day at the start and a couple days at the end to reaclimate to real life again, so that's probably how we will use this place too. Too bad, because a nice Disney resort on one of the other islands would have been so special! Hopefully they'll expand that way some day.

As for DC, I'd probably visit, but I wouldn't own there. Disney is my "go to" place, and while Hawaii is my other "go to" place, I don't see us owning on Oahu even if it is Disney.

[Dean]

The "I'll probably visit once or twice but won't buy there" responses doesn't bode well for this property. Without the draw of on property at a park and without a more agressive sales approach they need a big internal response from current members buying a significant portion of the available points there. I am hoping the resort sells well and I'm wrong because if it doesn't, this is the last off property resort and possibly resort of any kind in all likelihood.

[dianeschlicht]

The "I'll probably visit once or twice but won't buy there" responses doesn't bode well for this property. Without the draw of on property at a park and without a more agressive sales approach they need a big internal response from current members buying a significant portion of the available points there. I am hoping the resort sells well and I'm wrong because if it doesn't, this is the last off property resort and possibly resort of any kind in all likelihood.

I agree, Dean. I do think they will probably market this beyond the Disney parks though. I suspect this one will be heavily marketed in the Orient.

[BWV Dreamin]

I would much prefer to stay at a beach front or near beach front resort in Oahu rather than 1/2 hr. away in Ko-Olina. While in town is much more crowded, I think the amentities of location are worth it. Parking is very expensive, and Disney's resort will be no different. I haven't gotten there yet, so this is my "plan". I could be totally wrong.

[Brian Noble]

The "I'll probably visit once or twice but won't buy there" responses doesn't bode well for this property.
True. But, it would be interesting to ask the question on a more Disneyland-focused forum, like mouseplanet, laughingplace, etc. where more of the posters are left-coasters.

[Dean]

I agree, Dean. I do think they will probably market this beyond the Disney parks though. I suspect this one will be heavily marketed in the Orient.Where it's marketed won't matter if they market it the way they have everything else. Look at HH and VB on site and in area marketing and sales. Pitiful both in terms of sales and method, IMO. The method of taking those on property for other reasons and hoping they sign up for a sales tour simply is a recipe for disaster. It only works at WDW due to the sheer volume of traffic but even then, those are in house sales to a degree.

Actually the location is not bad and is certainly up and coming, I don't think that's a deterent for most people. It really is a beach front location and about the best one available without going to the north shore which is even more remote.

Brian, I'm sure there will be those that buy DVC HI as the main option and then use it to visit DL and WDW occassionally. It wasn't my intent to say no one would buy or to imply that the demand would be the same across all venues. However, there was quite a bit of interest in GC on this board including those planning to purchase and you see where that is going currently.

As I said, it should be interesting.

[dcfromva]

We are just outside DC. I doubt we would buy at National Harbor (has DVC made an announcement?). If the location of the timeshare was between the Capitol and the White House I would buy... But, the National Harbor is too far off the beaten path for my interest...(unless there is an awesome deal offered. :) )
Hawaii--we'll just have to see how expensive it is. Afterall, if all you
guys are planning on staying there someone has to own some
points there. LOL

[dianeschlicht]

Where it's marketed won't matter if they market it the way they have everything else. Look at HH and VB on site and in area marketing and sales. Pitiful both in terms of sales and method, IMO. The method of taking those on property for other reasons and hoping they sign up for a sales tour simply is a recipe for disaster. It only works at WDW due to the sheer volume of traffic but even then, those are in house sales to a degree.
True, but have you seen the recent TV ads for DVC? They are heavily markteting the "travel beyond the parks" idea in the ones I have seen recently.

I do agree that the Ko'Olina area is an up and coming one, and certainly there IS a beach there with nice man made lagoons making it a good swimming beach. I just find that side of the island to always be very cloudy and almost dreary looking. I shun the heavy beaches like Waikiki anyway, and if I'm on Oahu, I prefer the north shore or staying right in the city to do the museums and art and history centers instead.

[podsnel]

We might consider DC- depends what they plan to do with it. I think it would be wonderful to have a place to get away to that is a 4 hour drive (rather than a 3 hour flight) and offers everything the Washington DC area does. It would be so nice to be within driving distance of some Disney magic...:wizard: Have they announced when they hope to break ground/ open it? Even any ballpark estimates?

[BWV Dreamin]

We might consider DC- depends what they plan to do with it. I think it would be wonderful to have a place to get away to that is a 4 hour drive (rather than a 3 hour flight) and offers everything the Washington DC area does. It would be so nice to be within driving distance of some Disney magic...:wizard: Have they announced when they hope to break ground/ open it? Even any ballpark estimates?
I am very familiar with this area, I live in Maryland. Please PM me before you make any reservations!!!:wizard:

[Deb & Bill]

Nope, not interested in the least.

[Dean]

True, but have you seen the recent TV ads for DVC? They are heavily markteting the "travel beyond the parks" idea in the ones I have seen recently.

I do agree that the Ko'Olina area is an up and coming one, and certainly there IS a beach there with nice man made lagoons making it a good swimming beach. I just find that side of the island to always be very cloudy and almost dreary looking. I shun the heavy beaches like Waikiki anyway, and if I'm on Oahu, I prefer the north shore or staying right in the city to do the museums and art and history centers instead.It's always raining on Oahu, all day about 3 months of the year and morning and evening the rest. And it's usually raining all the time at one spot or the other, usually where I am at it seems. When we lived there we lived on the Windward side of the island where it rains more, very pretty and the rain rarely interferes. Compared to DVC's other foray's into non park options, this seems to be a very good location compared to the possibilities, not like when the Hilton Hotel system build on the North shore. IMO, this is a much better location in the overall scheme of things than are the VB and HH resorts. I don't do Oahu without a car, if one were so inclined not to rent a car, that would definitely change things. For me, we have to drive all over anyway so the location doesn't make that much difference, esp now that H3 is open, wish they'd have finished it while were were there instead of letting it sit for a number of years.

As for marketing, it's going to take more than TV and print adds to get it done. It's going to take more aggression, period, to be successful.

[bangzoom6877]

We do not have any desire to buy in either Hawaii or the DC area. While we visit friends occasionally in the DC area (I went to University of MD and still have some old college friends down there), we just stay at a Marriott or a Hilton when we go. We wouldn't really have the need for a DVC resort down there. As for HI, it's a place that DH and I talk about going to once, when our kids are grown up, like for a 25th or 30th anniversary. Since next month will be our 8th anniversary, we have a LONG way to go!

We bought DVC so that we can have large and comfortable accommodations and travel to WDW every other year for a nice long vacation with the kids, making the trip more relaxing and less hectic. We do not plan to add on anywhere. Right now the only other places we consider are VGC when the kids are much older, and HI in the future some time like I mentioned. The only other resort I would consider at WDW is Bay Lake one time, just to have a view of the castle (that has to be awesome to wake up to every day). But, I don't think we would be able to get that 7 months out anyway, so I try to be realistic and BWV is where we will most likely always stay...and that's fine with us.

[MrsNick]

We would definitely like to stay at DVC HI, but doubt we'd buy there for the same reason I didn't buy into Marriott Aruba several years ago...I don't want to be locked into ownership at a resort that requires such a long flight.

I don't know what the future holds regarding the cost of air travel, and I was proved correct re: Aruba as the price of international travel certainly skyrocketed last year. Same could happen with flights to HI from the East Coast. Perhaps DVD is looking to expand its share by reaching into the West Coast and international markets.

As to a possible DC DVC, I'd have to know what types of on site amenities would be offered. Will there be on site entertainment, or indoor water park? What about characters and shows? If so, then I could definitely see us acquiring a modest add-on.

Having a resort with great amenities within driving distance to us would be wonderful for a four night getaway each year. The fact that we could use those points to trade into VB or SSR if we wanted to would just be gravy.

DH and I have been discussing just such a getaway this year since we have an infant and refuse to bring a newborn on an airplane with the flu season already underway. We are really not impressed with the price and quality of resorts nearby. We would have been pleased as punch had we been able to drive to a DVC resort in the Northeast this year (esp. since they are baby-friendly).

That's just us, though...We don't necessarily need to be near a theme park everytime we stay in a DVC resort (probably why we like VB and HHI so much). All we require is a nice resort with pleasant service, good theming and some activities available. We like being able to use our membership somewhere other than at the parks. We like a little bit of variety, so these additions to the DVC portfolio are quite welcome to us. As it turns out, even being near a theme park does not guarantee a quick sellout if the PP's are correct in their assessment of slow sales at GCV, so I don't necessarily believe that not being near a park will doom sales at off site resorts. Of course, only time will tell and I am far from an authority on specialty timeshares ;)

[Anal Annie]

I would much prefer to stay at a beach front or near beach front resort in Oahu rather than 1/2 hr. away in Ko-Olina. While in town is much more crowded, I think the amentities of location are worth it. Parking is very expensive, and Disney's resort will be no different. I haven't gotten there yet, so this is my "plan". I could be totally wrong.

Oh I agree that it so easy to just walk just about anywhere in Waikiki. We never bother renting a car on Oahu. Since we only stay there for 2 or 3 nights we usually just stay at one of the Outrigger Properties which are convenient for walking just about anywhere. They're right on the beach and are close to the International Marketplace...many decent restaurants are within a 10 min. walk - especially from the Outrigger Waikiki over the Outrigger Reef. The Cheesecake Factory and Hula Grill are right downstairs. One will definitely have to rent a car for Ko'Olina. Just another cost factor to have to budget for. We usually fly into Honolulu and spend 2 or 3 nights there to acclimate. It's the cheapest island so it's good for getting over the jet lag. Then we move on to the Big Island and / or Maui for the remainder of our trip. I will be curious to hear more about the amenties at this property tho. I cannot imagine going all the way to Hawaii and not going to Maui!!!!

[Dean]

Oh I agree that it so easy to just walk just about anywhere in Waikiki. We never bother renting a car on Oahu. Since we only stay there for 2 or 3 nights we usually just stay at one of the Outrigger Properties which are convenient for walking just about anywhere. They're right on the beach and are close to the International Marketplace...many decent restaurants are within a 10 min. walk - especially from the Outrigger Waikiki over the Outrigger Reef. The Cheesecake Factory and Hula Grill are right downstairs. One will definitely have to rent a car for Ko'Olina. Just another cost factor to have to budget for. We usually fly into Honolulu and spend 2 or 3 nights there to acclimate. It's the cheapest island so it's good for getting over the jet lag. Then we move on to the Big Island and / or Maui for the remainder of our trip. I will be curious to hear more about the amenties at this property tho. I cannot imagine going all the way to Hawaii and not going to Maui!!!!It's such a shame to go to Oahu and not have a car at least part of the time to see the various parts of the island though if you've done it once I could see not doing it every trip. Then again I would say the same for Waikiki, I'd prefer to stay elsewhere in a nice place like DVC or Marriott.

[DMKEDM]

Count us in the group that bought DVC to stay on site at WDW...no interest at all in HI (I'm probably the only person in the world who dislikes HI, but I do...I've been twice and disliked it both times) and my office is in DC, on Capitol Hill...definitely won't do more than visit (if that, and if so, probably not overnight) a DVC (or a Disney hotel) in DC...

I have been mulling over the idea of a trip to DisneyLand, and the DVC there, tho...but I'm having the same problem w/DL as I have w/any vacation destination that isn't WDW...I can't easily give up any time at WDW! I suppose when Hogwarts/Harry Potter opens at Universal in Orlando I'll be pried loose from WDW, at least for a day...but that's the only thing I can think of that isn't trumped by another day at WDW!

[Simba's Mom]

OK, I guess I've been out of the loop or something-what's this about a DVC in DC? This is the first I've heard of it.

["Got Disney"]

I live in San Diego and we were going to buy at the GCV but decided not to. WE use our 400 points to stay at the Grand every year when we don't go to WDW and hate the fact that we will have to give that up to stay in the villas that may be hard to get into when we want since there are not that many of them. We will wait and see what they do if they fill up as for deciding to throw us into the main hotel or turn us away.

As for HI...we want to but that will depend on the pricing. We will most likely stay there on the points we do have and than after our stay decide. But we will need to stay there first to see if it is the area we want to always go.

I wont buy in DC either but would stay there on the points we do have. We want to buy another 200 points just not sure where yet. :confused3

[JenSop]

Have to admit - I'm too tired to read the whole thread, but I do have thoughts on the resorts.

DH went with friends to Hawaii in August and fell in love with it there. Now he wants to add on there. He can't wait to go back there and can't wait for me to be able to go along with him. So I guess we'll really consider doing an add on in HI.

DC? Heck no. We only live three hours away, so it's an easy day trip. I've been many many times. And we can go anytime we want without having to do an overnight.

[lulubelle]

It's a NO for me.

We own AKV and VGC. Plus we own a Westin timeshare that we have owned and enjoyed for years. We have more than enough.

Add me to the list of "must buy left coasters" who paid whatever the cost was to own at DL. I am a DL freak and spend way too much money staying on site. Now I have the villas. But do feel like I overpaid. A lot. Oh well, live and learn. At least I know I will enjoy staying there year after year.:)

[FindTheMickeys]

My thoughts are this: I want to add on sometime in the future but not a huge amount of points. So I may buy a small add-on at HI, say 50 or 75 points (I currently have 150). Also depends on the incentives.;) That 75 points won't get me home resort advantage for a long vacation stay in HI but I can use those points in FL if I so desire... I've never been to HI but have LOTS of friends and family who have already volunteered to join me on my vacation to the Islands:laughing: so there must be something there worth seeing (they have all been).

[brandip22]

DVC is great for us due to DW as well. However, we would probably spend some points on the DC and HI trips- just to go. As our kids get older, DC would of course be wonderful. For HI- that'd just be a great trip I think. We don't plan to go yearly to either though, so wouldn't buy there.

[Longhairbear]

We would book a DC DVC trip on our way to FLA., but not buy there. Same with HI, but might add on at CA., especially if they build a second DVC at DLR.
What exactly are the rumors of a DC DVC?

[Kdisney]

National Harbor, despite a lousy locaiton and not even being open yet

are you KIDDING me?? National Harbor is incredible. It's a beautiful location, where else can you stay in the DC area on the water???with the exception of a few G'town properties and the Mandarin Oriental. With shuttle service to DC every hour and a water taxi to Mt. Vernon and Old Town. I personally can't wait for DVC at the National Harbor. Yes, I will buy and hope to spend many happy Independence Days there.

[MrShiny]

I do think HI will be heavily marketed to asia. I would expect DVC booths to pop up at HKDL and TDL (are they there already?)

These plus DC add another factor other than sales. They make the DVC value proposition more appealing. Sure, it can be hard getting into a non-home resort, but it is generally easier than a non-DVC trade (at least less hassle).

So even if HI doesn't sell out for years, it will aid in selling other DVC. Not many people here have said they both would not buy AND never book a stay at HI...

[Longhairbear]

National Harbor, despite a lousy locaiton and not even being open yet

are you KIDDING me?? National Harbor is incredible. It's a beautiful location, where else can you stay in the DC area on the water???with the exception of a few G'town properties and the Mandarin Oriental. With shuttle service to DC every hour and a water taxi to Mt. Vernon and Old Town. I personally can't wait for DVC at the National Harbor. Yes, I will buy and hope to spend many happy Independence Days there.
Thanks, so has Disney actually purchased property for the express purpose of a hotel/DVC? I would definitely use points at a DC DVC.

[ILUVPOOH1]

Alexandria is effectively sold out and has been for some time---I don't think they are in active sales there anymore. National Harbor, despite a lousy locaiton and not even being open yet (it opens in Feb 2010), was 40% sold this past summer, selling into the teeth of a nasty recession.

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/06/29/story5.html

That doesn't sound so bad to me. On the other hand:


This is a big problem for Disney. They just haven't translated well outside RCID's boundaries. They do keep trying though.

Edited to add: I suspect they are going to see how HI moves before making a final decision on the DC property. If HI does poorly, the DC space may be a conventional hotel.



We were just at National Harbor a few weeks ago for the Washington Capitals Hockey Convention. So I think a lot is open there. It was really nice, they were still building, but the convention center is open as well as a couple hotels/shops. There was a HUGE sign outside that said "National Harbor Welcomes DISNEY"

But, no way I'd buy there, I only live 30 minutes away. Also, we're in DC up to 3 times a week during hockey season (we're season tix holders) so I kind of get sick of it! However, if you don't get to go often, it is a really nice place to visit! The kids get a lot out of it, monuments and muesums (sp?) are great. I think it would make a really nice vacation spot for families!

Personally I would love to get out on the West Coast. Been an East Coast gal all my life!!

[rentayenta]

Flights are too spendy too Hawaii as is touring in Hawaii. I doubt we would buy in DC either.

[JimC]

I was surprised when they announced that they were going into the non-theme park resort business (Hawaii and DC) and even more surprised that a DVC was announced in Hawaii. I thought that the prior DVC experience off property would preclude further such activity.

Maybe the success of the Cruise Line and Adventures By Disney have altered their market position enough to make a go of a broader vacation offering. Owning resorts not contiguous to a theme park is quite an undertaking for Disney. It is a balance sheet laden and inflexible investment in leisure that the Adventures program fortunately lacks. The cruise ships, while still a significant investment, have the virtue of locale flexibility that resorts lack.

I think Hawaii is too far and likely too expensive to own for us. DC has great attractions if you like history, museums and government. But I can't conceive of it as a regular year-after-year vacation site.

[Dean]

Flights are too spendy too Hawaii as is touring in Hawaii. I doubt we would buy in DC either.I think the perceived cost of going to HI is more than the actual cost. Compared to flying anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere inc the Caribbean, MX and across the continent, the air isn't that much more. Rental cars are pretty cheap and hotels/condo's/timeshares are as reasonable as anything else as are restaurants. Sure a nice OF villa will cost you but there are plenty of reasonable options. One should be able to do HI for around $150 pp/pd plus air including rental car, eating out, some activities and interisland. For DVC, I think there is a skewed perception of cost given that Orlando is still fairly cheap overall if you exclude extended park admission media. I spent more in Aruba and in LV comparatively than any of my trips to HI and HI was still that much better.

[Dean]

I was surprised when they announced that they were going into the non-theme park resort business (Hawaii and DC) and even more surprised that a DVC was announced in Hawaii. I thought that the prior DVC experience off property would preclude further such activity.

Maybe the success of the Cruise Line and Adventures By Disney have altered their market position enough to make a go of a broader vacation offering. Owning resorts not contiguous to a theme park is quite an undertaking for Disney. It is a balance sheet laden and inflexible investment in leisure that the Adventures program fortunately lacks. The cruise ships, while still a significant investment, have the virtue of locale flexibility that resorts lack.

I think Hawaii is too far and likely too expensive to own for us. DC has great attractions if you like history, museums and government. But I can't conceive of it as a regular year-after-year vacation site.Unfortunately I think we (and DVC) are destined to repeat the history of VB/HH to a large degree. I'm sure there'll be variations but it has all the look of a painful ordeal from a business standpoint. I do hope I'm wrong because I'd like more options as a member.

[toniosmom]

I've never been to Hawaii and hope to one day make it there, but I don't see me buying into the DVC property there. At most, I may try to get there once or twice. (It's a looooooong trip from the East Coast!)

As far as DC is concerned, being in NJ, it's not too far of a drive, so I've love to visit several times. (I love DC!) I don't plan to buy there at this point -- my son is only 4, so it's going to be a while before we start making trips to DC.

And I have a feeling that my January MF bills are going to preclude me from any add-ons for a long time!!! :scared1:

[musical2]

No I won't buy DVC Hawaii. I did buy Marriott Ko Olina EOY for a steal on Ebay though, and Marriott seemed to have suspended ROFR on it because it passed. So I don't need it DVC Hawaii. Plus, I live in the DC area so I don't want to buy there.

[KiminChicago]

It all depends. If it turns out to be really difficult to get a reservation at the 7-month window, we might consider adding on some points in Hawaii.

When we bought our AKV points, our first trip wasn't back to WDW, we used our first points to go to HHI. The kids thought we were nuts, but when we were getting packed up to come home, they both wanted to know when we'd go back again. Now we're considering adding on some points at HHI via resale -- enough to get a couple of weekday nights at the 11-month window since the resort fills up so fast over the summer. Then we'd use some of our AKV points for the weekend since they don't fill up as fast and there might still be availability at the 7-month window.

I can see the same thing happening in Hawaii, we'd add on just enough points to make it possible to get a room for a couple of nights at the 11 month window and hope that we could extend our stay at the 7 month window using the AKV points.

I think what we really liked about our HHI stay was all the activities Disney provided -- we didn't miss having a theme park nearby. I'm hoping that at both Ko Olina and DC, Disney will provide lots of tours and things to do which makes the vacation planning so much easier for me.

[stopher1]

We're happy with our bi-coastal home resorts. We definitely want to visit Hawaii, but I don't see us buying there. Nor would we probably buy in DC if it does become an option. Sure we'd like some more options as members for actual DVC resorts vs. trading out - but that doesn't mean buying at them would be for us. DL & WDW were the main draw for us joining DVC.