Contemporary - smallest DVC?

[vascubaguy]

I was just thinking... if the rumors actually become reality and they make the contemporary wings into a DVC... how many rooms do you think it might have? Would it be the smallest DVC? and how many weeks do you think it would take to sell out?

From the impressions I have gotten, if a DVC was on the monorail... it would be the place to be!

[jarestel]

I don't know the answers to any of your questions, but with gas prices projected to rise even higher for the forseeable future, maybe at some point a monorail expansion will make more financial sense. I imagine the fleet of busses eats up a tremendous amount of fuel each day.

[tjkraz]

Each Garden Wing has about 300 standard guest rooms.

[DizWacko]

Each Garden Wing has about 300 standard guest rooms.

Are you sure about that?? The whole resort has roughly 1000 rooms. That would mean that the wings have 600 rooms and the tower 400 rooms, hard to believe .... but I suppose its possible

[tjkraz]

From Allearsnet:

The Contemporary Resort has two sections. The Tower is 14 stories tall and has approximately 500 guest rooms. The Tower rooms have 2 views, Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom/Parking Lot. The Garden Wings are located to the North and South of the Tower and have a combined total of approximately 500 rooms. The Garden rooms have either a water, garden or parking lot view.

I think it's a little higher than 250 per wing, so figure somewhere between 250 and 300. ;)

[JandD Mom]

Since we are all speculating, I thought I read some additional speculation that Disney would knock down the North wing and put a new structure there. Again, I am just speculating. :goodvibes

[Stitch 03]

Since we are all speculating, I thought I read some additional speculation that Disney would knock down the North wing and put a new structure there. Again, I am just speculating. :goodvibes

A possibility. Still no announcement regarding any work to refurb the North Wing, just the South Wing and Tower. There is a thread on the rumors board where the poster claims to have seen surveyors outside the wings and in the parking lot. Scoping out potential future construction? Maybe.

Stay tuned.

[Rozzie]

just back and my guide said CR is a GO, and the only question is when, not if. He said he has a 5 page waiting list for CR, and that DVC predicts that it will sell CR out in 4-5 months. Now all I have to do is start saving for my add on!! :goodvibes Hopefully this will all come to pass. How nice it will be to have DVC on the monorail!

[vascubaguy]

Didn't they also say that Eagle Pines was a go?

[keishashadow]

just back and my guide said CR is a GO, and the only question is when, not if. He said he has a 5 page waiting list for CR, and that DVC predicts that it will sell CR out in 4-5 months. Now all I have to do is start saving for my add on!! :goodvibes Hopefully this will all come to pass. How nice it will be to have DVC on the monorail!Funny, I posed million dollar question to my guide today before I committed to an add-on @ BWV. First, I made my guide swear on his Mickey ears that the Contemporary was not a done deal/soon to be announced, etc. He indicated that they don't get the info until it's released to the public. Additionally, he checked as to whether there's an official "waiting list", no again! Think you're better off adding on now & selling off the contract in the event the CRV comes to fruition. Also asked re Eagle Pines, he said nothing has been announced.

[Stitch 03]

Yeah, Eagle Oines was once a go. But there was a good reason for abandoning that concept. They were offered the old Disney Institute (now SSR). Though I am a big supporter of the rumor that the CR will be the next DVC at WDW, I will not take it as fact until demolition & construction begin.

But it sure is fun speculating.

[Rozzie]

Funny, I posed million dollar question to my guide today before I committed to an add-on @ BWV. First, I made my guide swear on his Mickey ears that the Contemporary was not a done deal/soon to be announced, etc. He indicated that they don't get the info until it's released to the public. Additionally, he checked as to whether there's an official "waiting list", no again! Think you're better off adding on now & selling off the contract in the event the CRV comes to fruition. Also asked re Eagle Pines, he said nothing has been announced.


I am as confused as anyone else when it comes to CR. My guide did hint that it is not a official waiting list, just one he is keeping personally of one's to call when it is announced. of course, I added my name. He seemed very sure of CR. I left skeptical and Back in my mind, I won't believe it till' we see the official release. He even brought it up, I didn't even ask about it---which confused me more. I guess it will be one of those special projects that will get scratched and added a 1000 times before it comes to pass. I am not going to wait to do an add on at CR, I allready licking my chops for a resale at OKW. :) congrats on your addon at BWV, I hear they are hard to come by! :goodvibes

[JandD Mom]

As I think I posted before, a good friend of mine who is a mid-level muckety muck at DVC corp office has heard nothing to confirm this rumor.

But wouldn't it be cool .... :rolleyes1

[spiceycat]

as much as I would love a DVC Cont - well - as had been say if the building is torn down - then I would expect an annoucement.

but if they are just rehabing this side (like they are presently doing the South Wing) - then forget.

It isn't going to happen.

boy your guide really seem confidence that it will happen. :cool1:

I really don't need it for a few years - so I am happy nothing has been announced.

but the time the budget can handle it - Cont will probably be sold out - if it is anytime next year.

[keishashadow]

I am as confused as anyone else when it comes to CR. My guide did hint that it is not a official waiting list, just one he is keeping personally of one's to call when it is announced. of course, I added my name. He seemed very sure of CR. I left skeptical and Back in my mind, I won't believe it till' we see the official release. He even brought it up, I didn't even ask about it---which confused me more. I guess it will be one of those special projects that will get scratched and added a 1000 times before it comes to pass. I am not going to wait to do an add on at CR, I allready licking my chops for a resale at OKW. :) congrats on your addon at BWV, I hear they are hard to come by! :goodvibesYes, we've been waiting some time for our UY to open up...we're told contracts over 100 pts are difficult. Since the computers' are down, were still not 100% sure whether we got the points; although they did put the charge thru to my checking account. :rolleyes:

[Maribel]

Funny, I posed million dollar question to my guide today before I committed to an add-on @ BWV. First, I made my guide swear on his Mickey ears that the Contemporary was not a done deal/soon to be announced, etc. He indicated that they don't get the info until it's released to the public. Additionally, he checked as to whether there's an official "waiting list", no again! Think you're better off adding on now & selling off the contract in the event the CRV comes to fruition. Also asked re Eagle Pines, he said nothing has been announced.

Being a salesperson myself, if I were to have a customer that is ready to purchase now, but could be willing to wait a little bit if there is a probability of something better in the near future been announced, I would certainly play the part of the fool that knows nothing about it. Why would I do something to stall a sale on something that it's still a rumor and who knows when or if will ever be announced? It's the nature of the saleperson. Remember we make commissions and are measured by our bosses based on actual sales, not in the probability of future sales.

[JimFitz]

Poly?? :)

[spiceycat]

when the symbol for DVC was first seem - 3 Volcanos on an island - I certainly thought Poly...

but there is no room for new construction at the Polyn. the Polyn never has any trouble filling it rooms - most of the time at the rack rate. (unbelieveable to me).

with the old Cont rooms WDW had to offer the Cont at a lower price in the begining then later add some discounts to get it full.

hopefully with the new rooms - the Cont will live up its name and will be in demand again at full price!!!

my definition of full price -
Polyn garden = Cont wings,
Polyn Lagoon = Cont Tower.

If the Cont can do this - then I don't really think there will be the need for a DVC Cont.

Although I still hope for one!!! :rolleyes: :bitelip:

[Stitch 03]

It may actually make good business sense to let DVC have the North Wing. I assume that DVC would have to buy the property and those funds could be used to finance the current refurb of the CR. Essentially this would mean that they can post a sign in the lobby:

Shiny new CR lobby and rooms provided and paid for by DVC owners. :teeth:

By converting the North Wing to DVC also provides another advantage. The total number of rooms, not including DVC, would be reduced from ~1,000 to ~750 (sorry if my numbers are off). This seems to be more in line with the rest of the deluxe resorts. With fewer rooms (supply and demand) and a totally re-done (and looking great) CR, rooms can be rented at a premium. Rates at the CR, including the south wing, would be similar to rates at the Poly and GF.

Now add to this that fact that DVC is on the monorail. So what if there are not many rooms. It is a great selling feature. Buy at SSR, or anywhere else that comes along, and you can stay at the CRV anytime you want. At least that is the spin the guides would put on it.

Turning the North Wing to DVC could be a win-win for everyone.

[tjkraz]

Turning the North Wing to DVC could be a win-win for everyone.

Unless I'm the Disney resorts unit. With the cash rates that could be demanded for refurbished rooms in that location, I certainly wouldn't give up the property cheap. The real question is whether that land is more valuable with $400+ per night resort rooms for the next 50 years, or in selling it off to DVC.

And then there's the question of whether DVC is even interested in building properites that small.

I don't see the number of rooms at the hotel as being a negative...particularly if demand is such to fill those rooms.

[keishashadow]

Being a salesperson myself, if I were to have a customer that is ready to purchase now, but could be willing to wait a little bit if there is a probability of something better in the near future been announced, I would certainly play the part of the fool that knows nothing about it. Why would I do something to stall a sale on something that it's still a rumor and who knows when or if will ever be announced? It's the nature of the saleperson. Remember we make commissions and are measured by our bosses based on actual sales, not in the probability of future sales.What! Do you mean that Real Estate Salespeople are in it for the money?LOL I have a PA real estate license, not sure if DVC employees are bound by confidentiality to the seller or buyer agency, etc. Regardless, I'm sure they have extensive training in both closing the deal in hand & hedging their bets on future transactions.

[Stitch 03]

Unless I'm the Disney resorts unit. With the cash rates that could be demanded for refurbished rooms in that location, I certainly wouldn't give up the property cheap. The real question is whether that land is more valuable with $400+ per night resort rooms for the next 50 years, or in selling it off to DVC.

And then there's the question of whether DVC is even interested in building properites that small.

I don't see the number of rooms at the hotel as being a negative...particularly if demand is such to fill those rooms.

I have to admit that I have not crunched the numbers. I just saw a scenario where the proceeds from the sale of the property to DVC would pay for the remodel. I could see a situation where the remodel is done and occupancy rates are higher due to losing 250 - 300 rooms. In this situation, the CR could fetch another $50 - $75 a night over today's rates with little to no capital outlay. The higher rates would be in line with rates at the Poly and the GF.

Now if they can increase the rates by keeping the North Wing and fill those rooms, then the resorts division may be better off keeping the North Wing. But then they would have to finance the entire refurb themselves.

And you are right - it will not be cheap for DVC to acquire the North Wing.

[JandD Mom]

I am confused about the assumptions that a N. Wing Contemporary DVC would be small. If DVC destroys the building and builds a new structure, couldn't they re-allocate space and even go up an extra storey or 2? :confused3

[tjkraz]

I am confused about the assumptions that a N. Wing Contemporary DVC would be small. If DVC destroys the building and builds a new structure, couldn't they re-allocate space and even go up an extra storey or 2? :confused3

Maybe, maybe not.

Disney has long wanted to build a fourth resort on the monorail line between the Poly and the Contemporary. They've twice tried to pour concrete pilings to test the stability of the land, and both times the test pilings disappeared into the ground, and they were forced to cancel the project.

Remember most of WDW is swamp land. The Seven Seas Lagoon is a man-made body of water, created when they excavated that land to build up for the Magic Kingdom and surrounding structures.

I know that raises more questions than it answers. My only point is that given the condition of the land in that area, it's not a foregone conclusion that they could build a larger and/or taller structure.

One other issue that I've never been able to resolve is the timing, if the CR is actually coming. About 15 months ago SSR had just opened and was well on its way to opening about 550 units. In May 2004 DVC announced that they were adding "Phase 3" to the resort with about 250 more units than originally planned. If Disney was so hot to build at the Contemporary, why didn't they proceed with that project instead of adding more units to SSR? They could have always added on to SSR in a few years.

[JohnNJ]

Remember most of WDW is swamp land. The Seven Seas Lagoon is a man-made body of water, created when they excavated that land to build up for the Magic Kingdom and surrounding structures.

If Disney was so hot to build at the Contemporary, why didn't they proceed with that project instead of adding more units to SSR? They could have always added on to SSR in a few years.

While Seven Seas Lagoon is man made, Bay Lake is a natural lake that was there when Disney purchased the land. The land surrounding the Poly is very poor and so unstable that cranes used for building and pool repairs are floated in on a barge because they'd sink on land. The land that the Contemporary is built on is much more stable and can handle new construction.

I would guess that continuing the SSR project is a matter of logistics. Everyone is in the groove at SSR, including the workers, materials, equipment, sales staff, etc. Why change gears and move to a new project at CR and then back to SSR for phase 3? They know they have buyers waiting for CR so there's no rush to start there, especially while there's still lots of fish to hook at SSR. :)

[JimFitz]

I would guess that continuing the SSR project is a matter of logistics. Everyone is in the groove at SSR, including the workers, materials, equipment, sales staff, etc. Why change gears and move to a new project at CR and then back to SSR for phase 3? They know they have buyers waiting for CR so there's no rush to start there, especially while there's still lots of fish to hook at SSR. :)

I agree with this. It would not make sense to stop this development mid stream to build a smaller resort that would sell much faster than SSR.

[tjkraz]

I agree with this. It would not make sense to stop this development mid stream to build a smaller resort that would sell much faster than SSR.

I'll expand on my thoughts and try to actually make SOME sense along the way. ;)

Let's go back to 2001 and look at how SSR came to be. Originally Eagle Pines got the green light. Then the impact of 9/11 began to set-in. Disney decided to close the Disney Institute and SSR became an answer to two problems--new DVC resort and use for DI property.

Wouldn't the same logic apply to the Contemporary? The SSR Phase 3 decision would have been made 18-24 months ago. Tourism was still well below pre-9/11 numbers and the resort was throwing money away trying to maintain and service those rooms, when the guest population could easily be shifted elsewhere. The Garden Wings at the CR have been in disrepair for years.

I keep getting the sense (my perception only) that the longer this drags-out and the less likely it is to happen. In the face of higher tourism and a well-received remodel of the CR rooms, why would Disney want to turn this prime real estate over to DVC?

There is a precedent of additional construction at OKW which occurred after the Boardwalk.

Two other factors to consider:

1. I've read many times how people thing SSR is "too big", "pool is too small", and other related comments. These perceptions have to be impacting sales on some level. If the orignal plan for 550 units had been maintained, these fears would have never been an issue for current and prospective owners.

2. Sales of the "Phase 3" units at SSR would have received a boost if it occurred AFTER the Contemporary were part of DVC. DVC sells the entire resort package as a whole, regardless of where one owns. The CR would undoubtedly add value to all subsequent sales.

[gppnj]

I seem to be in the minority in that I've never cared for the CR. And back in the days when CR and Poly were all there was, my mother for some reason didn't like the Poly (even though we never stayed there), so we always stayed at CR. I don't think it's horrible, but I like the theming better elsewhere.

[Stitch 03]

I'll expand on my thoughts and try to actually make SOME sense along the way. ;)

Let's go back to 2001 and look at how SSR came to be. Originally Eagle Pines got the green light. Then the impact of 9/11 began to set-in. Disney decided to close the Disney Institute and SSR became an answer to two problems--new DVC resort and use for DI property.

Wouldn't the same logic apply to the Contemporary? The SSR Phase 3 decision would have been made 18-24 months ago. Tourism was still well below pre-9/11 numbers and the resort was throwing money away trying to maintain and service those rooms, when the guest population could easily be shifted elsewhere. The Garden Wings at the CR have been in disrepair for years.

I keep getting the sense (my perception only) that the longer this drags-out and the less likely it is to happen. In the face of higher tourism and a well-received remodel of the CR rooms, why would Disney want to turn this prime real estate over to DVC?

There is a precedent of additional construction at OKW which occurred after the Boardwalk.

Two other factors to consider:

1. I've read many times how people thing SSR is "too big", "pool is too small", and other related comments. These perceptions have to be impacting sales on some level. If the orignal plan for 550 units had been maintained, these fears would have never been an issue for current and prospective owners.

2. Sales of the "Phase 3" units at SSR would have received a boost if it occurred AFTER the Contemporary were part of DVC. DVC sells the entire resort package as a whole, regardless of where one owns. The CR would undoubtedly add value to all subsequent sales.

There would be one reason why the CR would not have been made right away, and that is the current remodel. Who knows how long this has been on the drawing board. For all it appears to be a fairly recent developmnent, plans for the remodel (though lacking specifics) could have been in the cards pre-2001.

Possibly the North Wing has been held back because it is needed. They wanted the extra rooms as Shades of Green went through its remodel and they want the rooms through the current CR remodel. Even if there is an agreement in place to transfer the North Wing to DVC I do not see it taking place until after the South Wing and Tower are complete. Again, if.

Your arguement as to why they did not develop DVC sooner can also be applied to any other future DVC property. Example, if the rumor is true that AKL was designed with DVC in mind, why was this not done earlier.

The fact of the matter is we do not know what is going on and can only guess at the rationale behind certain decisions.

If the CRV were to be announced and put on sale within 2006 there will be positive spin-offs for SSR. Sure sales may slow down in the short term as potential owners gravitate to CRV. But once sold out, it will be another selling feature to SSR.

A couple of things to clarify. First, I would not at all be suprised to hear CRV announces within the next year. I also would not be suprised to find out it will not happen. Second, for all I would probably stay at CRV it would not be my first choice. I would prefer to see something at the AKL. ;)

My support for this rumor is based on my belief, based on all I have heard, that it is the most likely choice for the next DVC at WDW. I have heard alot of other rumors ranging from credible (CRV) to possibles (AKL) to pure fantasy (POFQ).

I do believe that we will know the true answer soon (within a year). They will either announce DVC at the CR or they will announce the closing and remodel of the North Wing.

As I said earlier... Stay Tuned

[ryanmilla]

Since we're staying hypothetical here, I have a hypothetical question. Let's say they announce that CR will be the next DVC resort. How long after the announcement will they start making sales? Will it be near the end of construction OR right after the announcement? This will let me know how long I have to save for this purchase. :earboy2:

Also, if you are already a DVC owner at another resort (SSR for me), can you buy a small amount of points at the new resort OR do you have to buy the 150 mininum?

[spiceycat]

25 points is the min when paying cash/credit card.

if you are financing 50 points.

if you want the current discount/deal then 100 points.

buy enough to stay in a studio for 5 days in adventure season and you will happier than if you buy less.

Disney is very good at following the timeshares rules for FLorida plus some. So I think it will be a few months after the announcement. I think they have to get approval in Florida, and Fl won't approval it until a certain part is completely. (but way before it is finished) I think the foundation?????

since this building already has a foundation - it DVC doesn't destroy it - maybe sooner????

You can get on your guide list as soon as the annoucement is made however. Then when he/she can sell it - you will be one of the first to get the call or mailing.

[mamaprincess]

Please stop feeding into my fantasy life already! ;)

[vascubaguy]

Hrmm... if/when they do open up sales for CRV.... I wonder what it will run per point (and how much the MN fees would be). More hypotheticals - $125 per point... and I'd guess higher MN fees than most DVC's because it's on the monorail... older structure... and sharing with the MN costs of the CR common areas...

[palmtreegirl]

just back and my guide said CR is a GO, and the only question is when, not if. He said he has a 5 page waiting list for CR, and that DVC predicts that it will sell CR out in 4-5 months. Now all I have to do is start saving for my add on!! :goodvibes Hopefully this will all come to pass. How nice it will be to have DVC on the monorail!

That's funny because we were down 2 weeks ago and asked 2 different guides about the rumor, both said it was just that a rumor and there was no truth to it. Guess it's a wait and see for the truth!

[spiceycat]

My guide is still wondering herself. At present she says that it is still a rumor,

However she mentioned that both the BCV and VWL sold for current price. So whatever the current price of SSR at the time - might be the price for CRV (oh that sound nice!!!).

operating costs - well BCV is less than BWV??? So sharing a DVC with a WDW hotel has been good for operating costs.

[ryanmilla]

25 points is the min when paying cash/credit card.

if you are financing 50 points.

if you want the current discount/deal then 100 points.

But I thought that the 25 cash/50 finance was for add-ons. What if you were buying into the resort for the first time, like if we wanted to buy into CR if it became a DVC resort? Is that still considered an add-on to my presnet SSR ownership? Or is that a new contract all-together (therefore needing the min. 150 pts)?

[spiceycat]

if you already own at any DVC resort then it is an add on.

I own 240 at oKW, 60 VWL and 50 BWV.

DVC was designed to allow this.

[wtpclc]

Once you are a DVC owner, any additional DVC points are considered add-ons.

[rinkwide]

There're some pretty delusional people out there.

If and when the Contemporary Villas are announced you can bet the pricing will be commensurately high to go with the resort's instant boutique status. Imagine a minimum $150 per point price and a point per night rate 1.5 times higher than SSR. We'll see who's ready to put their money down then.

I suspect the Contemporary will become the ultimate "bait" for prospective new members. This marries perfectly with the effort to move SSR as guides will sell against the "expensive" resort toward the more accessible Saratoga (being sure to mention the ability to stay at the Contemporary "anytime you like").

[CarolA]

Didn't they also say that Eagle Pines was a go?
:rotfl2:
They even did press releases and sent us info on this one and what happened... we got SSR!

[ryanmilla]

Ahhhh, I see. Thanks both spiceycat and wtpclc.

[wtpclc]

I agree that CRV will likely require a greater numbe rof points per night, but there would be an uprising by CRV owners if those of us who paid substantially less for their points could get in in teh 7MO window. Just don't see how they could charge much mor per ppoint. By making higher point requirements, they'd get the same effect.

ryanmilla - No porblem!

[CarolA]

I agree that CRV will likely require a greater numbe rof points per night, but there would be an uprising by CRV owners if those of us who paid substantially less for their points could get in in teh 7MO window. Just don't see how they could charge much mor per ppoint. By making higher point requirements, they'd get the same effect.

ryanmilla - No porblem!


Here's an idea sure to create an uproar... CRO is not DVC, but a new timeshare company that we would have to "trade" into just like Interval or something. That way Disney could charge $200 a point for CR and we would not "devalue" the points by using our 7 month window.

(I could care less, staying at CR has NEVER appealed to me. I don't like the monorail and I am not a huge MK fan.. Give me Epcot anyday!)

[spiceycat]

oh i wish you could read the post when BCV was first announced.

I didn't even believe it.

I say here that it was impossible. the BC has always been one of the most popular WDW resort - why would they allow an add on???

then I think it was decided here that it would start at $125 per point. Well it didn't. I was wrong. :teeth:

and the most amazing thing to me the points were the same as for VWL and preferred view at BWV.

many including me really though that DVC would ask for higher points for BCV - but they didn't. :banana:

[CarolA]

Based on this board, I think they will HAVE to charge more points per night. The number of folks who can't wait to stay here seems overwhelming. BCV really is no different then BWV in terms of location so I can understand why it had to remain comparable, but...

I am holding out for AK villas.

[Stitch 03]

I am holding out for AK villas.

Same here. I would not mind at all if they announced AKV instaed of CRV.

[tjkraz]

(I could care less, staying at CR has NEVER appealed to me. I don't like the monorail and I am not a huge MK fan.. Give me Epcot anyday!)

I totally agree, but it's hard to argue that it would be good for the program, shifting some demand from other smaller resorts. But, as I said, I just feel it getting further and further away with every day (and the accompanying baseless rumor) that passes.

[jarestel]

Maintenance fees vary at all of the different DVC properties so it's likely CRV would as well, but it's not likely that the price per point will differ from whatever the current SSR selling price is at the time, assuming SSR isn't sold out by the time CRV passes from rumor into fact. If SSR is sold out, CRV can establish its own price without any problems and the members who want to pay $125 - $150 per point to have monorail rides will be able to happily do so.

[Stitch 03]

If they do announce the CRV pretty soon then that will create a fairly interesting situation down the road. I am assuming that SSR will sell out in 2 -3 years (given current rates). It would be a given that CRV would sell out before SSR. This would mean that another resort would have to be in the pipeline pretty quickly after CRV in order to have something to sell after SSR.

Assuming that the program will continue to grow.

This may be the reason why the 3rd phase of SSR was announced. They knew that at the rate SSR was selling, and how quickly CRV would sell out, that they could be put back in the situation of nothing to sell.

The million dollar question is - When will DVC hit the saturation point? Though resorts may start to come fast and furious (if they do go smaller) they cannot continue indefinitely. Can they? By fast and furious I mean every couple of years.

One more question. When CRV is finally confirmed or forever put to rest, where will the next new WDW DVC Resort watch start. AKV?

[spiceycat]

someone says that there can't be a DVC AKL - because of the animals.

they didn't have any animals close to AKL when it was first built. the animals were brought in later.

and I don't think the current guests at AKL would appreciate not having their animals when they visit because of construction of a DVC AKL.

So I don't see that happening. However I have been wrong before and I would love to be wrong now! :rotfl: :goodvibes :banana:

[erikthewise]

OK, let's concentrate on the truly important issue here: CRV or VCR?

I think "Villas at the Contemporary Resort" sounds MUCH more posh than "Contemporary Resort Villas"! :rotfl2: And it had darn well better sound posh if they're going to charge extra for it either in $/pt or in pts/night. I doubt they will raise $/pt much or at all, but a few extra pts/night is a definite possibility.

Although I was not yet a DIS member when BCV was announced, I can imagine some people saying "There's not enough room!". Seems to me there's a lot more space in and around the North Wing than there was at Beach Club. So I don't see why it would need to be the smallest DVC resort.

I think VCR would be a great addition to DVC (though I'd prefer Polynesian Villas). But the best thing about it would be that it would take pressure off BCV resales and add-ons!

[Stitch 03]

Well Either way I expect to have the answer regarding the North Wing soon. I expect that it will probably close in January. I believe the South Wing is scheduled to re-open at the end of October. The North Wing would possibly be kept open for the holiday season. And I do not think CR management will want to deal with complaints from guests who got stuck in the un-renovated North Wing for too long.

So, if no DVC at CR, I would expect an announcement within 2-3 months (possibly sooner) of closure of the North Wing and start of renos. If November comes along and the South Wing opens and no word on starting work on the North Wing, well that will only fuel the speculation even further.

Already I would say things are looking suspicious. When they were doing the Poly renos last year, I believe they announced closure dates for all the buildings months in advance. So if the CR is not going to DVC, why have they not already announced the closure of the North Wing?

[Stitch 03]

OK, let's concentrate on the truly important issue here: CRV or VCR?

I think "Villas at the Contemporary Resort" sounds MUCH more posh than "Contemporary Resort Villas"! :rotfl2: And it had darn well better sound posh if they're going to charge extra for it either in $/pt or in pts/night. I doubt they will raise $/pt much or at all, but a few extra pts/night is a definite possibility.

Although I was not yet a DIS member when BCV was announced, I can imagine some people saying "There's not enough room!". Seems to me there's a lot more space in and around the North Wing than there was at Beach Club. So I don't see why it would need to be the smallest DVC resort.

I think VCR would be a great addition to DVC (though I'd prefer Polynesian Villas). But the best thing about it would be that it would take pressure off BCV resales and add-ons!

I like Villas at the Contemporary Resort. However, when I see VCR I think Vancouver or Video Cassette Recorder. I will give my vote for VCR though.

I think the new CR will be posh. The rooms look great, based on pictures I have seen. Hopefully, they can do similar to the common areas and upgrade the pool area.

I have a feeling that they are looking to re-position the CR in the WDW marketplace. For all it is a deluxe it does not compare favorable to the top hotels. The plan may be that once the renos are complete the CR will be in the same league as the GF and YC. For years the GF has been considered the flagship resort. Combine the CR's location and the extensive renos and it could challenge the GF for that crown.

[calypso*a*go-go]

Doesn't the CR stay booked already with CRO? I guess I'm wondering why they would take something they are already making a ton of money on and convert it to a DVC property. It would be great to have, but I feel like they will annouce another brand new project similar to SSR: big, and further away!

[spiceycat]

CR because of it's location should have rack rates similiar to the Polyn

Polyn Garden view $315
Cont gard view (wings) - $290

Poly Lagoon view - $410
Cont Tower - $355
hey I just noticed the MK tower has a different rate - $385

now these are the starting rates.

the Polyn can fill most of its room with rack rates prices.

the Cont generally has to give discounts.

I have gotten the wings at $125.

[SleepyatDVC]

My personal opinion is that if they are planning a CRV or VCR, they are holding back on announcing it while they slowly inch up the price for DVC points every 2-3 months by $3-8.

What is it now? $98/point? By next year it will be well over $100. There will continue selling SSR but with added "incentives" that will in effect lower the price per point. I believe that they did this while seeling HH & VB at the same time as selling WDW DVC property.

You get people checking out DVC because of CRV/VCR but having them buy in at SSR because of the $15-20 off incentive instead of CRV at $115-130.

[Stitch 03]

For $120 per point you can have your dream vacation home at the CRV just a stone throw away from the Magic Kingdom. Do this annd I promise you year's of many great vacations and your children will love you even more.

Whats that?

You cannot afford $120 per point.

Well I do have something else that may interest you. We have another resort we are building called SSR. Its right across from DTD and comes with all the amenities you can ask for. This also goes for $120 per point. But if you act now you will qualify for our incentive of $21 per point off.

Yes, you can still have your WDW dream vacations for as little as $99 per point. And your children will still love you more.

And the great thing about SSR is that not only are the annual dues also cheaper, but you never have to stay there. Yes, you heard me right, you do not have to stay there. At the 7 month booking window just call MS and they will book your vacation at the wonderful VCR.

It will just be like owning there except your deed says SSR.

What a great deal.

And just think of your happy children.

Cash or Credit?

[tjkraz]

My personal opinion is that if they are planning a CRV or VCR, they are holding back on announcing it while they slowly inch up the price for DVC points every 2-3 months by $3-8.

Not much evidence to support that. The price history at SSR is as follows:

Aug '03: $89
May '04: $95
June '05: $98

[Laurabearz]

I would like to see DVC announce TWO NEW DVC resorts. They have built the biggest... now thet can build two tiny gem stones... DVC introduces VCR, WDW's first Monorail DVC resort and Disneylands very first DVC project The Villas of Strawberry fields, a short shuttle from Walt's Disneyland and DCA. Built on the same timeline... People would go insane!

[nono]

Laura,

You know, that would be problematic...I have budgeted for one more add on...and we're DL/DCA freaks, and I'm a CR freak from way back (first stay on property in '76). It could all come down to rock-paper-scissors in our house if your scenario appears! So yes, this would be one household losing its mind! (assuming we ever had one!)

[calypso*a*go-go]

Don't worry nono -- where there's a will, there's a way!!!

[Beach_Bound9]

I don't know the answers to any of your questions, but with gas prices projected to rise even higher for the forseeable future, maybe at some point a monorail expansion will make more financial sense. I imagine the fleet of busses eats up a tremendous amount of fuel each day.
Yes, but busses offer a great deal of flexibility that a permanent monorail will not offer. I think we've seen the biggest monorail lines we'll see.

[Beach_Bound9]

as much as I would love a DVC Cont - well - as had been say if the building is torn down - then I would expect an annoucement.

but if they are just rehabing this side (like they are presently doing the South Wing) - then forget.

It isn't going to happen.

What rational do you have for these views? The previous rooms could easily be DVC studios. It could be a studio only DVC building, with connecting studios as an option. It would still sell.

[Beach_Bound9]

I am confused about the assumptions that a N. Wing Contemporary DVC would be small. If DVC destroys the building and builds a new structure, couldn't they re-allocate space and even go up an extra storey or 2? :confused3
Seems like there's tons of room north of the north wings when you look at the sattellite photos.

[Beach_Bound9]

:rotfl2:
They even did press releases and sent us info on this one and what happened... we got SSR!

....And of course, 9/11 and it's effect on travel....... :confused3

[jarestel]

Yes, but busses offer a great deal of flexibility that a permanent monorail will not offer. I think we've seen the biggest monorail lines we'll see.

You're probably right, but economics does play a factor at some point. When fuel prices reach a certain level, alternative means of transportation are bound to get a closer look. It's more likely we'll see $4 or more per gallon before we see $1 plus prices again.

[Cobra B.]

Deep Thoughts. By a DVC Member...

The current CR rooms are standard sized rooms. DVC builds One Bedroom, Two Bedroom and Grand Villas as well as Studios. You would not fit the same 400 or so rooms in those configurations. So the small theory just got smaller.

DVC People often drive on their vacations. And we all know how much we store in all those minivans (like we never left home) :teeth: . Gotta park those moving vans right up to the front of the room. There is not an abundance of parking. Especially with all of those park at CR and walk to MK (not unlike someone writing this) :rolleyes: .

Have you walked from the wings to the monorail? Might as well walk to MK. Either that or stop at Chef Mickey's to recharge the batteries.

And then there's the I'm a DVC Member gotta have a resort quiet pool just for us. Where would they put that?

Oh and for $125ish a point and $5 maintenance fee per point what's the view going to look like? I can't remember the beautiful Garden Wing views? But you will get to see the Water Parade from the room. Very cool!

[Beach_Bound9]

Deeper Thoughts:

The current CR rooms are standard sized rooms. DVC builds One Bedroom, Two Bedroom and Grand Villas as well as Studios. You would not fit the same 400 or so rooms in those configurations. So the small theory just got smaller.

Or, there's nothing to prevent them from making an all studio resort with connecting studios. Vero has a whole building of Inn rooms.

DVC People often drive on their vacations. And we all know how much we store in all those minivans (like we never left home) :teeth: . Gotta park those moving vans right up to the front of the room. There is not an abundance of parking. Especially with all of those park at CR and walk to MK (not unlike someone writing this) :rolleyes: .

The parking lot at BWV doesn't function this way.

Have you walked from the wings to the monorail? Might as well walk to MK. Either that or stop at Chef Mickey's to recharge the batteries.

I think that's part of the advantage, MK within walking distance, monorail to Epcot.

And then there's the I'm a DVC Member gotta have a resort quiet pool just for us. Where would they put that?

Check out all the room north of the resort. Besides, if they are not increasing the total size of the contemporary, why add a pool?

Oh and for $125ish a point and $5 maintenance fee per point what's the view going to look like? I can't remember the beautiful Garden Wing views? But you will get to see the Water Parade from the room. Very cool![/QUOTE]

BCV doesn't have a view, nor do many of the SSR rooms. Not a show stopper, just a diversion.

[CarolA]

A few thoughts.. Would the strip of land support a bigger building.. We are on swamp land...

I don't think we will ever see the monorail expanded. However, Disney could easily look into alternative fuel for buses and be a leader there. Electric buses? There are already lots of cities using Natural Gas buses which are suppose to save money. I don't see the fuel costs ever getting high enough to justify the fixed investment a monorail runs.

[Beach_Bound9]

A few thoughts.. Would the strip of land support a bigger building.. We are on swamp land...
I wonder if they may just reconfigure the current building with studios.

I don't think we will ever see the monorail expanded....I don't see the fuel costs ever getting high enough to justify the fixed investment a monorail runs.
Agreed. They have thier signature monorail, it is too expensive to expand. However, there are many other less expensive mass transportation alternatives like light rail, etc. I always thought this was pretty kewl, and sent information to our university tranportation department:

http://www.skywebexpress.com/

The cost factors are much better than monorail or light rail. This would be pretty sweat connecting teh crescent lake area and Animal Kingdom, wouldn't it? You could attach a water park or two, and SSR and OKW. Not sure how the loop would look on the map, but the cost figures look good, and it is nicely modern and symbolic of a futuristic and pro ecology image.

[OneMoreTry]

BB9 that would be awesome. Disney would be doing something truly futuristic -- which it hasn't done for a long time.

I wouldn't consider CR if it didn't have 1BR and 2BR. Why bother?

If built, the limited # of rooms would make for very high point values (points per room per night). I think that would be preferable to charging more for the points -- by keeping relative point values the same across the resorts.

[Beach_Bound9]

I wouldn't consider CR if it didn't have 1BR and 2BR. Me neither, but some might. Many people must stay in studios, they seem to get taken. They could put jet tubs in the bathrooms, nice wetbars, and joining rooms and make them very nice. I wouldn't buy there, but I could see us staying there.

[DizWacko]

Even though it might be tough to squeeze 1 or 2 bed villas in there, please remember that the studios would probably be the biggest studios in DVC because the CR has humongous rooms (unless they totally gut it and decide to put the tiny BCV type studios in there) ... perhaps a new classification or layout of room (Large studio?) .. just a thought.

[jarestel]

II don't see the fuel costs ever getting high enough to justify the fixed investment a monorail runs.

Since we don't know what the fuel costs for WDW's fleet of busses actually is, this would seem to be a guess based on intuition, rather than fact. You may be right in your feelings, but who really knows?