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

[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.

Hawaii sounds wonderful and we would use our points for that at some point. We've been there before and LOVED it. 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!!!

 

[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?

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?

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

 

[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.