Are we really excited about DVC DI resort...

[DeeP]

We heard several comments from boat drivers about DD expanding to include a new side of restaurants and shops that would basically connect with the DVC resort area. The new area would be called Downtown Disney East Side. I'm sure this would help the appeal of the new DVC resort especially to those who aren't as concerned about being close to a theme park per say but like the action/nightlife that a place such as the BW currently offers.

Now, that sounds interesting! I might have to rethink my orginal thoughts on this DVC resort. Location, location, location is what makes any real estate valuable and it sounds like, if these plans are true, this DVC resort is going to have a lot to offer location wise.

As far as the size of the units, IMHO DVC will never make units as large as OKW again, they do not have to, they have made the new DVC resorts with superior locations. Look at the orginal WDW resorts of the Poly and Contemporary and how large their rooms are, Disney never made any of their other deluxe resorts with rooms that large again, they do not have to. I am sure they have done studies and found that their guests prefer location over size, this is evident by how much faster the YC, BC, BWI book up with their superior location vs the Poly & Contemporary which are in a very good location but not quite as good as the Epcot resorts. Disney can also make more rooms per resort by reducing the unit size so it works out money wise for Disney and preference wise for the guests. Disney is not dumb and they spend big bucks doing research and market analysis, guest's preferences etc.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by Richyams
The thing that turns me off is the small rooms.

That is the only thing. I agree that it could be a fantastic resort. But that announcement talked about rooms similar in size to BWV.

Actually, the announcement said nothing about "rooms similar in size to BWV." The announcement was short and contained few details:
<DL><DD>LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 2002--In response to strong guest demand, Disney Vacation Development, Inc. will expand its timeshare resort presence with its next location at the Disney Institute at Walt Disney World Resort, subject to obtaining all necessary approvals. The Institute property, with its unique amenities and urban setting adjacent to the Downtown Disney resort area, made it an ideal place to expand the company's highly successful Disney Vacation Club business.

"The proposed ownership resort expansion will combine one of our highly successful offerings with an exciting complement of existing resort amenities," said George Aguel, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Guests staying in the Disney Vacation Club villas will have convenient access to the Downtown Disney resort area, including the Institute spa and recreational facilities.

The new, 192-unit development is slated to occupy a unique 16-acre site overlooking the lakefront district at Downtown Disney. Initial plans call for the construction of four residential-style buildings with studio, one- and two-bedroom villas and Grand Villa units that sleep up to 12 guests.

"We had the opportunity to consider this location because expansion of Disney Institute programs throughout the Walt Disney World Resort reduced the need for dedicated Institute resort space," said Aguel. Disney Institute programming includes professional development programs, from keynote speeches, workshops and behind the scenes tours to customized programs that help groups implement successful strategies into their own organizations.

The announcement heralds a time of exciting growth for Disney Vacation Club, which is celebrating its 10th year and now boasts a membership of more than 60,000 families from over 60 countries.

Development will begin this spring with a targeted opening of spring 2004.</DD></DL>
That's all they said -- and there haven't been any updates since then.

Subsequently, someone on this board posted that the rooms would be the same size as at BWV, VWL and BCV. I don't recall whether the room size information was attributed to a DVC Guide, or whether it was just conjecture based on DVD's recent track record. In any case, it clearly wasn't stated in the announcement. DVD has said nothing official about room size.

Currently DVC has three standalone resorts with large, creative room layouts (OKW, VB and HH) and three "hotel-connected" resorts based on smaller, rectangular, equally-sized hotel room bays (BWV, VWL and BCV). The new DTD/DI location will be a standalone resort. Of course, that's no guarantee that this resort will follow in the tradition of OKW, VB and HH.

I don't expect the rooms at DTD/DI to be as large as at OKW, but I remain optimistic that they'll be bigger than at BWV, VWL and BCV. The people at DVD are smart, and and I'm sure they're looking at designs that will make the DTD/DI resort attractive to current and prospective DVC members. The DTD/DI resort won't be connected to a deluxe resort, and it won't near a theme park. But perhaps the rooms will be bigger to compensate.

I'd be happy if they made the rooms even two feet wider and two feet longer than at BWV.

 

[tiggerbounce]

I just got back from the world...the rumor is that they will connect DI with DTD calling it the "east side" . They will knock down most of the townhouse style units, but not the tree houses, constructing an additional 1000 DVC units. This is what was said when we went to BW and by our boat driver from POR.

tiggerbounce

 

[Lesley]

I'm really curious to find out more....I think this resort could be great! Interesting about the Treehouse villas.....could they possibly become Grand Villas? I'm guessing it would take a lot of renovation, but I've always wanted to try out a treehouse! Plus, think of it.....being able to rent a golf cart and drive around and to Downtown Disney.....and I'm sure they've got some idea of activities/something special for this resort to offer.

Maybe I'll be let down....but maybe this will be where we get our next add on! (or we'll get an OKW or VWL resale...we'll see)

Eagle Pines seemed like a place I might like to try once or twice, but not like somewhere I'd want to own points. But I feel the same about the BCV!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

1000 units? Those folks will probably be trying to get into BWV, BCV & WLV at 7 months and they'll be plenty of availability at thier home resort. For us, this isn't exciting at all, it's the better location of the other resorts that is what we enjoy. That's why we prefer them over OKW now.

I think this is ho hum compared to other resorts. IMHO.

 

[KNWVIKING]

I would love to see them make the DI resort an extensive DVC member resort-meaning even if I'm staying at BCV or OKW I could wonder over to DI and use a SAB type pool, or a world class arcade and billiard room. Have the best of everything basically,from tennis courts,racket ball courts,spas,etc. Maybe that's what the old DI was,only thing I really know about the old DI was that Eisner is still taking a ton of flack for it. It could be a resort one could use for a real relaxing trip rather then hitting the parks.

 

[downontheBW]

I can't wait to try out DI! I love each of the resorts I've stayed at; each has it's own unique qualities. But DI is the best location for us - since it's just my DH and myself, we end up at DTD every day for one thing or another. I'd buy there.

 

[fkj2]

I think for those of us who already enjoy OKW, DI may be the upscale version. Relaxing atmosphere and amenities, but without the parks so enjoyed by guests of the Epcot/Studios DVCs.

It's proximity to the golf courses will be appealing to many and the water activities will entice children/teens and then there will be fine dining/shopping/entertainment.

I think it could be a great draw.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

When we were down in April, our Guide told us that they would bulldoze everything but the TreeTops--confirming the earlier post. The reason for that was ecological. Evidently, there would be a lot of red tape to go thru to take down the TreeTops. They are going to refurbish them, though.

Regarding the DVC DI, our first stay at WDW with our son (then 18 mos. and now almost 20 yrs) was in one of the townhouses. We were an end unit, and our bed faced Downtown Disney. It was a beautiful sight at night to see what was then the Empress Lilly all lit up. We loved the location. They had golf carts we could rent to get over to the then Disney Market Place.

I would be interested in a location there, and I will never say no more add-ons. Small add-ons add a lot of flexibility in my trip planning. As soon as I said no more, I know I would have to eat my words.

 

[sgtpet]

I do not find the Disney Institute area appealing, let alone buying an add on there. In addition the cost per point will be about $90pp at that time.

 

[ford family]

We stayed in a Fairway Villa at DI on our last trip to WDW in 2000. We loved the location, the buses to the parks worked well, there was an "on demand" boat service to and from Disney Marketplace whilst the stroll to West Side was only about 15 minutes.
The accommodation was past it's best (like me) but was spacious and comfortable nevertheless. The Institute part of the development was very impressive but underutilised and with great potential.
We own now at BWV and the proximity to the parks is tremendous when the children or their friends are with us. But when they stop coming with us, when the parks become less important, when DVC can be thought of as just a home away from home in Central Florida, then the Disney Eastside Villas, or whatever, sound an excellent place to be based.
We would certainly add on there.

ford family

 

[madcoco]

We loved DI always wondered why they didn't turn it into DVC.We have stayed in all the type units except the Treehouses.The Grand Vista homes and Fairway Villas were wonderful.The grounds were nicely landscaped.The wildlife was abundant.Having a golfcart was a bonus.The bungalows had a great location around the lake.They were not good for families as the bathrooms were miniscule.The townhomes had a great location on Buena Vista Lagoon but they did need renovating or bulldozed.DD attended the kids programs there and was sad when they were cancelled.Didn't find out until we showed up there for a visit.When they closed their restaurant Seasons which was a hidden gem(quite a few Disney chefs tested there magic there), we knew then the resort was definitely on the way out.It never found its true identity and now maybe it will.It will be interesting.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I could see myself buying DI as an add on. All I need is tennis, golf, a good themed pool ala Wilderness Lodge and alternative entertainment options. However with so many of you snubbing it I probably won't have to buy it to use it.

 

[Werner Weiss]

Originally posted by tiggerbounce
I just got back from the world...the rumor is that they will connect DI with DTD calling it the "east side" . They will knock down most of the townhouse style units, but not the tree houses, constructing an additional 1000 DVC units. This is what was said when we went to BW and by our boat driver from POR.

I'm always wary of rumors from CMs -- especially from boat drivers (who for years have been telling guests that the black squares on the Swan & Dolphin hotels are some sort of knockout panels for a future monorail expansion).

Having said that, this rumor about 1,000 DVC units at the DI site is believable because there's plenty of land at the DI. The announced 192-unit resort is very likely just the first phase.

My guess is that the existing Treehouse Villas will never become part of DVC. They're old structures with tiny bathrooms, and they take up a lot of prime waterfront real estate. Because they're so far from the main DI buildings (check-in, spa, etc.), it may be a long time before they're torn down. But if the entire Villas at DI site is eventually converted into a huge DVC resort, I would expect the Treehouse Villas' eventual fate to involve a bulldozer.