Concept Art posted for Poly DVC Bungalows & Villas!

[dsnydaddy]

The announcement boasts that with connecting rooms you will be able to get two studios and have ten guests. I almost gagged at that one since that will be like trying to squeeze ten into the existing 1BRs at other DVC resorts. Having all those studios and nothing else but the bungalows gives you all those rooms in a smaller total per room space than other resorts and eliminates the cost of full kitchens, washer/driers, and large master bathrooms but you can assume that any savings will not be reflected in what will likely be a high price per point. Also, for DVD, the 360 studios with no 1BRs or 2BRs solves the VGF problem: points were so high, both in price and number needed per night that vast majority purchased enough for only studios at VGF, resulting in overwhelming demand for those while leaving the dedicated 2BRs and even GVs with light demand (both were avaialble at 7 months out even for Christmas week this year). So what we now have is not a condominium home away from home structure but simply a hotel that has rooms with mini kitchens into which you can uncomfortably stuff 10 if you get two of them. Not my idea of a desirable timeshare but undoubterdly many will love it.

This would be a major problem with me. I'm not enthralled with a mini-kitchen and having two of them does not make it better.

I really like the Aulani and was hoping for an experience there that mirrored it.

 

[tasha99]

Wow--having mostly studios stinks. So even at the 11 month mark, it could be hard to get condo sized accommodations. The reasons we stay in DVC rooms are the extra space, kitchen, and washer/dryer. The studio concept here has 0/3.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

Intersestingly, on the member web site they say 360 deluxe studios. Nothing about 1 or 2 bedroom units. That is shocking to me.

I don't think they had a choice, as they are reusing the original longhouses. These were constructed in modular sections ( like the Contemporary ) and they would be limited by that in any type of (re)construction. Unless they build the "T" shaped buildings that were described in the first Poly DVC drawings I doubt we will see 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom units using the current buildings.

 

[wdrl]

PVB will be the 13th DVC resort in the system and the system is getting large enough so that every resort doesn't have to be every thing to every one. As Drusba's booking data seems to show, studios in general seem to be more popular and book earlier than one-bedrooms.

I'm curious whether DVC will offer two connecting studios as a booking category. Its fine that all the studios will be connecting pairs, but I think some members will prefer having a guarantee that if they book two studios they will be connected. This will be especially true for families that plan on having the parents in one studio and the kids sleeping in the connecting studio. I don't think families would be comfortable if having two connecting studios can only be requested but might not be guaranteed.

 

[cbnsoul]

Also, for DVD, the 360 studios with no 1BRs or 2BRs solves the VGF problem: points were so high, both in price and number needed per night that vast majority purchased enough for only studios at VGF, resulting in overwhelming demand for those while leaving the dedicated 2BRs and even GVs with light demand (both were availble at 7 months out even for Christmas week this year).

This is precisely why we are likely going to sell our VGF points and buy at the Poly. Having to constantly walk VGF reservations just to secure a studio is not fun. While demand will probably let up a bit once the "newness" of VGF wears off, the fact that there are over 7 times more studios at the Poly should make for much easier booking at the 11 month mark.

 

[jerseyduke]

I don't think they had a choice, as they are reusing the original longhouses. These were constructed in modular sections ( like the Contemporary ) and they would be limited by that in any type of (re)construction. Unless they build the "T" shaped buildings that were described in the first Poly DVC drawings I doubt we will see 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom units using the current buildings.

I brushed on this months ago, These are older buildings. Everyone who as every done any kind of remodeling on their homes knows this: The most expensive rooms are the Kitchen and Bathroom(s).

Disney totally removed one of these rooms by going studios only.

The Poly may end up being their most profitable DVC resort to date. (High point price, cheap construction costs)

I have a feeling it was not possible, or at least feasible, to retrofit the existing modular structures with the added electrical and plumbing infrastructure for one/two bedrooms.

I will probably end up buying there, because I still love the resort so much, but I am disappointed, I was really hoping for a fixed week one bed room

 

[SpaceMountain77]

I don't think they had a choice, as they are reusing the original longhouses. These were constructed in modular sections ( like the Contemporary ) and they would be limited by that in any type of (re)construction. Unless they build the "T" shaped buildings that were described in the first Poly DVC drawings I doubt we will see 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom units using the current buildings.

The converted longhouses are not original longhouses. Tokelau (nee Oahu), Tahiti (nee Moorea) and Rapa Nui (nee Pago Pago) were constructed during the first and second major expansions (in 1978 and 1985). US Steel constructed the original longhouses, not the expansion longhouses.

 

[jerseyduke]

The converted longhouses are not original longhouses. Tokelau, Tahiti and Rapa Nui were constructed during the first and second major expansions (in 1978 and 1985). US Steel constructed the original longhouses, not the expansion longhouses.

I knew they were newer long houses, were they constructed in the same modular way?

I know 1 bed rooms are the last to get booked, but I am surprised there are no 2 bed rooms. I figured it was a construction issue.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

I knew they were newer long houses, were they constructed in the same modular way?

I know 1 bed rooms are the last to get booked, but I am surprised there are no 2 bed rooms. I figured it was a construction issue.

Based on the Disney imagineering books I have read, it is my understanding that the second, 1985 expansion, which included Tahiti (nee Moorea) and Rapa Nui (nee Pago Pago), did not use modular construction.

I am not certain of Tokelau (nee Oahu), which was built in 1978. I suspect that it was not.

 

[LisaS]

PVB will be the 13th DVC resort in the system and the system is getting large enough so that every resort doesn't have to be every thing to every one. As Drusba's booking data seems to show, studios in general seem to be more popular and book earlier than one-bedrooms.

I agree that it's good to tailor the resort to what the majority of members want to book but it seems odd to totally eliminate what the rest of the members prefer to book. Why not create mostly studios and a few 1BRs?

Perhaps it was a construction issue but they managed to create 1BRs in Jambo House by breaking through the concrete walls when they needed to put a connecting doorway between one bay and another. Granted it did make for some variations in the room layout (with some connecting doors in the living area rather than the entryway and some studios having a closet and some not) but at least they made provision for those who want accommodations with a king bed, whirlpool tub and washer/dryer.

The good news is, they removed any enticement I might have had to add on at the Poly. I really don't need more points so I'm glad there is no temptation to do so.

 

[nkosiek]

So, what's the conjecture for point charts in terms of how many will it cost as well as when they'll be leaked/released? What about cost and beginning sales? Opening day?

I'm guessing they'll average 5-8 points less per week than VGF LV and start around $150 for a month before going up to $160 or more.

Sales to start late-Jan to early-Feb. Opening May/June to coincide with the renovations to the pool area.

 

[jerseyduke]

So, what's the conjecture for point charts in terms of how many will it cost as well as when they'll be leaked/released? What about cost and beginning sales? Opening day?

I'm guessing they'll average 5-8 points less per night than VGF LV and start around $150 for a month before going up to $160 or more.

Sales to start late-Jan to early-Feb. Opening May/June to coincide with the renovations to the pool area.

I hope you are right, but I think that is also very optimistic. Particularly the 5-8 points less per night. But I hope you are right!

 

[nkosiek]

I hope you are right, but I think that is also very optimistic. Particularly the 5-8 points less per night. But I hope you are right!

Crap, I meant 5-8 less per week. Ooops. Going to go back and fix that. I truly think they'll make it pretty close to VGF without going over. I will want a 25-pointer to use every 3rd year for a nice weekend away with the wife but if it's super high, we'll have to think about it.

 

[jerseyduke]

I think a lot will depend on the view categories I think. When comparing Lake views between BLT and VGF there is a pretty big difference in terms of points. Adventure season is 148 vs 123. Magic Season it is 199 vs 153! Even BLT's theme park view is less that VGF lake view. And I am very curious about how the Bungalows will affect any lake view.

 

[MountainMouse]

I think a lot will depend on the view categories I think. When comparing Lake views between BLT and VGF there is a pretty big difference in terms of points. Adventure season is 148 vs 123. Magic Season it is 199 vs 153! Even BLT's theme park view is less that VGF lake view. And I am very curious about how the Bungalows will affect any lake view.

Lakeview at BLT doesn't normally include a view of the MK fireworks and I would think it does at VGF. Combine that with the fact that GF is the premier resort I can understand the relative point pricing.

 

[Nanajo1]

I think "commando" style guests prefer the studios. But

 

[Nanajo1]

Sorry someone at the door....But repeat visits will become more of vacation trips. Then more room will be appreciated. We have pretty much stopped park charging days after 25+ trips and would rather enjoy the pools and balconies,fix a quick meal. Not having to pack so many clothes we just do a load in the washer. I can see the current "studio" champions evolving into 1br stalwarts.

 

[DVC Mike]

I was disappointed that they didn't release a bit more information. The annual meeting was boring to me, maybe they all seem the same after going so many years. I walked in, saw the Polynesian decorations, and just expected a bit more...

 

[MountainMouse]

Sorry someone at the door....But repeat visits will become more of vacation trips. Then more room will be appreciated. We have pretty much stopped park charging days after 25+ trips and would rather enjoy the pools and balconies,fix a quick meal. Not having to pack so many clothes we just do a load in the washer. I can see the current "studio" champions evolving into 1br stalwarts.

Every family evolves over time, kids get older, preferences change. There will always be a new crop of "park commandos" coming in though.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Sorry someone at the door....But repeat visits will become more of vacation trips. Then more room will be appreciated. We have pretty much stopped park charging days after 25+ trips and would rather enjoy the pools and balconies,fix a quick meal. Not having to pack so many clothes we just do a load in the washer. I can see the current "studio" champions evolving into 1br stalwarts.

We are repeat visitors (first trip 1979) and whilst we no longer feel the need for commando style trips, a large part of our vacation is eating out, so studios make much more sense to us, as we have no need for the kitchen.

Visiting for 2 + weeks each trip means that the washer/dryer is very handy for us, so I'd love one in our room - but having the use of the free ones means it won't be a deal breaker for us.

Sadly however, I suspect that there will be a high purchase price and high point requirement which will instead rule us out of any add on at the poly, at least for the time being