Deb Wills sez Disney Institute to be next DVC

[Beth]

Guess I'm in the minority - but I'm excited about this news!

I've always really liked that area, and would welcome another "waterfront" property!

I'm anxious to see how it all comes together - with the existing DI facilities!

 

[Werner Weiss]

Earlier, I wrote, "This is clearly still a rumor, not official news." Since then, it's become official news.

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.

It's interesting that thay actually used the "t" word -- timeshare. Ususally DVD is so careful to avoid the word "timeshare," preferring to describe DVC as "Disney’s innovative vacation ownership program."

"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.

That makes sense. The Spa at Disney Institute is one on two major Spas at WDW. (The other is at the Grand Floridian.) For some potential customers, this could be a real draw.

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.

That certainly sounds like new construction -- not renovation of existing buildings, as I had earlier speculated.

I wonder how they'll deal with the view issue? It seems that they learned from BWV that DVC resorts shouldn't have rooms where some some have much better views than others. Consider that at VWL, all units have views of the woods, and that at BCV, there won't be any magnificent views.

"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.

In other words, the Disney Institute now does group and corporate programs, but the individual enrichment programs on which the Disney Institute was founded are history. With a loyal group of DVC members who return year after year (and are always looking for new and different things to do), I wonder if there's a possibility that the Disney Institute could rebuild some of their individual enrichment programs? That would be great.

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.

That's an impressive success story.

Development will begin this spring with a targeted opening of spring 2004.

That raises the biggest question: What does this mean for the as-yet-unnamed DVC resort at Eagle Pines Golf Course?

The original Eagle Pines press release said, "The new resort is scheduled to open in phases, with the first phase consisting of the Inn building and five Villa buildings for a total of 360 units. The Inn and one Villa building are expected to open in spring/summer 2004, with the four additional Villa buildings opening throughout the remainder of that year. The final phase of five additional Villa buildings containing 240 units are anticipated to open by spring/summer 2005."

I can't see DVD opening two major WDW on-site DVC resorts in spring/summer 2004. My guess is that the first phase of Eagle Pines will be put on hold until 2005 or 2006, with the actual opening date determined by how well BCV sells and when DVD expects to need more inventory to sell.

(By the way, I'm quoting the whole press release because it's a press release, and press releases are meant to be reprinted. I don't quote copyrighted articles in their entirety.)

Any other thoughts about the announcement or replies to my comments?

 

[vernon]

Nicely covered Werner, I hadn't thought about the spa part of the Institute, to some people that could be a good reason to stay at "DVC/DI" . I would agree that it does make it look shakey for the Eagle Pines developement and that it is likely that building on the DI would be much quicker than developing a completely fresh site. No need to lay fresh utilities or sewer systems.

If it is done well and completely new buildings I have no major objection, although I do have some nagging worries about the whole thing. Those worries are
1) Being so close to OKW it would make sense, possibly to have it as an expansion as opposed to a resort in it's own right ( an amalgamation like PO and DL for example) this would save money by only needing one check in area etc.

2)DI has failed to capture the publics imagination in any of it's various guises to date, maybe that's been the public's fault but I tend to think there is a reason for it.

3) Eagle Pines looks like it's on the back boiler

4) Is Disney just trying to dump the unpopular and unprofitable DI onto the profitable DVC?

5) Given that DI is unpopular, will people buy into DI with the thought of actually staying at one of the other DVC resorts. Leaving those that book at the last minute the choice of DI or nothing?

I'm left nervous by the number of worries I have about this, it is possible that DVD will come up trumps with a fabulous resort, but I think they are starting from a long way back. The VWL and BCV both were expansions of very popular and nicely themed resorts, DI seems to bring about , in general , an "ugh" response from the majority of the "punters" it doesn't exactly install me with confidence as to the reasons for the choice of DI, when the Eagle Pines development had a pretty major "WOW" factor to it.

 

[jennybobenny]

Looks official to me.
I really have no opinion one way or the other since most of our stays would be at our home resort (BWV), followed by BCV, VWL and OKW, in that order. At least it will give the DVC guides something to sell when the Beach Club Villas are sold out. I do hope they change the name - Disney Institute just doesn't cut it.

 

[Regina]

Just for the record, the Animal Kingdom Lodge has a full spa, and the VWL offers spa services.

If they're going to focus on the waterfront, that would leave out the Fairway Villas and the Treehouses.

We used to stay there before we bought into OKW. It never had a resort feel to it. The main building was far removed from everything. To this day, I can't tell you where the pool was.

I hope that they simply bulldoze everything and start over. These accommodations are aged and wallpaper and paint alone are not going to cut it.

 

[hoosiergirl]

I agree with those that are not really thrilled with this. I hope they're bulldozing and re-building!

 

[sgtdisney]

Based on the article that was posted and the fact that it mentions 16 acres specifically this is my take on it. It sounds like, to me, that they will bulldoze the area where the 'Townhouses' are located. This is really one of the only parts of the Disney Institute that overlooks Downtown Disney. It sounds like for sure that the current Institute buildings will be demolished as well. This is where they will build the new DVC style resort. I think that the Fairway and Treehouse villas and the Grand Vista Suites will remain. The Fairway and Treehouse Villas have always been more popular than the Townhouses anyway and the Townhouses sit on prime real estate. Maybe they will even incorporate the DI studios into this development and raze those as well, as those have never been big sellers either. The Fairway and TreeHouse villas are north of the Existing clubhouse anyway and I am willing to bet that the exisiting golf Clubhouse building will stay put as well.

It will be interesting to see what happens there. I personally will be a little sad to see the Townhouses leveled, if this is the case. I have not stayed there since long before we bought into the DVC, but my family stayed there a couple of times when I was a kid and I have some fond memories there. Ah, progress.

 

[Paul in CT]

I don't understand the disclaimer at the end that says it's an unofficial announcement when George Aguel, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, is quoted as making the statement.

I wouldn't want to be him if it is not an OFFICIAL statement.

 

[tom in ct.]

I was the one that posted this rumor back in early december when my wife got back from her cruise! she was told that by the bus driver of the mears shuttle! At the time everyone who had the inside scoop from various sources inside disney said that this was absolutely not true! It makes you think doesn't it! how good are these sources and who is really telling the truth if the bus driver knows and he doesn't even work for disney!

 

[PamOKW]

The DI and GF spas are much more elaborate than the spa/spa services at any other WDW resort. They are more along the lines of going on a "spa vacation". Here's a link with some info on them. Maybe they see the DVC as a way to attract folks to the spa?

European Style Spas at WDW

When I was looking for this info, I noticed they already call the accomodations the Villas at Disney Institute. Seems like they'll need a new name....and maybe some type of theme?

As for Disney folks "knowing nothing"....Celebration was well-known to be under construction but if you asked a CM for info, even just an idea of where it was located....they would do their best Sgt. Schultz impression.

 

[Werner Weiss]

First, here's a map of the current Villas at Disney Institute from Brian Bennett's site at MousePlanet. You can click on the map for a much larger map.

Originally posted by sgtdisney
Based on the article that was posted and the fact that it mentions 16 acres specifically this is my take on it. It sounds like, to me, that they will bulldoze the area where the 'Townhouses' are located. This is really one of the only parts of the Disney Institute that overlooks Downtown Disney.

I agree. According to the press release, "The new, 192-unit development is slated to occupy a unique 16-acre site overlooking the lakefront district at Downtown Disney." The section that's now occupied by the townhouses seems to fit that description. So I think that's where the four new buildings "overlooking the lakefront district at Downtown Disney" will go.

Originally posted by sgtdisney
It sounds like for sure that the current Institute buildings will be demolished as well. This is where they will build the new DVC style resort.

I think the current, main Institute buildings will remain. And I'm not sure what sgtdisney means by "the new DVC style resort." The initial new construction seems to be limited to the 16 acre site.

The main Institute buildings were designed by noted architect Thomas Beeby, dean of the Yale School of Architecture from 1986 to 1991. These buildings continue to be used for Disney Institute programs, as well for the Spa at Disney Institute. George Aguel is quoted, "The proposed ownership resort expansion will combine one of our highly successful offerings with an exciting complement of existing resort amenities." I think the main Institute buildings are a key part of the "existing resort amenities" to which Aguel refers.

Originally posted by sgtdisney
I personally will be a little sad to see the Townhouses leveled, if this is the case. I have not stayed there since long before we bought into the DVC, but my family stayed there a couple of times when I was a kid and I have some fond memories there.

The Treehouse Villas probably won't be leveled at this time. They are a substantial distance from the site described in the press release. As the most unusual and appealing structures in the current Villas at Disney Institute resort, I too hope they'll remain.

But consider the sentence, "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." Note that I've highlighted "Initial plans." This makes it seem that the first four buildings are just the first phase, and that DVD is leaving the door open to additional phases. Perhaps, some day, the DVC resort will absorb the entire Disney Institute resort -- and the Treehouse Villas will be history.

 

[tarzanman]

Here is the stuff that I told my guide that I would until Friday to post. Thanks.

Feb 3rd Beach Club Villas starts presale. There will be big incentives for current members to add on.

DI is the next DVC resort. They will be some construction, some destruction. It is scheduled to open in 2004 but presale could start sooner. Might get a new name.

Price per point goes to $80 in June.

VWL will be announced sold out the second week of February.

Eagle Pines is still coming in 2004 or 2005.

Call your guides if you have any questions. They were all given this info at a meeting earlier this week.

 

[ralphd]

Does this mean that I must back down on ' this must be a joke'.

Tell me this isn't so???????

ralphd

 

[d-r]

Seriously though, afaik, the DI has the only pool deep enough to allow for diving on property - I always figured that risk management would catch up with that and "fix" that little situation - I wonder if that pool will stay?
DR

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I definitely in the minority here...I wish DI were coming on line before BCV. They will have honest to god water views, they are near most of the evening entertainment on the property...they are near OFF property entertainment. I could have a lot of fun at this location. They will be near the transit hub of Downtown Disney.

I figure BCV will have a lot of competition to get into it, will have a ton of kids (I like rugrats but not necessarily after they've had a day in the park). Since I don't golf I have as much interest in Eagle Pines as I do Old Key West. I haven't stayed there yet and I plan to for the Epcot Flower & Garden Show but...it seems really inconvenient if you don't have a car.

 

[Orky15]

MHO? Bring DI on! The more choices, the more valuable points in the DVC. Sure, the location is different, but that's good too. As long as they keep required points in line with the condition and desirablility of the property, how could it hurt to have another option?

 

[PamOKW]

Doubletrouble -- All the points you mention in anticipation of the DI villas could already apply to OKW. I think you'll enjoy your stay there. You are in your own "home" so you aren't dealing with other folks children anymore than you do with neighbors at home (with the exception of possibly hearing footsteps if they are heavy walkers). OKW is a 5 minute drive to DD and if you got in your car at your unit and drove to the front door of Boardwalk you'd be there in less than 10 minutes -- five if you hit the lights right. I have always found the buses as good or better than those at every other WDW resort. I think you'll enjoy your stay.

 

[DC7800]

Ironic that the graphic which accompanied the Orlando Sentinel article on this expansion should read "part of the Disney Institute will be turned into Vacation Villas", as one previous name for these Townhouse accomodations was the Vacation Villas.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...f.graphic?coll=orl-business-headlines-tourism

But, are all the Vacation Villas to be demolished? That Sentinel graphic (red circle) seemed to point only to units situated toward the west end of the Vacation Villas area; perhaps units #80-133? Anyone know how many acres total the Townhouses currently occupy?

Although I'm going to be in a (small) minority here (and though I'm excited at the prospect of a DVC resort in this area), I hate to see all these villas demolished. Seems like such a waste. I really hope some Townhouses might remain. Besides, we are losing a part of WDW history here, one of the earliest resorts (and part of just five total Disney resorts through most of the 1980's). Extensively renovated, those buildings could easily have made excellent DVC accomodations.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thought I'd throw this info in for what it's worth.
We have nver stayed at the Treehouse villas, but during our stays at OKW, we always take a boat at least once down to DD. In our last few trips, we could see some pretty extensive renovation going on at the Treehouses. The kind of remodeling where everything is torn out to the rafters and framing, not just re-wallpapering. I don't know if they have done all of them, but from what we saw, I'd say the Treehouses are probably set for another 20 years.

 

[sgtdisney]

Werner, I wasn't aware that the actual spa facilities were located in the Disney Institute buildings. Since this is the case, I am sure you are right and those buildings will probably remain. What I meant to imply by the DVC style resort was that it will be more like what we have seen at VWL and BVW, except in 4 seperated buildings. (Possibly like the artist conceptual drawings for the Eagle Pines are resort.) I don't think it will be anything like OKW. I think that was all I was meaning to say.

Also, I agree with you on the treehouses. I am sure that those will remain, at least for now. They are pretty far removed from the townhouse area.

Either way, it will be interesting to see how this unfolds.