Disney Files - Member feedback fuels resort enhancement

[ChiSoxKeith]

From dvcnews.com

Permits have already been filed for the villa modifications and work is expected to begin shortly. Disney Vacation Development will be covering the cost of the modifications

 

[adminjedi]

I'm glad they are making the change though because that sink in the kitchen instead of the bathroom was just weird.

That was the first thing I commented on when we toured the model. I have commented on it a couple times here on the boards. It really doesn't take a genius to realize that hair, hairspray, cologne, etc does not mix with bagels and cream cheese!

 

[JWG]

Makes you wonder if this wasn't the plan all along. A few odd things about this:
1) This feedback isn't new as people mention - started immediately once models were available.
2) Changes coming so close to openings (permits filed almost right on the 1 year anniversary)
3) DVD covering the cost

Almost makes you think they went into this project knowing they were going to make these changes and somehow the delays caused by doing a redesign so late in the game were more costly than just moving forward, accepting reservations and modifying on some type of rotational schedule.

Any changes to the finalized plans would have delayed selling BLT, delayed obtaining maintenance fees on BLT, delayed accepting cash reservations at BLT, etc.

 

[mcrabeck]

We have two studios reserved for the last week of October. I hope the changes are made by then.

 

[twinklebug]

I'm really curious how they're going to flip that vanity and wall around.

 

[JWG]

I'm really curious how they're going to flip that vanity and wall around.

I can think of two options:

1) Just add a pedestal sink to the existing in wall plumbing within the bathroom (my understanding is there is room)

2) Flip the sink and wall while maintaining the plumbing through the floors. This would be done using elbows and what not on the piping and thus likely requiring soffits above the ceiling to hide the elbowed piping

There is no way to move the plumbing between floors without major construction work.

If #1, you could a) leave the 2nd sink or b) fill exchange in a granite counter top with now sink hole

If #2, rooms out of inventory for some time

 

[adminjedi]

Makes you wonder if this wasn't the plan all along. A few odd things about this:
1) This feedback isn't new as people mention - started immediately once models were available.
2) Changes coming so close to openings (permits filed almost right on the 1 year anniversary)
3) DVD covering the cost
Almost makes you think they went into this project knowing they were going to make these changes and somehow the delays caused by doing a redesign so late in the game were more costly than just moving forward, accepting reservations and modifying on some type of rotational schedule.
Any changes to the finalized plans would have delayed selling BLT, delayed obtaining maintenance fees on BLT, delayed accepting cash reservations at BLT, etc.

Really, as long as they are covering the cost, IMHO it doesn't matter what, how, why or when the plan came about.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Really, as long as they are covering the cost, IMHO it doesn't matter what, how, why or when the plan came about.

It will matter when you are given a villa on the same floor as the construction. For every studio, there is a lockoff 1 bedroom that will be affected.

 

[toniosmom]

It's a shame that such design flaws existed in the first place, but I'm happy to hear that they are going to be corrected....hopefully. Since we are primary 1BR bookers, I am concerned that availability will be compromised (due to some lockoffs being possibly unavailable) and possible construction noise.

 

[cseca]

From dvcnews.com

Permits have already been filed for the villa modifications and work is expected to begin shortly. Disney Vacation Development will be covering the cost of the modifications

 

[hakepb]

DVD gets their money from us. This only means they are not depleting the maint fund or adding an assessment, but we are paying for it.

I'd guess they raised BLT base to 120/point to pay for this. They waited until now to 'save up' instead of doing the immediate good thing which would of reduced management bonuses.

 

[DenLo]

DVD gets their money from us. This only means they are not depleting the maint fund or adding an assessment, but we are paying for it.

I'd guess they raised BLT base to 120/point to pay for this. They waited until now to 'save up' instead of doing the immediate good thing which would of reduced management bonuses.

It true that DVD does get our money when we buy points. However, they do not get our annual dues. The article states the developer is paying for the changes. That means some of the profits from the sales of BLT by the DVD (developer) is being applied to the changes.

Disney did not raise BLT's point price to $120 to pay for these changes. They raised the price because people were willing to pay that price. And since they have now sold 64% of the resort it looks like it was wise move.

Also since they still own 36% of BLT that's a lot of OCR money that they could get and if the improvements adds to the popularity of the studios, DVD will get even more money.

Why do you think it would have reduced management's bonuses anyway? BLT is still best selling and most profitable DVC property Disney has ever sold and will still be after the remodel.

Whatever the reasons I am glad that these changes are being made.

BTW, I think the reason the full length mirror will be in the kitchen, it's the only wall that will have room for one and be far enough away that you can see yourself in it. There's very little unused wall space in a BLT studio.

 

[DebbieB]

I would hope that DVD picks up the cost of this, it was their design flaw. When the siding at BWV started pealing and fading not long after opening, they picked up the cost of that.

 

[cseca]

I would hope that DVD picks up the cost of this, it was their design flaw. When the siding at BWV started pealing and fading not long after opening, they picked up the cost of that.

No kidding, and crossing my fingers they'd pick up the tab for the chipped and peeling furnitures as well.
Who decided to pick furnitures that won't hold up to one year's worth of accommodation anyways?
Heck, we're not rich but we know to pick furniture that'll stand more than 1 year's worth of wear and tear.

 

[Sandisw]

I can think of two options:

1) Just add a pedestal sink to the existing in wall plumbing within the bathroom (my understanding is there is room)

2) Flip the sink and wall while maintaining the plumbing through the floors. This would be done using elbows and what not on the piping and thus likely requiring soffits above the ceiling to hide the elbowed piping

There is no way to move the plumbing between floors without major construction work.

If #1, you could a) leave the 2nd sink or b) fill exchange in a granite counter top with now sink hole

If #2, rooms out of inventory for some time

I think your suggestion about just putting in a small sink would make the most sense and be the easiest to accomplish without taking the studios out of rotation for very long. Maybe they will simply install one similar to the ones that were put in to the CR (square) when they renovated over there.

 

[dizfan]

I just noticed Tim at DVCNews.com is reporting some changes are coming to BLT. Is there already a thread discussing these changes?

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/news-resorts-220/1350-changes-coming-to-blt-deluxe-studio-villas

 

[quirty30]

Yes there was a thread, but I can't find it. Bottom line DVD is paying for the modifications - that was all I needed to know : )

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Here's the thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2546643

 

[mdsd8700]

We have not stayed at the studios but did see the mock up at Woodfield Mall outside of Chicago and have read and reread all of the compliants about the set up on these boards. So I am glad that it is being changed. We are staying in a 1 BR in June so the studio set up was a concern for this trip. It is nice to know that it won't be going forward.

 

[DebbieB]

We have two studios reserved for the last week of October. I hope the changes are made by then.

I wouldn't hold your breath on that. They are not going to do them all at once, they can probably only afford to take 1 out of service at a time with current reservations. When a project is announced, it can take months before they even start. They need to design it, hire contractors, etc.