DVC California Updated w/pics 2/15

[DVC Mater]

We are just finishing our first trip on points, (1bd suite at GCH) and I must say the hotel is great! The food here, at the hotel (Napa Rose, Room service, Storytellers) is the best on property including DTD, DL, and DCA.

We took the DVC tour and were disappointed when our new CA guide (I guess we have two guides now) told us that the AKV model is closed because they are redoing it for GCV. We went thru resale and bought site unseen and have never spoke face to face with a guide before. The good news is that we got a planner and a very cool leather bound scrapbooking DVC vacation memory book. The guide was friendly and very welcoming even though we were already members.

Here's the CA update:
They are planning for a "Fall presale," hoping for fall 2009. They have been trying to get the point chart from the main office, and they have told them that they are "getting close." The interesting part is they are pushing it as "you MUST buy 160 pts thru us (CA DVC for AKV or SSR) to be able to buy GCV because there only going to be 50 units." If I was a newbie member or someone who doesn't read these boards, I would've thought that only 50 people would be able to buy. They had the standard add-on offer of $8 or $10 discount per point with Developer points PLUS annual passes to either WDW or DL. The construction looks like its is moving along. It looks like it is going to be right next to the Paradis Pier of DCA. I wonder if they will make a new DCA entrance because its going to be so close.

I will post some pictures when I get home, and will be happy to answer any questions.

 

[toocherie]

If I was a newbie member or someone who doesn't read these boards, I would've thought that only 50 people would be able to buy.

What my guide told me is that there will be 6500 contracts--the first 4,000 will be a "Founder's club" of people who bought in California for SSR/AKV; they will each have the right to purchase 160 points; any remaining points would then be offered to other DVC members.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Any idea how many are in the Founder's Club at this point in time?

 

[AnimalPrincess]

We bought at WDW but now live in WA boooo =(

 

[disneydenisel]

They are planning for a "Fall presale," hoping for fall 2009. They have been trying to get the point chart from the main office, and they have told them that they are "getting close." The interesting part is they are pushing it as "you MUST buy 160 pts thru us (CA DVC for AKV or SSR) to be able to buy GCV because there only going to be 50 units." If I was a newbie member or someone who doesn't read these boards, I would've thought that only 50 people would be able to buy. They had the standard add-on offer of $8 or $10 discount per point with Developer points PLUS annual passes to either WDW or DL. The construction looks like its is moving along. It looks like it is going to be right next to the Paradis Pier of DCA. I wonder if they will make a new DCA entrance because its going to be so close.

Thanks for the update!

So does that mean I have until Fall 2009 to save money ?! Does it seem as if they won't allow "add-ons" but only full 160 pt purchases? Does anyone know if 4000 people have already purchased from CA?!

 

[SanDeeKath]

Thanks for the update!

So does that mean I have until Fall 2009 to save money ?! Does it seem as if they won't allow "add-ons" but only full 160 pt purchases? Does anyone know if 4000 people have already purchased from CA?!

Hi Denise,

No one has purchased yet. I thought they go on sale THIS fall and open in fall of 2009 for occupancy! So you better start saving now.

I think they will allow add ons for smaller points. You do need to buy a 160 point contract from DL NOW for SSR or AKV to be a "founding member" though. I believe they are banking on people buying smaller add ons since the stays are shorter at DL. That way, they will be able to sell to more people (and sell out less quickly). At least this is what my DL guide told me last week. Katherine

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We are just finishing our first trip on points, (1bd suite at GCH) and I must say the hotel is great! The food here, at the hotel (Napa Rose, Room service, Storytellers) is the best on property including DTD, DL, and DCA.

We took the DVC tour and were disappointed when our new CA guide (I guess we have two guides now) told us that the AKV model is closed because they are redoing it for GCV. We went thru resale and bought site unseen and have never spoke face to face with a guide before. The good news is that we got a planner and a very cool leather bound scrapbooking DVC vacation memory book. The guide was friendly and very welcoming even though we were already members.

Here's the CA update:
They are planning for a "Fall presale," hoping for fall 2009. They have been trying to get the point chart from the main office, and they have told them that they are "getting close." The interesting part is they are pushing it as "you MUST buy 160 pts thru us (CA DVC for AKV or SSR) to be able to buy GCV because there only going to be 50 units." If I was a newbie member or someone who doesn't read these boards, I would've thought that only 50 people would be able to buy. They had the standard add-on offer of $8 or $10 discount per point with Developer points PLUS annual passes to either WDW or DL. The construction looks like its is moving along. It looks like it is going to be right next to the Paradis Pier of DCA. I wonder if they will make a new DCA entrance because its going to be so close.

I will post some pictures when I get home, and will be happy to answer any questions.

How long was your stay? There have been posts that 3-4 days was plenty of time to see the parks and resorts. What do you think would be enough days for a newbie to DL?

 

[disney dumbo]

Interesting...
Have to wonder if any other perks (other than 1st opportunity to buy) come with being a "Founding Member"??? Wonder how many of us (like me), AKV brought in with the offer of a tapestry! I like to forget how much I paid... but now, it seems much better offers... guess I thought the tapestry to be priceless!

Seems like that is a pretty hefty opening requirement... buy 160 AKV/SSR from CA DVC. Might keep a few of us on the tapestry out of the club... as well as some of the folks buying up in Chicago... or on a cruise.

Hmmm... guess if I was in the market for DVC... I'd be buying at DL... just to have the opportunity to add GCV. Unlike before, Disney's new marketing systems sure make it important to analyze their current options before buying.

 

[TLSnell1981]

How long was your stay? There have been posts that 3-4 days was plenty of time to see the parks and resorts. What do you think would be enough days for a newbie to DL?

3-4 days is plenty of time to see the 2 parks, but there are many other things to do in So. Cal.. How many days you want to stay and how ofter will determine how many points to buy. It will also depend on if you want to stay in one location the whole time. I love California period. Trying to decide if I want to buy there (if available) or CRV....or both.

 

[ACDSNY]

How long was your stay? There have been posts that 3-4 days was plenty of time to see the parks and resorts. What do you think would be enough days for a newbie to DL?

If you like to see all the shows and parades I would allow 4 days for DL. Our stays typically are for 2 days - 5 days depending on work schedules. I prefer the longer stays so we don't have to rush around.

 

[SandyCA]

I think they will allow add ons for smaller points. You do need to buy a 160 point contract from DL NOW for SSR or AKV to be a "founding member" though. Katherine

I purchased 180 points for SSR at DL last April, I suppose that makes me a "founding member"? Not that it really matters--- I do plan on adding on 50points at GCV. Even though DH and I live only an hour away, it's nice to stay the night and not make that drive after a long day in the parks. This will also allow us to stay 2-3 days at the resort and be able to enjoy it that much more.

 

[SanDeeKath]

I purchased 180 points for SSR at DL last April, I suppose that makes me a "founding member"? Not that it really matters--- I do plan on adding on 50points at GCV.

Well, it might actually matter because everyone projects this project to be sold out very quickly. Many guides across the country are taking "wait list" names right now so that if and when the sale is open to the general membership, they get first dibs.

I would ask about your purchase in 2007. It might have been too long ago. Did you get anything in writing in your contract about the "founding member" opportunity?

K

 

[DVC Mater]

As promised here are the pictures of the construction. This is my first attempt at uploading pictures so let me know if it works...

 

[DVC Mater]

And here is what we got with the planner at the CA DVC office. I don't know if they hand these out for taking the tour, or buying after the tour. I think she felt sorry for us because we wanted to see the AKV model. It is really heavy and seems to be very high quality.

This is the outer box made of wood...

Open the box and you can see the leather bound memory book

Front of memory book

close up of logo

scrapbooking stuff in the book

 

[DVC Mater]

How long was your stay? There have been posts that 3-4 days was plenty of time to see the parks and resorts. What do you think would be enough days for a newbie to DL?

We stayed four nights. We didn't get to see alot because our DS(2) was sick. We wish we got to see the new Nemo subs, but because of DVC, we know we'll see it eventually. We have been to Disneyland many many times, so I wasn't to upset about not riding a lot of rides.

If you have never gone before, I would think you can see all the good/headliner stuff in 3 full days. 1 day for each park and the 3rd for anything you wanna ride again. Hydroguys tips on the Disneyland boards are a great place to get tips. Add more days if you wanna relax a bit more or explore more of what SoCal has to offer. (Universal, Knotts Berry, Magic Mountain, Hollywood, TV studios)

 

[ACDSNY]

Great pics DVC Mater! They're making pretty good progress, quite a bit has changed since our trip in early Jan.

 

[DVC Mater]

Also if anyone needs a refferal to a CA guide to get the "founding members" status, send me a pm. I know it was near impossible for me to find a contact phone number for the DVC CA office.

Great pics DVC Mater! They're making pretty good progress, quite a bit has changed since our trip in early Jan.

Thx ACDSNY, I'm just happy it worked

 

[disneydenisel]

Great photos , and wow, what a nice memory book! I wish I had one of those...I only need to buy 160 pts, ha ha!

 

[DVC Mater]

I just noticed in the pictures that the new wing is going to be VERY close to Paradise Pier. I think there is going to be a noise issue. People walking along BWV is one thing, but hearing the large roller coaster (California Screamin) over and over again might drive me crazy. They also play a quick and loud 5 second music thing after each car hits the top of the crest. And if you notice the blue tube things at the top of the roller coaster crests, (behind the big ferris wheel and big orange) I found out from a CM that they are "scream shields" to focus the scream noise back into the park (and possibly into the new DVC wing) and away from the "outside world."

What does everyone else think?

 

[3DisneyKids]

How long was your stay? There have been posts that 3-4 days was plenty of time to see the parks and resorts. What do you think would be enough days for a newbie to DL?

Three days is definitely enough for DL. Only two parks and everything is very close and easy to get to. However, it is well situation to do other things in the area if you want to do a full week vacation. Universal Studios Hollywood is good (very similar to Orlando) but the BIG difference in CA is that Universal and Disney actually GET ALONG and work TOGETHER to help make guest experiences great. Then of course there is sea world, the whole LA/Hoolywood scene, driving the coast, the wine region of Temeculah, San Diego and all that there is to offer there...it can be GREAT family vacation with half Disney and half other stuff.