DVC Hawaii Question

[DisFlan]

As if there aren't people in the west who have the interest and the funds to buy. (well, maybe not now with the economy tanking)

Sorry if you thought I implied that there's no one in the west who's interested. I didn't intend that, and I really don't know the answer. One of my questions was about people who might be interested but are put off by the economy - which is a fair question right now. Another question was - Who is actually interested in buying there? I don't know that, either. I'm just going on what I've seen here, which hasn't been an overwhelmingly positive response. The responses may change when the economy improves.

DisFlan

 

[Dean]

Hopefully DVC has learned from their mistakes. With the current slow economy and four resorts to sell AKV, BLT, SSR THV, and GCV it would be in their best interest to start practicing now.

I have seen no indication they are ready to compete in a real timeshare environment and according to threads that touched on this subject in the past, the members here are not ready for them to either. I'm hoping it's a big success because that gives me more options both for my DVC points and my RCI memberships.

 

[pixie08]

Have they actually broke ground?

 

[kikiq]

Sorry if you thought I implied that there's no one in the west who's interested. I didn't intend that, and I really don't know the answer. One of my questions was about people who might be interested but are put off by the economy - which is a fair question right now. Another question was - Who is actually interested in buying there? I don't know that, either. I'm just going on what I've seen here, which hasn't been an overwhelmingly positive response. The responses may change when the economy improves.

DisFlan

No need to apologize, it's the tone, not specific posts that bother me and I should just let it pass as a west coast person.

To partially answer your question about who might be interested in this property, let me share a conversation I had last October in Maui. My dad landed unexpectedly in the ONE Maui hospital visiting friends. His roommate's son works in management for Marriott. My dad was telling him about our trip to WDW last summer and how nice SSR is...yada, yada, yada, yada. His son told me later that week that his property gets a lot of DVCers and quite a few of them have told him that they will be buying. At the time, it didn't occur to me to ask how it would impact their property.

 

[Stinkerbell317]

If they were offering the points today, my DH and I would be there, check in hand! We can't wait for the HI property. We feel it makes more sense for us to buy more points there than any other property at WDW (even though I would love to own BLT) bc it's something different (meaning not at the parks) for our family to enjoy especially as our kids get older. We already own at AKV. Our plan is to get enough points to stay in Hawaii a week - a week 1/2 every 3 years by banking and borrowing. I think it will be a fabulous resort. I mean it's hard to mess up Hawaii anyway! Plus the DVC resort will have the added magic of Disney which my family loves. I think of it comparative to the cruises. Sure you could go on any cruise, but tons of people choose DCL bc they love the plusses that Disney adds to their experience.

 

[CarolA]

Have they actually broke ground?

I think so...seems like that was in October?

 

[pixie08]

I think so...seems like that was in October?

Oh Ok...I was asking because from working in Architecture/design I know once you break ground it is almost impossible to go back. Not 100% impossible but the towns give unfinished homes and buildings really hard times and lots of fees because people do not like to look at unfinished construction zones. So chances are this project is a go unless they can sell the project off to another resort group and in this economy chances are that will not happen? will it works or not- I am not sure. Just my thoughts.

 

[Starr W.]

I think they only had the "for pictures" ground breaking in October. You know some local officials and the DVC higher ups with fancy gold shovels.

Being in Ohio, we did this a couple times for newspaper pictures for our plant additions in winter as we wanted the pr but it was too cold to start digging the footers.

 

[CarolA]

I think they only had the "for pictures" ground breaking in October. You know some local officials and the DVC higher ups with fancy gold shovels.

Being in Ohio, we did this a couple times for newspaper pictures for our plant additions in winter as we wanted the pr but it was too cold to start digging the footers.

And that's why they are not expanding DVC to Ohio!

 

[phyllisnnj]

I have seen no indication they are ready to compete in a real timeshare environment and according to threads that touched on this subject in the past, the members here are not ready for them to either.

It does seem that way. There are a number of ways Disney could easily incorporate DVC sales into their existing process.

Some things that come to mind.... (HINT, HINT… just in case anyone from the Disney is reading )

(1) Disney could easily make a 90 minute timeshare sales presentation mandatory for select discounts offered through...
- PIN CODES MAILINGS
- BOUNCEBACK OFFERS
- ANNUAL PASSHOLDER OFFERS
- DISNEY VISA CARDHOLDER OFFERS

(2) The DVC sales office could contact DVC resort guests (non-owners) during their stay (just like every other timeshare) and offer guests some sort of freebie (such as a $100 Disney Gift Card, Free tickets to special WDW events, Priority Seating/Viewing Area for either Wishes, Illuminations or Fantasmic, free Parker Hopper or Water Park Fun & More Add On) for attending a 90 minute timeshare sales presentation during their stay.

(3) Instead of letting CRO DVC inventory sit empty, Disney could offer a heavily discounted DVC preview package. Guests would only have to attend a 90 minute timeshare sales presentation and satisfy the eligibility requirements and limitations (Like this old American Express Marriott offer - http://www.marriott-vacations.com/ownyourvacation).

I'm hoping it's a big success because that gives me more options both for my DVC points and my RCI memberships.

I'm hoping so too. Having Hawaii DVC points will give me the extra flexibility to add days at the end or beginning of my existing Hawaii week.

 

[Dean]

It does seem that way. There are a number of ways Disney could easily incorporate DVC sales into their existing process.

Some things that come to mind.... (HINT, HINT… just in case anyone from the Disney is reading )

(1) Disney could easily make a 90 minute timeshare sales presentation mandatory for select discounts offered through...
- PIN CODES MAILINGS
- BOUNCEBACK OFFERS
- ANNUAL PASSHOLDER OFFERS
- DISNEY VISA CARDHOLDER OFFERS

(2) The DVC sales office could contact DVC resort guests (non-owners) during their stay (just like every other timeshare) and offer guests some sort of freebie (such as a $100 Disney Gift Card, Free tickets to special WDW events, Priority Seating/Viewing Area for either Wishes, Illuminations or Fantasmic, free Parker Hopper or Water Park Fun & More Add On) for attending a 90 minute timeshare sales presentation during their stay.

(3) Instead of letting CRO DVC inventory sit empty, Disney could offer a heavily discounted DVC preview package. Guests would only have to attend a 90 minute timeshare sales presentation and satisfy the eligibility requirements and limitations (Like this old American Express Marriott offer - http://www.marriott-vacations.com/ownyourvacation).



I'm hoping so too. Having Hawaii DVC points will give me the extra flexibility to add days at the end or beginning of my existing Hawaii week.

Agreed, I've mentioned some of these recently as well. The Kiosks could become more aggressive soliciting tours. They could mildly pressure each and every non member who checks in to see if they'd tour. They could do mini tours for members. They could offer tour incentives and discounted stays conditional on a tour. They could turn up the heat on the tours somewhat. ALL of these and much more could be done and still remain professional and relatively low pressure. I believe they've purposefully gone overboard to try to get away from the boiler room stigma that come with timeshare sales. The truth is it's really not necessary nor is it successful in general. By nature of Disney, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and the like being involved, the connotation of timeshare has changed simply by their involvement. The problem with pulling back so much is they've also pulled away from sales and profits. IMO, there is a happy medium that other companies hit far better than DVC. Even if they were truly high pressure, it wouldn't hurt members in any way. IMO, one has to look at the sales side and the usability as COMPLETELY separate events.

 

[DisFlan]

Agreed, I've mentioned some of these recently as well. The Kiosks could become more aggressive soliciting tours. They could mildly pressure each and every non member who checks in to see if they'd tour. They could do mini tours for members. They could offer tour incentives and discounted stays conditional on a tour. They could turn up the heat on the tours somewhat. ALL of these and much more could be done and still remain professional and relatively low pressure. I believe they've purposefully gone overboard to try to get away from the boiler room stigma that come with timeshare sales. The truth is it's really not necessary nor is it successful in general. By nature of Disney, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and the like being involved, the connotation of timeshare has changed simply by their involvement. The problem with pulling back so much is they've also pulled away from sales and profits. IMO, there is a happy medium that other companies hit far better than DVC. Even if they were truly high pressure, it wouldn't hurt members in any way. IMO, one has to look at the sales side and the usability as COMPLETELY separate events.

DVC may need to tread a bit carefully here. There's a point where this may become an irritant to resort guests and park visitors. Most guests don't wants to pay $$$, go to Disney and get flogged with time share offers or spiels.

Disney has been one of the few destinations where guests haven't had to worry about getting hit with pushy (or even "mildly aggressive") bids for time share sales - and I think most guests see this as a definite plus. Yes, it may garner some sales for DVC, but it may not be worth the ultimate cost to Disney's reputation.


DisFlan

 

[cj9200]

It does seem that way. There are a number of ways Disney could easily incorporate DVC sales into their existing process.

Some things that come to mind.... (HINT, HINT… just in case anyone from the Disney is reading )

(3) Instead of letting CRO DVC inventory sit empty, Disney could offer a heavily discounted DVC preview package. Guests would only have to attend a 90 minute timeshare sales presentation and satisfy the eligibility requirements and limitations.

This is how we got hooked into DVC. I was looking for a room at a monorail resort (which were not available) and the CM suggested I try a 1BR at this place called Old Key West. I remember it was at a great price. No commitment to hear a sales pitch but as soon as the door was opened, I was done. We signed up for a tour and heard they were opening this other place called Boardwalk. Sign me up. Which we did.

 

[phyllisnnj]

Agreed, I've mentioned some of these recently as well. The Kiosks could become more aggressive soliciting tours. They could mildly pressure each and every non member who checks in to see if they'd tour. They could do mini tours for members. They could offer tour incentives and discounted stays conditional on a tour. They could turn up the heat on the tours somewhat. ALL of these and much more could be done and still remain professional and relatively low pressure. I believe they've purposefully gone overboard to try to get away from the boiler room stigma that come with timeshare sales. The truth is it's really not necessary nor is it successful in general. By nature of Disney, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and the like being involved, the connotation of timeshare has changed simply by their involvement. The problem with pulling back so much is they've also pulled away from sales and profits. IMO, there is a happy medium that other companies hit far better than DVC. Even if they were truly high pressure, it wouldn't hurt members in any way. IMO, one has to look at the sales side and the usability as COMPLETELY separate events.

I agree they eventually need to move in the direction where they are taking advantage of every sales opportunity with members and non-members.

Disney could do what the others tend to do - dangle the carrot to encourage guests to come to them. Of course, the carrot has to be something that people want. Free money or free park tickets always seem to motivate people to take action

All they have to do is hang a large banner on all of their DVC kiosks saying something like "Find out how you can get free blah blah blah?" LOL, I'm sure it will draw some attention.

They can even have their employees at the check-in desk and the concierge desk wear large pins saying "Ask me how you can get free blah blah blah". When asked the employee can give the guest a DVC flyer (which should already be included in their welcome package) and quickly explain that the details of the special offer is covered in the flyer and it basically involves attending a quick 90 minute DVC preview tour and then point out where the DVC kiosk desk is located to sign up for the tour and to address any additional questions regarding the special offer.

 

[Dean]

DVC may need to tread a bit carefully here. There's a point where this may become an irritant to resort guests and park visitors. Most guests don't wants to pay $$$, go to Disney and get flogged with time share offers or spiels.

Disney has been one of the few destinations where guests haven't had to worry about getting hit with pushy (or even "mildly aggressive") bids for time share sales - and I think most guests see this as a definite plus. Yes, it may garner some sales for DVC, but it may not be worth the ultimate cost to Disney's reputation.


DisFlan

Obviously there comes a point where it is obnoxious but there is a LONG way for them to go in this area without hitting that point. The bottom line is if they stay the course, the members will suffer and DVC HI may never happen or at best, be the last off property option. Like it or not, DVC now seems to be willing to take some chances, something we've never seen out of them before the last 2 years or so. There will likely be some things that members don't like in this area. They may include developer only perks, a tool that's worked well for many other companies.

 

[kerickson]

Speaking of...the just out Spring edition of Disney Files has a huge cover story on Hawaii. Looks like it's still a go!

 

[Dean]

Speaking of...the just out Spring edition of Disney Files has a huge cover story on Hawaii. Looks like it's still a go!

Same thing happened for Eagle Pines, things were staked out, some of the infrastructure was already started then book, SSR.

 

["Got Disney"]

I'm looking to buy there....we have 400 points and would like another 200. But it will all depend on the price and the room sizes and such. I have no doubt that at the 7mo mark there will still be lots of rooms left being the size of the resort.

We were going to buy at DL at the GCV but there are only 50 of them and cant see getting in there as easy. But we only live 1 hr away from there and can go anytime in a moments notice.

Once we have more info it will be much easier to see if that is where we want to buy our other 200 points.

 

[CarolA]

Same thing happened for Eagle Pines, things were staked out, some of the infrastructure was already started then book, SSR.

TRUE!

Disney can and will change plans if they need to!

 

[Starr W.]

Same thing happened for Eagle Pines, things were staked out, some of the infrastructure was already started then book, SSR.

Having the ceremonial ground breaking and doing a big story in the Disney Files doesn't mean anything especially in this economy.

The HI tourism is hurting big time, I've been watching airfare to get a feel for our summer 2010 trip. If I wanted to go this summer I could catch $666 RT Detroit-HNL one stop and pretty reasonable flight times.

I looked at Costco Travel and I could book with them 1br at the Westin TS for a week plus a full size car for very competitive rates compared to what I'm seeing on Redweek for rental via owners.