DVC in DC!

[JsMom2]

While I was adding on last week, the guide mentioned that DVC just bought some land in Washington DC. He said they haven't made an official announcement yet, but that we could probably expect a resort there.

Today on the ABD thread there was a link to an article about ABD, and I noticed they mentioned the new standalone resorts in Hawaii AND Washington DC! What a great place for a family vacation!!

Here's the link:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busin...,4954514.story

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Disney announced their purchase of the land there, and their plans to build a resort, but there hasn't been an announcement as to whether or not it will be a mixed-use resort that includes DVC villas. I'll continue to keep my fingers crossed. It would certainly make sense that it would.

 

[whitfamily]

I've got some friends who are the developers of the property. They have been quiet on what Disney plans. But there are already a few time share/vacation clubs there. One problem I see though is that the location isn't all the convenient to DC or the Metro rail system. Disney will probably have to offer a decent transportation system if they plan on pushing it for personal travel.

On the business side the Gaylord convention center there is a great place. Will be interesting if Disney tries to position itself to take some of that hotel business that the Gaylord can not handle for its bigger events.

 

[toniosmom]

Hmmm.....very interesting. I love DC and would be thrilled if DVC built a resort there. I certainly would take advantage of booking there in the future.

 

[Cee]

It's going to be built here, I believe. Check out the website, it's an awesome area!

www.nationalharbor.com

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Soon after the announcement, Yesterland had an article about the Disney real estate purchase at National Harbor (near Washington, DC), with a bunch of pictures. The article discusses the likelihood of DVC being part of Disney's plans.

See http://www.yesterland.com/harbor.html

 

[disdad09]

Wow!
Thanks for all the info.
This looks like a great site and an excellent potential investment site for a new DVC property.
I would definitely visit with my family.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Put me down for a visit to Disney - DC !

 

[dcamdad]

As another poster has pointed out the transportation will be an issue unless the area implements the water ferrys. I see how others are excited about a possible future resort but as a life long resident of the DC area it has no appeal for me, not to mention the entire developed area totally ruined a major fish spawning area for bass and others in the Potomac River.

 

[Mom B]

Well, I never thought that we would have the chance to visit DC but this might change all that! Hubby doesn't like traveling to unknown areas with large populations but with a Disney home there that could all change...Thank goodness I was able to get him to WDW with the "just this time, for the kids" angle; one trip was all it took and he was sold on WDW, so maybe, just maybe....this could work!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

As another poster has pointed out the transportation will be an issue unless the area implements the water ferrys. I see how others are excited about a possible future resort but as a life long resident of the DC area it has no appeal for me, not to mention the entire developed area totally ruined a major fish spawning area for bass and others in the Potomac River.

Yep totally agree. Its much more convienent to stay in Old Town Alexandria and be able to catch the metro to see all that DC offers. Plus Old Town Alexandria is a much nicer part of town!

 

[Brian Noble]

Absolutely agreed. Wyndham has already opened their National Harbor resort, but I'd much prefer to stay at the resort they already had in Alexandria. It's right next to a Metro station, and even though the resort amenities are not as plus as the Natl. Harbor site, it's just much better connected.

As far as I'm concerned, the best thing about National Harbor is that it should make getting reservations at Alexandria easier.

 

[whitfamily]

Just to reitarate my intial post that launched the transpo discussion- I've had work colleagues from all over the world book at National Harbor with the hope of spending a few extra days touring the city. Well, $30-$45 per day in cab fares later they realized it wasn't the best place to stay to visit DC. I am sure Disney will develop some solution, but it won't be easy and I wouldn't plan on going anywhere from 630am-930am and 330pm-630pm daily.

 

[Brian Noble]

There is an express metrobus route between Natl Harbor and one of the nearby metro stations---I forget which one. That might be the easiest way to get around at rush hour.

 

[n2mm]

As another poster has pointed out the transportation will be an issue unless the area implements the water ferrys. I see how others are excited about a possible future resort but as a life long resident of the DC area it has no appeal for me, not to mention the entire developed area totally ruined a major fish spawning area for bass and others in the Potomac River.

Add me to the not interested list, but am glad there are so many wanting to visit my neighborhood. Born and raised in Wash. DC. Worked here for 30years (in March 2010). Been commuting to the middle of Wash. DC since I was 24 yo. I work next to the White House and can hear the Prez leave in his helicopter whenever he comes and goes. I'm sure Disney will offer a shuttle to the nearest metrorail station if this deal happens. This is a nice option for those wanting to visit.

 

[Anal Annie]

Ho Hum. Yawn. I live 25 miles away. No biggie for me.

 

[maciec]

We stayed at NH in May and really enjoyed it. It is removed from the "not so nice" areas of PG county. It is it's own little town if you will. We drove from 3 hours away so driving to the metro 15 minutes away was not that big of a deal. We would definitely stay there again ~ DVC or no DVC.

 

[JsMom2]

Thanks for all the info. I'd been under the impression that it was somewhere on the VA side, although I couldn't figure out where the open space would be. They'll definitely have to implement a transportation system.

A ferry would be the best bet.

 

[Starr W.]

Absolutely agreed. Wyndham has already opened their National Harbor resort, but I'd much prefer to stay at the resort they already had in Alexandria. It's right next to a Metro station, and even though the resort amenities are not as plus as the Natl. Harbor site, it's just much better connected.

As far as I'm concerned, the best thing about National Harbor is that it should make getting reservations at Alexandria easier.

I doubt that, I'm sure you've looked at the Nat. Harbor point chart. Typical new Wyndham resort point bloat.

If anything it will make Alexandria harder to get into. Lower points/per stay and better location.


Actually pre-TS days, I just Pricelined a hotel when I headed to DC, usually to see some ballet performances at KC. Stayed at the Hyatt Metro Center for $100 a night. And that was late June and during the week.

 

[Brian Noble]

The point values at Natl Harbor are pretty close to Alexandria. The Balcony units at NH are higher, and the standard units at Alexandria are lower.

But, there is still plenty of availability at both for June and July 2010, except the 4th, which is sold out at both. That's a significant improvement vs. just Alexandria alone in prior years.

Edited to add: my diamond in the rough in the DC area has always been the State Plaza Hotel. Across the street from the State dept. in Foggy Bottom. Units are studios or 1BR with full kitchens. Furniture is *very* dated, but perfectly serviceable, and good rates. http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll/qscr=dspv/htid=11234