DVC "Moderate" Resort

[tjkraz]

OK, how about a new poll to spice up our weekend?

What would you think if DVC considered adding a "Moderate" level resort to the program?

EDIT: For the sake of argument, let's say that the resort was designed to be on-par with Port Orleans FQ. Walk-up rooms w/ exterior hallways. All studio-type accommodations. No balcony. Public washer/dryer facilities. No valet parking. No Community Hall.

Point costs for a "Standard" room (two double beds) start at about 5 points per weekday night in the lowest season.

Feel free to share the rationale behind the manner in which you voted!

 

[spiceycat]

DVC wants to be one of the best timeshares - if not the best.

best = expensive.

So I don't see this ever happening. First DVC would never leave a WDW resort - they just were made to last the way DVC is and secondly they will get more expensive never less.

Now the WDW resorts are great. But DVC construction is better.

 

[jarestel]

Without becoming embroiled in a debate over whether DVC would ever do this or not, my thoughts are:
A moderate level DVC resort wouldn't hold much interest for me as far as buying points there, but I do like the idea of more options within DVC. Lower point costs would be attractive towards the end of the use year when points have dwindled but the "need" for another trip arises. It could also turn into the resort where members spend weekends, and arrival/departure days instead of staying off-site. I'm not sure how practical, in terms of member interest in buying points there, it would be but if the price were right, it would be popular enough, I suppose.

 

[Cricket2]

I'd have to think about that one...

I suppose the "maintains the current amenities" part is the part that makes it tougher to think about. Minimum point purchases would have to drop quite a bit in order to even out with length of stays at the other resorts too.

Would we assume the points could be used at the current resorts as well or would these be "DVC light" points?

 

[Granny]

Would we assume the points could be used at the current resorts as well or would these be "DVC light" points?

I voted "bad idea" under the assumption that this would be a regular DVC with full member privileges to book at other resorts.

The bad idea portion comes when I think about the sales people at DVC. Can you imagine their spiel for this one?

"Come on...buy into DVC on the cheap and you'll be able to get into any of the other DVC resorts with no problems!"

I just think that a DVC resort that has a major deviation in room choices from the regular DVC resorts would present a lot of problems.

Otherwise, I really don't care what they do as long as I have my reservation advantage at my home resorts!

 

[Cruelladeville]

I voted that it was a bad idea, for all the same reasons that granny gave. I could definitely see the DVC sales people convincing people coming into DVC on the cheap, and then transferring to the other resorts. I can see the mess it would create with renters wanting in only in the cheap place, and people contacting all of us for 5 points just to stay there. No, thanks, it would be better to do like II does, and send out emails or flyers saying "Discounts on studios 8/1 to 8/7" or something like that to give us opportunities to use those extra points. Very last minute stuff...

 

[CarolMN]

I agree with Granny & Cruella.

Not sure why Disney/DVC would want to build a "moderate" - they don't seem to be having any trouble selling the "deluxe" versions.


Best wishes-

 

[JandD Mom]

I voted indifferent because I would not be opposed to it if it had a slightly different "brand" designation. As an example, Marriott has the Horizons by Marriott Brand. If you own say, Marriott Ocean Pointe, you can still trade to Horizons, but that is a trade down, and everyone in Marriott is clear on it.

So if they did a "Horizons by DVC", I have no problem with it. Then the branding would be clear.

As an aside, don't we have something like this now? OKW does not have the same amenities as BWV or BCV, and SS is different too. OKW and SS have different point requirements than BCV or BWV (preferred). Everyone picks what they like best.

 

[RobDoc]

FWIW, DVC has actually considered such a plan. When the opening of Pop Century was delayed (there are still unfinished buildings), some consideration was given to completing at least one of those buildings as a DVC resort with a slightly different room style than we are accustomed to having. I think they were considering a predominance of Studio accommodations - since Studios are in such high demand at all DVC resorts.

Personally, I'm glad they have not gone this route, but it would have been interesting to see how the concept might have been developed. I expect there would have mainly Studios (possibly even exclusively) and the point requirements would have been similar to a Studio at SSR - unless the rooms were furnished/equipped to a lesser extent. They could possibly have offered some adjoining studios to accommodate families larger than four which would open a whole new world of occupancy discussion!

Food for thought!

 

[tjkraz]

Thanks for the info, Doc.

For what it's worth, I put myself in the "indifferent" category. My thoughts are pretty much identical to jarestel--I wouldn't use it often, but it might be nice to have it as an option if we wanted a cheap weekend or just had a handful of points left to burn.

Reading the replies I see that some are implying that points would be cheaper than other resorts. I didn't envision that as being the case at all. Certainly the points required for a night's stay would be less (as illustrated by my example), and DVC would have to sell contracts smaller than 150 for certain. But I think the +/- $100 price point would still apply. You'd just get more nights with fewer "perks" at a Moderate as opposed to a Deluxe (as is currently the case for cash guests.)

The one item I couldn't reconcile would be the annual dues. The dues would be significantly less at a "Moderate" resort than at the any of the current properties, and I think there would be some inequity in allowing those owners to use their points at another DVC resort.

I don't really think it will happen, but it's interesting to hear the thoughts of others. Keep 'em coming!

 

[gjw007]

I voted indifferent. I understand that many DVC'ers like studios because they cost less points. A DVC resort with mostly studios would create more available rooms for these people. I don't think that it necessarily needs to lower the quality of DVC resorts; it just changes the percentage make-up of studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units in the resort.

On a slighlty different tack, my personal opinion is that new DVC units should be 1-bedroom and above but I've spoiled myself by only staying in condos with 1-or-2 bedrooms, full kitchens, whirlpool bathtubs, and washer/dryer units. Its the best way to go on vacation and relax. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Luigi's Girl]

I voted "bad idea" but that's just for me personally. We had stayed in values and moderates for years before joining DVC and thet were always fine. But once we stayed 1 bedroom deluxe there was no turning back. I admit it - I am spoiled and I feel special when I vacation in accomodations I thought I'd never be able to afford.

 

[JoeEpcotRocks]

I voted indifferent.

Nothing against it - but it would be hard to do after staying in a one bedroom. Might be good for the sake of having more options that use DVC points efficiently.

Would this place be the new place for DVC'ers to stay on weekends to save points?

 

[CharlesTD]

I think it would be a great idea. Maybe add on to Coronado Springs and put it there now that would be where I would stay every visit.

 

[Simba's Mom]

You know, I voted good idea, but now I want to change my mind and vote bad idea. I'm such a cheapskate, and before we joined DVC we only stayed in Moderate Resorts. Well, all except once-we stayed at WL, but I couldn't enjoy myself because all I kept thinking of is how much I could do with the extra money we'd save by staying at a moderate resort. One thing I love about DVC is that it's finally allowed me to stay in truly deluxe accomodations. Yet, I know myself-if I had a choice to stay in moderate accomodations and save points, I probably would. Then I'd probably not stay at my beloved BCV. Oh, no! The best choice is please-don't build those moderate DVCs. I've been spoiled!

 

[lllovell]

I can't decide. I see everyone's concerns and most of them make very good sense to me, but then I think if they really wanted this to fly, it would not be so difficult if they used the Mariott "level" approach mentioned here. I would have no problem buying into a moderate level resort if they added the kitchenette. If not, then I don't see the appeal. We use the microwave and toaster a LOT for breakfast and lunches in our rooms while in a studio at the DVC resorts and that makes a big difference in how we vacation when staying at a moderate.

I would think people that bought into the moderates could not trade up to the deluxe resorts. I also think that it would take a bit to have enough "renovated rooms" to be able to let the deluxe owners "trade down" as well. Using your points for a normal hotel room at WDW doesn't require anything from them except a regular hotel room. If I am going to stay in a regular hotel room, I would rather shop around for the best AP discounts, etc and just pay cash unless there were added benefits like a kitchenette.

I love the moderates we have visited and will stay in them again. If I could buy in at a less expensive rate or purchase a lower number of points and they had kitchenettes, then we would definately buy. I agree, it would be a great way to hedge the "high point" weekend issues now at DVC resorts.

 

[jade1]

I think it would be a great idea. Maybe add on to Coronado Springs and put it there now that would be where I would stay every visit.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=850393

This thread has OKW and CSR pretty even already if you prefer studios. Just need some larger room choices.

 

[CharlesTD]

Yes on that thread I voted for them staying at Coronado it is our family favourite next to the All Stars for Disney proprties we love it there. It has one of the best pools bar none with lots for everyone from toddler up to adult witht eh dig site and the beach volleyball and the pool seems to be as big if not bigger than the one at OKW and the slide is incredible. We love the grounds and all it has to offer we especially love the Pepper Market.

 

[Granny]

Reading the replies I see that some are implying that points would be cheaper than other resorts. I didn't envision that as being the case at all. Certainly the points required for a night's stay would be less (as illustrated by my example), and DVC would have to sell contracts smaller than 150 for certain. But I think the +/- $100 price point would still apply. You'd just get more nights with fewer "perks" at a Moderate as opposed to a Deluxe (as is currently the case for cash guests.)

When I used the word "cheap", I was referring to the buy in cost. As you indicate, they would probably reduce the minimum point purchase.

Doc...thanks for the additional information. Very interesting.

tjkraz...nice, fun thread.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

Wow. This one really has me thinking.....hmmm...DVC-lite. What a concept and to think this was actually considered (and seeing the PoP is unfinished... maybe a DVC-PoP?)

I voted "indifferent" due to the fact I'm not sure I'd buy into it.

But I do think it would fill a niche. For example, the adjoining studio idea. It would sleep 8, like a 2-BR, for at least half the points. And if you're not into cooking and spend most of your days in the parks anyway, what a savings.

If you own there, I'm sure the points from DVC would cost the same as SSR, but the mf's might be significantly lower. Plus there may be a lower buy in requirement. If you don't own there, it means that there is potentially more owners competing at the 7 month window, especially if DVC markets it as the cheap way to stay at the other DVC resorts.

Plus, I would suspect that many of us bought DVC so that we can deluxe accomodations at moderate prices, not moderate accomodations at value prices. So I can see this type of resort being used more for speculative renting rather than owner occupancy.

...hmmmm, still got me thinking.