DVC Peaking or Just Getting Started

[pilferk]

But the question isn't "Is Disneyland an awesome place to spend a week." The answer that question is: "Of course!". The question is: "Is Disneyland a place where DVD can print money by selling DVC points." And, the answer appears to have been: "Not really." The same question can be asked about HHI and VB, and the same answer applies.

That question also applies to Aulani. It will be interesting to see what the answer is.

I wondered about VGC from the get go. With so many "locals" holding AP's, and so many enticing lodging offerings literally right around the corner (that are all competing for your $$) for tourists...I wondered if DVC really made as much sense as it does in Florida.

The sales numbers seem to indicate it might not be.

With Aulani, it's a bit different. They're building a destination around the resort, not a resort around the destination, if you take my meaning. So what it comes down to is if they can build a compelling ENOUGH destination to bring you to the resort. I think, if there's ONE thing Disney is good at, it's that.

Combine that with the fact that Hawaii will pull from Asia, the West Coast, AND some East Coasters.....and I think it has some advantages built in that VCG didn't have.

We'll see....

 

[stopher1]

I wondered about VGC from the get go. With so many "locals" holding AP's, and so many enticing lodging offerings literally right around the corner (that are all competing for your $$) for tourists...I wondered if DVC really made as much sense as it does in Florida.
.

I honestly wondered the same thing, but sure am glad they did it. We grew up at the park and honestly never stayed there til we moved away. And I did't stay on property til after we joined DVC. We wanted a dedicated pool of points for our western trips, which is part of why we bought in there. So far have enjoyed 2 trips home to VGC, with2 on the horizon yet this year, and looking forward to many more in the years to come. Wise or not, I' m glad they built it.

 

[paulh]

I think it is worth noting that the general consensus is that VGC is likely to be viewed as a disappointment, in terms of how long it took to close out sales of a *very* small resort. That's not that surprising. The "home court advantage" at Disneyland just isn't what it is at WDW. There are many great non-Disney hotel properties (and another timeshare or two) within walking distance of the esplanade.

how many timeshares in florida within a stones through form WDW and they have had no problem selling there
Paul

 

[Alexander2010]

I'm new to DVC. i think it still will grow. but i think they have to focus on the WDW and DL. or other parks.

I'm from NY and the cost of flying to Aulani. will be a lot. the same with VGC. but plan some time in my life i will go.

 

[McCrae]

It's interesting to read how many posters want DVC to focus on the US, understandable since this is a US chat site.

How do you think Disney fans in Asia would feel about this?

My guess is that many people who could own DVC in Asia dont because it is too far for them to travel on a regular basis. If the had a local resort they would buy.

Disney is huge in the far east...and IMO Disney would be mad to ignore this market for DVC.

They dont need US members to own the resort to make it work for them.

Disney want to make as much money as they can.... they would be crazy not to take advantage of the current strong economies in Asia to sell DVC.

The only thing I can see stopping this happen is if culturally owning a timeshare is not going to work in Asia.

The strong demand for Aulani from Japan suggests this wont be an issue.

 

[Alexander2010]

Disney is huge in the far east...and IMO Disney would be mad to ignore this market for DVC.

They dont need US members to own the resort to make it work for them.

true, i would have to think they would need a study on the Far East market and see if it would sell.

i think the problem would be how they market in the US parks. they market to the people that come to the parks about the ease of coming to the parks.

i also think that Disney would have to build activity around the DVC hotels. maybe Disney related/maybe not Disney related. so they could get the $ from the tourist.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

For many within the primary DVC market to date, (or east of the Mississippi), flying to CA annually or bi-annually, or even tri-annually was a major point of contention for why they wouldn't purchase VGC. However once they go out there and see just how incredible Disneyland actually is... and how absolutely beautiful VGC and the Grand Californian are... almost everyone comes back flabergasted, at least those that I've personally spoken or interacted with her on the DIS and elsewhere. Many wish they had points there. Still others others have acted upon that wish and added VGC points to their own point portfolios, and still more have debated the choice intensely. I have no figures to quantify this next statement, but from what I've read here on the DIS and elsewhere, it appears a vast majority of DVC's primary sales market have never actually even been to the place that started it all, which really is a shame. Sure WDW closer, but DL is the mecca for DL fans. And the Grand Californian is, by many people's admissions, as well as my own personal opinion, the best DVC property to date, both in design and execution. However the model photos and concept art that I've seen for Aulani makes me think that that resort will soon move up to the top spot.
And since visitors aren't trapped on property at DL like they are at WDW, thanks to the ingenious introduction of DME a few years back, and throwing the DDP at people...WDW maintains an extremely captive audience that DL will never replicate. Until they build a water park or a third gate, DL just won't capture the typical tourist for more than 3-4 days max.

And of course, for all the hype of proximity and being the premiere resort, why hasn't BLT sold out yet? I realize it's a lot larger than VGC, but isn't that the primary resort being pushed at this time? I know I had to say no to my guide about 4 times before she realized we truly weren't interested in BLT and really wanted VGC. And even when we added on for more points at VGC, she still asked me first if I wanted BLT and I had to tell her no a 5th time.

Count me in as a HUGE fan of VGC. I went to the initial offering event- with the idea of buying in at AKV. As a Premium AP holder and So Cal resident, I didn't see the value in buying DVC so close to home. And the guides certainly didn't even try to sell me on it- they tried to sell me BLT, which I knew was so not what I wanted. It wasn't until we stayed there on our AKV points that we were hooked!!! And then of course had to buy some points so we could get that 11 month booking advantage. I don't think the guides at DVC know exactly how to sell VGC. They can't say it's saving you money- because the HoJo and various hotels/motels across Harbor Blvd. will save money. It is however totally exquisite in experience and quality. I hope that Aulani will be of that same WOW caliber.

I wondered about VGC from the get go. With so many "locals" holding AP's, and so many enticing lodging offerings literally right around the corner (that are all competing for your $$) for tourists...I wondered if DVC really made as much sense as it does in Florida.

I agree. Initially I didn't see the value in it at all. Plus, I don't think DVC has done a good job selling VGC. It certainly doesn't help that California has 12% unemployment and that many public employees such as teachers and state workers have taken pay cuts.

Like other West Coasters, Aulani has appeal to me. We love Hawaii! But I plan to stay there before deciding to buy. Our trip is tentatively planned for March 2012. I would also be interested in using DVC points for a stay at a TokyoDisney DVC! But I wouldn't buy there.

 

[Brian Noble]

how many timeshares in florida within a stones through form WDW and they have had no problem selling there

First, they generally sell for less, and the annual fees are lower; they don't carry the same Disney premium price. There are exceptions, but not many.

Second, they use *very* different sales tactics. Dean has been saying for a while now that he thinks that DVC will need to use a more "traditional" (i.e. sleazy) approach to sales for the non-park resorts.

 

[disney1474]

That would be amazing! Or maybe some small villas on Castaway Cay???

I didn't think of this! This would be great! Is there any room on the island to build villas?

 

[hakepb]

I would love to see a DVC component to ABD locations. (Or something to make ABD experiences more affordable)

I think there would be good interest for a well-rounded suite of locations. The problem is getting to that critical mass that makes others willing to add on more points for non-WDW locations.

 

[ILuvCrush]

I think DVC would be smart at looking to viability of resorts at their international park locations. Look at the number of Brits that travel to DLP ... wouldn't it make sense to market a resort to the European sector?? Or the large numbers of Asian and Australian peoples that have the $$ to fly ALLLLLLL the way to the US to WDW. I would think that if they love Disney that much... I'm sure they go to the Tokyo and Hong Kong parks, and with a DVC resorts at those locations, they could probably visit even more often.

I personally would love to visit those parks myself.... being able to use my DVC points (at a much more reasonable point rate than the hotel point rates there).

JMHO

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I'm sure they go to the Tokyo and Hong Kong parks, and with a DVC resorts at those locations, they could probably visit even more often.

I personally would love to visit those parks myself.... being able to use my DVC points (at a much more reasonable point rate than the hotel point rates there).

JMHO

I'd happily try out those locations too- IF the points charts were reasonable!!