DVC to ever get the Ultimate Ambience?

[MisterDisney]

Have you ever walked into the WL/VWL?

Yes I have. However, I would not consider this the "ultimate" experience, but a nice experience yes. Sitting on a balcony at VWL offers a views of trees immediately in front of you. And although the rooms themselves are larger than those in the WL, they are kind of "detached" from the lodge itself just like BCV. And there are obvious reasons why WL rooms are less expensive than the monorail resorts.

I KNOW this is picky, so please dont get too upset with me.

I COMPLETELY understand the value equation of DVC, I just think they should increase their offerings to cater to those who are willing to pay for the "ultimate" Disney experience possible, THATS ALL. Im not talking about changing DVCs current offerings, just offer a new resort area with rooms that offer the DVC convenience (large units) and value (prepaid vacations in todays dollars), with the "best" that Disney offers in terms of ambience (Poly, AKL, GF, etc.), and of course this is only an opinion.

 

[OneMoreTry]

Im not talking about changing DVCs current offerings, just offer a new resort area with rooms that offer the DVC convenience (large units) and value (prepaid vacations in todays dollars), with the "best" that Disney offers in terms of ambience (Poly, AKL, GF, etc.), and of course this is only an opinion.

I think you'll have to use your points at one of the existing giant suites at the Poly or CR.

 

[ceejay13]

I am whisked away to another place every time I stay at any of the DVC resorts. Two years ago we stayed one night at the GF for our anniversary and had the perfect view of the castle. While I loved the view I remember clearing saying to my DH after we moved, I would rather have the DVC room and all it's ammenities than spend all that cash for a basic room at the GF. The only view that I would find appealing than what we have already experienced would be of the castle. Epcot is our favorite resort, however, and we love the ambience at both the BWV and BCV where we own points. I still remember the thrill, however, of our first stay at OKW. We had a huge 2 bdr with an absolutely gorgeous view of the 7th green of the LBV golf course, surrounded by water. Having a glass of wine on that huge balcony after a day at the parks was so peaceful. We loved it also. Or the stay we had at VB. A view of the ocean, and listening to the waves crashing at night while you sleep, incredible. As a lover of all things Disney, I love having the choices. While a castle view would be great, I am beyond happy with my current choices. I certainly am respectful of the opposing views and I think it is a great thing to voice. Celebrating our differences is what makes this country great.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Whoa - so much time, so little to say. Wait. Strike that. Reverse it.

First, not to pick on Cinderelli, but she happened to say what crystalized this for me. She said "...those once in a lifetime experiences"; well, it's hard to offer a "once in a lifetime experience" in a program that's geard to guests making dozens (and dozens) of trips over 40-50 years. I realize that the amenities she mentioned could be offered - albeit at a high cost - but I'm not sure that they would have the long-term appeal to enough people to support it.

I do understand what she and the OP are talking about. In October of 2003, DW and I had our first empty-nester trip to WDW, and I was out to make it a romantical trip to remember. We stayed at the Polynesian, Lagoon-View Consierge - yep, we saw the Castle from our bed & balcony. The 'hakuna matata' attitude was great, we loved 'Ohana, the tiki torches & paths & music were tres romantique at night. And we really enjoyed the view, and being pampered by the Concierge staff and perks. It was truly memorable, and DW and I will think back fondly to it for the rest of our lives. That being said, I know darned well that if we did the same exact trip again, it wouldn't be the same. Some of the "special-ness" would be lost to 'been there done that', some would be lost to the 'is it really worth it again' bug, and some things pale once the novelty wears off (by the end of the week, the Castle view was old).

As I type, I realized that what the OP wants is a DVC version of a dinner at Victoria and Albert's. That restaurant is high priced, has very limited space, children are absent or well-behaved - yet I'm told that it is the "Ultimate Disney Meal" by those who appreciate such things. I'm just not sure if a time-share with a goal of "Welcome Home" can hope to achieve such an experience on a regular and reasonable-cost basis.

I knew what I was getting - and what I was giving up - when I decided that most of my WDW trips would be at DVC resorts. No, SSR ain't themed like the Polynesian, it ain't on the monorail and it doesn't have Concierge. But the Polynesian doesn't have a king-sized bed w/Jacuzzi (at least not until you're paying real $$$ for a suite), it doesn't have right.at.the.door parking and it doesn't have a full kitchen and W/D. I appreciate the fact that the OP brought up the topic - you folks are always good for a rousing and intelligent discussion. But IMHO, I think that DVC should try to be the best at what is is - a Disney time-share - and leave the once-in-a-lifetime experiences to the other Resorts.

IMHO - YMMV.

 

[MisterDisney]

DrTommorow,

Thanks for you thoughtful post, however, I find it hard to believe that the magic of a Polynesian/AKL/Comtemp-type DVC location/ambience would get old for people. There are people who return to these resorts every year to repeat their experience as cash-paying guests no less.

I would bet my house that any of these choices would be hands-down the most sought after DVC resort if they would just build it. Just look at the BCV, built next to a public roadway, DVC people are banging the door down to stay there because of its location next to Epcot and to latch on to the amenities of big-brother resorts (Yacht and BC)

 

[DrTomorrow]

DrTommorow,

Thanks for you thoughtful post, however, I find it hard to believe that the magic of a Polynesian/AKL/Comtemp-type DVC location/ambience would get old for people. There are people who return to these resorts every year to repeat their experience as cash-paying guests no less.

I would bet my house that any of these choices would be hands-down the most sought after DVC resort if they would just build it. Just look at the BCV, built next to a public roadway, DVC people are banging the door down to stay there because of its location next to Epcot and to latch on to the amenities of big-brother resorts (Yacht and BC)

Please note that I'm not saying that staying at the Polynesian would automatically get old (but after 30 years - maybe it would). I was referring to the "Ultimate Ambience" that we've been discussing.

And I agree 100% that a Polynesian/AKL/CR DVC resort would be quite popular - but again, that's not what we were discussing. I understood the "request" to be more along these lines: A VPR DVC resort, small, with all rooms having a Lagoon/Castle view. Concierge service, 24 hour room service, daily housekeeping, monorail access, perhaps separate valet parking. And my point is that all these things are already available at the Polynesian, and that to try to fit them into the DVC "Home Away From Home" time-share concept just doesn't seem to be a good fit. Trying to be all things (or even many things) to all people oftimes yields a less-desireable outcome.

For the record, I'm a pretty dreamy, head.in.the.clouds Pisces, and DW and I honestly enjoy the Disney ambience - duh, that's why we bought into DVC. However - and maybe we are in the minority (although some posts suggest otherwise) - after our many stays at WDW and our first few stays at SSR, things like the view from the balcony take on lesser importance. I'm not saying that it isn't nice to spend almost every morning on the balcony, with a cuppa joe and some donuts, looking at DTD - it is. But - for us, at least - it's just as nice with the coffee and donuts overlooking the canal. And I guarantee that - if MrsTomorrow and I ever get a view overlooking a service road, it won't impact our enjoyment one iota. Guess I just think that so much of the Disney magic - and "ambience" - comes from inside....

IMHO - YMMV

 

[NMW]

Maybe we are weird but in Disney, "view" is not that important to us. We had a view a BC that gave us a direct view of the lake and the Boardwalk. Did we ever sit out there? No. It was dark when we returned at night and we left early in the morning for our breakfast PS's. Same thing with the Poly, nice view, but never sat out there. When I read the Unofficial guide, I skip right over the parts about the views.
Now if I went some place like Hawaii that was all about it's natural beauty, yes, I would want a great view. I'm sure I would "use it" too.
For me, being at Disney is about walking up Main ST in the MK and watching my children's faces. That is the "ultimate" for our family.
I admit we did book boardwalk view for our next trip. I don't know if we'll use it or not. Either way, we will be thrilled to be there!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Maybe we are weird but in Disney, "view" is not that important to us. We had a view a BC that gave us a direct view of the lake and the Boardwalk. Did we ever sit out there? No. It was dark when we returned at night and we left early in the morning for our breakfast PS's.

This is exactly how we feel. We don't go on vacation to sit around in the room all day. Not that there's anything wrong with that -- it's just not our style. Due to work/school schedules the most we can squeeze out for WDW is a week at a time and we want to be in the parks every minute we can. That's also the reason we stay on-site.

I feel very confident we will never be on the infamous "naughty list" as I really don't care what view we have or even if it's a H.A. room. (Hear that CM's -- make sure you put a gold star next to our name. LOL)