Ft. Wilderness Cabins becoming DVC?

[mamaofsix]

Your post made me wonder, if these cabins only last 30 years, would Disney offer less than the usual 50-year contract for these cabins?

I think she was trying to say that after 30 years, they'll look just as tired as the current ones . . . but that Disney WON'T swap them out for new because it's DVC. They'll just refurb.

 

[Nabas]

I think she was trying to say that after 30 years, they'll look just as tired as the current ones . . . but that Disney WON'T swap them out for new because it's DVC. They'll just refurb.

Thanks, I did not know the current ones are 30 years old.

With the decline we sometimes see in construction quality, I wonder if the ones they will be replaced with will last 30 years.

I’m guessing that these 30 year old structures were going to need a major renovation, and that’s one of the reasons Disney decided to tear them down and convert to DVC.

Do we you think the replacements will last more than 30 years or, with a 50 year contract, are those going to get torn down at some point?

 

[gmi3804]

Do we you think the replacements will last more than 30 years or, with a 50 year contract, are those going to get torn down at some point?

When you purchase a DVC contract you’re not purchasing real property. Rather, the right to stay in the accommodations that exist at the time of purchase. They have every right to renovate/replace those structures over the course of the contract.

 

[Nabas]

When you purchase a DVC contract you’re not purchasing real property. Rather, the right to stay in the accommodations that exist at the time of purchase. They have every right to renovate/replace those structures over the course of the contract.

Sure, but do you think the new cabins will last 50 years, or do you think they will need to be torn down and rebuilt?

I don’t know the expected lifespan of these types of small cabins, and simply wonder will they last 50 years.

 

[gmi3804]

Sure, but do you think the new cabins will last 50 years, or do you think they will need to be torn down and rebuilt?

I don’t know the expected lifespan of these types of small cabins, and simply wonder will they last 50 years.

They probably won’t last 50 years.

 

[Nabas]

They probably won’t last 50 years.

Interesting concept then.

You could buy there with one type of building for, say, 25 years.

Then Disney could potentially come up with a significantly different design (same footprint) for the second 25 years, based on member feedback.

For example, maybe complaints about window placement, so these get moved in the next building.

Seems to me this has the potential to be much more than simply a replacement of hard goods.

 

[Sandisw]

Interesting concept then.

You could buy there with one type of building for, say, 25 years.

Then Disney could potentially come up with a significantly different design (same footprint) for the second 25 years, based on member feedback.

For example, maybe complaints about window placement, so these get moved in the next building.

Seems to me this has the potential to be much more than simply a replacement of hard goods.

Any changes to the design once the initial decision is made would need to be in compliance with how it is declared as a unit in the POS.

So, if these cabins have certain things, they will need to be maintained even in the future when they need the refurb…which, could be simply replacement…capital reserves will be set up in such a way that the cost will be accounted for.

Now, could the new cabins have the door in a different place, different windows, etc…sure..
but the units have been stated to sleep up to 6 and include certain things…those can’t be changed unless their was an actual vote by the owners to change those things.

 

[Nabas]

Any changes to the design once the initial decision is made would need to be in compliance with how it is declared as a unit in the POS.

So, if these cabins have certain things, they will need to be maintained even in the future when they need the refurb…which, could be simply replacement…capital reserves will be set up in such a way that the cost will be accounted for.

Now, could the new cabins have the door in a different place, different windows, etc…sure..
but the units have been stated to sleep up to 6 and include certain things…those can’t be changed unless their was an actual vote by the owners to change those things.

Sure, I’m just wondering if the cabins need to be torn down after X years, could Disney make improvements to them based on member feedback, the types of improvements that normally are not possible with a hotel room.

 

[Sandisw]

Sure, I’m just wondering if the cabins need to be torn down after X years, could Disney make improvements to them based on member feedback, the types of improvements that normally are not possible with a hotel room.

Yes, providing that the initial definition of a unit is kept the same. For example, the change from a sofa bed to a Murphy pull down wall bed…it was a change but didn’t impact the function…

But, they I don’t think could not all off a sudden add a hot tub to every location and then add costs to maintain them. Or, make it so they are now 2 bedrooms and raise points…now, they could add more cabins like that….

I can’t think of what potential change they could make them substantially different. It would be no different then deciding to changing the 2 bedrooms and removing the full kitchen based on feedback for more sleeping spaces…that would not be allowed.

 

[Nabas]

Yes, providing that the initial definition of a unit is kept the same. For example, the change from a sofa bed to a Murphy pull down wall bed…it was a change but didn’t impact the function…

But, they I don’t think could not all off a sudden add a hot tub to every location and then add costs to maintain them. Or, make it so they are now 2 bedrooms and raise points…now, they could add more cabins like that….

I can’t think of what potential change they could make them substantially different. It would be no different then deciding to changing the 2 bedrooms and removing the full kitchen based on feedback for more sleeping spaces…that would not be allowed.

They could, for example, change the floor plan of the interior. I doubt this will happen because I’m sure the designers have already given this a lot of thought.

Still, we’ve seen design mistakes made before, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

 

[gmi3804]

There’s not a whole lot you can do with a pre-fab “plug and play” trailer that has hookups in particular places.

 

[CraigInPA]

Today, you can get a mobile home built with the same materials as a stick built home, or a modular home, with 2x6 framing, 2x4 interior walls, drywall, hardwood floors, etc... The major difference is that it has a metal frame underneath to allow it to be towed to its final location. These are designed to last indefinitely, unlike trailers built 30 years ago. So, the "30 year" lifetime some are discussing is pretty much a non-issue now.

Still, I don't see how a TFW unit is going to be more points than a 1BR at any resort.

 

[Sandisw]

They could, for example, change the floor plan of the interior. I doubt this will happen because I’m sure the designers have already given this a lot of thought.

Still, we’ve seen design mistakes made before, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

Got you..but any design chsnge would still require them to maintain the main amenities so as long as the functionality remains the same..just like is required now.

 

[Epcot Forever Forever]

Today, you can get a mobile home built with the same materials as a stick built home, or a modular home, with 2x6 framing, 2x4 interior walls, drywall, hardwood floors, etc... The major difference is that it has a metal frame underneath to allow it to be towed to its final location. These are designed to last indefinitely, unlike trailers built 30 years ago. So, the "30 year" lifetime some are discussing is pretty much a non-issue now.

Yeah but that costs way more money up front. You get more long term optionality by being cheap.

The original cabins were definitely temporary structures and were replaced after 26 years.

The current cabins are certainly a step more durable but Disney has elected to replace them after 26 years again.

Sure, but do you think the new cabins will last 50 years, or do you think they will need to be torn down and rebuilt?

I don’t know the expected lifespan of these types of small cabins, and simply wonder will they last 50 years.

I would imagine they will plan to replace these in 26 years and include that in the dues. Why wouldn’t they? If they don’t have to, great.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Let's clarify one thing: despite all of the protestations by the DISboard amateur architects and engineers to the contrary, today's construction is not "cheap" versus 25, 30, or 50 years ago, and the quality and durability of modern construction is actually light years better. Improvements/changes in the Building Code, and developments in construction technology driven by natural disasters and construction defect litigation, have forced manufacturers of construction materials to develop new and more robust elements of the building envelope, and forced designers to address more stringent requirements governing structural design, weather resistiveness, sound attenuation and transmission, and energy efficiency. Today's buildings are more structurally sound, are far more weather-resistant, far less prone to damage due to wind or seismic events, far safer and more fireproof, and keep occupants warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

 

[Epcot Forever Forever]

Let's clarify one thing: despite all of the protestations by the DISboard amateur architects and engineers to the contrary, today's construction is not "cheap" versus 25, 30, or 50 years ago, and the quality and durability of modern construction is actually light years better. Improvements/changes in the Building Code, and developments in construction technology driven by natural disasters and construction defect driven litigation, have forced manufacturers of construction materials to develop new and more robust elements of the building envelope, and forced designers to address more stringent requirements governing structural design, weather resistiveness, sound attenuation and transmission, and energy efficiency. Today's buildings are more structurally sound, are far more weather-resistant, far less prone to damage due to wind or seismic events, far safer and more fireproof, and keep occupants warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Question with that then, Historically Disney has emptied the FW cabins during hurricanes; do you think the new cabins will make this unnecessary?

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

If these end up being approximately the point cost per night of a SSR/OKW 1 bedroom and Ft. Wilderness isn't significantly changed by DVC, I would totally add on here. We love Ft. Wilderness and the MK area.

 

[DonMacGregor]

Question with that then, Historically Disney has emptied the FW cabins during hurricanes; do you think the new cabins will make this unnecessary?

I'd have to know the reason why they empty them. Is it due to the method by which they are secured to the foundation? Is it due to the large number of trees surrounding them and the potential for flying debris or a tree falling? Site issues regarding potential flooding? Florida has had a ton of changes in how manufactured housing is set on foundations. Back in the day, I believe they were simply attached to rods driven down into the ground, sometimes augmented by steel straps that ran up and over the unit (like a big nylon strap holding down a truck's load). Now, they must be placed on a full foundation and attached to that foundation through the steel frame.

One of the biggest changes to manufactured housing (keeping in mind my background is in site-built construction) is that it is far closer to conventional construction today than simply pulling the wheels off a trailer and setting it on jack stands.

My comment regarding the quality of construction today was a more a broad criticism of many of the "complaints" people seem to raise, any and every time a new project is undertaken, regardless of construction type, but manufactured housing has definitely come a very long way in its own right.

 

[CarolynFH]

Maybe at 7 years they’ll update internal fixtures, bedding, etc. (normal soft goods refurb), then at 14 years they’ll haul ‘em off and replace with new (full refurb).

 

[mamaofsix]

Let's clarify one thing: despite all of the protestations by the DISboard amateur architects and engineers to the contrary, today's construction is not "cheap" versus 25, 30, or 50 years ago, and the quality and durability of modern construction is actually light years better. Improvements/changes in the Building Code, and developments in construction technology driven by natural disasters and construction defect driven litigation, have forced manufacturers of construction materials to develop new and more robust elements of the building envelope, and forced designers to address more stringent requirements governing structural design, weather resistiveness, sound attenuation and transmission, and energy efficiency. Today's buildings are more structurally sound, are far more weather-resistant, far less prone to damage due to wind or seismic events, far safer and more fireproof, and keep occupants warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Agree 100%.

We have very strict building codes in Ontario and I know many people who have seasonal "cabins" that have lasted well over 50 years. They simply replace flooring, fixtures and decor as styles change.

I also know many who have purchased homes that were built in a factory and delivered onsite. Again, those homes are now decades old and are holding up just as well as any custom built home. And they'll likely still be standing 100 years from now. The ones being built today are even BETTER and have an even stricter code to follow

I don't think Disney's going to put cheaply made trailers on slab that will then need to be replaced in two decades.