GCV Models Closing on 9/30

[drag n' fly]

I've already called my guide to let him know we want an add-on as soon as points are available. We bought at WDW, so no priority window for us

We bought at DL and have the priority window but will not be buying...I think their will be plenty points for non founding members

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Has DL ever had a model of a WDW DVC resort? I doubt it, otherwise they'd still have an AKV model on site & it would certainly make more sense to re-do that one than GCV.

The model was first SSR which they then converted to GCV. So yes, they have had a WDW model there but skipped AKV in favor of GCV. The outside of the building was still SSR theme when I was there.

I too am hoping that someone there can get a little more clarification on the closure.

 

[mytwoboys]

Aww... thanks drag n' fly, I hope you are right

 

[tjkraz]

A couple months ago I asked here at the Dis why they would even bother to do VGC models if they thought it would sell out so quickly. Someone here had an excellent response that made sense but I don't recall what it was. I remember that it made me less sure that the resort would make it the public.

I can't speak to the answer you read elsewhere but Disney has always created full-size mockups of guest rooms while resorts are in the design phase. Even with computer modeling, it's still the most tried-and-true method of addressing design issues before the units are put into production.

With recent DVCs (AKV, BLT, VGC) the mock-ups serve a dual purpose of both design trial and sales model.

 

[Longhairbear]

I am thinking they might be redecorating to test the Hawaii DVC, and to use as the show model.
I haven't been to DLR in a few months, so I don't know how far along the construction is at GC, but they could use a real unit for a sales model.

 

[dwelty]

I am thinking they might be redecorating to test the Hawaii DVC, and to use as the show model.
I haven't been to DLR in a few months, so I don't know how far along the construction is at GC, but they could use a real unit for a sales model.

If it is true that these models are closing for good, This seems the most plausable. It took about 6 months for these mock up units to be built, so april 2009 would be a good time for the the models to reappear as Hawiian DVC units. This would appeal to West coast buyers far more than AKL or BLT. That would make sense, since they will need mock up units soon for the design phase of the Hawaii project. By next spring, The Hawaiian project will be less than 2 years away. It is very likely that the majority of buyers for Hawaii will be West Coasters. In fact almost half of the existing timeshares in Hawaii are owned by people who just live in California!

 

[karrit2000]

I was told that the CA timeshare law states that the Building must be 90% completed before they can begin selling units. Since they said they expect it to be ready in September of 2009 that puts it on the same time Schedule as BLT. Possibly they may have a model unit ready in the GC soon. Since the models have only been open since May it seems stange that they would shut it down so fast. They really need to put up another building or something because the pictures do not give you any idea of the size or feel of the units.

 

[jerseygal]

Guess they'll release the point chart when they start selling!

 

[tjkraz]

I was told that the CA timeshare law states that the Building must be 90% completed before they can begin selling units. Since they said they expect it to be ready in September of 2009 that puts it on the same time Schedule as BLT. Possibly they may have a model unit ready in the GC soon. Since the models have only been open since May it seems stange that they would shut it down so fast. They really need to put up another building or something because the pictures do not give you any idea of the size or feel of the units.

As others have suggested, there may not be any value in maintaining a model room. With only 50 units to sell, the odds of the property ever coming available to the general public are slim.

Imagineers used the model to finalize their designs and that space can now be used for something new. Might be a Hawaii design model, Tahoe, another Disneyland DVC, etc.

I'm not sure that it's even feasible to open a model in the building itself. They are adding several new cash rooms in addition to the DVCs, and all of that construction is in a new wing of the resort. I don't see how they could carve-out one small niche and accelerate the finishes just to show it as a model. Model or no model, point sales are likely to move so briskly that all 50 rooms will be needed for guests as soon as the resort opens next fall.

 

[lisah0711]

It would be shocking if the closure was anything but a minor tweaking of the existing GCV models!

I saw the SSR models in October 2007 shortly before they closed and just saw the GCV models last month. They are beautiful. I can't imagine spending that kind of money to have them open for such a short time.

But then I am also one of the optimistic people who thinks there will be plenty of GCV points for us all to buy. From what I understand the amount of points available for GCV are similar to the amount available for the first phase of AKV (the Jambo House units). Those were available first to DVC Members, then the general public, and just now sold out almost one and a half years later. And the economy wasn't tanking then. Also, the majority of the DVC folks, on these boards anyway, are just not into a West Coast DVC. Last, but not least, both of my guides assured me that it is highly likely that there would be plenty of points to go around.

I'm going to put this down to a kiosk person not knowing the whole story . . .

 

[Maistre Gracey]

It would be shocking if the closure was anything but a minor tweaking of the existing GCV models!

Closing for an extended length of time just for a "minor tweak" seems pretty odd to me.
I'm not an expert, but I would think a minor tweak could be done overnight, and ready to go the next morning. At most a day or two.

MG

 

[Disney_Villain]

I saw the GCV model rooms last month - and they were beautiful. These rooms were closed for a lengthy period this year to redo furnishings & decor - and I wouldn't be surprised if this was happening again.

 

[moredisneyplease]

all very interesting.....I'm going to have to keep watching the thread there's a chance i might head down to DL on Wed so i'll see if i can find out more!

 

[Blahnde]

But then I am also one of the optimistic people who thinks there will be plenty of GCV points for us all to buy. From what I understand the amount of points available for GCV are similar to the amount available for the first phase of AKV (the Jambo House units). Those were available first to DVC Members, then the general public, and just now sold out almost one and a half years later. And the economy wasn't tanking then. Also, the majority of the DVC folks, on these boards anyway, are just not into a West Coast DVC. Last, but not least, both of my guides assured me that it is highly likely that there would be plenty of points to go around.

I truly do not know any better than anyone else about this (and my crystal ball is on the blink!), but I really do not think comparing AKV-Jambo to VGC is an apples to apples comparison. Specifically, VGC is the ONLY West Coast DVC option, which is a completely different situation from AKV-Jambo. Additionally, we all knew they were building Kidani Village so while AKV-Jambo compares in size, it did not have the urgency since there was more AKV being built. Those of us on the left coast have been waiting for years for a DVC Resort at Disneyland. Therefore just like BLT, there is huge pent-up demand; however, unlike BLT, there is VERY LITTLE supply.

I'm happy to own at AKV-Jambo (as well as other WDW DVC resorts), but I'm just not as passionate about it as I am about the ONLY Disneyland DVC. I'm sure many others are more passionate about AKV, but I stand by my objection that it is just not an equal comparison. Will non-DVC owners be able to buy VGC? Probably, but I really do not think it will take 2 years to sell out.

Blahnde

 

[stopher1]

DVCNews has an article up confirming the closure on 9/30. It says it's a permanent close...big fat bummer, but it also says they believe VGC will never make it to the open market.

http://dvcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=635&Itemid=1

 

[lisah0711]

I am calling my guides tomorrow to ask what the heck is going on. I still don't think such a quick sell out is such a certain thing in this market . . . and I think there will be enough points for all of us when we want them at least for now. That's my story and I am sticking to it!

 

[disneymom8589]

I am completely bummed! DH and I were just talking tonight about how we were excited to see the GCV model in December when we were at DLR. It certainly sounds like there probably won't be anything to look at when we're down there.

 

[fadedgirl]

I am calling my guides tomorrow to ask what the heck is going on. I still don't think such a quick sell out is such a certain thing in this market . . . and I think there will be enough points for all of us when we want them at least for now. That's my story and I am sticking to it!

I sure hope you are right!!

 

[kerickson]

I'll be so sad if they do close permanently. I'm accompanying my husband on his business trip to DL in early Nov, specifically to see the VGC models. (and visit the mouse!). We bought in Jan 07 without seeing a model as they were being remodeled for VGC, I have never been to WDW so I haven't seen the villas first hand, and plan to buy when VGC opens, but will be very disappointed if I can't see a model before doing so (our first trip to WDW is Jan 09). I think they'll hurt their West Coast sales if they can't show a model for 2-3 years....

Edit: Just thought, if they are so confident that VGC will sell out quickly, what will the price and point charts be?

 

[Longhairbear]

As a note of interest, Westways Magazine, put out to AAA members has a 2 page ad for DVC, but doesn't mention individual resorts. It mentions studios, to grand villas, but mostly the ad is about off site vacations, and the cruise.