Grand Californian Sellout Poll

[JimC]

Due to California Realestate laws this could never happen. The true buyer must be revealed before a transaction can go forward. .

Where is the fun in that? Should have known that CA would have a law like that on the books. Thanks Dwelty.

This would explaine why they are in talks with Garden Walk to build 2 new hotels there (According to the LA Times).

I heard that they would license the use of Disney brand and possibly operate the resorts; but would not own the land or pay for the construction. Have you heard anything about this? This is an interesting possibility for other expansion without as much capital outlay.

Makes me wonder if they would ever create a slightly different program for DVC off property where they deed the points in perpetuity. The RTU might be critical inside the RCID, but who would care in Hawaii or elsewhere?

They do have enough land right now to build 2 more good sized resorts behind paradise Pier, and almost double the capacity of the parking structure building on the Pinicchio lot, freeing up even more parking lot space. I think the only likely place that they would buy up more property would be around the "Third Gate" land for eventual expansion. Since California relestate over the long haul is a good investment, they may be willing to do this even if they will mot build there for 10 or more years.

Certainly can afford it and it would be a smart acquisition. How I would love to see the master plan schematics they have locked up somewhere for both Anaheim and RCID.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Due to California Realestate laws this could never happen. The true buyer must be revealed before a transaction can go forward. (This has to do with Environemental impact laws)

Are you sure this is correct? An environmental impact report is almost never needed just to purchase property; it is usually needed only after you own it and want to do something to develop it. There is even a recent case in CA that said that the end user of a project was not required to be dislcosed in the Environmental Impact Report.

In addiiton, I beleive it is very common for the rich and famous to purchase property in CA through trusts and other entities to avoid public disclosure of their real estate acqusitions.

So, I believe Disney could do purchase land anonymously. The quesiton, as you also noted, is whether it would help them to get the land for a better price.

-- Suzanne

 

[erikthewise]

Then DVC should not sell in Hawaii either, because Wiakiki is only really a 2 day thing. Or any other location.

If they do build in Hawaii, I doubt they will build on Waikiki. We had a six-day stay at Waikoloa on the Big Island last year, and it was just about the perfect length. Of course repeat visitors wouldn't feel the need to stay as long, but there was plenty to keep us busy. I suspect they would build on Big Island or Maui. If they do build on Oahu it will be someplace out of the way like Ko 'Olina.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

3-6 months seems like a safe bet. BCV (which is much larger) took about 13 months, although the marketplace was smaller then.

I'm curious to see how DVC will handle the sale. Will the point charts be on par with Florida? Will they change the minimum purchase threshold to reflect a shorter CA trip duration? Would they consider a purchase MAXIMUM in order to spread the wealth, so to speak?

This will be key to know. The point charts and minimum purchase. I cant imagine that the 160 point current minimum will help sales much. Certainly not going to need 160 if the point charts are anything like at the current resorts.

Although, maybe, since these will be new contracts, so now those in CA can use some of the 160 in CA and use the rest for FL. I think they will feel more comfortable knowing they are not locked into the East Coast all the time

I dont know about a max though, I dont think Disney/dvc cares who the points go to. whether one family gets 600 points or 3 get 200 points, as long as they sell

 

[wdw4life]

I am in Anaheim right now (staying at Homewood Suites, the Disneyland hotels were soldout for the weekend). I was surprised how close GC is to California Adventure. It is literally right next to Soarin' over California.

GCH has a direct entrance to DCA. You enter right across from Grizzly River Run.

 

[wdw4life]

I agree, and haven't sat down to figure out how many add on points we would need at GC DVC. We usually do day trips, but would do a few overnight weekends for special events, and weekday overnight, or multi-night stays for holiday, birthdays etc.
Most underestimate the HUGE pool of AP holders at DLR that are still unaware of how DVC works. They tend to be rabid Disney fans like myself, but just haven't taken that one step further like we have. The ones that can afford a membership will snap up GC DVC points in no time.

I think the AP holders are also underestimated. There are a lot of "locals" who do like to stay overnight and prefer to stay in the Disney hotels. Sure you can stay off site for cheaper but it's not the same. The GCV will have the best location of any DVC resort and one thing Disney knows how to do is market. They are all about promoting the "magic". I believe a decent amount of AP holders will end up buying.

I know I like to do 2-3 day trips and a lot of them. Even though I live so close my first choice is always to stay overnight. I hate driving the freeways and I know a lot of AP holders who feel the same way.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I think the AP holders are also underestimated.

Since DVC is currently targeting DL AP holders with a special contest, I would think that the marektign people agree with you and Longhairbear! -- Suzanne

 

[wdw4life]

Since DVC is currently targeting DL AP holders with a special contest, I would think that the marektign people agree with you and Longhairbear! -- Suzanne

Maybe they should hire us!

 

[Longhairbear]

Maybe they should hire us!

I wouldn't be able to keep a secret though. I'd be on here blabbing all I knew.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I think the AP holders are also underestimated. There are a lot of "locals" who do like to stay overnight and prefer to stay in the Disney hotels. Sure you can stay off site for cheaper but it's not the same. The GCV will have the best location of any DVC resort and one thing Disney knows how to do is market. They are all about promoting the "magic". I believe a decent amount of AP holders will end up buying.

I know I like to do 2-3 day trips and a lot of them. Even though I live so close my first choice is always to stay overnight. I hate driving the freeways and I know a lot of AP holders who feel the same way.

Im sure you will get a fair share, but it depends on points per night and minimum buy in.

Its quite a leap to go from an AP to a $16k+ initial buy in plus pushing close to another thousand dollars per year on MF's

there has to other factors considered. mainly overnight stays. sure many would WANT to stay overnight but is that doable? it would seem much more cost effective to fork over a couple hundred bucks whenever you did truly want to have an overnight stay

plus the typical last minute weekend getaway probably AINT happening. seems like a hassle to spend that kind of money just to book 2-3 nights 11 months in advance

the basic philosophy will still hold true--for it to be cost effective you will need to be someone that is normally staying on property for several night per year

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I think the AP holders are also underestimated. There are a lot of "locals" who do like to stay overnight and prefer to stay in the Disney hotels. Sure you can stay off site for cheaper but it's not the same. The GCV will have the best location of any DVC resort and one thing Disney knows how to do is market. They are all about promoting the "magic". I believe a decent amount of AP holders will end up buying.

I know I like to do 2-3 day trips and a lot of them. Even though I live so close my first choice is always to stay overnight. I hate driving the freeways and I know a lot of AP holders who feel the same way.

it may have the "best" location of any DVC resort in CALIFORNIA, but best of any DVC resort overall is a personal opinion

 

[dwelty]

it may have the "best" location of any DVC resort in CALIFORNIA, but best of any DVC resort overall is a personal opinion

Sure it's a personal opinion, everything on this board is.

However, I think few would argue a resort squeezed between two theme parks and Downtown Disney with it's own private entrance to one of the parks (Which is set to have a 1.2 billion expansion) is a pretty sweet place to be. The park view rooms will be about 40 feet from the park.

You really have to see the location in person to truly appreciate this.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Sure it's a personal opinion, everything on this board is.

However, I think few would argue a resort squeezed between two theme parks and Downtown Disney with it's own private entrance to one of the parks (Which is set to have a 1.2 billion expansion) is a pretty sweet place to be. The park view rooms will be about 40 feet from the park.

You really have to see the location in person to truly appreciate this.

sounds awesome and personally I cant wait to have an opportunity to check it out.

but to be honest Im not sure the location is going to have much of an impact on dvc sales. I think that because of its small size and the fact that its the only dvc there at DL its not going to matter. I dont even think they truly need to play that card in order to sell it

 

[wdw4life]

it may have the "best" location of any DVC resort in CALIFORNIA, but best of any DVC resort overall is a personal opinion

I was speaking of proximity to theme parks. GCV will have the best location of any DVC. It is in the center of DD, direct entrance to DCA and DL is a 5 min or less walk. Now you can argue all day long between the better theme parks, EPCOT and MGM vs DL and DCA but as far as time to get to those theme parks goes GCV wins hand down.

 

[wdw4life]

Im sure you will get a fair share, but it depends on points per night and minimum buy in.

Its quite a leap to go from an AP to a $16k+ initial buy in plus pushing close to another thousand dollars per year on MF's

there has to other factors considered. mainly overnight stays. sure many would WANT to stay overnight but is that doable? it would seem much more cost effective to fork over a couple hundred bucks whenever you did truly want to have an overnight stay

plus the typical last minute weekend getaway probably AINT happening. seems like a hassle to spend that kind of money just to book 2-3 nights 11 months in advance

the basic philosophy will still hold true--for it to be cost effective you will need to be someone that is normally staying on property for several night per year

It depends on what kind of AP holder you (general you) are. Are your visits mainly spur of the moment or do you have set times you like to go? I'm both. I could easily plan out the use of all my GCV points and book at 11 months because I know what months I like to visit. For spur of the moment trips I know I will not to be able to reserve GCV so I will have to stay off site if I choose to stay overnight. I know people don't think "locals" stay overnight on a consistent basis but there are plenty of us that do. And there are plenty of us that also plan in advance that prefer to stay on property.

When you are only talking about approx 750,000 points to sell, of which a large amount will go to members, it will only take a small percentage of AP holders and regular people to sell out.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I was speaking of proximity to theme parks. GCV will have the best location of any DVC. It is in the center of DD, direct entrance to DCA and DL is a 5 min or less walk. Now you can argue all day long between the better theme parks, EPCOT and MGM vs DL and DCA but as far as time to get to those theme parks goes GCV wins hand down.

I get it and I agree, but it doesnt matter, its still in CA. so its only a great location for those who want to go to CA

 

[wdw4life]

I get it and I agree, but it doesnt matter, its still in CA. so its only a great location for those who want to go to CA

No, it still will be the best at location period. It doesn't matter if you want to stay there or not. I have no desire to stay at either BWV or BCV. It's not the best location for me when I stay at the Florida DVCs but I don't think anyone would argue they have the best location there in regards to theme park proximity.

 

[tjkraz]

Granted we don't know much about the GC yet, but I think my only regret is that they aren't building more studios.

When visiting WDW, we are a big fans of the one and two bedroom villas. I believe 80% of our stays have been in the larger rooms. But given the more compact nature of DL, I would be more than satisfied with a Studio for our west coast trips. A big reason we book the larger rooms at WDW is to have the kitchen. At DL, being so much closer to Disney's restaurants would virtually eliminate our desire to have any food in the room.

Personally, I wish they had instead gone with 40 Two Bedroom lockoffs and 30 dedicated studios instead of the 50 2Bs. That should have taken up about the same amount of square footage.

Assuming the point charts are similar to the likes of BWV and BCV, I can see myself adding 25 points at GC. Banking and borrowing should net us a Studio for a few nights every 2-3 years. The only question is whether I'll be ready to buy within a couple of weeks of the sales start.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

No, it still will be the best at location period. It doesn't matter if you want to stay there or not. I have no desire to stay at either BWV or BCV. It's not the best location for me when I stay at the Florida DVCs but I don't think anyone would argue they have the best location there in regards to theme park proximity.

lol

yeah great, its the best bar none

"best" location is not simply defined by proximity to theme parks.

you want to say best DL DVC go right ahead

you want to say "closest" of any dvc go right ahead, but "best" is defined by many other characteristics

 

[wdw4life]

lol

yeah great, its the best bar none

"best" location is not simply defined by proximity to theme parks.

you want to say best DL DVC go right ahead

you want to say "closest" of any dvc go right ahead, but "best" is defined by many other characteristics

To reiterate I was speaking of proximity (walking distance) to theme parks. Of course "best" is subjective when using other criteria. I personally think SSR is the best DVC at WDW. Everyone uses a variety of reasons when determining their own personal "best".