My usual response on this is somewhat split. Apologies to those who have read my previous responses about DVC that are very similar.
I like that DVC may potentially be offered at more locations, more variety is generally good. But, that's where the positives just about end for me. I will admit that I have stayed at a few of the DVC locations and enjoyed it. But, overall, I'm not a huge fan of DVC additions to existing resorts, because I think it erodes at the overall guest experience at the existing property. In most cases, it adds more guest capacity with only limited addition of amenities; to the extent any new amenities are added, it is often a one-way street with the rest of the resort. Let me explain...
In the case of VWL, BCV, and BWV, there were no new restaurants, and only limited additional pools added; a majority of guests probably use the main feature pools at those resorts anyway.
AKV was something of a change in this pattern on the Jambo House side, where it didn't actually increase total guest capacity; in fact, it actually decreased it slightly. The opening of the Kidani side was something more interesting as well, where it added a new pool that rivals (even beats I'd say) the existing feature pool, as well as a new restaurant. This was good. I am not sure what is the official policy, but the typical rhetoric I hear about the new pool and who can use it is somewhat disconcerting. Many feel as though the Kidani pool should only be used by those who are DVC members, staying on points, or otherwise in a DVC room, and that anyone staying in a classic hotel room at Jambo side shouldn't be allowed there. (The whole "it's our dues paying for the upkeep" mantra.) Of course, however, Kidani guests are welcome to use the pool at Jambo, for instance. This is the whole one-way street kind of mindset I alluded to above that sort of irks me.
This same thing got taken to a whole new level at BLT. Anyone not a DVC member can't access the pool, or even the building. The bridge between the new building and existing tower is effectively one way only. I don't know what's in store for GFV, but given the trend, I'd be surprised if it wasn't something along the same lines.
Wtih each new resort, price point has also increasingly climbed to new peaks, eventually destined to call into question whether or not any real value proposition still exists. Though I'm not at all qualified to offer analysis, I have to also wonder from a business standpoint how long Disney can continue to make money adding more and more DVC properties. The initial buy in costs sure make their bottom line look great, but that can't continue forever, so what happens next?
With all of that said, I suppose I'm interested to see what they might do with a Poly DVC. I'm hopefully that maybe they could do something new and interesting, but not exactly confident either. Recently, the recipe seems to be to simply find a popular and expensive location, and build rooms that have a location even more preferential than the existing hotel, and collect the money. Will Poly rooms have easy view of the MK fireworks, and basically just be BLT rooms with a different theme? I hope not, but would not be surprised.
