Many New DVC Rumours Direct From a Guide

[Starr W.]

IMHO Disney hotel (and DVC) "service" does not measure up to the industry standards. When you compare 'service' and price points Disney comes up on the short end. It will be VERY interesting to see what impact the Four Seasons "timeshare" has on DVC. Four Seasons charges a PREMIUM,but they deliver.....

Nice article about the Four Seasons "Fractional Ownership" place in Aspen in the WSJ yesterday. I think for the summer(you get more than 1 week) the buy in price was in the $300,000 for a 2br, $600,000 for prime ski time.

I agree with you on the "Deluxe" service at Disney. I stayed at GF for a meeting once and they have a lot of nerve calling it 5star service. It was an industry association's first time at a Disney hotel(small board of directors meeting), kind of a test run for the big annual meeting. The big annual meeting went off site(Grand Cypress I believe).

 

[CarolA]

Nice article about the Four Seasons "Fractional Ownership" place in Aspen in the WSJ yesterday. I think for the summer(you get more than 1 week) the buy in price was in the $300,000 for a 2br, $600,000 for prime ski time.

I agree with you on the "Deluxe" service at Disney. I stayed at GF for a meeting once and they have a lot of nerve calling it 5star service. It was an industry association's first time at a Disney hotel(small board of directors meeting), kind of a test run for the big annual meeting. The big annual meeting went off site(Grand Cypress I believe).

Only DISENY calls it Five Star. All independent rating servcies agree it is NOT close to the service level expected......

Disney "themed" it as deluxe and charges as deluxe, but provides midlevel service at best. (My GF was at WORST, If it's a choice between there are the All Stars for the same price... give me the All STARS LOL!)

 

[keishashadow]

Getting back to OP's origianal post, What sort of big plans for Jim Lewis? Will he be the new Michael Eisner?

We're still puzzling over this comment, seemed really off the wall when guide tossed it out after commenting on the big-wigs doing the land inspection.

While I don't keep tabs on our stocks, do know DHs quite happy with performance since Iger took over the reins.

Would think he could go anywhere & write his own ticket.

 

[moosemom]

Oh heven help me if my hubby starts thinking about buying Disney stock in addition to disney POINTS! Yikes

 

[Golden Rose]

We're thinking about buying into DVC, and I have to say, a Hawaii DVC would make it a done deal... assuming the location in Hawaii is at least reasonably desirable. Their choice of island would matter less to us than actually being on the beach. On the other hand, they would face some pretty strong competition out there and really have to have something unique to stay competitive with some of the current resorts. Disney is capable of doing it, but they would have to invest a lot of capital.

I'm not sure how much a caribbean DVC would influence our decision. We like to cruise, and we'd probably rather keep doing regular cruises than spend a week on an island.

 

[Slakk]

Still keeping my fingers crossed for a DVC/Hawaii!

Considering there is no *off season* for Hawaii I think it is a better destination then many that have been brought up. If they could find a good spot, Lake Tahoe would also be an option since it is an all season destination but since building is so restrictive I highly doubt it.

 

[3DisneyKids]

I see the Carribbean being a very viable off-site location. It is affordable...both for building and travel. Even though many would love Hawaii--for most folks, this would be a once in a lifetime (or maybe once every 5 or 10 years) type of thing is my guess. The airfare... alone will make it difficult for many. However, it is easy to get deals to much of the carribbean. And then think of the tie-in with DCL....

seriously...the DVC member cruise....sail to the Carribbean, then a 3-day at the DVC there, then sail back...a whole new meaning to the Land/Sea packages!

 

[Starr W.]

Considering there is no *off season* for Hawaii I think it is a better destination then many that have been brought up. If they could find a good spot, Lake Tahoe would also be an option since it is an all season destination but since building is so restrictive I highly doubt it.

Vail/Beaver Creek CO area would be great. Easy for people to get to Denver.

 

[Sammie]

Nice article about the Four Seasons "Fractional Ownership" place in Aspen in the WSJ yesterday. I think for the summer(you get more than 1 week) the buy in price was in the $300,000 for a 2br, $600,000 for prime ski time.

I agree with you on the "Deluxe" service at Disney. I stayed at GF for a meeting once and they have a lot of nerve calling it 5star service. It was an industry association's first time at a Disney hotel(small board of directors meeting), kind of a test run for the big annual meeting. The big annual meeting went off site(Grand Cypress I believe).

I have never heard Disney or read a statement by Disney that stated that the Grand Floridian was a five star resort.

 

[CarolA]

I have never heard Disney or read a statement by Disney that stated that the Grand Floridian was a five star resort.

This is what I found on Disney's website

"Disney's flagship Hotel - the consummate guest experience, featuring the graciousness of a bygone era in a stunning world of Victorian charms and pampering service"

If that's the "flagship" with a the "consummate guest experience" then that's sad. (Disney get over to the Ritz and see what a TRUE "conssumate guest experience" is!)

 

[Sammie]

This is what I found on Disney's website

"Disney's flagship Hotel - the consummate guest experience, featuring the graciousness of a bygone era in a stunning world of Victorian charms and pampering service"

If that's the "flagship" with a the "consummate guest experience" then that's sad. (Disney get over to the Ritz and see what a TRUE "conssumate guest experience" is!)

And my point was, it does not say 5 star experience. As far as the description Disney listed, some will agree, some won't. Does not make it not accurate, only a difference of opinion.

Considering the Ritz is also a four star resort I guess someone else does not think they are the "consummate guest experience" either.

So my question is, where did you read that Disney stated the Grand Floridian is a 5 star experience?

 

[3DisneyKids]

This is what I found on Disney's website

"Disney's flagship Hotel - the consummate guest experience, featuring the graciousness of a bygone era in a stunning world of Victorian charms and pampering service"

If that's the "flagship" with a the "consummate guest experience" then that's sad. (Disney get over to the Ritz and see what a TRUE "conssumate guest experience" is!)

I think comparing any Disney resort against the Ritz (and those in that category) is a mistake...not because Disney can't measure up...but because they are simply different animals entirely.

While I absolutely agree that the Ritz has 5-Star accommodations and true guest service...the difference (for me, anyway) is that I feel completely UNCOMFORTABLE brining my small children there. It is clearly not meant for young families.

Dinsey, on the other hand, can provide great accommodations (though not 5-Star) that are welcoming for all ages and all family styles.

I don't know that "5 Star Service" and "Catering to Kids" can co-exist in one resort.

 

[CarolA]

I think comparing any Disney resort against the Ritz (and those in that category) is a mistake...not because Disney can't measure up...but because they are simply different animals entirely.

While I absolutely agree that the Ritz has 5-Star accommodations and true guest service...the difference (for me, anyway) is that I feel completely UNCOMFORTABLE brining my small children there. It is clearly not meant for young families.

Dinsey, on the other hand, can provide great accommodations (though not 5-Star) that are welcoming for all ages and all family styles.

I don't know that "5 Star Service" and "Catering to Kids" can co-exist in one resort.

Why NOT??? They MEASURE UP in price. (Actually they often EXCEED!) Now I don't expect the All Stars or the Mods to "be deluxe" but GF.... For those prices I expect "deluxe" Not just "over priced"

So where's the line? Do we allow the MK to "degrade" to Six Flags???
If you advertised "consumate guest experience" I think that it is reasonable to expect "deluxe serivce" They didn't adversitse "consumate guest experience adjusted for the fact that we are Disney" ......

We pay a premium for DVC because we preceive it's a better "timeshare" then Westgate provides for example. And I think it is. However, when I compare Disney Deluxe resorts to other resorts at that price point I don't think it's better product.

(And by the way some of the top tier Marriott, Four Seasons and Ritz properties have OUTSTANDING kids programs)

 

[Jaaron2]

Hawaii DVC yes we have decided....were IN!
Where do I sign....AGAIN!

 

[yitbos96bb]

Only DISENY calls it Five Star. All independent rating servcies agree it is NOT close to the service level expected......

Disney "themed" it as deluxe and charges as deluxe, but provides midlevel service at best. (My GF was at WORST, If it's a choice between there are the All Stars for the same price... give me the All STARS LOL!)

GF is not a true 5 star... it is a 4 star or a 4 diamond resort however. Not lower than that.

 

[Beca]

I heard Castaway Cay was out because, although it is "heaven" during the day, it is a "nightmare" at night. DCL cast members who live there to work on the resort has said the bug infestation at night is something out of a horror movie, and that Disney has decided that to keep the "heaven" appearance going, guests would not be allowed to be on the island after sunset.

 

[nezy]

With all of this discussion of "service" could someone please define their expectations of 4 star.

I think Disney Resorts that are considered the top of the line are so for one primary reason-"LOCATION-LOCATION-LOCATION".
Anything on a momorail line is considered the top as well as Beach/Yacht which are within walking distance to EPCOT. What Disney and VC does have IS that Disney magic.

We also have a Marriott timeshare and to be honest the there are many more activities and recreation options for which I do not have to pay an extra fee or only a minimal fee. My kids love the marriott resort and we don't feel that we have to leave the resort at times, even when in Orlando.

I think Disney and DVC do not want you stay at the resort and promote trips to the park. Therefore, the activities and services are not as abundant.

I also think there are many things to do, however they come w/ a premium cost.

so again I ask what are services?

GF does have a SPA, lovely restaurants, great pools and views. I think Disney tries to keep policy similar across the board no matter what resort you are in and because of that you will not get the same services as at the Ritz for example. They are 2 different animals.

If I was a Ritz person, or going to The Breakers or similar I would not look to go to Disney-even the GF, and expect the simalr svce and accomadations..

 

[CarolA]

GF is not a true 5 star... it is a 4 star or a 4 diamond resort however. Not lower than that.

Lower.... From www.mobiltravelguide.com

"Mobil Four-Star Hotels: Outstanding establishment in a distinctive setting with expanded amenities and exceptional service to create a luxury experience. Services may include, but are not limited to, automatic turndown service, valet parking and 24-hour room service. The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Mandarin Oriental Miami and Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas are prominent names in the Mobil Four-Star category, known for personalized service and hospitality, in addition to luxurious accommodations. "


(Automatic turndown? Personalized serivce? Luxurious accomodations?)


And the rating they give the Grand Floridian

THREE STARS

"A Mobil Three-Star hotel or resort is well-appointed, with a full-service restaurant and expanded amenities, such as a fitness center, golf course, and 24-hour room service."

Seems about right based on thier standards.

 

[nezy]

So GF is a 3 star by MObil Travel Guide standards, but for on property it is considered a deluxe resort I would think, primarily due to proximity to the Magic Kingdom. THat is a major reason why people stay at GF-LOCATION.

 

[CarolA]

So GF is a 3 star by MObil Travel Guide standards, but for on property it is considered a deluxe resort I would think, primarily due to proximity to the Magic Kingdom. THat is a major reason why people stay at GF-LOCATION.

You got it. The thing to realize that with Disney Deluxe you are NOT paying for a "deluxe" hotel. You are paying for a nice theme and a good location. IMHO the price is not worth the location.

(And if Disney is going to provide "simular" service across the board then they should provide "simular" pricing. The price difference for deluxes is too much just for "location")