New BLT info - Rumors

[loribell]

Maybe stupid isn't the right word and is a very ugly word. Shame on me.

It does seem very arrogant to think they could ask such a high price. I am not interested in the least and never have been. I stayed in the CR once and did not like the resort at all.

I understand they are a business but think it is bad form in these times.

 

[tjkraz]

I think this boils down to how badly TWDC needs DVC to contribute to the Parks & Resorts bottom line in the next 4-8 quarters.

Good point, but we are only talking about 300 rooms. That's 1% of what they have at WDW.

And those unsold rooms are still an asset. The Developer's Points associated with them could be used as a sales incentive (ugh!) or turned over to CRO. At a big convention destination like the CR it shouldn't be as big a challenge to fill them as at other locations.

 

[spiceycat]

they can do what they did when VWL was new.

say you can't trade here - until more units are sold.

only DVC units sold - are part of DVC. unsold declared DVC units can and are still rented by CRO.

 

[spiceycat]

For what its worth, my source doesn't agree with this information.

Okay I will bite.

what does your source say?

what is the bottom price for points at BLT - hope it is $110 -that I can do - $140 can't - $180 - you gotta be kiddin'

 

[tjkraz]

Maybe stupid isn't the right word and is a very ugly word. Shame on me.

Oh, I'm sure they have been called worse.

It does seem very arrogant to think they could ask such a high price. I am not interested in the least and never have been. I stayed in the CR once and did not like the resort at all.

I understand they are a business but think it is bad form in these times.

Perhaps. But we are talking about the folks who just started charging more for character meals during peak seasons than during slower seasons.

I think this is a case where the devil is in the details and we don't have all of the details. Disney is going to get a premium for the CR either via higher points per night, higher price or both. And I think most of us always expected that the points would be higher.

If they really do try to sell at $140 per point or more, I would expect the points to remain consistent with BWV and BCV. So in that regard the 30% price hike really isn't much different than a 10-15% price hike combined with a 20% increase in points-per-night.

Aside from that, I know many were assuming BLT would be within their price range. It's probably not fair to expect / demand that Disney make that dream come true.

 

[spiceycat]

If they really do try to sell at $140 per point or more, I would expect the points to remain consistent with BWV and BCV. So in that regard the 30% price hike really isn't much different than a 10-15% price hike combined with a 20% increase in points-per-night.

Aside from that, I know many were assuming BLT would be within their price range. It's probably not fair to expect / demand that Disney make that dream come true.

if they sell at $140 or more - then the points would have to be higher. Higher price on real estate = higher point costs.

sorry but going from what $100 to $140 or even $180 - is a BIG _ BIG Increase in price.

much to much for DVC members to expect this increase.

now non-Dvc member might buy it. which is why we get one week - DVC is not expecting current members to buy it.

they wil be right.

if your thinking was correct then SSR points costs would be like OKW - they are NOT. although SSR and OKW rent for the same costs from CRO - that is just not fair.

 

[hakepb]

Yes - you're paying for the home resort booking advantage and the annual dues level. Except for those two things, resort doesn't matter under the current DVC system. A point is a point is a point.

There's also length of contract to add some value. Or evtra service, like: All BLT owners get concierge service at BLT, (you know last minute phone calls cancelling your reservation... ,) all other DVC'er get DVC service.

It is bothering me that (if $140+ price paid with no true benefit other than 11 months) if true, DVC management has stooped down to the level of your typical car sales manager.
Most car sales managers get mad when the Internet sales/fleet guy gets an Internet sale. They all believe, "If the customer came in, I would sell them the same car for $2000+ more"
No, there are well educated consumers out there, and there's a reason car salesmen have a certain reputation. If DVC "Suckers in" unsuspecting public to buy outrageous BLT prices, the DVC owners will eventually find out, and DVC's reputation will slide.

 

[jeanninepl]

Just a side note here. It has been reported on many financial stations that the high end consumer has not stopped spending, they are being more picky. Overall consumers are STILL spending. BLT offers something new in design, and is being promoted as upscale. There is a market for this. Don't be so blinded to think that people will not pay the $180. There are ALOT of people with ALOT of money out there!

I do think there is some truth to this. If Disney markets BLT to a certain consumer, they will get their money. It all depends on how they want to promote/sell it.

There are many people who say they would not spend the extra costs to stay at a Poly or GF but Disney sells those resorts out time after time.

 

[DisFlan]

Just a side note here. It has been reported on many financial stations that the high end consumer has not stopped spending, they are being more picky. Overall consumers are STILL spending. BLT offers something new in design, and is being promoted as upscale. There is a market for this. Don't be so blinded to think that people will not pay the $180. There are ALOT of people with ALOT of money out there!

The DVC demographics probably do have some big spenders left, but the numbers are dropping right now. Even the "comfortably well off" are being cautious about spending, and most of DVC's owners and would be owners are pretty much middle class. DVC is becoming more of a stretch for these folks - especially at $140+. And this is compounded when high airfare is figured in. I have no doubt BLT will eventually sell, but it'll be interesting to see if there's an initial explosion of sales at the rumored price point.

And I have to admit - the idea of a "more exclusive" DVC resort seems to thumb its nose at the rest of us. I don't know that it will be in the end (other than the monorail), but it looks like that's how it'll be presented.


DisFlan

 

[loribell]

Oh, I'm sure they have been called worse.



Perhaps. But we are talking about the folks who just started charging more for character meals during peak seasons than during slower seasons.

I think this is a case where the devil is in the details and we don't have all of the details. Disney is going to get a premium for the CR either via higher points per night, higher price or both. And I think most of us always expected that the points would be higher.

If they really do try to sell at $140 per point or more, I would expect the points to remain consistent with BWV and BCV. So in that regard the 30% price hike really isn't much different than a 10-15% price hike combined with a 20% increase in points-per-night.

Aside from that, I know many were assuming BLT would be within their price range. It's probably not fair to expect / demand that Disney make that dream come true.

So very true. But they won't be getting it from me.

 

[ransom]

Ok, I must be having a blonde moment.

HUH???

That was just my weak attempt at humor, reversing the oft-stated theory that the SSR folks flock to other resorts at 7 months.

 

[hakepb]

I wonder if WDW and/or DVC is worried about commercial renters?

What is a greatly discounted CRO Contemporary night? $300/night?
There is probably enough of a market out there for renters of $250-$300/night studios on the monorail. With similiar points charts, Could you be renting BLT at $20+/point? There may be a legit need for a really high price, just to keep BLT DVC users only.

 

[Brian Noble]

we are only talking about 300 rooms. That's 1% of what they have at WDW.

True, but it could be the majority of inventory available for sale. You've got a good point though about the potential rental income for unsold interests.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Just a side note here. It has been reported on many financial stations that the high end consumer has not stopped spending, they are being more picky. Overall consumers are STILL spending. BLT offers something new in design, and is being promoted as upscale. There is a market for this. Don't be so blinded to think that people will not pay the $180. There are ALOT of people with ALOT of money out there!

IMHO, the uber rich don't buy timeshares.

 

[Starr W.]

And I have to admit - the idea of a "more exclusive" DVC resort seems to thumb its nose at the rest of us. I don't know that it will be in the end (other than the monorail), but it looks like that's how it'll be presented.


DisFlan

To be honest, if I want "exclusive" I'll wait until the Four Seasons is built. DVC's idea of exclusive and mine I think are 180 degrees apart.

I think the BLT starting value on points should be at the level of AKV Sav view and go up from there.

Yes I'm a snob!

 

[nuts]

Okay I will bite.

what does your source say?

what is the bottom price for points at BLT - hope it is $110 -that I can do - $140 can't - $180 - you gotta be kiddin'

Sorry, didn't mean for my comment to be a teaser. If you look at my past posts, I do have some inside information...not 100% accurate, but a pretty good track record. She's not really talking right now on BLT...but the OP comments are not in-line with what she has told me. Sorry, that's about all I can say.

I will add this...heavy focus on non-WDW sites right now...but that is no surprise to you guys

 

[bethy]

That is a lot of moolah. I think I agree with the concept that if these prices were true they would not be targeting current DVC owners. Isn't it better business for them to bring in new owners anyway? They'll probabaly point out the difference from what people paid a while ago and hype what a great investment DVC is. Also I totally agree that there is a cap on any timeshare demographic. The uber-rich definitely don't bother with timeshares and 11 month booking windows IMHO.

I'm waiting to buy in at VGC if I'm able as a lowly member of the general public. I will buy where I want to stay or I won't buy at all. At VGC I can't imagine that they'll have that many potential buyers who plan to spend a full week at DLR each year. I think 2-4 nights (but maybe 2x per year) will be the standard stay buyers look for. I like to go for 5 nights and I have to say I can't imagine why I'd want a full kitchen or laundry. It just seems like overkill for me and I kind of wish I didn't have to "pay" for it. If I try for a one bedroom it will be for the seperate sleeping area and 2 bathrooms. Anyway, as a new buyer if I hadn't done the research I'm not sure I'd balk at $140 per point. Since a standard room at the GC Hotel goes for $405 per night in the summer and other busy times just about anything seems like a good deal compared to that. Oh and it's 90% occupied or more at those times, too.

If nothing else this has been fascinating to me.

 

[vandy]

If any of this rumored initial point cost is true, I wonder how much of that decision responsibility can be put on all of us on the disboard? It is no secret that DVC employees read our posts and for the last couple of years there has been a high amount of anticipation from us about a Contemporary DVC. I recall some posts saying they hoped that DVC management was reading our posts and that they would buy no matter what the cost! Maybe we stirred the pot too much???
On the other hand, if DVC management was indeed taking our comments into account, then they are wrong to take it to this level. Previous posts in this thread have hashed this rumor around so no need for me to restate. Of the two figures DC spoke of ($140 and $180 pp) let's take the more realistic one of $140pp.

My thoughts echo many others I have read: $140pp would be the cost that was "leaked" through sources to those on various forums. DVC will hope that this spurs an increase in AKV sales so there will be less AKV inventory competing with BLT for sales. When sales are officially announced, the price will be lower than the rumored price, but higher than other resorts since many DVC members see BLT as a prime location for DVC. (If they wanted to, by coming out with a lower price than the rumored price could enable them to say they listened to member concerns!) I have felt from the beginning and continue to do so, that the initial price per point for BLT will be around $127.00 (no reason for this figure, just a feeling). This price is more than AKV and relates to the increased value of a "premium" monorail DVC. DVC can offer this rate as an introductory price and then raise it after a few months or up to one year. I also believe the points will be a little more than any other resort, but not way out of line. I can see a 2br being 5-7 points more per night. They probably hope that with the higher point value, current members will buy some add-on contracts to cover the increased point spread to stay at the BLT for a week.

Again, we must remember that these are all just rumors and I expect we will hear more from various sources within the next few weeks leading up to Oct. 1st. Let's keep giving those from DVC who are reading our posts some more of our opinions!

 

[jdg345]

I just don't see them selling BLT for $140 per point come October 1st.

This is either Tony or DC pulling our leg, or maybe DVC is just floating this rumored price of $140+ per point through the DVC community to help push AKV sales? It would certainly help them reach their sales targets for this fiscal year.

How many members would add-on at BLT at $140-$180 per point?

If it does actually happen, it would help drive up resale values.

Not Me ... I'll just buy somewhere else and take my chances at 7 months.

 

[Doctor P]

It wouldn't shock me if Grand Californian villas, Hawaii (if it happens), and BLT (if it happens) are declared as a new DVC premier club. The prices for Grand Californian have not yet been announced, have they? That would give them three on-site resorts expiring in 2042 (and two off-site), three expiring in a middle time frame, and then three expiring later in a separate system.