New BLT Rumors--PART II

[hakepb]

They should do BLT with more of a spaceship theme. Exterior glass elevators that somewhat look like spaceship capsules, sparlking fibre-optic ceilings in rooms (stars), with sparkly granite-looking countertops that reflest little can / halogen lights, and of course the "high-tech" flat screen TV's. I'm not talking outrageously space, just overall a high-end, warm design using soem high tech elements.

 

[TSMIII]

I will say one thing about the pricing rumors...they do seem to be having the effect of getting people to re-think purchases at the current resorts. I've seen a number of posts to that effect in the last few days.

The common line of thinking seems to be that Disney is holding off on a BLT announcement so that it doesn't impact sales at AKV. Perhaps these little rumor leaks have been orchestrated to serve a similar purpose--to push more toward AKV now out of fear that a big price increase will hit when BLT is announced.

I was thinking the same thing. I don't know how well sales are going at AKV now that Kidani has been declared but regardless, they've got a LOT of points left to sell considering that Kidani is almost 2.5x the size of Jambo (324 units vs. 134 units) and Jambo took a year+ to sell out.

The minute there's another choice available, especially being new, I've got to believe it's going to slow down sales at AKV. Wondering to what extent SSR sales slowed once AKV was available as the newer option? And if that may factor into any delay in the offering of BLT.

 

[mvc1997]

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

I was thinking the same thing. I don't know how well sales are going at AKV now that Kidani has been declared but regardless, they've got a LOT of points left to sell considering that Kidani is almost 2.5x the size of Jambo (324 units vs. 134 units) and Jambo took a year+ to sell out.

The minute there's another choice available, especially being new, I've got to believe it's going to slow down sales at AKV. Wondering to what extent SSR sales slowed once AKV was available as the newer option? And if that may factor into any delay in the offering of BLT.

Any time you add a new resort the sales numbers for the other(s), barring a surge in sales, will drop, the sales will be spread among more choices.

I still say the numbers being thrown around are either planted by someone to keep AKV sales from dropping off or someone just having fun with everyone. As I stated in the other thread, unless DVD changes something this is a DVC resort on par with the existing resorts under the same rules. The disclosure statement they filed states such. I also figured there are more than 5,000,000 point available so even at the present undiscounted price they will make a nice profit on a $110M project.

I see it being in the $115-$125 range with incentives that reflect the demand. The problem I see with a huge increase is if they build another resort on par with the existing ones they can't go back and lower the price. All those that paid more would be screaming. If this is to be a high demand resort the point chart should reflect such. The same as BCV & BWV have higher point requirements that SSR & OKW, BLT should be higher still.

 

[PamOKW]

Throwing out another idea here -- maybe these will be designed to compete with the Four Seasons residences that will be opening soon. $180/pt will probably still be far less than the pricing of fractional ownership at the Four Seasons (prices usually much higher than DVC). It may be a move to appeal to a new owner -- while the location is ideal for MK and very close to Epcot a "new" base of owner would be the golfer/tennis player/spa goer. Other DVC's offer these amenities but this area would give you parks and the "pluses".

 

[hakepb]

I find it hilarious that people want DVC to spin BLT away from anyone other than a hard-core Disney/MK freak
Even if DVC went all-out 5 star everything, they would still likely offend their "non-Disney high Luxury" target market because the location is too close to the MK.

I think DVC knows that there are many hard-core Disney freaks that have been waiting for this location, because of this location. I'm sure it costs DVC more to build this highrise because of the limited footprint available, an expense that is only worth it if they know that people want that location.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

The Contemporary has always had the "contemporary" theme....which is modern in nature. That would be in line with the "upscale", non-disney character type of "theming" that would tend to compete with Four Seasons, if it goes that luxerious. It will be fun to see just what the rooms end up looking like. How "upscale" are we talking about? Just granite counter tops, new breadspreads ain't gonna do it. We need to see some real "flair" if they are gonna tout the "upscale" verbage!

 

[BlakeNJ]

Ok, I enjoyed the last thread until it took a different turn. I would like to start another thread....

Personally, I do not think price per point will be as high a reported ($140-$180) They know current owners have add-on-itis and would love to be a part of BLT but with such a high price per point, they are going to exclude a lot of current members who already know the DVC deal and would be happy to plunk a reasonable amount of change down to own there. I personally will not buy there for a few reasons:

1. Love the location but only if visiting MK. Other parks a far away.
2. Price per point will be higher than I am willing to shell out
3. Don't care for theme
4. Would rather have points at BCV and take me chances at 7 months to get into BLT

If I want to be close to one park, I think I'd pick AKV because I prefer the theme there and like the added attraction of the animals and education aspect for my kids.

Don't get me wrong, I am sure BLT will be a beautiful place but just not for me or my wallet.

What I meant to say is the decor at the CR reminds me of a Westin or W Hotel. Don't get me wrong--I love the style just when I am at Disney, I want to feel like I have been teleported someplace magical--with a special theme. Modern just isn't me. Nothing bad about at all--just personal taste.

 

[BlakeNJ]

The Contemporary has always had the "contemporary" theme....which is modern in nature. That would be in line with the "upscale", non-disney character type of "theming" that would tend to compete with Four Seasons, if it goes that luxerious. It will be fun to see just what the rooms end up looking like. How "upscale" are we talking about? Just granite counter tops, new breadspreads ain't gonna do it. We need to see some real "flair" if they are gonna tout the "upscale" verbage!

That was my point on the "other thread". For a $140-$180/point buy in, I would like a little more than the standard flat screen and fancy bedspread. Maybe feather top beds, special linens (fitted sheets ), turn down etc.

 

[BlakeNJ]

Throwing out another idea here -- maybe these will be designed to compete with the Four Seasons residences that will be opening soon. $180/pt will probably still be far less than the pricing of fractional ownership at the Four Seasons (prices usually much higher than DVC). It may be a move to appeal to a new owner -- while the location is ideal for MK and very close to Epcot a "new" base of owner would be the golfer/tennis player/spa goer. Other DVC's offer these amenities but this area would give you parks and the "pluses".

Aren't the tennis courts gone but I do see your point. I don't think they are trying to compete with the Four Seasons. Four Seasons is a class of it's own. I agree with a prior post that the price per point will be reasonable but the point charts will be very different. Didn't our informant from another board say they had to revamp the point chart? Wasn't that a reason the announcement was put on hold?

 

[BlakeNJ]

not a rumour, call it a figment of my imagination...just throwing something out there that might appeal to a different target audience
What if the points for BLT were set @ $200 a point , with an exclusive length of stay FOTL perc (think Loews @ Universal) to all persons on any ressie made with BLT points?

Do u think it would sell? Imagine, a mere 25 point add-on @ $5000 w/banking & borrowing could = studio & FOTL once every 2 to 3 years; tempting stuff

Or you could joinn TourGuideMike.com for $20 and never have to wait in any line!

But seriously, those 75 points might only get you two or three (max) nights in a studio if the points required are higher. What if a studio is 20 points during Magic season?

 

[XGrumpy1]

Well, BLT looks like it will be out of my reach in any case!

 

[spiceycat]

don't know.

really want BLT - but if that is the price - then AKV is looking better and better.

since the newest one ends on Sept 20 -

just don't kinow

definitely like my visits to AKV - but hey so far it is pretty easy to get without buying there.

 

[ITGirl50]

We thought we wanted to own BLT, but now we're not so sure. We thought it would be nice to be close to MK. We usually spend a few nights at the Poly or WL every summer/Christmas to be near MK, so we thought if we bought BLT we wouldn't have to pay cash any more. But, we forgot we don't really like the Contemporary. We stayed in the wing a couple of times. It was okay, but only for location and room size, but not a lot more. Chef Mickey's is disgusting/gross/etc.... We like CG and The Wave and DD likes the game room.

Now we are thinking, maybe a resale of VWL would be better. But, it just kills us to think we are getting 15 years less for just a little less money buying resale and more money than AKV buying from Disney.

So now we are just waiting. Waiting to see point charts, price per point, room design and other features available at that resort. Maybe VWL will be better?

 

[Monorail Purple&Gold]

 

[hakepb]

We thought we wanted to own BLT, but now we're not so sure. We thought it would be nice to be close to MK. We usually spend a few nights at the Poly or WL every summer/Christmas to be near MK, so we thought if we bought BLT we wouldn't have to pay cash any more. But, we forgot we don't really like the Contemporary. We stayed in the wing a couple of times. It was okay, but only for location and room size, but not a lot more. Chef Mickey's is disgusting/gross/etc.... We like CG and The Wave and DD likes the game room.

You're confirming my theory that nobody really liked staying in the "wings" I've heard more often-than not, decent things about staying on the "canyon", so good-riddance that a wing is gone.
BLT seems like it will feel much more compact than the old wings and offer the advantage of greater views (especially on the higher floors) while being more quiet (at least less visual activity) than the main building.

 

[spiceycat]

I liked the wings - they were definitely quieter - more relaxed - less we MUST be doing something - like in the tower.

 

[NEDisneyFans]

Haven't been on the DVC boards for longer than I realized -- what/where is BLT????

 

[dis-happy]

Aren't the tennis courts gone but I do see your point. I don't think they are trying to compete with the Four Seasons. Four Seasons is a class of it's own. I agree with a prior post that the price per point will be reasonable but the point charts will be very different. Didn't our informant from another board say they had to revamp the point chart? Wasn't that a reason the announcement was put on hold?

Someone posted awhile ago that the tennis courts are supposed to be added back in again. Hope this is true, my ds plays a lot of tennis. The Contemporary is also the place where Disney's tennis pro (Mike) was located...they moved him over to the GF courts when construction started.

 

[CarolA]

Haven't been on the DVC boards for longer than I realized -- what/where is BLT????

Bay Lake Tower.

the big building next to the CR that everyone believes will be a DVC resort.