Newest rumor about GCH expansion...not good news for DVC

[newfamilyman]

This was reported on laughingplace.com. Let's hope it's not true because these rooms will presumably cost much many more points if they are not designated as DVC units:

The Grand Californian will begin expansion sometime is August. They will add 250 rooms. 50 will be suites with kitchens and such. But they will not be DVC per say. They will be avail. for members and members will be encouraged to use their points on them but that will be all. They will not add any new food and beverage additions. August will begin the underground parking structure dig. The only new facility will be and expanded pinocchio's workshop. Which will be moved into the new wing. And Acorn's Gifts will be expanded into the present pinocchio's space. Self parking will still be located across Disneyland drive. And many people still believe that some cars that are Valeted will be across the street. Parking will be very tight at the Disneyland resort hotels. Very tight.

 

[Longhairbear]

Perhaps they have realised that 50 DVC units is not enough to satisfy demand. We've heard of a second location on property for DVC, so maybe they scuttled the DVC at GC to keep all the DVC units in one place. My guess is the DLH. The towers are getting a remodel starting this August according to rumors.

 

[dwelty]

The original rumor about GCH and DVC came from a VERY reliable source for Miceage.com If things have changed, Miceage will be the first to break the news, not Laughing Place. (This highly placed source is why the Orange County Register and Orlando Sentinel often quote miceage)

I don't think a DVC at DLH would work since timesare companies have to reveal the original construction date of facilities (I own at SSR, and some of the main buildings are from the now defunct Disney Institute. They had to disclose this in my paperwork) Now these buildings were only built in 1997 so it was not a big deal to me. one of the towers at DLH was built in the late
60's and the other two in the early 70's. It would be hard to convince people to invest in a building that will be close to 80 years old near the end of the contract period. Additionally, there have been rumors that DLP is at the end of it's operating life anyway, and if this is the case, it could be demolished. a DVC property could (Possibly) take it's place. Who knows?

 

[BCV23]

Where would there be room for a new wing at GCH.

This is our last morning at GCH. If someone could answer quickly, I'd appreciate it.

 

[lisah0711]

It's supposedly in the grassy area between the hotel and CA -- I think it's south. You see the grassy area when you drive in the gate. That's what I heard so I don't know for sure -- maybe you can fill us in since you are there!

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for the quick reply. That is to the South. I'll walk over there. My guys are still sleeping!

 

[dwelty]

Thanks for the quick reply. That is to the South. I'll walk over there. My guys are still sleeping!

it's where the wedding pavilion is, that grassy area, and the valet parking lot.

 

[BCV23]

Back from my mission. That grassy area does look like it is just waiting for something to be put there. However, by itself that would not be enough room for a wing I don't think plus it would come out right from the outdoor fireplace and in the middle of the wing, etc.. But running South off the Western wing where that valet parking lot is would make more sense to me. So part of the grassy area and the whole valet lot. Is that what you meant dwelty?

But perhaps if it is built, it will be DVC but it just can't be announced yet.

I did take a few pictures but am a real novice. I don't know how to share with my Easyshare camera yet. If I figure it out and if the pictures are any good, I'll add them here.

BTW, this is a stunning resort!

 

[dwelty]

BTW, this is a stunning resort!

My wife and I agree BCV23. GCH is our favorite Disney Resort period.

 

[CarolA]

The original rumor about GCH and DVC came from a VERY reliable source for Miceage.com If things have changed, Miceage will be the first to break the news, not Laughing Place. (This highly placed source is why the Orange County Register and Orlando Sentinel often quote miceage)

Sorry, but I have seen Miceage miss the boat too..... It's ALL RUMOR until it comes from Disney. Laughing Place, Miceage and my personal favorite on the "unreliable rumor mill", Jim Hill Media, have all proven to be unreliable in the past!

 

[tubtruck]

Whats the room occupancy at the GCH ? if it is high then surley Disney wont consider turning it over to DVC, isnt the reason that part of AKL is been turned over to DVC is because of low room occupancy and the fact that it is unable to presently command the higher price per night charge of other delux accomodations, therefore if rooms are removed from standard hotel the percentage occupancy will increase.

 

[JimC]

Whats the room occupancy at the GCH ? if it is high then surley Disney wont consider turning it over to DVC, isnt the reason that part of AKL is been turned over to DVC is because of low room occupancy and the fact that it is unable to presently command the higher price per night charge of other delux accomodations, therefore if rooms are removed from standard hotel the percentage occupancy will increase.

I think it was the concierge level that was hurting the most. AKL and WL both start their rack rates at $215 and are the least expensive deluxe resorts on property. Both are highly themed, but neither are on the two main lines at WDW (monorail or between Epcot and Studios). I don't get it as they both are extraordinarily well executed concepts.

 

[spiceycat]

I think it was the concierge level that was hurting the most. AKL and WL both start their rack rates at $215 and are the least expensive deluxe resorts on property. Both are highly themed, but neither are on the two main lines at WDW (monorail or between Epcot and Studios). I don't get it as they both are extraordinarily well executed concepts.

because most of the guests come to WDW to do the parks. At a deluxe resort guests expect easy access to a theme park.

AKL doesn't have it.

WL is a boat.

neither can competitive with either walking or the monrail.

which is why they are a good fit for DVC. We can take the time to enjoy the wonderful resort. lots of guest just are there for the parks.

 

[lisah0711]

BCV23 Thanks for going on the scouting mission. Hope that you have a great time for the rest of your visit!

 

[newfamilyman]

Sorry, but I have seen Miceage miss the boat too..... It's ALL RUMOR until it comes from Disney. Laughing Place, Miceage and my personal favorite on the "unreliable rumor mill", Jim Hill Media, have all proven to be unreliable in the past!

I'm surprised to hear you say that about Jim Hill, since he rarely provides "breaking news," so to speak, but when he does, he is almost always accurate. For example, he was the first one to break the news about the Muppets living initiative project which tested at DCA last week.

 

[dwelty]

Sorry, but I have seen Miceage miss the boat too..... It's ALL RUMOR until it comes from Disney. Laughing Place, Miceage and my personal favorite on the "unreliable rumor mill", Jim Hill Media, have all proven to be unreliable in the past!

Yes of course MiceAge has missed the boat on a few occasions, or at least Disney has changed course after something was reported. However, they are universally recognized as the most accurate by the local media. When thy broke the story about Tom Sawyer's Island changes to A Pirates theame, many highly placed people at Disney read it in the Los Angeles times before they were even breifed by Disney Management. They were really pissed about this.
I do agree that until Disney makes an announcement anything can happen.

 

[JimC]

because most of the guests come to WDW to do the parks. At a deluxe resort guests expect easy access to a theme park.

AKL doesn't have it.

WL is a boat.

neither can competitive with either walking or the monrail.

which is why they are a good fit for DVC. We can take the time to enjoy the wonderful resort. lots of guest just are there for the parks.

I guess my concept of easy access is not as narrowly defined as most Agree on our taking the time to enjoy the resorts.