Reflections still on the drawing board..

[StormyCA]

Dreading Looking forward to the first 'boots on the ground' reports, @bama_ed & @Teamubr

Don't give them any ideas about busing kiddies in @bama_ed !! They'll look at charging for the ride and see dollar signs. And then the next thing we know, there'll be a 'Checkpoint Charlie' on Peacock Pass with CMs saying "Papers, we must see your papers!".

See, I can do sarcasm too. At least I hope it's purely sarcasm and not a prediction.

 

[team bradfield]

I recently read a trip report describing Swamp Mickey and describing the submerged in deep mud golf carts with pictures .
Do you think Swamp Mickey would be a good name for new resort?

Our family calls it tower of terror 2

 

[nomorethan8]

Disney might delay announcing plans to avoid a potential backlash. It just seems like the Disney PR machine isn't too effective at the moment. I am curious to see the plans though.

 

[Teamubr]

And so it begins... again.



This likely explains the 230ft height in the permit. Not a typical tower crane, but a boom crane. More versatile over a bigger area. Just what you would need for a 6-10 story hotel spreading over a bigger area. I guess we'll see in 2 weeks.

j

 

[StormyCA]

Sigh. I guess we all knew that when they seemingly 'pulled' TDVCTMNBN from publicity that it was too good to be true.

We won't be back to the Fort until early 2026. I expect that by then this monstrosity will be looming over us.

 

[rideswithchrist]

I guess sight lines only matter in parks and other resorts...not in FW.

I do see after 2020 the whole hotel+campsite thing started booming. I guess they figured even updated DVC cabins were a bit too "camping" for some folk.

 

[Teamubr]

I guess sight lines only matter in parks and other resorts...not in FW.

I'm guessing they thought hiding it behind the Settlement was good enough. And the bungalows on Clementine's Beach will be an enhancement. (FWIW I haven't seen the beach cabins in the latest renderings)

j

 

[bama_ed]

Still would like to hear what the latest is on the mix of DVC rooms versus hotel rooms at this Fort Wilderness hotel resort.

Just out of curiosity.

Ed

 

[bama_ed]

BTW,

I want to add that I agree with Dave Ramsey on his financial advice that ALL time share are <basically> a financial loser. Which includes the Disney Vacation Club.

DVC (as Dave sez) is the BEST of the Time Share schemes (although they all fail the basic math test) which are under water but it's STILL a LOSER. But there are folks who will cling to the sinking ship that is DVC.

Bama Ed

 

[tx911]

BTW,

I want to add that I agree with Dave Ramsey on his financial advice that ALL time share are <basically> a financial loser. Which includes the Disney Vacation Club.

DVC (as Dave sez) is the BEST of the Time Share schemes (although they all fail the basic math test) which are under water but it's STILL a LOSER. But there are folks who will cling to the sinking ship that is DVC.

Bama Ed

Agree! It's a good thing I'm not in it for financial gain!

 

[T00dles]

BTW,

I want to add that I agree with Dave Ramsey on his financial advice that ALL time share are <basically> a financial loser. Which includes the Disney Vacation Club.

DVC (as Dave sez) is the BEST of the Time Share schemes (although they all fail the basic math test) which are under water but it's STILL a LOSER. But there are folks who will cling to the sinking ship that is DVC.

Bama Ed

You make a solid point, and Dave Ramsey's advice on timeshares is definitely spot on for many. DVC isn't a traditional investment, and ongoing costs can add up.

I see DVC more like buying an RV—both are lifestyle choices with extra costs (annual dues for DVC, maintenance and campground fees for an RV). If you’re a frequent Disney-goer, DVC could offer some savings and convenience, while an RV is great for those who love exploring different places, including FW.

At the end of the day, it’s about choosing what fits your lifestyle and brings you joy.

 

[bama_ed]

Agree! It's a good thing I'm not in it for financial gain!

We've gone to WDW/FW for nearly 30 yrs mostly and I can't imagine having a 40/50 year commitment. Didn't have to pay dues or maintenance fees. But I am ready to vacation elsewhere.

Don't ya-ya at me about renting points or borrowing/banking. Anyone who does is simply exposing themselves to the fact they don't know what owning an RV/Tow Vehicle/Trailer can provide.

Can you take your DVC with you on EVERY trip on vacation? To the beach? To the mountains? to MLB spring training? To your family reunion? Trying to manage/rent points cripples your ability to live your life. Imagine being shackled to your DVC points year in/out to NOT use them and try to DO something with them.

There's a great big beautiful world out there that DVC doesn't reach/cover. Why tie yourself down otherwise? Serious question.

Bama Ed

 

[tx911]

We've gone to WDW/FW for nearly 30 yrs mostly and I can't imagine having a 40/50 year commitment. Didn't have to pay dues or maintenance fees. But I am ready to vacation elsewhere.

Don't ya-ya at me about renting points or borrowing/banking. Anyone who does is simply exposing themselves to the fact they don't know what owning an RV/Tow Vehicle/Trailer can provide.

Can you take your DVC with you on EVERY trip on vacation? To the beach? To the mountains? to MLB spring training? To your family reunion? Trying to manage/rent points cripples your ability to live your life. Imagine being shackled to your DVC points year in/out to NOT use them and try to DO something with them.

There's a great big beautiful world out there that DVC doesn't reach/cover. Why tie yourself down otherwise? Serious question.

Bama Ed

The contracts can be sold.

I don't tie myself to WDW. My Disney trips are in addition to the rest.

For me it's all about getting a break from work in a place where the whole family can have a good time. I love the beach, and the mountains, but Disney checks those boxes for us too.

I will say I've always thought it would be very cool to travel the country in an RV with the fam and our dogs. May try it some day!

 

[bama_ed]

The contracts can be sold.

No kidding. Really? For a loss? Most likely. But possibly not (if you catch a sweet spot in the market). Plus you have paid for a 'luxe' stay that you could have probably done without.

Get an RV (Class A/B/C) and see the country.

You're not getting any younger.

There's a great big beautiful world out there.

Bama Ed

PS - and you still have an annual commitment via points per year even if you want to go somewhere else. Ooof.

 

[Teamubr]

I see DVC more like buying an RV—both are lifestyle choices with extra costs.

From a pure financial point, that is how I view it. Owning a 6 figure motorhome that depreciates every year AND requires expensive maintenance is not a sound "investment" either. But like the points Ed makes regarding flexibility, that makes it a good decision for me. We have considered DVC a couple of times, but for how I like to vacation, an RV makes more sense.

j

 

[bama_ed]

From a pure financial point, that is how I view it. Owning a 6 figure motorhome that depreciates every year AND requires expensive maintenance is not a sound "investment" either. But like the points Ed makes regarding flexibility, that makes it a good decision for me. We have considered DVC a couple of times, but for how I like to vacation, an RV makes more sense.

Jim, don't confuse people with that financial talk.

They know how much they lose annually with dues/maintenance fees. And overpaying for the depreciated points for their room.

I know I could sell my Aliner for more than what I paid for it nearly 10 years ago. But they know that already, right? (becuz they so smart?)

I need to back out of the conversation and let the financial DVC wizards have some space. I'm all ears.

Bama Ed

 

[tx911]

Jim, don't confuse people with that financial talk.

They know how much they lose annually with dues/maintenance fees. And overpaying for the depreciated points for their room.

I know I could sell my Aliner for more than what I paid for it nearly 10 years ago. But they know that already, right? (becuz they so smart?)

I need to back out of the conversation and let the financial DVC wizards have some space. I'm all ears.

Bama Ed

Most RVs depreciate like rocks.

But again, it's not about the money.

I don't feel DVC is replacing anything in my life. Just adding something to it.

 

[tx911]

With an RV you are investing in vacations and memories.

Spending money to have a great time with your family on the road.

I really don't see it as much different from DVC, tbh. Just a bit more flexible in terms of where you can go

 

[bama_ed]

Most RVs depreciate like rocks.

But again, it's not about the money.

I don't feel DVC is replacing anything in my life. Just adding something to it.

So you only buy NEW RV's (which depreciate faster than used RV's)? Recently used RV's are a much better buy. Just like a new/used car comparison, no? It's hard to follow your logic here.

But you're right - it's not about the money.

DVC dis-places other opportunities you might have had. Like I said, there is a great big beautiful world out there. More memories beyond WDW.

Thanks for listening.

Bama Ed

 

[tx911]

So you only buy NEW RV's (which depreciate faster than used RV's)? Recently used RV's are a much better buy. Just like a new/used car comparison, no? It's hard to follow your logic here.

But you're right - it's not about the money.

DVC dis-places other opportunities you might have had. Like I said, there is a great big beautiful world out there. More memories beyond WDW.

Thanks for listening.

Bama Ed

I do want to thank you for your perspective.

It's helping me to avoid buying too many points, and I need all the help I can get in that regard