Rumor boards says DVC to be sold!

[Chuck S]

I may be out of step with the majority of the opinion here, but as another poster said "things change". When we purchased DVC, we enjoyed taking our kids to WDW, etc. Now that they're older, they've lost interest in going to Disney every year and want different vacation experiences. It's not that we/they don't LIKE Disney & DVC anymore - we DO. BUT ... we'd love to have the flexibility to go other places and, quite honestly, the exchange process (II/RCI) for anything in a high-demand time period has been fruitless - we've tried.

That's why - for us - we'd LOVE to see an affiliation with Marriott! This would give us the best of both worlds - the variety of the different resorts that Marriott has PLUS the ability to still go to and enjoy WDW/DVC! Here's one vote FOR a merger/affiliation!

I agree a separate exchange agreement through Buena Vista trading or similar DVC entity with Marriott or other major timeshare company would be of value to many DVCers. But, that is quite different from turning management/maintenance of our resorts over to them.

 

[Coach81]

Don't believe it for a second!

 

[DVC Mike]

While it's fine to consider the possibilities, this is still baseless speculation.

 

[islandtimect]

Because sources on both the DVC and Marriott side have made similiar statements, my guess is that there WILL be some sort of merger. Maybe something as simple dumping the affiliation with RCI and going just with Marriott. Maybe Marriott manages the DVC properties, or just the off-site ones. Marriott hotels are generally very good and our family would welcome being able to book them through DVC. We tried to book their Surf Club in Aruba but couldn't get it.

 

[Chuck S]

And let's not forget that Marriott's idea of management hasn't always been so rosy. Anyone remember Howard Johnsn's restaurants, or Farrell's Ice Cream? Both of them purchased by Marriott, along with other now basically extinct dining chains, where only a few franchisees survive.

 

[Simba's Mom]

So this came from a bus driver?

Here is a list of things bus drivers have announced over the years:

1) Caribbean Beach Resort to be torn down
2) The Swan and Dolphin are Disney timeshare resorts
3) The monorail is going to be extended to Studios and Downtown Disney
4) The monorail was supposed to go through the Dolphin resort
5) Get a fast pass today and it will still be good tomorrow
6) You don't need restaurant reservations, you can walk up and eat anywhere

And this makes me think that somewhere out there is a WDW bus driver really having a laugh at all the excitement he's stirred up here.

 

[Todd_H]

I thought DVC was an extremely profitable arm of Disney. If so, I find it hard to believe they would want to sell. However, I can see them partnering with Marriott... now that wouldn't be a bad thing at all as long as DVC remains DVC and I feel like I'm still dealing with Disney.

 

[WelovMickey!]

Nonsense.

I swear the bus drivers make stuff up just to amuse themselves by getting the guests all wound up.

Yep!

 

[peloha86]

And let's not forget that Marriott's idea of management hasn't always been so rosy. Anyone remember Howard Johnsn's restaurants, or Farrell's Ice Cream? Both of them purchased by Marriott, along with other now basically extinct dining chains, where only a few franchisees survive.

Remember the "Pig Through" ?!

I used to work for Farrell's back in the 80's when the line used to be out the door and there was an hour wait for a table. Then they had built "Marriott's Great America" back in the 1970's in Santa Clara, CA. Farrell's is nothing but dust in the ground now, and Marriott sold Great America off too. So if it's too much of a liability, I wouldn't be surprised if Marriott merges with Disney to compensate for losses and profits from DVC'ers or just people who enjoy Disney in general....Just look at where the hotels are located...hmmmm...Disney Ko Olina being built next to Marriott...

On that note, I had saved my "Dream" catalog from 2006, almost bought into SSR back then but decided to wait.popcorn: Just recently bought into VGC.
I read on the back of my contract that there is no guarantee that Ko Olina will be added to the Disney collection, am I wrong about that?

I'll get back and do more research on what has changed in DVC from 2006 to 2009...

 

[hakepb]

Te "Disney Collection" are the Disney owned (not DVC) hotels like the Poly and GF, DCL and ABD that require a $95 booking fee and use an insane amount of points...

The points side of Ko Olina should be a better DVC points value, anyway...

 

[Chuck S]

Just recently bought into VGC.
I read on the back of my contract that there is no guarantee that Ko Olina will be added to the Disney collection, am I wrong about that?

I'll get back and do more research on what has changed in DVC from 2006 to 2009...

The "xyz resort may not be included in DVC" has been a standard clause since day one whenever a new resort has been announced. There have been a few DVC resorts that were announced but never built, including Eagle Pines and Newport Beach, others were strong rumors like NYC and Colorado.

Basically, it is saying that you should not buy DVC based on the potential of future projects as they aren't guaranteed. They could change their minds even after construction is begun. (Eagle Pines had started ground prep, and is now a Four Seasons location.)

 

[edk35]

And let's not forget that Marriott's idea of management hasn't always been so rosy. Anyone remember Howard Johnsn's restaurants, or Farrell's Ice Cream? Both of them purchased by Marriott, along with other now basically extinct dining chains, where only a few franchisees survive.

WOW Farrell's Icecream. We loved that place in N.C. When I was growing up. I had completely forgotten about it. Do you remember the Trough or the Zoo....and the candy shop on the way out. WOW that brought back memories.

 

[BroganMc]

Cool! Just in time for our annual autumn trip to the world where we go from Marriott to Disney.

Not that I believe this "rumor" for a millisecond, but then if it did happen then we'd own 8 weeks worth of Disney time? (Or if we resize down to studios and 1 bedrooms, 20 weeks.) Snowbirding Disney style, here I come!

 

[dioxide45]

There have been a few DVC resorts that were announced but never built, including Eagle Pines and Newport Beach, others were strong rumors like NYC and Colorado.

Oh... Newport Beach was built, but by Marriott.

 

[dwelty]

It amazes me that a thread started by a Rumor from a bus driver has gotten so much attention.