The Villas at Disney's Rocky Mountain Lodge........

[bradpga]

I wish! Why not though???? If Disney can choose locations such as Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island, why not build some Villas at either Keystone, Vail, Steam Boat Springs, Breckenridge, etc........ I think this would be a HUGE drawing card for new members. I would love to have the option to schedule a ski trip using points (on the DISNEY point scale) and stay at a Disney establishment rather than going through the adventure (or whatever) collection. To be honest, using your pooints to ski is not very wise the way the system is set up because you can do much better and save $$$$ by purchasing an all inclusive package (including lift tickets and equipment). Anyone else on board here???

 

[3DisneyKids]

The problem, for DVC, with having a ski-lodge type resort is that it would not really be year-round. Sure, you can travel to CO in the summer and I am sure it is beautiful, etc. But it would definitely not be a huge draw year-round the way WDW is. Look at HH in January...sure, some people go and enjoy it (knowing that it is going to be 50 degrees...maybe...) but they definitely have a hard time filling the resort in the off-season.

If DVC was to build another off-property resort, I am sure it would be somewhere that would be considered a year-round destination.

Those who travel or live in ski-country can certainly prove me wrong here and state that the ski resorts are packed year round...I am certainly not an expert. However, here in Maine we have our share of ski resorts, and I know that they sit empty during the off-season. There is a slight swell during the foliage weeks...but spring and summer are dead. Doesn't seem like a wise investment for DVC.

 

[Dean]

Actually on the heels of VB and HH, DVC had a contract for an existing hotel in CO. As I understand it, the deal fell through about the time DVC realized that HH and VB were going to be much harder to sell than they had thought. It also happened about the same time DVC dropped the previously announced resort at Newport Coast and then later sold the land to Marriott who developed it as a timeshare. I'll be very surprised to see any more non Disney associated resorts.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'd love to go to Colorado in the summertime. I've often said that I wish DVC had an option in a part of the country that didn't get so HOT in the summer. But then, I like off season. We've been known to go to HHI in the winter-never in the summer.

 

[dvc_john]

Actually on the heels of VB and HH, DVC had a contract for an existing hotel in CO.

It's my understanding that this site was at Beaver Creek, which is now the site of a Hyatt timeshare and some other condos.

In Colorado, they have what is called the 'mud season', which is about 4 weeks in late spring and 6 weeks in late fall. The demand at these times is so low that the Hyatt resorts in Beaver Creek and Breckenridge are practically given away to Hyatt owners (at a rate of about 20% of the point cost of the next lowest season or 10% the point cost of the highest season).

 

[Granny]

While having a DVC resort at other great destinations sounds like a good idea to us, my guess is that it doesn't appeal much to Disney. Personally, I'd be surprised to see a DVC resort at a non-Disney park destination in the future.

Three reasons:

1. By having DVC's on-site at WDW, Disney can command a premium just like they do for their resorts. We all know we can visit WDW cheaper by staying off-site, but most of us feel that staying on site is worth the extra money. So why would Disney want to put a timeshare in a location where they are just another timeshare and compete with the multitude of less expensive alternatives? They'd have to take a margin hit and that can't be all that appealing to Disney.

2. At WDW and other locations, Disney already owns the property. And often, they are adding DVC to existing resorts so they don't have to pay for the infrastructure (parking, bell services, front desk, etc) from scratch. In fact, my guess is that DVC makes those resorts more profitable as the DVC owners' dues pay for part of the amenities previously paid only by resort bookings.

3. By building at WDW or other Disney properties, the profitability of the DVC program is not completely self dependent. Basically, Disney is locking in visitors to their parks for several decades and the ensuing ticket, restaurant and souvenir sales that go with it. Even if DVC were a break-even for Disney (it's a lot better than that), it would make sense in driving total Disney revenues.


Disney has a formula that's pretty defined and relatively easy to implement. I can't imagine why they would want to venture elsewhere and have to go toe-to-toe with competitors' pricing structures.

Just my opinion.

 

[Machta]

It's my understanding that this site was at Beaver Creek, which is now the site of a Hyatt timeshare and some other condos.

In Colorado, they have what is called the 'mud season', which is about 4 weeks in late spring and 6 weeks in late fall. The demand at these times is so low that the Hyatt resorts in Beaver Creek and Breckenridge are practically given away to Hyatt owners (at a rate of about 20% of the point cost of the next lowest season or 10% the point cost of the highest season).

You're absolutely right about the mud season! I would love for Disney to do something in the mountains here. We live in the Denver metro area and frequent Keystone, Breckenridge, Steamboat, etc., and the single biggest difference I notice is the attitude of the folks who work at the ski resorts, but during ski season and later. I don't know how to phrase it politely, but I'll just say they really need some Disney attitude!

One earlier poster said that in their state (Maine?) resorts were empty except during ski season. That seems to be less true in Colorado. Spring skiing can last into May, and the summer mountain biking & hiking crowd can be huge. If Disney were to, for instance, buy an entire planned resort (i.e., Keystone, which has kept very tight control over their real estate) they could implement the same sort of fee structure. It would be more difficult at some of the other resorts that were not master planned, such as Winter Park or Breckenridge. I wish they would, though--just to show the rest of ski country what customer service can do for you!

Machta

 

[vascubaguy]

Looking at the business aspect, at some point DVC will level off and there will be so many DVC resorts around WDW that adding another will not be feasible or cost effective. At that point I think DVC will have to consider off-site locations to grow the business and make membership more valuable to people who want more than just a WDW vacation.

If you really think about it... if we get a DVC at the Contemporary, the one at AKV, and one at DL... where else at WDW would we want one? The only other places I've heard people wanting are Hawaii, Colorado, Vegas, and at the Disney parks oversees.

DVC will have to start trying to compete more with other timeshares like Hilton, Marriott, and Fairfield, which have their locations all over!

I think in time it will happen, but right now they are making lots with the new resorts on property so venturing off property isn't as profitable atm.

 

[Granny]

Looking at the business aspect, at some point DVC will level off and there will be so many DVC resorts around WDW that adding another will not be feasible or cost effective. At that point I think DVC will have to consider off-site locations to grow the business and make membership more valuable to people who want more than just a WDW vacation.

If you really think about it... if we get a DVC at the Contemporary, the one at AKV, and one at DL... where else at WDW would we want one? The only other places I've heard people wanting are Hawaii, Colorado, Vegas, and at the Disney parks oversees.

DVC will have to start trying to compete more with other timeshares like Hilton, Marriott, and Fairfield, which have their locations all over!

I think in time it will happen, but right now they are making lots with the new resorts on property so venturing off property isn't as profitable atm.

I agree that there will be a diminishment in demand for sales at some point. The possible on-site DVC resorts you mention would take several years to sell and build. And don't forget Eagle Pines is still hanging out there and that was going to be a pretty large resort as I recall.

Once they have finished building and selling all of those resorts, Disney would have to decide if they want to continue to look for more on-site locations or venture into other non-Disney destinations. Or they may well want to "stand pat" until closer to 2042 when they will be getting back six resorts.

It will be interesting to watch.

 

[ryanmilla]

Well, I don't care about all of the business sense to build or not to build a DVC resort in CO. All I know is it would be an instant add-on for my family. We love Colorado skiing and hiking about as much as we love going to Disney (my DW would probably argue more), so if they opened one there we would be ecstatic!

We will actually be in Keystone this Christmas and were planning to use our points. However, our group size got to big and we needed a bigger place. The point justification compared to the deal Keystone was offering no longer made sense. But regardless if it is good sense or not to use our points there, I'm sure we will at some point.

 

[spiceycat]

the last I heard both Hawaii (for California) and Colornado was still on the list.

with Disney pulling Cal - they need to put one in Cal or somewhere that Cal like to vacation so Hawaii.

 

[crisi]

Actually on the heels of VB and HH, DVC had a contract for an existing hotel in CO. As I understand it, the deal fell through about the time DVC realized that HH and VB were going to be much harder to sell than they had thought. It also happened about the same time DVC dropped the previously announced resort at Newport Coast and then later sold the land to Marriott who developed it as a timeshare. I'll be very surprised to see any more non Disney associated resorts.

And the DVC Times Square.

At one time DVC intended to be a timeshare company and have locations all over. But their initial investments (VB and HH) took much longer to sell than anticipated - VB is a much smaller resort than originally planned.

There has been known intent in those three locations (Newport, Colorado, and Times Square) and rumored intent in some other places (including Disney being involved in a Florida bill that made it possible to see cruise ships as timeshares - they did expend effort there several years ago). But no movement other than the opening of offices in California which rekindled the DVC near Disneyland rumors.

Perhaps eventually, Disney will decide the market is right for expansion off WDW property (I'd like to see something in the Carribean or Mexico - cheaper airfare than Hawaii), but they don't SEEM to be making moves like that currently.

 

[dwelty]

I'd love to go to Colorado in the summertime. I've often said that I wish DVC had an option in a part of the country that didn't get so HOT in the summer. But then, I like off season. We've been known to go to HHI in the winter-never in the summer.

A perfect example of why a DLR DVC would work. Southern California has glorious summer weather, no rain and more importantly NO HUMIDITY! THis would be the place to get your summer Disney fix.

 

[3DisneyKids]

A perfect example of why a DLR DVC would work. Southern California has glorious summer weather, no rain and more importantly NO HUMIDITY! THis would be the place to get your summer Disney fix.

Excellent point! I never thought of it that way, but it is so true. We love WDW, of course, but avoid it like crazy in the summer. Too hot for us Mainers! But since that is when the kids are on vacation, it would be nice to vacation at least once in a while without pulling them out of school. This would be the perfect solution.

 

[dumbo71]

I agree it isn't likely to happen anywhere. They learned a hard lesson with HH and VB.

I find it dissapointing also. DVC is a poor trader and the concierge colection point requirements are far too high. An off site DVC would add tremendous value to my membership.

Hawaii would make the most sense as it is a year round destination with widespread appeal and it would help Californians justify a DVC purchase.

Colorado???????? That will NEVER happen. Short season and sorry but skiing isn't as big of a sport as you think. Many ski resorts close each and every year and many more simply struggle. With a population increase of immigrants Ski resorts have to find a way to bring those minorities into the fold. They simply have not to date.

A year round tropical resort is realky the only chance I see. Even that I'd put the chances as slim to none.

 

[nuts]

Colorado???????? That will NEVER happen. Short season and sorry but skiing isn't as big of a sport as you think. Many ski resorts close each and every year and many more simply struggle. With a population increase of immigrants Ski resorts have to find a way to bring those minorities into the fold. They simply have not to date.

Well, actually, Colorado is a huge summer destination. Try to book a resort in the June, July, August timeframe. Golfing, hiking, climbing, and mountain biking are extremely popular. Down periods are late April to June 1, and late Sept til Thanksgiving week.

Now, I have a birdie that has told me that DVC is looking into a partnership/merge with a major timeshare operator. Might solve this problem

 

[Dean]

Looking at the business aspect, at some point DVC will level off and there will be so many DVC resorts around WDW that adding another will not be feasible or cost effective. At that point I think DVC will have to consider off-site locations to grow the business and make membership more valuable to people who want more than just a WDW vacation.

I think it's far more likely DVC will quit selling and expanding than to expand to someplace they can't control and in a situation they've already proven they aren't willing to compete in. Without a draw and exposure like WDW, DVC isn't willing to be aggressive enough to sell a regular timeshare. One of the very things many people like, the VERY low pressure sales approach, kills them in this situation.

 

[Dean]

And the DVC Times Square.

At one time DVC intended to be a timeshare company and have locations all over. But their initial investments (VB and HH) took much longer to sell than anticipated - VB is a much smaller resort than originally planned.

There has been known intent in those three locations (Newport, Colorado, and Times Square) and rumored intent in some other places (including Disney being involved in a Florida bill that made it possible to see cruise ships as timeshares - they did expend effort there several years ago). But no movement other than the opening of offices in California which rekindled the DVC near Disneyland rumors.

Perhaps eventually, Disney will decide the market is right for expansion off WDW property (I'd like to see something in the Carribean or Mexico - cheaper airfare than Hawaii), but they don't SEEM to be making moves like that currently.

True. As I recall they were in negotiations there and in HI as well. But they pulled out of that deal and stopped their explorations in HI as I'm told. I believe DVC John is correct in his assertion.

 

[jennifer6800]

As a Colorado native I spend time in the mountains all year round. But summer is my favorite. There is hiking, and rafting, horseback riding, shopping, biking... and the weather is gorgeous. And the fall, you haven't ever lived until you have seen the aspens change while riding a horse up a mountain. And obviously winter, skiing is a huge sport. Even as a Colorado resident there are times I can't get a place, so I go for day trips. And Denver is a great city to fly in and out of, with major sports, great theatre and night life and a collection of restaurants that could rival any city. And the residents are wonderful.

Even if Disney doesn't have resort, everyone should visit.

I LOVE COLORADO!!!!!

 

[starbox]

I think the biggest problem with HHI and VB was that Disney built them too soon. IMHO, DVC membership was not at a level high enough to support the offsite locations and HHI is not a year-round (or even half-year-round location). I think that, in the very near future, membership will reach a level where VB is booked solid. HHI is already booked solid during the island's season. I think DVC will really need another beach location to meet demand - and there are plenty of beaches with year-round seasons in Florida.

If a beach DVC were announced we would add-on enough for a week each summer without hesitating. We're looking at adding on at VB or HHI (hence the "scouting trip" to HHI in a few days) later this year because we want to stay at a DVC managed beach property each summer and it's getting harder and harder to get those reservations. I would, however, love to purchase at a new beach resort with a nice long contract.