Vero and HHI may be the future GEMS of DVC.

[Disney On The Bayou]

I've been thinking about this scenario that is developing lately. DVC has 4 resorts on-site (WDW) with two in the process of being built. Since DVC is not building any off-site resorts in the future, that only leaves HHI and Vero as the only DVC off property resorts.

Getting reservations on site at the 7-month mark is going to become easier as there are more resorts to choose from. I didn't say the exact reservations and resort you wanted, but in general more availability. Once members have been in DVC for a few years they tend to think about other areas for a vacation and the best deal for the points is Vero and HHI.

With Vero and HHI being the only off property resorts and members continuing to join the on-site resorts by the thousands. In three to four years, it will be next to IMPOSIBLE to get either Vero of HHI, at the 7 month mark, but they will be plenty of availability at the on-site properties. (Some more than others)

What's the point of all of this? If you don't own at Vero and HHI, the availability of these resorts will simply become very difficult. Time Share is a supply and demand business. When you have six or more resorts on-site and only two off site, eventually the demand of the off-site resorts will increase just because of the shear numbers.

Just my thoughts.

Dean, after reading all of your post I would consider you the Time Share Guru, what's your thoughts?

Reference future off-site resorts, though most people rather have their deed at WDW, many members (at least on this board) have several add-ons. DVC may be able to build future off-site resorts for example in Colorado Ski Area, based on member add-ons and potential new DVC members. Where I believe Vero and HHI were thought of as primary sites.

So for those Vero and HHI only members hang on, you may have a hot commodity in the next few years!

 

[ncligs]

Disney On The Bayou,

Excellent post this is one of the reasons we bought at VB. I kind of expected DVC would not build any more off-site locations.
After being at VB for the 1st time 3 weeks ago. We were pleasantly surprised by the VB resort, and are very glad we have it as a home resort. We always wanted 1 on-site and 1 off-site(by an ocean) so now we have the best of both worlds.
"Beach Cottages are AWESOME!!!

 

[PamOKW]

Disney Bayou, I think you are on to something. I've had similar thoughts myself.

Back in the early days when DVC's beyond OKW were only a glint in Michael Eisner's eye, I was concerned about the phrasing regarding additional DVC's. I expected that there would be OKW and then they would be building additional offsite resorts that would all be competing to stay at OKW (or the Disney Vacation Club as it was known). The building of HHI and Vero had me concerned. Now, we are being flooded with on-site options and still limited to just the two offsite. I'm glad that I have points at my beloved Vero. It may get tougher to book in the future, especially since it is not even going to be as big as originally planned.

 

[vernon]

If ever the beach resorts became that popular, it would be relatively easy for Disney to build more. Although with the vast numbers of Beach timeshares throughout the world it would be easier and cheaper to add more through the II program.

I love both resorts but the resorts at WDW are always going to be more popular than the beach ones, JMHO.

 

[Regina]

In the beginning of DVC, they definitely were planning on building many more offsite resorts. IMHO, that simply didn't happen due to the slow response to HH and VB. They sold the California property that was going to be developed for this purpose.

I'd still like to see more offsite resorts added to the system. Unfortunately, profit is the motivating factor and HH and VB have been hard sells.

 

[PamOKW]

I agree that, at least for the time being, Disney has decided not to enter into the timeshare business with both feet. By concentrating solely on WDW, they do not have to expand their marketing beyond the profile of a WDW customer and contain their sales force right on property. The Concierge Collection is their answer to providing additional offsite options. This may even be for the best because it does limit the number of "offsite" owners who would be competing for the WDW resorts.

But, the point price and the quality of the accomodations at HHI and Vero make them the best value for a non-WDW vacation. I suspect that 60,000+ members competing to stay at these resorts will make the 11 month window very valuable at these resorts as well. HHI even more so, since the weather is a factor in picking the best times to go.

 

[Disney On The Bayou]

I'm not speculating on DVC building outside of WDW. But the facts or facts. 6 on-site resorts (soon) and 2 off-site, plus the point value to stay within DVC, equals high demand for use at HHI and Vero. Why use your points through a trade: 1) You have to use a whole week 2)The quality may be some what lower than DVC 3) You have to wait to book through MS via II.

I see threads on this board, indicating that owning Vero or HHI owner as the primary deed would be a mistake. However, soon the tables may be turned. If 75,000 on-site owners (future) compete for the 2 only off-site properties. In five years, if you own Vero or HHI, you will be able to bookat most resorts year round (exception, GV, low supply) on-site within a month of your trip and find availability. I'm still a rookie at this as I only have been a member for 1 year, however, I have always been able to get availability somewhere, maybe not the resort I wanted first but somewhere.

OK, where do I own...... VWL 225 and HHI 120

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Booking VB at 7 months can be difficult now. It will only get more difficult as DVC membership grows. For these reasons, we added VB (twice).

 

[BillM]

Disney on the Bayou

Good well thought out post. Never thought of it that way but I would certainly agree with you. I'm glad I own OKW 350 and HH 100.

 

[deerh]

Very good post! That is exactly why I bought 85 points at HHI! I also wanted a "place on the beach", and could not afford a condo on the beach, so this was the closest thing to that!
I just got back from HHI, and it was great!
deerh

 

[Dean]

I'm not sure I agree, at least not totally. More WDW members may increase the pool size that would occasionally look to try out HH or VB, that will also decrease the non WDW pool trying to get in compared to the number of rooms at WDW (sheer math). I don't think that VB or HH will be any more desireable though as time passes. HH should still be easy off season and VB will be moderate during the non peak times. Peak times will continue to be difficult as they are now. There will remain options outside DVC which may be a better value for many.

 

[we luv dvc]

Disney on the Bayou
I totally agree with you, we bought off site for all the reasons you mentioned. Our home resort is HHI and we just added on 130 points at VB. We love WDW but usually visit at off peak times and have been able to get our first choice reservations. Last year my kids 9,10 and 17 chose HHI over WDW. HHI and VB offer a taste of Disney but a much more relaxed atmosphere.

 

[westjones]

How about a Disney Resort on Mackinaw Island and maybe one up in New England. Also, one in the Smokey Mountains. We would be ALL set since these are all of our favorite vacation spots!
DJ

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Disney on the Bayou,
Excellent, well thought out post. I agree with you. An additional point is the ability to easily use points at a non-DVC WDW resort (Poly, Contemorary, etc.). Although not the best use of points, still lots of fun and an option some DVC members use. We also bought to be able to use during high season peak times like Easter break and Christmas Break, where the hustle and bustle of WDW may not be the most desirable and restful place to vacation. We also have some onsite points to be able to use for the 11 month window.

I think if there are any more off site resorts, that there is a disadvantage the further north one goes. It shortens the travel season. I think HH sees some of that with the summer months being much more desirable and hard to get.

To each his own, we greatly enjoy our first class Vero vacations.