What do you think will happen with DVC KO'Olina?

[SuzanneSLO]

I think Disney believes that "People love us" and they tend to "underperform" in hotel management. (Those deluxe hotels are NOT true deluxe, just overpriced 3 stars. )

Actually, when Consumer Reports rates the hotel chains, the Walt Disney Resorts rank very well in the "Upscale" category. With an overall reader score of 84, they tie the highest in the "Luxury" category: Renaissance and are just below the the lowest of the two hotels in the "Fanciest" category: Fairmont.

-- Suzanne

 

[CarolA]

Actually, when Consumer Reports rates the hotel chains, the Walt Disney Resorts rank very well in the "Upscale" category. With an overall reader score of 84, they tie the highest in the "Luxury" category: Renaissance and are just below the the lowest of the two hotels in the "Fanciest" category: Fairmont.

-- Suzanne

Well, I don't really consider that a good source. If the ranking is based on reader surveys it proabably suffers from the same thing I see on the DIS. If the ONLY place you ever stay at "deluxe" is Disney it probably comes out well. If however, you stay at other "deluxes" then you find some issues.

I find the independent rating agencies more reliable then anything else. Mobil Travel gives Disney "Deluxes" 3 stars using objective ratings.

No matter what DIsney prices are at the VERY high end. I have no idea what Conumer Reports ranking uses, but IMHO Renaissance is not "luxury" Ritz is "luxury" and Disney prices are the same as the Ritz so I guess maybe Disney charges "Fanciest"? I know Disney charges a lot more then any Renaissance I have ever stayed in.

 

[emma'smom]

Does Consumer Reports just use reader responses? I am under the impression that the research/ratings in this publication are the result of a much more rigorous empirical study.

 

[salmoneous]

Does Consumer Reports just use reader responses? I am under the impression that the research/ratings in this publication are the result of a much more rigorous empirical study.

They use both. For instance, in reviewing cars, they buy and test all new cars themselves - they have a massive test facility for doing so. But they rely on member surveys to judge long-term reliability. For hotels, they rely on member surveys.

To me, there is a big difference between a Four Season's and a Deluxe Disney hotel. I've never seen a Disney CM handing out cucumber slices to protect the eyes of sunbathers at a Disney pool. Then again, I've never seen a Four Seasons with direct access to a Disney Theme Park. Who's to say which set of features is "better".

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I don't think they will tie in a DCL cruise from the mainland to HI. It's too long and boring having that many days at sea, also the issue of most foreign flagged ships not being able to stop at 2 US ports in a row. I think DCL on the west coast will most likely be cruises to Mexico and maybe Alaska.

We're left coasters but I doubt we'll be buying in, I really prefer the other islands than Oahu.

Suzy

Too long and boring is not the reason it wont happen if it doesnt. I cant see that as a reason as there are plenty of cruise lines offering this trip. If it was too boring, I dont think they would still be offered.

Not sure what you are saying about the not being able to stop at 2 US ports in a row, plenty of ships do this, all foreign registered(which most ships are)

heres an example of a ship registered to the Netherlands

01 San Diego, California --- 5:00 PM
02 At sea --- ---
03 At sea --- ---
04 At sea --- ---
05 At sea --- ---
06 Hilo, Hawaii 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
07 Honolulu, Hawaii 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
08 Port Allen, Hawaii 8:00 AM 4:00 PM
09 Lahaina, Hawaii 8:00 AM 11:00 PM
10 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 8:00 AM 5:00 PM


Mexico and Alaska may be better options for some, but those destinations obvioulsy do nothing to tie together DL and Hawaii

 

[wendyinoc]

I'm buying right now SSR for the reason of HI and Ca. I live in Ca so to me it now makes sense. I would not have bought just for Disneyworld. Florida flights runs about $200-$350 and Hawaii runs from $250-$450. With Disneyland I think Cali will be the bulk of the sales. I'm courious on the cruise ship theory. The benefit if Disney does it with American Crew no passport will be needed it. NCL has had a tough time but Disney never has a problem with filling the ships.