What is Disney building at...

[BigEeyore]

the corner of Vista Dr and Bonnet Creek Pkwy? Over by POR? I saw that there is a Best Friends pet resort going up on Bonnet creek (which will probably be a better boarding facility than the WDW kennels), but there was also new construction on Vista dr where BC pkwy intersects. Looked like tuscan-style design.
Anyone know?
New DVC?

 

[Brian Noble]

I think that's the Four Seasons development.
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2008/08/walt-disney-w-1.html

 

[BigEeyore]

I bet you're right - thanks! I must say I am surprised that Disney is letting another company build on its property, there really hasn't been any of that since the Swan/Dolphin went up right? It looks nice though!

 

[jamstew]

sorry -- double post

 

[jamstew]

If I'm thinking of the same area, my understanding is that it isn't Disney property. I know the area where Wyndham Bonnet Creek, the new Hilton and the Waldorf are isn't owned by Disney.

 

[stopher1]

Disney sold that portion of the property to the parent company of the Four Seasons for their development. There will be a hotel, and some other development there, I think some kind of timeshare or private residences. I've read it somewhere. I know someone else will come along and add more to the details.

 

[Brian Noble]

The development is private residences, fractionals (like timeshares, but you buy a month or a quarter at a time, not a week), and a high-end hotel. There might be a component of the Four Seasons Residence Club as well (more like a traditional timeshare, but a much higher level of service and fees). Some of it was de-annexed from RCID (and sold)---for sure the private residences, and I think the fractionals too. The very last thing Mickey wants is non-employee "landowners" in the District. The remainder of it may be under a lease agreement, or might have been sold as well. But, it all started off as RCID-governed (and hence Mouse-owned) land.

I must say I am surprised that Disney is letting another company build on its property

Disney has not started construction on a *single* cash-rental hotel room since 9/11---DVC only. Also, it's widely believed that Disney made this move because they simply do not have the reputation of a Four Seasons or a Ritz Carlton when it comes to truly high-end properties, and this is tacit acceptance that they never will. For governance reasons, Disney would also never, ever want private landowners living "on Disney property" ruling out the private residences. That's why all of Celebration was de-annexed from RCID as well, and a big reason why DVC is structured as a "deeded leasehold" and not a straight property deed. Fractionals would be a new business model for WDW, might also incur the voting landowner problem, and due to the price level is something that they might prefer to leave to a brand with more high-end cachet.

 

[stormer]

I bet you're right - thanks! I must say I am surprised that Disney is letting another company build on its property, there really hasn't been any of that since the Swan/Dolphin went up right? It looks nice though!

On our last trip our DVC minivan driver (is that the same as a bus driver?) told us this land was sold so the money could be used to purchase Marvel Comics.

 

[Lost in Neverland]

We were told in January that part is going to be Wyndham and then the back part of the property was going to be private homes starting at $1.5 million.

 

[Tara]

We were told in January that part is going to be Wyndham and then the back part of the property was going to be private homes starting at $1.5 million.

Wyndham isn't part of the Four Seasons group, and with a Wyndham on Hotel Plaza Blvd and in the Bonnet Creek resort area, I can't see another one being added in this area. It's all Four Seasons properties as far as I've read in press releases and news articles.

And honestly, I think part of the reason for the de-annex and sale is that there is a market out there that wouldn't go to Disney because it isn't high-end enough, but they'd definitely go stay at the Four Seasons or buy into their fractional. Those guests can still bring in plenty of dollars as they attend parks.