What will happen to AKV and BLT models at SSR?

[jekjones1558]

The layouts of these models are different from the SSR rooms, so Disney can't just swap furnishings and paint and have them look like the other SSR rooms. So will they gut them once the AKV and BLT models are no longer needed at SSR? Seems like such a waste of money.

 

[mearshon]

Aren't the models in what was once a movie theater? Maybe they will tear them out and rebuild a theater there

 

[JSTX]

Or they will just become models for whatever property comes next... I am sure Disney has other locations planned.

 

[WALTSAGOD]

Or they will just become models for whatever property comes next... I am sure Disney has other locations planned.

Models for Hawaii?

 

[mearshon]

I would think in due time that they would move the models to another location. Disney would probably want prospective buyers to see the newer properties. I would think that it would be smart to put models at BLT (When it is finished) because of the close proximity to Magic Kingdom and not disrupting a families day trying to sell them on DVC.
How long were the models at the Boardwalk before they were moved to SSR?

 

[jekjones1558]

How long were the models at the Boardwalk before they were moved to SSR?

Actually, there still is a model at the BWV. The offices were gutted a few years ago and made into additional units.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I would think in due time that they would move the models to another location. Disney would probably want prospective buyers to see the newer properties. I would think that it would be smart to put models at BLT (When it is finished) because of the close proximity to Magic Kingdom and not disrupting a families day trying to sell them on DVC.
How long were the models at the Boardwalk before they were moved to SSR?

Personally, I think it will be a LONG time before you see models anywhere else. SSR makes sense. It's centrally located. Easy to construct new models at AND it's adequate in size to hold the sales and supporting staff. Don't forget it's not just the models themselves but the supporting personnel.

I think DVC Sales is at its permanent home. Time will likely prove me wrong but I think it will be a LONG time. Just MHO.

 

[tjkraz]

The models are sort of a "building inside of a building." When AKV sales are wrapping up, I'm sure they will break down walls and make whatever adjustments are necessary to mirror the newest room layout. Furnishings could be recycled for use in guest rooms (assuming they haven't been damaged by traffic at the sales center.)

I agree there is no pressing need to relocate the sales center anytime soon. They sold out of the BoardWalk for about 7-8 years and were mostly forced to leave by a lack of space. It didn't hurt that they recaptured the space occupied by the sales center and built more villas.

At SSR they created a sales center to meet their long-term needs. Between the model rooms and video presentations, they can cover most bases when presenting other resorts. And if guests really want to experience a resort first-hand, it isn't far away.

With space being at a premium for the Deluxe add-on resorts (AKV, BLT, perhaps Poly and GF to follow) I can't see them building a sales center at any of those locations. Perhaps if (when) they invest in another stand-alone DVC they will look into relocating.

 

[Terry S]

When BCV was built the sales center was still over at the Boardwalk and they had a BCV model at the Boardwalk. They also built a model room on the lower level of BCV for members to look at. The DVC rep at the model told me it was for those staying at BCV in a studio to see what a 1 bdrm and 2 bdrm would look like.

 

[RobDoc]

The first resort to have it's own models in addition to those at the Sales Center was VWL. When VWL sales began, the models were at the BWV Sales Center and they had a lock-off 2BR villa designated as an on-site model for members to view. When VWL sold out, the on-site model just became a guest villa.

When BCV began sales, the same thing happened. The tour model was located at BWV Sales Center, but an on-site model (2BR lock-off) was available on the first floor of the BCV. When BCV sold out, the on-site model just became a regular guest villa.

SSR now has the models and they are located in the former Cinema from DI. I expect that once Kidani opens next Spring there will be a model villa onsite for viewing (possibly even a GV) until that resort sells out and I would anticipate the same thing at BLT, assuming it does not sell out before it opens on September 1, 2009.

THV will be probably be slightly different. Due to the unique floorplan, I expect that there will be one unit used as a model in addition to models at Congress Park (not sure if those are still used as models or not). The model at THV will likely be accessed via van or cart from the Sales Center.

The AKV and BLT models at SSR will not be converted to guest use since they are not in a guest building. BTW, they are building something else in that building right now - there is an access opening on the side opposite the AKV models - possibly GCV?

 

[hakepb]

As an SSR owner/guest, I would love for that building to be converted into a food court and/or a place with a character dining. But, due to the above stated reasons, I do not see any conversion happening anytime soon

..or while I'm dreaming, how about a monorail station !

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The layouts of these models are different from the SSR rooms, so Disney can't just swap furnishings and paint and have them look like the other SSR rooms. So will they gut them once the AKV and BLT models are no longer needed at SSR? Seems like such a waste of money.

It's relatively inexpensive to reconfigure the showroom walls and to update the fixtures, furniture, and decor to match whichever DVC resort is in active sales -- especially when that expense is a key part of marketing and selling tens of thousands of new DVC memberships.

The real waste of money would be to move the entire sales center from SSR to someplace else.

When Disney Vacation Development obtained the former Disney Institute, they wound up with surplus non-residential square footage. They made good use of the space in a way that will allow them to use it well into the future.

 

[Disney Spaz]

I agree with other posters. I think it will remain the main sales center for DVC. The sales center alone is pretty big with all those little rooms they send you to in order to go over the purchase privately.