What's the Next DVC Property?

[Sandisw]

We know where Reflections was going. It was on the River Country site. I didn't realize that was up for debate. We also know from former VP of Resorts Bob Holland that the plot of land between TTC and Contemporary, the site of the proposed Eisner-era Mediterranean Resort, is buildable. (Link)

My random thoughts about PVB2.

There's a lot of discussion online, including from DVCFan, that this has to be a new condo association because it's new construction. I don't think that's going to happen. Here's why.

1) Project Timeline. This project has been in play since before the original Poly DVC flip. Tikiman first discussed it on his Web site back in 2012. It was always a two phase project, the first phase of which was up for debate but end up being the hotel conversion. I have no doubt Disney didn't plan on waiting this long to do Phase 2.

2) Expiration Date. Poly opened in 2015. It expires in 2066. Adding on to the existing condo association just makes sense, since there's going to be 42 years left on the contract when the expansion opens in 2024. This isn't a Wilderness Lodge situation where a 20 year gap exist between phases. For comparison, The Villas at Grand Floridian opened in 2013 and the expansion will open in 2022 (9 year gap).

3) Selling Point: All Room Types. The resort would now have all available room types including deluxe studios, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom units with premium view options. In addition, it would have 2 bedroom bungalows. There's even some speculation there may be a few tower studios. This thing will sell.

4) Reallocation Potential. The bungalows are not being used as expected. If you were going to reallocate points at a resort, this would be one to do it at. There will be a minimal impact to owners because of all the studios, new room types and premium view options. Getting the bungalows down to a 15-20% point premium over the Copper Creek cabins would do a lot for their occupancy.

5) Press Release Language. The language in the press release consistently refers to this an expansion.

Orlando, FL (March 15, 2022) – Today, Disney Vacation Club announced proposed plans to develop new Disney Vacation Club villas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

“It’s no secret that our Members and Guests love the monorail resorts at Walt Disney World,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “Expanding our Disney Vacation Club offerings at the Polynesian would give our Members and Guests yet another incredible option for staying close to the magic while making vacation memories that last a lifetime.”

Inspired by the early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Imagineers of today are honoring the past while furthering the resort story with this innovative addition. Projected to open in late 2024, the proposed vacation ownership property would complement the existing resort and evoke the spirit of the Pacific Islands.

Situated on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, the proposed property would join the rest of the resort in offering stunning views of the Magic Kingdom. Proposed plans would offer additional rooms, new recreation offerings and dining options. More information and project details will be shared at a later date.

Since 2015, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows has been a favorite resort destination, offering an island paradise in the middle of the magic. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows currently has 380 Disney Vacation Club villas, including the largest Deluxe Studios at any Disney Vacation Club resort at Walt Disney World and unique two-bedroom Bora Bora Bungalows, located over the waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon – the first of their kind at Disney.

Those highlighted words can also be referring to the resort itself as It does not refer to it specifically in relation to the Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. It actually says new DVC coming to Disney Polynesian Village Resort.

I think the mention at the bottom about the villas may simply say those are a popular part of the resort and these new rooms will be too.

So, I just don’t think we know and the fact that it said complement not add was meant to leave us hanging!!

 

[The Jackal]

I would take the other side of that bet. It’s shovel ready and on Seven Seas Lagoon; it’s the only plot of land like that.

Now, will it be used for a DVC? I am much more skeptical there.

No it is not. First it is on Bay lake. Second there is a plot of land just above BLT, that was cleared in the 60’s and was supposed to be one of the original 4 monorail resorts. It is used for storage of trailers and a parking lot. Yes it is good solid land.

 

[tiana1989]

I promise. Yes. It’s dead.

Whatever they build on that spot in the future will be significantly different from what they announced a few years ago.

Oh, I wasn’t referring to what they’ll do with the plot of Reflections land. I have no clue. I just meant this Poly concept art from yesterday looks very similar to the Reflections concept art, so I was just making the joke that they bumped Reflections to the Poly spot and will just make some thematic adjustments. I guess we’ll see when they start releasing interior concept art, but I would not be surprised if it’s just a Moana/Lilo version of Reflections lol.

 

[Jwaire]

Oh, I wasn’t referring to what they’ll do with the plot of Reflections land. I have no clue. I just meant this Poly concept art from yesterday looks very similar to the Reflections concept art, so I was just making the joke that they bumped Reflections to the Poly spot and will just make some thematic adjustments. I guess we’ll see when they start releasing interior concept art, but I would not be surprised if it’s just a Moana/Lilo version of Reflections lol.

I don't absolutely hate it like most people, I would have preferred a more Aulani-like tower. I'm a theming person. Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian and Animal Kingdom Lodge are my favorite resorts. Disney's current design firm definitely has a style. Reflections, Disneyland Tower and now Poly Tower have the same elements. It ranks about the same as Bay Lake Tower, which a lot of people find ugly and out of step with the A frame.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

It ranks about the same as Bay Lake Tower, which a lot of people find ugly and out of step with the A frame.

The A frame itself is an UGLY building. It's cool that the monorail runs through it, but that thing is hideous. If they announced something that looked like that in 2022, people would be rioting in the streets.

 

[CraigInPA]

No it is not. First it is on Bay lake. Second there is a plot of land just above BLT, that was cleared in the 60’s and was supposed to be one of the original 4 monorail resorts. It is used for storage of trailers and a parking lot. Yes it is good solid land.

Currently used as a backstage area, and includes several buildings (so we know it can be built upon). There is actually a tremendous amount of land back there, fronting onto Bay Lake. If you've stayed at BLT on the North side, you'll also see that the Ferry boat maintenance and storage facility is back there. The original monorail design was re-routed to bypass it. With the current cost of monorail construction, it's not going to ever get monorail service.

I could see this someday developed into something, perhaps a resort with its own entrance to MK, or fronted on Bay Lake with water service to MK (like Wilderness lodge and Fort Wilderness).

 

[wnielsen1]

5) Press Release Language. The language in the press release consistently refers to this an expansion.

Orlando, FL (March 15, 2022) – Today, Disney Vacation Club announced proposed plans to develop new Disney Vacation Club villas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

“It’s no secret that our Members and Guests love the monorail resorts at Walt Disney World,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “Expanding our Disney Vacation Club offerings at the Polynesian would give our Members and Guests yet another incredible option for staying close to the magic while making vacation memories that last a lifetime.”

Inspired by the early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the Imagineers of today are honoring the past while furthering the resort story with this innovative addition. Projected to open in late 2024, the proposed vacation ownership property would complement the existing resort and evoke the spirit of the Pacific Islands.

Situated on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, the proposed property would join the rest of the resort in offering stunning views of the Magic Kingdom. Proposed plans would offer additional rooms, new recreation offerings and dining options. More information and project details will be shared at a later date.

Since 2015, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows has been a favorite resort destination, offering an island paradise in the middle of the magic. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows currently has 380 Disney Vacation Club villas, including the largest Deluxe Studios at any Disney Vacation Club resort at Walt Disney World and unique two-bedroom Bora Bora Bungalows, located over the waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon – the first of their kind at Disney.

But, why they didn't just come out and say it is in the existing association (like they did for VGF2)? At a minimum, they are keeping their options open. The new building, if a separate association, does not have to have a 50 year life. BCV didn't, VWL didn't. If they want to line up expirations dates, they can. It will sell either way.

 

[Sandisw]

But, why they didn't just come out and say it is in the existing association (like they did for VGF2)? At a minimum, they are keeping their options open. The new building, if a separate association, does not have to have a 50 year life. BCV didn't, VWL didn't. If they want to line up expirations dates, they can. It will sell either way.

That is what is so puzzling because they did say this was an expansion, but of the resort not the villas specifically.

I do wonder if they are waiting to see how sales of VGF go with new buyers before deciding exactly which way to go! Once it’s outs there, it wouod be very hard to change it up!

 

[tiana1989]

I would be very concerned with Poly 2 folding into the existing association if I were a Riviera resale buyer. They’ve had the future resorts to look forward to so the points didn’t seem as limited, but now with Reflections cancellation and VGF2 joining the O14, they’re really locked into Riviera for the near future. It’s one thing if you’re obsessed with Riv and ok with staying there forever, but if anyone talked themselves into it with the belief that their points would extend to other properties over time, this would really sting. I hope that if Poly 2 is part of the existing association (which is what I personally want), they drop the restrictions on Riv.

Also, I think some of us were hoping that VGF2 sales blowing Riv out of the water would send a message to Disney just how much people don’t like the restrictions (if that actually happens), but I could see this announcement slowing the VGF2 sales because there will definitely be a group of buyers who were interested in VGF2 as the shiny new monorail option but prefer Poly and will now be holding out for that. Sigh.

 

[Sandisw]

I would be very concerned with Poly 2 folding into the existing association if I were a Riviera resale buyer. They’ve had the future resorts to look forward to so the points didn’t seem as limited, but now with Reflections cancellation and VGF2 joining the O14, they’re really locked into Riviera for the near future. It’s one thing if you’re obsessed with Riv and ok with staying there forever, but if anyone talked themselves into it with the belief that their points would extend to other properties over time, this would really sting. I hope that if Poly 2 is part of the existing association (which is what I personally want), they drop the restrictions on Riv.

Also, I think some of us were hoping that VGF2 sales blowing Riv out of the water would send a message to Disney just how much people don’t like the restrictions (if that actually happens), but I could see this announcement slowing the VGF2 sales because there will definitely be a group of buyers who were interested in VGF2 as the shiny new monorail option but prefer Poly and will now be holding out for that. Sigh.

The only plus to this is that if this does indeed become part of the current condo association at Poly, it means DVD has decided having restrictions isn’t a good thing and more than likely will reverse them.

So, those with RIV could very well end up with unrestricted points like everyone else. I do not see DVD leaving RIV as the sole resort with them.

But, the future resorts was only for direct points and no matter what happens, those who bought direct points at RIV for future resorts still get to use at the new tower. Resale RIV would be locked regardless of the decision unless they are removed as I mentioned above.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

Riviera resale can only ever stay at Riviera under the current restrictions. They would not be able to stay at Poly2 even if new association.

 

[wnielsen1]

I would be very concerned with Poly 2 folding into the existing association if I were a Riviera resale buyer. They’ve had the future resorts to look forward to so the points didn’t seem as limited, but now with Reflections cancellation and VGF2 joining the O14, they’re really locked into Riviera for the near future.

I'm confused. Under current rules, Riv resale buyers can only book at Riv. They're locked into Riv forever (unless Disney changes the rules). Future resorts don't help them.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

I would be very concerned with Poly 2 folding into the existing association if I were a Riviera resale buyer. They’ve had the future resorts to look forward to so the points didn’t seem as limited, but now with Reflections cancellation and VGF2 joining the O14, they’re really locked into Riviera for the near future. It’s one thing if you’re obsessed with Riv and ok with staying there forever, but if anyone talked themselves into it with the belief that their points would extend to other properties over time, this would really sting. I hope that if Poly 2 is part of the existing association (which is what I personally want), they drop the restrictions on Riv.

Also, I think some of us were hoping that VGF2 sales blowing Riv out of the water would send a message to Disney just how much people don’t like the restrictions (if that actually happens), but I could see this announcement slowing the VGF2 sales because there will definitely be a group of buyers who were interested in VGF2 as the shiny new monorail option but prefer Poly and will now be holding out for that. Sigh.

I think you meant to say that you’d be concerned if you were a Riviera direct buyer, not resale buyer. And that is a very good point. If I just bought Riviera direct because of FOMO for future resorts, and yet the only new resorts coming into existence are just add-ons to existing resorts I would be REALLY unhappy. I suppose I could somewhat understand with VGF2 because it is more of a refurb, but Poly2 is going to be an entirely new build. If Poly2 is added into the current Poly association I would be asking why in the heck I bought Riviera direct. And DVC would be getting some called from me.

 

[tiana1989]

Ohh no, I actually misunderstood the restriction. I thought Riviera resale were only restricted from using their points at pre-existing resorts, not new builds. So then I guess this wouldn’t help either way, unless the restrictions do go away completely. Sorry about the confusion.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

Ohh no, I actually misunderstood the restriction. I thought Riviera resale were only restricted from using their points at pre-existing resorts, not new builds. So then I guess this wouldn’t help either way, unless the restrictions do go away completely. Sorry about the confusion.

You are correct. If someone buys Riviera resale they can only use those points at Riviera. They cannot use them at any other resort. And if you buy resale at any other non-Riviera resort, you cannot stay at Riviera or any future new resort associations.

 

[The Jackal]

I'm confused. Under current rules, Riv resale buyers can only book at Riv. They're locked into Riv forever (unless Disney changes the rules). Future resorts don't help them.

Yes resale owners at RIV can only use there points at RIV. Unless DVC changes it, which they can, but haven’t, but anything can happen. I do not own RIV and have no desire to, but I wish DVC would get rid of the resale restrictions. They really have no good reason for them. It was OK for resale owners for around 26 years, but now it’s a big deal.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

The A frame itself is an UGLY building. It's cool that the monorail runs through it, but that thing is hideous. If they announced something that looked like that in 2022, people would be rioting in the streets.

Blasphemy!
I love CR and I think the building is very cool, especially at night when it's all lit up.

 

[Jwaire]

Blasphemy!
I love CR and I think the building is very cool, especially at night when it's all lit up.

It's just classic Disney. I do wish they would redo the Grand Canyon Concourse (and maybe a redesign is coming). It's a little stuck in the 90's. Can we get the acrylic trees back?

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

It's just classic Disney. I do wish they would redo the Grand Canyon Concourse (and maybe a redesign is coming). It's a little stuck in the 90's. Can we get the acrylic trees back?

So long as they keep the iconic Mary Blair mosaic mural, go for it. Taking that down would be sacrilege

 

[Royal Consort]

It's just classic Disney. I do wish they would redo the Grand Canyon Concourse (and maybe a redesign is coming). It's a little stuck in the 90's. Can we get the acrylic trees back?

Refurbishing the concourse would be wonderful. It's such an impressive space that has some of its impact taken away by bunched up shops and restaurants. The concourse needs to be the centrepiece.