(When) will DVC go “negative”?

[hhisc16]

Both make sense as "expanding the portfolio" locations. But both were also built in IMO second tier locations given "Florida coast" and "Hitlon Head". I assume that was done becuase the land was cheaper.

Disney originally had a prime location on the beach on HHI, but lost the fight with the neighborhood.
What is DHHIR is plan b.

 

[hhisc16]

I suspect they had a certain number of miles they wanted VB to be from WDW. It is very reasonable for a family staying at VB for a week to take a day trip (or two) over to Disney World and visit a park.

I think the Florida Coast options were also limited generally. Do you go upscale with a Disney resort in Naples? Or do you associate Disney with Daytona? So, I think they decided to make it more about the Beach, and a serene setting.

And, for a timeshare, Disney did a good job with VB of trying to make it a resort - a full service restaurant open for two meals a day, a pool bar, and a quick service restaurant, lots of activities and amenities, a strong presence with activities teams, movies on the lawn, Campfire at night, etc. A second pool, originally planned, would have also helped, as would have a larger resort (also originally planned) that would have likely included additional amenities.

Nevertheless, the concept was not what people were looking for. I suspect one of the obstacles they had with selling VB was people saying "where is that exactly?".

My understanding is that HHI had no real issues with selling the first time because - people knew where HHI was, and it is a very small resort.

Based on my research, DHHIR sold out around 2001/2002. Opened in 1996.

 

[Girlstar30]

I suspect they had a certain number of miles they wanted VB to be from WDW. It is very reasonable for a family staying at VB for a week to take a day trip (or two) over to Disney World and visit a park.

I think the Florida Coast options were also limited generally. Do you go upscale with a Disney resort in Naples? Or do you associate Disney with Daytona? So, I think they decided to make it more about the Beach, and a serene setting.

And, for a timeshare, Disney did a good job with VB of trying to make it a resort - a full service restaurant open for two meals a day, a pool bar, and a quick service restaurant, lots of activities and amenities, a strong presence with activities teams, movies on the lawn, Campfire at night, etc. A second pool, originally planned, would have also helped, as would have a larger resort (also originally planned) that would have likely included additional amenities.

Nevertheless, the concept was not what people were looking for. I suspect one of the obstacles they had with selling VB was people saying "where is that exactly?".

My understanding is that HHI had no real issues with selling the first time because - people knew where HHI was, and it is a very small resort.

If the beach was actually swimmable when we went it would make sense to me. And all the mosquitos and everything i really just dont get why they chose VB. I havent been to HHI yet so cant comment on that.

 

[D-Trick]

Williamsburg, VA?

Speaking of over built in Williamsburg-- I stayed at Manor Club earlier this year on an interval getaway and thoroughly enjoyed it (cause the golf is included!) but couldn't help but notice The Colonies at Williamsburg. You gotta feel bad for anyone who owns that half completed timeshare. Thankfully VB's unbuilt area is/was hiding across the street and not smack dab out your window.

 

[Cfabar1]

If the beach was actually swimmable when we went it would make sense to me. And all the mosquitos and everything i really just dont get why they chose VB. I havent been to HHI yet so cant comment on that.

It is swimmable, though some may find the water too cold, or might not want to swim in the ocean due to drop-offs/currents... the noseums are a huge issue everywhere across the Atlantic in Florida - at least from Daytona down to Miami.

The water is not nearly as pretty as the water in South Florida, but I doubt that Lauderdale or further south was considered seriously as a DVC resort, once again given the reputation not exactly being family friendly.

 

[Girlstar30]

It is swimmable, though some may find the water too cold, or might not want to swim in the ocean due to drop-offs/currents... the noseums are a huge issue everywhere across the Atlantic in Florida - at least from Daytona down to Miami.

The water is not nearly as pretty as the water in South Florida, but I doubt that Lauderdale or further south was considered seriously as a DVC resort, once again given the reputation not exactly being family friendly.

It def was very scary when we went and I am a strong swimmer. I cant imagine people with young kids feeling comfortable going into the water like that. The cms did tell us that wasnt typical however, bad luck I guess

 

[VGCgroupie]

I dont think that will happen with the theme park DVC resorts. Almost everyone would enjoy a trip to Disney. Not all people enjoy a trip to say Miami. People have kids, kids like Disney movies and characters. As kids get older they like the trill aspect of rides, but I can say my son while not a teen yet loves thrill rides. We live very close to an amusement park with many thrill rides and he has never once shown an interest in visiting there. There is something about Disney that just pulls people in and keeps them for life. Hence all the Disney adults.

So Disney will increase cash rates just as they increase MF

 

[ShaneDJ]

Disney will increase cash rates just as they increase MF

^^^ Truth.

DVC helps blunt the room costs, at least, and gives us the ability to plan future trips (rather than saying “no way!” like we did in the past). Cash prices for Deluxe properties are insane!

 

[Genie+]

I took the bet on Disney and DVC because it is much more likely than not to stand the test of time.

There seems to always be people/families waiting in the wings - the future guests of WDW/DL. So even when some people have had enough or dialed it down, their spot is quickly replaced by a newcomer or others increasing frequency.

Efficiency is putting more and surplus into the economy. There’s just going to be more and more people vying for the best of everything.

Is Disney in that category? I think so. It is prime for what it is. And it could become more apparent as time goes. WDW in particular - the bubble was absolutely genius! This whole expanse of undeveloped land except for where the Disney things are. It’s a preserve in a way.

WDW is unique and convenient. It’s a playground for all ages on a majorly serious scale. The variety immense. The ability for everybody to safely come and go together or apart. When it comes to repeatability and ability for friends/family to share the experience together, it’s an all-star in the big leagues.

I hedged my bet even further by choosing the location of VGF and even with our small BWV. Should DVC get saturated or booking/trading changes arise and cause issues, this could help. How many resorts could ever be built on 7 Seas Lagoon or Crescent Lake? To me these are the prime real estate - a house on the hill by the river. There’s only ever going to be so many. Not to say other resorts can’t/won’t compete. But there’s a limit in these specific locations and I feel that will help keep them popular and in demand.

Last but not least - it’s still hope for the best, plan for the worse. The worse is maybe my DVC does go to zero. That would suck. I’d survive though because I didn’t bite off more of that risk than I can chew. Hopefully it never comes to that. Hopefully I’ve let myself enough room to pivot and avoid the worst blows.