Who is really going buy DVC Hawaii???

[kdzgon]

Certainly some will go for shorter times but even for west coast, I think 5 days will be the minority. From the rest of the country, a full week is the minimum MOST people will go and many won't go unless they can go more than a week and often around 2 weeks or more. Don't get your hopes up about Asia. I don't think they are nearly as active in HI as they were a number of years ago and to most of them, it's just a nice timeshare of which they are a number of others choices that are more aggressive and likely better choices for non WDW options.

I don't "have my hopes up" though - I was just wondering if indeed they are opening an office there. Also, I think the combo of Disney and Hawaii will increase the draw from Asia and likely from the US, too. I suspect that won't apply to seasoned timeshare owners such as yourself, but many people are only willing to consider a timeshare because it is Disney - there is truly a certain amount of brand loyalty there.

Also don't many people split trips among multiple HI islands? The trip may be 7 days or more while the stay at the DVC is 5 days or less. I would imagine this will figure in, as well as people buying with the intent of banking and borrowing for other-than-annual trips.

 

[Dean]

I don't "have my hope up" - I was just wondering if indeed they are opening an office there. Also, I think the combo of Disney and Hawaii will increase the draw from Asia and likely from the US, too. I suspect that won't apply to seasoned timeshare owners such as yourself, but many people are only willing to consider a timeshare because it is Disney - there is truly a certain amount of brand loyalty there.

Also don't many people split trips among multiple HI islands? The trip may be 7 days or more while the stay at the DVC is 5 days or less. I would imagine this will figure in, as well as people buying with the intent of banking and borrowing for other-than-annual trips.

I think you're giving Disney way too much credit. They couldn't sustain themselves at HH and VB, easy drives to WDW so I see no reason to think DVC or Disney will have a significant impact on travel patterns from any group though I'm sure you can find a few people where their usual patterns were affected. HI already has a significant asian connection, Disney may be able to ride those coat tails somewhat. Now if they can generate a DVC at the other Disney locations in Asia, they might be able to get more traction. I would be surprised if they didn't open some type of asian sales office, I don't think it'll be nearly enough by itself.

I don't know the % of people that spend less than a week on each island, I'm sure there are quite a few. That's one of the reasons I suggested they need more than one resort on more than 1 island. Still, I suspect the majority will spend a full 6-7 days on at least one island. Oahu is likely the one people are most likely to spend a few days then move to another island.

Don't get me wrong, as a member, the more options and choices I have the better. It's just that looking at the layout, past and future approaches and the demographics and distances involved, I'm just not optimistic about this project. I truly hope I'm wrong and you can come back later and bug me about it because that increases the chances of other future DVC options.

 

[madthemouse]

If you have ever been or get the opportunity to visit O'ahu and more specifically the Ko Olina area, you'll know why it will sell. This is perhaps the most beautiful part of O'ahu. The sunsets are spectacular. I'm sure that the Disney company did their diligence on information. No one has to look any further then the other resorts, currently in that area that do very well.

 

[Dean]

If you have ever been or get the opportunity to visit O'ahu and more specifically the Ko Olina area, you'll know why it will sell. This is perhaps the most beautiful part of O'ahu. The sunsets are spectacular. I'm sure that the Disney company did their diligence on information. No one has to look any further then the other resorts, currently in that area that do very well.

I lived on Oahu for 3 years and own a week in Ko'Olina. I would have to quibble with the idea it is the most beautiful, basically it's attractive but certainly not not spectacular compared to some other areas. Marriott has had trouble selling their resort there likely due in large part to the economy. Part of the problem is that, unlike other timeshares, DVC doesn't do much to get potential buyers on property and when they do, they don't go after them to do a sales tour.

 

[kdzgon]

I think you're giving Disney way too much credit. They couldn't sustain themselves at HH and VB, easy drives to WDW so I see no reason to think DVC or Disney will have a significant impact on travel patterns from any group though I'm sure you can find a few people where their usual patterns were affected. HI already has a significant asian connection, Disney may be able to ride those coat tails somewhat. Now if they can generate a DVC at the other Disney locations in Asia, they might be able to get more traction. I would be surprised if they didn't open some type of asian sales office, I don't think it'll be nearly enough by itself.

I don't know the % of people that spend less than a week on each island, I'm sure there are quite a few. That's one of the reasons I suggested they need more than one resort on more than 1 island. Still, I suspect the majority will spend a full 6-7 days on at least one island. Oahu is likely the one people are most likely to spend a few days then move to another island.

Don't get me wrong, as a member, the more options and choices I have the better. It's just that looking at the layout, past and future approaches and the demographics and distances involved, I'm just not optimistic about this project. I truly hope I'm wrong and you can come back later and bug me about it because that increases the chances of other future DVC options.

I hope you are wrong for the same reasons you hope you are wrong I'm not sure you are [wrong], I was just asking questions re possible reasons/advantages.

I don't however believe either HH or VB are an accurate point of comparison to HH. I don't feel HH is a "reasonable driving distance" for me (from NJ or WDW) and also when traveling from NJ I didn't want to give up WDW time to visit either resort. (Ironically, once I visited VB (for other reasons) I found it to be the perfect "wind down" from Disney, but I would never have thought so until visiting...) Unlike HI, there is not enough "draw" for me at either destination to plan a longer and/or more expensive travel trip. If I am going to all that expense and effort to travel that long I want to be "wowed" - neither VB nor HH does that for us. I would, however substitute a trip to HI for a WDW vacation.

Of course, until we moved within a relatively short driving distance away, WDW trips were never less than 7 days either - we averaged 9 or 10 days per visit. Somehow, though we were still impressed with the idea of flexibility even if it means nothing more than matching a week's stay to better (ie, non-weekend) travel dates.

Maybe Disney is hoping people will want enough points for 7 days hoping to boost sales - who knows? I think the DVC marketing has been horrible any more so I'm not sure they actually have a clue as to the potential market(s) for this location. I suspect our guesses might be as good or better than theirs right now.

 

[Dean]

I hope you are wrong for the same reasons you hope you are wrong I'm not sure you are [wrong], I was just asking questions re possible reasons/advantages.

I don't however believe either HH or VB are an accurate point of comparison to HH. I don't feel HH is a "reasonable driving distance" for me (from NJ or WDW) and also when traveling from NJ I didn't want to give up WDW time to visit either resort. (Ironically, once I visited VB (for other reasons) I found it to be the perfect "wind down" from Disney, but I would never have thought so until visiting...) Unlike HI, there is not enough "draw" for me at either destination to plan a longer and/or more expensive travel trip. If I am going to all that expense and effort to travel that long I want to be "wowed" - neither VB nor HH does that for us. I would, however substitute a trip to HI for a WDW vacation.

Of course, until we moved within a relatively short driving distance away, WDW trips were never less than 7 days either - we averaged 9 or 10 days per visit. Somehow, though we were still impressed with the idea of flexibility even if it means nothing more than matching a week's stay to better (ie, non-weekend) travel dates.

Maybe Disney is hoping people will want enough points for 7 days hoping to boost sales - who knows? I think the DVC marketing has been horrible any more so I'm not sure they actually have a clue as to the potential market(s) for this location. I suspect our guesses might be as good or better than theirs right now.

Both HH and VB are a reasonable driving distance to WDW, that was my thinking. HH is 5 hours, VB is 2 hours or so. HH is also a good stop over if you are driving from NJ. It's really hard to know what DVC is thinking on this one. With VB and HH they were assuming people would beat a path to their door because they are Disney and that didn't happen. While both HH and VB are nice resort overall, they do lag behind other comparable resorts in some important areas IMO. However, it really doesn't come down to the resort per se, IMO, but rather the approach. The approach of counting on members to buy and putting adds in magazines and on TV and hoping for the best is simply not going to be enough. The bottom line I feel is that they've got to find a way to get people on the tour AND put at least a little pressure on them to buy then and there, something DVD has NEVER been good at. It works at WDW due to the sheer number of people where it really doesn't matter if they get 0.1% or 2% of the available fresh meat. I feel it WILL matter for HI and any other non park related option. The Marriott next door will be cheaper in all likelihood, just as nice, and have many advantages in that they have 3 different HI resorts plus the other network options. AND they are likely coming out with their own points system in the next couple of years which they already have in place at that resort. The Marriott also does developer deposits generating fresh meat, formally asks non owners (and owners) to tour, gives tour incentives ($75-100) and does previous tours (cheaper stays with the built in requirement to tour). Thus to me the bottom line is that either they become more aggressive on the sales side OR the resort does not sell well, it will not sell itself in all likelihood.

 

[geoffrey]

Last month, we stayed at Ko Olina.

Bottom line: It is wonderful!

I never expected that I would ever vacation on Oahu again. I was really tired of everything there. But this last vacation totally changed my mind. It is absolutely wonderful out at Ko Olina. You get to enjoy the good things on Oahu without having to deal will all of the problems of staying in other areas

I have been meaning to start a thread with pictures from the area. I will try and get them together and post them soon

 

[snackyx]

Last month, we stayed at Ko Olina.

Bottom line: It is wonderful!

I never expected that I would ever vacation on Oahu again. I was really tired of everything there. But this last vacation totally changed my mind. It is absolutely wonderful out at Ko Olina. You get to enjoy the good things on Oahu without having to deal will all of the problems of staying in other areas

I have been meaning to start a thread with pictures from the area. I will try and get them together and post them soon

In addition for our DVC points we own a 2 bedroom, ocean view
at Marriott's Ko Olina (one week/year) and typically go every year from Michigan. It is a terrific resort/location. Whether DVC can make a go of it is a good question--I do think it will appeal more to west coasters. My guess is that the Hawaii resort may be easier to book at the seven month window.

On another note--does anyone know the approx. opening date in Hawaii? Has Disney given any indication when a point chart will surface? We are looking to book back-to-back weeks with DVC and Marriott--we can literally WALK our luggage from one resort to the other.

 

[Dean]

In addition for our DVC points we own a 2 bedroom, ocean view
at Marriott's Ko Olina (one week/year) and typically go every year from Michigan. It is a terrific resort/location. Whether DVC can make a go of it is a good question--I do think it will appeal more to west coasters. My guess is that the Hawaii resort may be easier to book at the seven month window.

On another note--does anyone know the approx. opening date in Hawaii? Has Disney given any indication when a point chart will surface? We are looking to book back-to-back weeks with DVC and Marriott--we can literally WALK our luggage from one resort to the other.

2011 is the official opening listed though I don't think I've seen much to pin point it beyond that. I have seen rumors that it might be pushed back a bit, possibly to at least 2012.

 

[SusanWasHere]

I won't buy there, but definitely do plan to visit once it's done! I don't think I could afford to go and pay for a hotel in that location, so going on points will make the airfare from NJ seem not as painful. I've always wanted to go to Hawaii, and now will have a place to go. I can't wait!!

 

[Dean]

I won't buy there, but definitely do plan to visit once it's done! I don't think I could afford to go and pay for a hotel in that location, so going on points will make the airfare from NJ seem not as painful. I've always wanted to go to Hawaii, and now will have a place to go. I can't wait!!

Current DVC members have made up a significant portion of the sales at all resorts following OKW. I recall very few that have said they want to visit this resort most years and/or buy the majority of their points there. Actually there were very few that even said they wanted an add on there. Of course the specifics will affect the actual decision that we members and nonmembers make.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

HHI and VB have the highest dues of all DVC. They too are beach properties. Why would Ko Olina DVC be any different? I think this will be a big deterrent for sales.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

We probably will buy in Hawaii. It depends on the price and how it compares to buying Marriot there. I know Disney will do an amazing job, but Oahu is not my favorite island. We definately look forward to owning in Hawaii and going every other year at least!

 

[Dean]

HHI and VB have the highest dues of all DVC. They too are beach properties. Why would Ko Olina DVC be any different? I think this will be a big deterrent for sales.

The Marriott's there have dues about 50% more than comparable US MVCI properties including HH at around $1500 for a 2 BR for a week. Making a lot of assumptions that would put dues at around $6 a point or more OR cause them to escalate the number of points to keep the pp dues in check. It will be interesting where the points, seasons and costs end up.

 

[SusanWasHere]

Does anyone have any thoughts when points and dues information may be coming out? It will be interesting to see

 

[DVC92]

The Hawaii property may never be a part of DVC. In the current purchase agreement for BLT, and I am sure the other DVC properties, there is a clause that the Hawaii location is the only property that may never become part of the Club.

 

[Chuck S]

The Hawaii property may never be a part of DVC. In the current purchase agreement for BLT, and I am sure the other DVC properties, there is a clause that the Hawaii location is the only property that may never become part of the Club.

That is a standard disclaimer for all proposed resorts during construction. When we purchased in 1992, we had a similar disclaimer for any future or proposed DVC resorts.

People buying AKV had a similiar disclaimer for BLT while it was under construction. It isn't "DVC" until it is declared into inventory and begins selling.

 

[Pluto 2]

i will just try to get in on the 7 month window.

 

[Dean]

Does anyone have any thoughts when points and dues information may be coming out? It will be interesting to see

I'm guessing the earliest we'll know is around early 2011 but more likely mid to late 2011. IF it opened on time based on their original plan (unlikely) it'd likely be the end of 2010.

The Hawaii property may never be a part of DVC. In the current purchase agreement for BLT, and I am sure the other DVC properties, there is a clause that the Hawaii location is the only property that may never become part of the Club.

As noted, that is standard language. If this resort happens as a timeshare, they really must have it as part of DVC for sales purposes. They need to have current members buy add ons, potential members chose HI as their home resort that were already considering DVC and as a sales tool for others that are looking to buy there. Now what I could see IF they could come up with 1 or 2 more HI resorts would be an additional reservation window that only HI owners could utilize before others had the chance to reserve there.

 

[taysmom]

so is everyone thinking that this resort will be selling for more than the current BLT point price? And the points will be double the regular dvc resort points?
I am in cali and before purch. dvc I went to hawaii annually at thanksgiving. Which is NOT considered a "holiday" time period on the island although I'm sure disney will market the points in their high season or holiday time slot. I was looking forward to a possible add on and using my current points to add hawaii back into the fold as a vacation option. After reading this thread..I don't know anymore.

However all of the people posting about airfare are right on the money. It is much less expensive for me to travel to hawaii (5hr flt) than WDW (5hr flt). Which really confuses me.

Of course my biggest hope is that they bring back the 25 point min. purch if you are a current member. Raising it to 100 when VGC opened was wrong. I just want the 11 month window ya know!~