Will BLT affect WLV, BCV?

[Figment1990]

Hi everyone - new poster here! (but not new to Disney boards in general...)

DH and I are seriously considering buying into DVC - FINALLY! We are still deciding which resort(s) we want as our home resort and among all the pros and cons of each, one of our main concerns is proximity to parks and booking windows. In other words, we know it's best to own where you want to stay, but would like to try other resorts from time to time. We think we've narrowed it down to BCV and/or WLV - mostly b/c we LOVE both resorts, love the resort areas, and they are the smallest and thus, the 11 month booking window is that much more important.

Anyhow, as I was contemplating our DVC resort choices, I found myself thinking, "We'll buy BCV to be near Epcot and WLV to be nearer to MK". Then I thought, maybe we should just buy BCV now, and wait on WLV. Instead, maybe purchase at the "rumored" Bay Lake Tower DVC at the Contemporary since that will be very convenient for trips to MK when kids are little and still in strollers.

Then a lightbulb went off!

I am certain BLT will be a VERY high demand resort - I spent years saying, "If they ever built a DVC on the monorail...." Do any of you think that the demand for BLT will help free up some reservation availability for WLV? I mean, I know there are lots of other great reasons people love WL (I do!), but maybe others will have the same thought process I just did and end up at the contemporary instead (leaving WLV for me to book at a 7 month window sometimes!)

I also saw that someone posted a $120 per point estimate for BLT. Is that the current 'rumored" buy in rate???

Lisa

 

[Cmbar]

HI

I was thinking the same thing and just put out a thread similar to your thinking. We are finally ready to buy DVC but hubby and I don't LOVE AKV so we are struggling with buy Resale at BCV and VWL or wait to see if BLT has some impact on the resales. Most people are telling us not to buy from AKV even if the incentives make it really tempting, because we won't want to be there everytime and it looks like it can be difficult to get into some resorts without owning.

Just curious as to why you are foregoing AKV?

Sure hope some others respond to your post!!

 

[dvcdisney]

I am certain BLT will be a VERY high demand resort - I spent years saying, "If they ever built a DVC on the monorail...." Do any of you think that the demand for BLT will help free up some reservation availability for WLV? I mean, I know there are lots of other great reasons people love WL (I do!), but maybe others will have the same thought process I just did and end up at the contemporary instead (leaving WLV for me to book at a 7 month window sometimes!)

I also saw that someone posted a $120 per point estimate for BLT. Is that the current 'rumored" buy in rate???

Lisa

I agree that BLT will be one of the high demand DVC resorts. However, I think BLT is a different type of resort compared to VWL. So, in essence, there may be a decrease in the number of guests booking for VWL when BLT becomes available, but I believe you'll find that VWL will remain to attract many because of its theme and location. I, too, love VWL. We don't own there so we've only stayed there 4-5 times. But, for us, we will continue to go to VWL for the resort and not always for the location.

 

[tfc3rid]

I think regardless of sales at a Contemporary DVC, that due to the sheer number of new members, demand will be higher than ever and the 11 month booking window will be ever more important if you care where you stay.

 

[photobob]

You pose an interesting question. I've got to think that BLT will definitly be a sought after stay with it being next door to MK and on the monorail loop. The effect it will have on availability at other resorts is a good question. There will be more rooms to choose from with the addition, but there will also be more people making those room requests.

As far as the rumored rate being $120 pp, it is just that-a rumor. I'm not saying that it isn't right, no one knows yet. Heck, they haven't even officially said that it is a DVC property.

 

[ldo]

I predict that if Holiday Decor is up, VWL will be booked solid and very little avail. at 7 months. I could see BLT affecting other times, though.

 

[jeanninepl]

Hi everyone - new poster here! (but not new to Disney boards in general...)

DH and I are seriously considering buying into DVC - FINALLY! We are still deciding which resort(s) we want as our home resort and among all the pros and cons of each, one of our main concerns is proximity to parks and booking windows. In other words, we know it's best to own where you want to stay, but would like to try other resorts from time to time. We think we've narrowed it down to BCV and/or WLV - mostly b/c we LOVE both resorts, love the resort areas, and they are the smallest and thus, the 11 month booking window is that much more important.

Anyhow, as I was contemplating our DVC resort choices, I found myself thinking, "We'll buy BCV to be near Epcot and WLV to be nearer to MK". Then I thought, maybe we should just buy BCV now, and wait on WLV. Instead, maybe purchase at the "rumored" Bay Lake Tower DVC at the Contemporary since that will be very convenient for trips to MK when kids are little and still in strollers.

Then a lightbulb went off!

I am certain BLT will be a VERY high demand resort - I spent years saying, "If they ever built a DVC on the monorail...." Do any of you think that the demand for BLT will help free up some reservation availability for WLV? I mean, I know there are lots of other great reasons people love WL (I do!), but maybe others will have the same thought process I just did and end up at the contemporary instead (leaving WLV for me to book at a 7 month window sometimes!)

I also saw that someone posted a $120 per point estimate for BLT. Is that the current 'rumored" buy in rate???

Lisa

This is exactly what my DH are thinking. We have been thinking about DVC but the idea of being on the monorail is so appealing and we have stayed at, and love, The Contemporary.

AKL sounds like a great deal with incentives, but its not on the monorail and I have the feeling BLT will be very hard to book at that 7 month window if you do not own there!

 

[El&Asmom]

There are also many people that don't love the Contemporary, (like any other resort). We would much prefer to stay at VWL over BLT since both are close to MK where we spend most of our time. BLT has very little appeal other than location and the monorail.

 

[njmeisje]

El&AsMom,
I totally agree. I "want" to love BLT, but the Contemporary does nothing for me. But I would love to stay at VWL. So I think while some folks are drawn away to BLT, others will be drawn to VWL & BCV.

 

[drusba]

Don't believe demand for BCV or VWL will lpwer, and it could go higher, if my guess is correct, which is: it is not that the purchase price for BLT will be off the charts, but instead it will have nightly point requirements year round that will be 15% to 20% higher than VWL or BCV for like size rooms. If that occurs, there will be a lot of short term demand for BLT at 7 months out that might usually go to BCV or VWL by members wanting to try it once but a large percentage of those same members may never go back because of point cost, and you will have a number of BLT members eventually trying to move to BCV or VWL at 7 months out for lower point cost. In other words, BLT could ultimately have the opposite effect on BCV and VWL by raising demand for them.

 

[Mississippian]

Don't believe demand for BCV or VWL will lpwer, and it could go higher, if my guess is correct, which is: it is not that the purchase price for BLT will be off the charts, but instead it will have nightly point requirements year round that will be 15% to 20% higher than VWL or BCV for like size rooms. If that occurs, there will be a lot of short term demand for BLT at 7 months out that might usually go to BCV or VWL by members wanting to try it once but a large percentage of those same members may never go back because of point cost, and you will have a number of BLT members eventually trying to move to BCV or VWL at 7 months out for lower point cost. In other words, BLT could ultimately have the opposite effect on BCV and VWL by raising demand for them.

I think you've hit he nail on the head here. As much as I like the idea of BLT, I worry that the point chart may be so high that BLT members will be able to essentially take over other resorts if they don't like their own.

 

[wildernessDad]

I don't think that VWL will be affected that much because it is a very small resort compared to BLT.

It will be interesting to see the points chart for BLT. It may price nearly all but those who buy in there from wanting to stay there if the required number of points is too high.

 

[AKV707]

I think demand for VWL and BCV will still be as high as ever when and if BLT, CRV, CV or whatever it will be called becomes a reality. They are both small resorts that are very popular with great proximity to parks. SO I would say that the 11 month window at BCV or BWV will still be valuable.

And for what it is worth, AKV is a tremendous resort as well.

 

[Figment1990]

Just curious as to why you are foregoing AKV?

AKV is not 100% off our "short list." In fact, when I saw the planned room photos I fell in love with the decor and the kitchen and all the "buzz" about it has been nothing but positive! We try to visit AKL on each trip b/c it is so unique and has such a wonderful atmosphere. However, we actually have never stayed at the AKL because we are fearful about the transportation (although I have no actual experience on which to base my fears). We currently love the MK, Epcot and MGM (whoops - DHS) better than AK, but with a new baby boy, we are sure we will stay at AKL/V at least few times, regardless of whether and where we join DVC.

However, someone suggested to me that the planned size of AKV would enable it to be booked at the 7 month window more easily than booking the "smaller" resorts of BCV and WLV at the 7 month point.

Thank you everyone for all your feedback so far - I'm definitely leaning towards purchasing WLV and/or BCV (or AKV, as I stated above). We really do LOVE WLV (I actually prefer WL over the Poly sometimes) and buying at BLT would really be only for the convenience.

 

[drusba]

AKV is not 100% off our "short list." In fact, when I saw the planned room photos I fell in love with the decor and the kitchen and all the "buzz" about it has been nothing but positive! We try to visit AKL on each trip b/c it is so unique and has such a wonderful atmosphere. However, we actually have never stayed at the AKL because we are fearful about the transportation (although I have no actual experience on which to base my fears). We currently love the MK, Epcot and MGM (whoops - DHS) better than AK, but with a new baby boy, we are sure we will stay at AKL/V at least few times, regardless of whether and where we join DVC.

However, someone suggested to me that the planned size of AKV would enable it to be booked at the 7 month window more easily than booking the "smaller" resorts of BCV and WLV at the 7 month point.

Thank you everyone for all your feedback so far - I'm definitely leaning towards purchasing WLV and/or BCV (or AKV, as I stated above). We really do LOVE WLV (I actually prefer WL over the Poly sometimes) and buying at BLT would really be only for the convenience.

Bus transportation at AKV tends to be fairly good, particularly because you do not share with any other resorts (BCV and VWL do for some locations). You are likely correct that the AKV size, once done, will mean that getting it 7 months out will not be difficult most times of year, as long as you want savanna point cost rooms which will be close to 80% of the entire resort. Just note that in considering where to buy, you do have the end date issue -- BCV and VWL expire 2042 and AKV 2057.

 

[jerseygal]

Would love some Kidani Pool info......

I've been told Jambo will not have dedicated 2 BR's...Since we are interested in that, we will be limited to booking at Kidani I suppose...

Some have said that the AKL Kidani will appeal to those with younger children with interactive water areas....

Anyone know how deep the pool will be? I've been told the Kidani Pool will be smaller than the AK pool??????????????

Thanks for any infor!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[spiceycat]

if the one in Hawaii and Cal are both big success then would think that WDW DVC resort would all have high demand.

ca is not too big - so it won't be a problem. but isn't the one in Hawaii big - not as big as SSR but bigger than BLT?

now the monrail - lots of people, who would have brought DVC, say they won't buy without a monrail.

so no matter the price - can't see these people going away.

own mostly at OKW - but have small contracts at BWV and VWL.

so you could do that have your big contract at AKV or BWV - both have value or standard points requirement (so you get most for less - IMO) -

then get VWL.

BCV is definitely more demand and higher costs - that say the preferred points at BWV and the regular points at BCV are the same.

 

[spiceycat]

jerseygal - this is all DVC is saying

Scheduled to open early 2009 at Kidani Village:

Barbeque Pavilion
Fire up the grills, and picnic alfresco or in the covered area located near the sports courts of Kidani Village.

Basketball and Shuffleboard Courts
Shoot some hoops at the half-court, or slide on over for a gripping game of shuffleboard. Use of equipment is complimentary and available at Community Hall.

Community Hall
Looking for rainy day activities? Drop by for planned activities, arts and crafts, board games, table tennis, foosball, Sony PlayStation®2, or downtime TV viewing.

Johari Treasures
Find fascinating gifts, Disney Vacation Club logo merchandise, toys or various sundries and groceries you may need. Located in the lobby, this shop has what you are looking for — including complimentary DVD rentals for Disney Vacation Club Members.

Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center
Work out with weights or on treadmills, bicycles or elliptical cross trainers. Located near Samawati Springs Pool, this fitness center is open to all Walt Disney World® Guests over 14 years of age; an adult must accompany Guests under age 18 at all times.

Safari So Good Arcade
Test your arcade skills while you play classic and new games in this high-tech entertainment room located near the lobby.

Samawati Springs Pool
Cool off in this zero-entry pool that features a 128-ft. long water slide. Take relaxation to a whole new level in one of the two whirlpool spas near the main pool, or refresh at Maji Pool Bar.

Tennis Court
Grab a partner and serve up some fun on the courts near the Barbeque Pavilion. Use of equipment is complimentary and available at Community Hall.

Uwanja Camp
Climb elevated-rope bridges, dash through geyser jets, or relax in the waterfall lagoon or beneath the shade of the camp cabanas in this village playground themed as an animal observation site known as Uwanja Camp — uwanja means "play area." Explore three distinct zones in this children's interactive water-play area — the base camp, the departure zone and the observation station; each area has its own character and activities for age-specific groups.


the pictures had the camp thing as part of the pool.

 

[AKV707]

Would love some Kidani Pool info......

I've been told Jambo will not have dedicated 2 BR's...Since we are interested in that, we will be limited to booking at Kidani I suppose...

Some have said that the AKL Kidani will appeal to those with younger children with interactive water areas....

Anyone know how deep the pool will be? I've been told the Kidani Pool will be smaller than the AK pool??????????????

Thanks for any infor!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't really know much about the pool, only that the pool/water play area is supposed to be impressive.

I do believe that all of the 2 brs in Jambo are lock offs. Kidani willhave dedicated and lock offs.

Between the lodge and Kidani this is going to be a tremendous resort.