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Figment!
09-16-2008, 11:58 AM
Future accommodations are rooted in Walt Disney World history





Walt Disney World Press Release
Sept. 16, 2008

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Two highly anticipated resort developments announced today will expand the Walt Disney World experience and continue the rapid growth of Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s innovative vacation-ownership program:

~the 15-story Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is scheduled to join the Disney Vacation Club family of properties in fall 2009, while

~ the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, scheduled to open in summer 2009, will become the next room category offered at that resort.

Disney Vacation Club also announced that Bay Lake Tower sales are scheduled to begin on Sept. 21 for Disney Vacation Club Members, while sales to the general public and sales for the newest phase of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will begin at a later date.

“Our founder, Walt Disney, was well known for having one foot in the past and one in the future,” said Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis. “These new resort developments share that dynamic sensibility, blending modern luxury and design with the nostalgic spirit of two of the most storied resorts in Walt Disney World history.”

The announcement comes during an unprecedented era of growth for Disney Vacation Club, established in 1991 to give families decades of affordable vacations at Disney destinations and beyond. Disney Vacation Club membership has more than doubled since 2004, expanding to include more than 350,000 individuals from approximately 100 countries and every U.S. state.

That membership growth has also driven Disney Vacation Club expansion, inspiring Walt Disney Imagineers to dream up new vacation home opportunities. In addition to Bay Lake Tower and the Treehouse Villas, development continues on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort in California and the recently announced resort at Ko Olina on the island of Oahu.

“What excites me most about this tremendous growth is that we’re not only creating new accommodations, but new experiences,” Lewis said. “Each of the projects we’ve undertaken at Disney Vacation Club is unlike anything previously available in our resort portfolio, and both Bay Lake Tower and the Treehouse Villas proudly build on that tradition.”

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

The new, curvilinear Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is designed to complement the fabled styling of the original building, which opened with the Magic Kingdom Park on Oct. 1, 1971, and featured comedian Bob Hope as master of ceremonies. Mimicking the color palette and strong horizontal lines of its iconic predecessor, the new structure even sports a rooftop lounge inspired by the original resort’s A-frame architecture.

The tower’s crescent shape, hugging lush landscaping, planned recreation options and a lakeside pool, promises to deliver some of the most dramatic views available anywhere at the Walt Disney World Resort. Some villas face scenic, undeveloped stretches of Bay Lake, while others offer spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom Park, located a short walk away.

The views promise to be equally appealing inside the tower’s 295 two-bedroom-equivalent villas, where visionary design meets Disney chic to define the vacation experience. As the closest resort to the Magic Kingdom Park, Bay Lake Tower guests can easily return to their rooms for quick breaks from their busy day in the Park, where they can relax in an inspiring setting offering many of the conveniences of home.

Most of the rooms in this iconic resort will feature innovative touches, such as modern artwork designed specifically for Bay Lake Tower, flat-screen TVs, full kitchens complete with granite countertops and modern appliances, separate bedrooms, washers and dryers, and other home-like amenities. Plus, to accommodate larger families or families traveling together, many Bay Lake Tower vacation villas are designed to sleep up to nine, though some units can also be divided into one-bedroom villas that sleep five and studios that accommodate four, creating flexible options for smaller groups.

“These vacation homes will be furnished with some amazing custom pieces that are works of art unto themselves,” said Imagineer Brian McFarland. “It’s all about maintaining that feel of clean lines and open spaces, with plenty of Disney touches.”

Add to the plans a spacious lobby filled with woven woods and glass-wrapped columns, sweeping views from a rooftop lounge and fireworks viewing deck, and the convenience of a sky bridge linking families to shops, restaurants and the monorail station, and you have a Disney Vacation Club destination that is both practical and fashionable.

Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Meanwhile, nestled in natural forest glens just around the river bend from the bustling Downtown Disney area, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will mark the newest phase of what has become the largest Disney Vacation Club resort. Phase one of the idyllic lakeside community debuted in 2004, and phase three sold out earlier this year.

This new phase will revive Walt Disney World “treehouse living,” a cherished tradition from 1975-2002. While crews are replacing villas of the ‘70s with brand-new vacation homes, Imagineers took special care to honor the original octagonal design.
The construction process itself is unique as each stand-alone Treehouse Villa will come together like a giant 3-D puzzle to ensure both superior quality and environmental sensitivity.

All 60 three-bedroom homes, elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams designed to blend into the forest environment, will sleep nine and are planned to offer modern luxuries such as cathedral ceilings, granite countertops and flat-screen TVs, all presented in a style dubbed “cabin casual.”

“I was lucky enough to have a treehouse as a kid, but it was certainly nothing like this,” said Imagineer Todd Thomasson. “In developing this resort, we’ve all learned a new word, ‘glamping,’ which apparently means glamorous camping. The Treehouse Villas will be glamping at its absolute best.”


Disney Vacation Club is owned by Disney Vacation Development Inc., part of the magic of The Walt Disney Company. To learn more, visit disneyvacationclub.com.

Figment!
09-16-2008, 12:03 PM
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort - FACT SHEET


Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, a Disney Vacation Club Resort, will complement the strong horizontal lines of the original resort while adding its own unique touches, including a fireworks viewing deck, a rooftop lounge, a lakeside pool and much more. Add to that a sky bridge linking the tower to the original resort’s monorail station, restaurants and shops, and you’ve got a new classic Disney resort that allows guests to blow Tinker Bell a kiss goodnight as they relax after a fun day of theme park experiences.

Building upon a Beloved Icon
Bay Lake Tower builds on the celebrated legacy of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, hailed as a modern marvel of American architecture when it opened alongside the nearby Magic Kingdom Park on Oct. 1, 1971. While its innovative design drew early crowds, it was Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s unparalleled convenience that kept families coming back. Today, Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers conveniences unavailable at any other resort hotel, including a monorail station right inside the building, the fine dining and amazing views of the Walt Disney World Resort available at the California Grill, the innovative and healthful dining options served at new restaurant The Wave and the new game arcade and quick-service eatery located on the resort’s fourth floor. Plus, the proximity to the Magic Kingdom Park continually proves to be among the resort’s most popular “amenities,” allowing families to easily return to their rooms for quick breaks from their busy day in the Park.

Bay Lake Tower will take that experience one step further, adding the conveniences of “home” to this world-class vacation destination. Most rooms feature full kitchens complete with granite countertops and modern appliances, separate bedrooms, washers and dryers, and other home-like amenities that will add even more comfort and convenience to the unique experience offered by Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Unparalleled Views
Bay Lake Tower’s crescent-shaped tower will boast some of the most dramatic Walt Disney World views available, offering open sightlines to an amenity-filled courtyard, the picturesque lakefront or one of the most beloved theme parks on earth. The view will be equally appealing on the other side of the window, with rich woods and warm fabrics complementing interior spaces and creating a welcoming, family friendly environment.

Planned Rooftop Lounge and Fireworks Viewing Area
The only view better than the one families will enjoy from their rooms may be the one available* from the exclusive rooftop deck, offering sweeping views of the resort and a dramatic look at Magic Kingdom Park’s fireworks by night. Plus, as an homage to the original, Bay Lake Tower’s rooftop lounge, Top of the World Lounge, was actually inspired by Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s former restaurant of the same name.

*Availability is limited and usage guidelines do apply.

Planned Spacious Lobby
After checking in at the original resort, Guests’ first glimpse of the tower’s interior will be revealed in the lobby area filled with woven woods and glass-wrapped columns. From the area, guests can catch their first look at Bay Lake Tower’s lakeside pool area and outside pool bar.

Planned Bay Cove Pool
Nestled in the shadow of Bay Lake Tower, the resort’s zero entry pool includes a water slide, separate whirlpool spa and an interactive children’s water feature – all overlooking picturesque Bay Lake.

Planned Resort Amenities
Beyond the rooftop lounge, spacious lobby and lakeside pool, Bay Lake Tower will feature a covered outdoor sky bridge that connects to the original resort so that guests can access the monorail as well as the restaurants and merchandise shops Guests love at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Plus, Bay Lake Tower Guests can pamper themselves with room service available through the original resort or make use of Community Hall, an activity center.

Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club is a vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, families enjoy flexible vacations at Disneydestinations worldwide, as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.

Disney Resorts
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts operates 38 resort hotels with more than 35,000 hotel rooms worldwide.

Disney Vacation Club properties include the following eight deluxe resorts:

· Disney’s Old Key West Resort
· Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
· The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
· Disney Beach Club Villas
· Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
· Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
· Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
· Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

Fun Facts

* Disney Vacation Club has doubled its membership since 2004 to include more than 350,000 individual members from each U.S. state and approximately 100 different countries.
* There are 167 miles of post-tensioning cable running through the concrete slabs. These cables could stretch from Bay Lake Tower to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and back.
* There are 1,398 tons of reinforcing steel, known as rebar, within the structure. This is equal to the weight of 254 full-grown elephants.
* Bay Lake Tower rests on a foundation of more than 800 concrete piles that are 16” in diameter and extend 70’ into the ground. Stacked on top of one another, these would reach more than 10 miles into the sky.

Quick Facts
Date Announced:
September 16, 2008

Targeted Completion Date:
Fall 2009

Location/Geography:
Bay Lake Tower is ideally situated between the Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Contemporary Resort with easy access to the monorail

Room Mix:
Bay Lake Tower offers studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The majority of room categories include views of Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom Park

Number of Units:
295 two-bedroom equivalent villas

Planned Resort Amenities:
Zero entry pool with water slide, separate spa and interactive children’s water feature. Exclusive lounge on the top floor with outdoor fireworks viewing area* (* availability is very limited and usage guidelines apply). Covered outdoor sky bridge connects Bay Lake Tower to the existing resort so that guests can access the monorail.

Figment!
09-16-2008, 12:04 PM
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa - FACT SHEET



Nostalgic memories of childhood playtime translate into over-the-treetops family vacation time with the addition of the Treehouse Villas to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Evoking a sense of adventure that makes kids feel more like grownups and grownups feel more like kids, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will combine a dash of luxury and comfort with the nostalgic memories of a childhood fortress.

Walt Disney World’s Long History of Treehouse Living
A cherished Walt Disney World tradition from 1975-2002, the original octagonal treehouse villas were built on pedestals in forested glens, offering Guests breathtaking treetop views of the natural surroundings.

When designing the new Treehouse Villas accommodations, Disney Imagineers went to great lengths to ensure that the new villas would actually lessen the original villas’ footprint. As a result, Disney Imagineers were able to reduce encroachment on the surrounding wetlands by 70 percent for each individual home site.

Treehouse Villas’ Unique Construction Process
Rather than heading to the nearest hardware store to purchase a few 2” x 4”s and a handful of nails, Disney Imagineers will break the typical treehouse mold with the construction of the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The construction process itself is unique, as crews will assemble all 60 vacation homes onsite like a giant 3-D puzzle.

Treehouse Living With All the Comforts of Home
Designed in a style decreed “cabin casual,” the Treehouse Villas will offer much more than the rope ladder and snack stash typically found in childhood treehouses. Elevated 10 feet off the ground, these villas will offer three bedrooms and two baths while comfortably accommodating up to nine Guests. An open kitchen will boast an island sink and a counter area offering seating for three, while a separate dining table will seat up to six. In addition, flat-screen TVs will be found in the living room and each bedroom, giving Guests an opportunity to catch up on the day’s latest news stories or favorite TV shows while relaxing after a fun-filled day at Disney’s theme parks. Throw in cathedral ceilings and granite countertops for a treehouse that surpasses every childhood expectation.

Resort Amenities
The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will feature its own planned pool area, in addition to sharing all that the main resort has to offer, including boat transportation between the Downtown Disney Area and the Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort dock, tennis courts, bicycle rental, a children’s playground, a nearby spa and fitness center and High Rock Spring Pool, which boasts its own water slide and whirlpool spa.

Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club is a vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, families enjoy flexible vacations at Disneydestinations worldwide, as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.

Disney Resorts
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts operates 38 resort hotels with more than 35,000 hotel rooms worldwide.

Disney Vacation Club properties include the following eight deluxe resorts:


· Disney’s Old Key West Resort
· Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
· The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
· Disney Beach Club Villas
· Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
· Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
· Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
· Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort


Fun Facts

* Disney Vacation Club has doubled its membership since 2004 to include more than 350,000 individual members from each U.S. state and approximately 100 different countries.
* Environmental sensitivity was extremely important to Disney Imagineers when constructing the new Treehouse Villas. As a result, 5,178 tons, or 65.22 percent, of materials from demolition were recycled, including concrete and metals.
* When it comes to wiring, Disney Imagineers working on the Treehouse Villas went to great “lengths” to ensure every vacation home runs smoothly. Consequently, there are 87,858 lineal feet, or 16.6 miles, of wire for fiber optics, copper, telephones and CATV.
* To support all 60 Treehouse Villas, there are a total of 480 concrete columns.


Quick Facts
Date Announced:
September 16, 2008

Targeted Completion Date:
Summer 2009

Location/Geography:
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be located within Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa near the Downtown Disney Area

Size:
Three bedrooms, two baths

Number of Units:
60 villas

Number of Guests per Unit:
Villas accommodate up to nine Guests

Bedding Sizes:
Master bedroom – Queen
Second bedroom – Queen
Third bedroom – Bunk
Living room – Queen-size sleeper sofa and sleeper chair

Figment!
09-16-2008, 12:07 PM
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Construction Pictures& Concept art

Figment!
09-16-2008, 12:08 PM
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Construction Pictures & Concept Art

Tekneek
09-16-2008, 12:17 PM
It is clear that I am not the target audience for this announcement, because it doesn't excite me at all. :ill:

SAHDad
09-16-2008, 12:50 PM
It is clear that I am not the target audience for this announcement, because it doesn't excite me at all. :ill:

DW is the target audience for the Contemporary announcement. I have been trying to sell her on DVC for some time, but she hasn't been thrilled with AKL; she's been holding out for Contemporary.

diz_girl
09-16-2008, 01:12 PM
I wonder how many existing DVC members will buy into BLT when the go on sale and how many point will be left over for the general public to buy. There have been a lot of people salivating over this one.

I'd expect BLT (this will make me hungry every time it's discussed) will sell out fast, so that makes me wonder what's the next resort for DVC. If it's the Poly, then I'm in. I think that the Poly and GF are the only Deluxe resorts without DVC, so it's logical that it will be one of those two resorts. If they offer that first to DVC members, then to make sure that I get in, I might just buy a small amount of resale points at some other DVC resort just to get my foot in the door.

LarryBoy
09-16-2008, 01:48 PM
If I had the funds I would buy into Bay Lake Towers tomorrow. Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't this be the first DVC resort on the monorail?

TheRustyScupper
09-16-2008, 02:00 PM
It is clear that I am not the target audience for this announcement, because it doesn't excite me at all. :ill:

1) One could make a good case for a sell=out among DVC owners.
2) I presume there would still be some for the public.
3) Once occupied, I can see the fights for the MK view rooms.
4) Whew!

big blue and hairy
09-16-2008, 03:01 PM
1) 3) Once occupied, I can see the fights for the MK view rooms.

I wonder, will the MK view rooms be more points that the non-MK view?

:sulley:

CaptainJessicaSparrow
09-16-2008, 03:20 PM
We're planning on buying now that it's official. My family was surprised I knew before they did.

Aurora
09-16-2008, 03:27 PM
I wonder, will the MK view rooms be more points than the non-MK view?

:sulley:

I'd put money on that.

Figaro
09-16-2008, 04:03 PM
Finally the official announcement! :mickey: Now I can stop saying more rooms for the Contemp! haha. The pool looks incredible. I can't wait to begin guarding it! It's the first time I've actually seen any renderings of it. Can't wait to be back in Orlando to work the new facilities! :mickey: :thumbsup: :D

diz_girl
09-16-2008, 05:14 PM
Thank you Jason for all of your hard work! I really appreciate the photos and diagrams and I forgot to say so before.

Ian
09-16-2008, 06:00 PM
I wonder how many existing DVC members will buy into BLT when the go on sale and how many point will be left over for the general public to buy ... Count us among those who are buying ... we're meeting with our guide Thursday and will probably sign the papers same day.


I wonder, will the MK view rooms be more points that the non-MK view?I'm pretty sure the point chart is available already and yes ... MK view rooms cost more.

Dawneeeey
09-16-2008, 06:44 PM
Thanks for the update!

One of these days I will convince DH that we should buy in.

:mjump:

dolphinmickey9170
09-16-2008, 07:25 PM
We're planning on buying now that it's official. My family was surprised I knew before they did.

Cool Jess! Karen, Kathy and I will come stay with you any time you wish!:blush:

minniemoomoo
09-16-2008, 08:58 PM
As always Disney has given us so much to enjoy. I can't wait to stay at both properties. Even if it's for one night the Treehouse will be such an adventure that I've seen all my life....
I'm planning our next trip as I write...
:mickey:

Crow
09-16-2008, 09:35 PM
I had a perfect view of the CR ones last wk when i had a room in the main building
the TReehouse ones would appeal to me
doubt if I could ever afford any though

SFTrny
09-16-2008, 09:50 PM
Treehouse Villas are BACK!
Treehouse Villas are BACK!!!
Treehouse Villas are BACK!!!!!

Wahoo for Treehouse Villas!

lockedoutlogic
09-16-2008, 10:12 PM
i was happy when it became clear that they intended on a DVC unit at comtemporary.....

....which was about 10 seconds after the last people checked out of Garden North.....


but now two years later....i can't shake the bummed feeling....

why do we have to keep mass producing units at Saratoga?

granted...they are nicer units.....but seriously....the last thing we need are more peeps booking outta saratoga....

their facilities are already inadequate and overtaxed.....now they have to build 60 more units for 8 people...

you know....it's not just that i LOATHE saratoga....

it's that Disney used to show a little restraint in this....a good restraint...

could VWL been twice as big...or three times? yes
would they have still sold no problem?
yes
same two questions...same two answers with BCV...

Saratoga has gotten out of hand.....it's a mass produced, poorly thought out and constructed....DVC demand factory. Built on the site of an absolute disaster that was Disney Institute

It's not one bit better than OKW....and more points

they've added enough at saratoga....and soon at AKV i believe....to ensure that the 7 month window becomes largely academic....

you know what that sounds like? a traditional timeshare....

....the exact thing that DVC swears they are not....

andypooh
09-16-2008, 11:35 PM
amy guesses on when the BLT will become available to the general public? and will there be anything left??

Tekneek
09-17-2008, 08:48 AM
you know what that sounds like? a traditional timeshare....

....the exact thing that DVC swears they are not....

It must be a cash cow for Disney and they cannot stop going back to the trough for more. Disney will do almost anything for a buck right now and hope to be able to deal with the consequences later. It doesn't seem like there are too many in the marketplace that are concerned about tomorrow either, since many cannot wait to get in.

It seems laughable to me that Imagineering is "inspired" to "dream up" new DVC units. I never ever had the impression that they were motivated by those kinds of things. It sounds more like Disney management is inspired to give preference to Imagineering projects involving the growth of DVC.

doodleboy
09-17-2008, 10:37 AM
It must be a cash cow for Disney and they cannot stop going back to the trough for more. Disney will do almost anything for a buck right now and hope to be able to deal with the consequences later. It doesn't seem like there are too many in the marketplace that are concerned about tomorrow either, since many cannot wait to get in.

Cash cow in many ways to be sure. If WDW could turn every resort room into a DVC, they most certainly would. Think about it. Every time they sell a DVC membership they have built in a long term regular customer. Some of us were visiting annually previous to the creation of DVC, but I am sure to visit annually now. In fact with my DVC being paid off we make the trip twice a year and stay in a resort on the second trip. They are guaranteed your park admission and dining dollars on a regular basis. If you decide not to go you will most likely rent, trade, or even better let your points expire so they can rent the room to someone else. Not to mention they are still collecting a maintenance fee for upkeep. Even more genius is placing them next to existing resorts so that some resources can be shared further reducing costs. As long as they keep selling the magic to folks like us, they will continue to grow.

My question is when are they going to build another gate to handle the increase in visitors, and why do they constantly seem to be cutting budget on things when they are busier than ever?

Imagineer1981
09-17-2008, 11:31 AM
I love that the Contemporary villas have the same style as the original building. I was worried it may not match as well and would ruin the look. The new treehouses should be exciting too!

Now if only I had the money to be DVC member...stupid gas prices

EeyoresBestFriend
09-17-2008, 11:59 AM
I mustn't be as loaded as the rest of you since I cannot afford timeshare.

I am dissappointed that the villas on the Sassagoula will not be available for people like me to get into.

I guess we're are just not what Disney wants.:(

Tekneek
09-17-2008, 11:59 AM
My question is when are they going to build another gate to handle the increase in visitors, and why do they constantly seem to be cutting budget on things when they are busier than ever?

Those are the #1 questions for me right now. Development costs for new attractions, like Midway Mania, aren't as big as they sound when the same basic attraction is put into two parks. So, why are they giving the appearance of going cheap on the parks when revenue/attendance appears to be at least as expected (if not better)?

Does anyone (on the outside) know how the money is breaking down? Where is all the DVC money going? If it was a way to get 90% - 95% of your money spent on WDW alone, that would be a good selling point for me.

Miladymorgane
09-17-2008, 12:11 PM
Just got off the phone with dvc and my mother. She purchased at bay lake towers. going down in a week so i get to see the model rooms. I am so excited!!!!! So everyone knows they told me tommorrow night at 8pm on the travel channel there is going to be a special on BLT. i can't wait to see that view. :mickey::cloud9::mickey:

MickeyMousse
09-17-2008, 12:14 PM
Knew about the CR DVC phase but news to me about the SSR Treehouses!
My oldest DS has been wanting to stay at CR forever, so that would be our next choice of places to stay....that's IF we can get a reservation!!
The SSR treehouses look spacious and nice, but we found SSR to be too out of the way for us.
Thanks Jason for all the info!!!!:thumbsup:

doombuggy
09-17-2008, 12:41 PM
Looks like sales for BLT begin on Sunday 9/21 for those already DVC members. If the price is right, I will have to add-on there - the MK is my favorite park and I have been waiting for this!!

:number1:

harlowandthemermaid
09-17-2008, 01:01 PM
I would love to buy in at BLT but I know we don't have the money for it right now. I like the sound of the rooftop deck!

Ian
09-17-2008, 03:28 PM
Looks like sales for BLT begin on Sunday 9/21 for those already DVC members. If the price is right, I will have to add-on there - the MK is my favorite park and I have been waiting for this!!

:number1:Actually, it's on sale now. We're meeting with our guide tomorrow and probably signing the papers same day.


I mustn't be as loaded as the rest of you since I cannot afford timeshare.

I am dissappointed that the villas on the Sassagoula will not be available for people like me to get into.

I guess we're are just not what Disney wants.:(I'm curious ... have you ever priced DVC? I see from your signature that you've stayed on property at some moderate resorts previously and that you visit pretty regularly.

Not only can you probably afford DVC, but it would probably save you a lot of money. A lot of people, for some reason, assume DVC is not affordable, but when you really take the time and look into it that normally proves not to be the case. Chances are you'd end up coming out ahead.



their facilities are already inadequate and overtaxed.....now they have to build 60 more units for 8 people...

you know....it's not just that i LOATHE saratoga....

Saratoga has gotten out of hand.....it's a mass produced, poorly thought out and constructed....DVC demand factory. Built on the site of an absolute disaster that was Disney Institute

It's not one bit better than OKW....and more pointsWell, I know from reading other posts of yours that you're not a big SSR fan, but I gotta say ... I couldn't disagree more with your assessment of the resort.

I'm not sure what you think is so "poorly thought out" about it and I completely and totally disagree that it's "not one bit better than OKW" ... I've stayed at both and in my opinion SSR is head and shoulders better than run down, worn out, antiquated, smelly Old Key West. We just did a 2BR at OKW in May and I can tell you I won't go back. To me, OKW feels like some cheap, tawdry motel somewhere. Not my thing at all.

Anyway, I guess my point is it's clearly a matter of personal preference as to whether or not you like SSR. I, for one, am quite glad to see them expand our offerings with the treehouses and I'm pretty certain most other SSR owners do, too.


amy guesses on when the BLT will become available to the general public? and will there be anything left??I think it's like October 3rd. Not sure if they'll be anything left ... from what I hear they're moving very, very quickly.


Cash cow in many ways to be sure. If WDW could turn every resort room into a DVC, they most certainly would.Absolutely. It's pure genius, really. They basically outsource the upkeep and maintenance costs to the owners, while at the same time ensuring repeat guests for years to come. It's a brilliant business model.

Ian
09-17-2008, 03:41 PM
I wonder, will the MK view rooms be more points that the non-MK view?

:sulley:FYI the points chart is now available on the DVC member site. Here's a sample:

Adventure Season

Studio Standard View Sun-Thu - 12 points per night
Studio Lake View Sun-Thu - 15 points per night
Studio Magic Kingdom View Sun-Thu - 17 points per night

Studio Standard View Fri-Sat - 23 points per night
Studio Lake View Fri-Sat - 21 points per night
Studio Magic Kingdom View Fri-Sat - 28 points per night

GoinGoofyPlanninThisTrip
09-17-2008, 04:16 PM
The following is based only on the photos posted within this thread...

Personally I think the BLT is going to be a looming eyesore for those in the MK and for those staying elsewhere around the lake. It looks completely unimaginative and not very different from any other ordinary spec condo building you'd see around Florida. Enjoy DVC owners - I will not.

Tekneek
09-17-2008, 06:56 PM
Personally I think the BLT is going to be a looming eyesore for those in the MK and for those staying elsewhere around the lake. It looks completely unimaginative and not very different from any other ordinary spec condo building you'd see around Florida.

I felt the same. It's selling point must be the proximity to the monorail and MK, because I don't see much else going for it. If this is what Imagineering's "inspiration to create new DVC resorts" came up with, I'm legitimately concerned about the quality of that portion of the company these days.

SFTrny
09-17-2008, 07:17 PM
OK...I'm not going to buy into a timeshare either...but I might have to see if I can get a week at the DVC Treehouse Villas once they are open. WHAT FUN!

lockedoutlogic
09-17-2008, 09:01 PM
Ian....

since you just lobbed a softie right over the plate for me....let me give it a whack....

Why do i think saratoga is the most unimaginative, cheaply constructed, horribly inadequate vacation club resort ever (and hopefully will ever be....because i can't take another "deluxe DVC resort"...like this)?

First the history lesson...

Once there was an evil prince of hollywood name mikey eisner....who thought that people would want to go to school on vacation in orlando....
so he took old 70's housing units and turned it into grown up disney school.....and added a couple of wharehouse buildings (ugly ones...at that) in the center to house some demonstration space, a spa, a movie theatre, and a small restaurant

It was called Disney institute.....a somewhat interesting idea....but a complete failure from all angles (profit being the key one)

So in 2001....they pulled the plug.....the spa remained....the rooms emptied.....the internationals moved into the treehouse....


Fast forward to 2003....people from all reaches of the northern US get over their "they're going to get me" 9/11 flying fears.....buy 1000 shares of Enron....and take out a 550K mortgage on an annual household income of 61,500....
and start to swarm to wdw like an outbreak of locusts

Disney thinks....hmmmm....what can we do to exploit this from the timeshare angle?
We know....we'll keep the same old central structures and knock down the old modular prefab units from DI and build new....mass produced modular units thrown up in the caribbean beach style....

let's build 600....wait...they're biting!....900...wait....we've got more land to exploit....new treehouses!!!

But let's just cheap it up by picking a non-theme.....horseracing in new york....which has nothing distinctive to identify itself with....

let's just slap some pastel paint on the building and rooms and call it imagineering.....

Let's take a former cul de sac next to the spa and check in and throw up the main pool....let's make it in the middle of a bunch of pedestrian walkways across from a huge parking lot and the main street through the property.....let's make it the most poorly located pool in all of WDW....no question

let's go ahead turn 90% of the former DI's usuable space and make it offices and model rooms for pushing pork....

Let's....put a weird quickserve/sometimes full serve (based on our new DDP hustle)/ gift shop that is about 500 square feet and call it amenities
(something i'd like to point out that has only been done at POP as is far BETTER at POP....certainly not anthing similar at any other "deluxe" resort)

oh....and we still have the golf bar

let's tuck about 200 units on the back side of the property across from the reedy creek firehouse and a stones throw from service areas.....the most un-disney location at any WDW resort

let's build a second "themed pool" that is basically a oval pool with some fiberglass poles stuck in one end...

and my coup de grace....the piece de resistance....

let's charge almost the same as the boardwalk, beach club, and wilderness lodge in terms of points....and offer nowhere near the incentives to stay there....

let's make it more than OKW which is a practical carbon copy of facilities.....with larger rooms and no pullouts....

let's do this KNOWING that this will never have the kinds of people flock to it like the others.....because it's shoved right next to peddler's village and within earshot of all the central florida tourist gaud that is NOT how disney plans it's resorts to feel like.....

yeah...you can technically walk to the marketplace....which is nice occasionally....

unless of course you have to take a 30 minute walk across the jungle just to get to the point of saratoga that's "conveniently located" next to Downtown....


Let's face it....this is mass produced consumer product here....

it's not beach club....it's not wilderness lodge....it's not animal kingdom lodge....it sure as heck isnt' the polynesian....

it really is very similar to the moderates and values in terms of construction....

but here's the kicker....all the values and moderates have much nicer themes and obviously much more thought and care put into designing the themed elements and grounds....

the moderates....for sure....offer much more pleasing experiences in terms of locals and design....and more food....by the way....



listen....i hold these truths to be self-evident...that not all DVC is created equal....

but just look at the numbers.....she was only closed for a year when the initial construction on Saratoga began....she opend 1-2 years later.....

you know what can get done in imagineering in 2 or 3 years?

NOTHING.....this baby simply didn't have the disney groundwork laid to be much more than a chain hotel....

i'm willing to bet that the person who recommended saratoga and horse racing flew into LaGuardia and never left the skybar....

it's just not a Disney place......other than the view of the rainforest cafe volcano....


and none of this would have mattered.....if they hadn't bothered to charge more than old key west....

old key west and saratoga are very similar.....not alot of dining options.....spread out.....pretty generic exterior entry modular room blocks....boat access to downtown....."light" theming

heck...they're on the same golfcourse!!

but the fact that i have to pay 3 points a night...at least more for a room at saratoga than okw is madness......and only 1 point less than beach club....(based on studios)....

you have to be kidding me!!!!!:mad:



so in closing....ask not what your DVC can do for you....

ask what you can do for them to close saratoga and refund everyone.....:mickey:

Aurora
09-17-2008, 09:45 PM
I felt the same. It's selling point must be the proximity to the monorail and MK, because I don't see much else going for it. If this is what Imagineering's "inspiration to create new DVC resorts" came up with, I'm legitimately concerned about the quality of that portion of the company these days.

The above is definitely its biggest selling points, but from the promo materials it might also have something no other DVC resort has -- awesome sky-high views.

Both the MK and Bay Lake views look like they will be spectacular because of the height of the building.

Other DVC resorts have some great views, but I think BLT's will rival all others.

Figaro
09-17-2008, 11:19 PM
As far as BLT being an eyesore... It never become one for me. I work at CT, WL, and FW and I'm constantly around the lake in one respect or another and we all just kinda got used to it. When in MK, you wont even notice it unless you specifically look for it if you can even end up seeing it. As far as the view being blocked at the CT, yes, the view is a bit different from Bay Lake side, but it really has minimal affect. Seeing fireworks from CT might be a bit different. Overall I think it's nice. I was at first opposed to them building the BLT but it's turned out to be nice soo far. Time will tell what the mass opinion ends up being though...

Jeff T
09-18-2008, 10:12 AM
What's the cost per point at this new DVC resort?

Ian
09-18-2008, 11:22 AM
What's the cost per point at this new DVC resort?It's approximately $112 per point, but I understand there's an incentive (maybe $8 per point) for existing DVC members.

Ian
09-19-2008, 08:03 AM
Sorry ... correction to the incentive ... existing DVC members buying a BLT add-on can currently take advantage of a $5 per point credit.

I've been told, however, that this incentive may not last long depending on how quickly these units sell. If it looks like they'd move briskly at $112 per point the incentive will go away.

mjstaceyuofm
09-19-2008, 12:34 PM
I'm not sure what you think is so "poorly thought out" about it and I completely and totally disagree that it's "not one bit better than OKW" ... I've stayed at both and in my opinion SSR is head and shoulders better than run down, worn out, antiquated, smelly Old Key West. We just did a 2BR at OKW in May and I can tell you I won't go back. To me, OKW feels like some cheap, tawdry motel somewhere. Not my thing at all.

Anyway, I guess my point is it's clearly a matter of personal preference as to whether or not you like SSR. I, for one, am quite glad to see them expand our offerings with the treehouses and I'm pretty certain most other SSR owners do, too.

:offtopic:

I've never stayed at SSR and to my recollection I don't think I've ever bashed it... but all I have to say is wait 15 years and tell me about how SSR is not "run down, worn out, antiquated, and smelly."

We own at OKW and really do like it a lot. I like the laid back atmosphere - but I did notice on our last trip to there a few weeks ago in August that the place had some of the same feel to me as it did to you. Each room needs a massive upgrade - flat panel TV's, iPod docks/alarm clocks, serious maintenance on all the HVAC, new paint, thorough scrubbing, windows that don't sweat, re-stocked kitchens, blinds that work, doors that open flawlessly, etc.

I noticed the grounds seemed overgrown too. I personally like the layout, atmosphere and subdued decor, but agree the place needs some TLC. It's not that it was dirty, just in need of significant overhaul. My whole point is that I wonder if the dues will not fully cover the mega-infusion of cash OKW needs right now? or is that it's just not a priority yet? Either way, I can't see the situation being any different 12 to 15 years from now at SSR...

Back on-topic:

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think the addition of BLT and the Treehouse Villas are excellent additions to the DVC program. I'd like to add-on to my DVC points and buy at BLT, but not in this economy. If I get to stay there at some point in the next 10-15 years using my OKW points, I'll be happy.

:thumbsup:

lockedoutlogic
09-19-2008, 02:33 PM
for the record:

I think the treehouses and contemporary are excellent additions to "the program"....

....I think Saratoga is a horrible addition and should be taken off the drawing board before the planning and construction gets too out of hand

Ian
09-19-2008, 03:17 PM
I've never stayed at SSR and to my recollection I don't think I've ever bashed it... but all I have to say is wait 15 years and tell me about how SSR is not "run down, worn out, antiquated, and smelly."Matt, I'm not sure if you misread or misinterpreted my post, but my comments weren't directed at you, specifically.

I was responding to another post, but really just trying to point out that DVC is very subjective and that one man's meat is another's poison (as they say).

A lot of people bash SSR relentlessly, but we own there and we love it. It's definitely one of our favorite resorts.

Others gush about OKW, but we didn't like it at all really. It was just "okay" for us.

I wasn't begrudging others the right to like it, but just illustrating that it's all personal tastes. Some people speak in such finite terms about SSR as if it grew straight up out of the bowels of you-know-where. It's just opinion, is all I'm trying to say.

And yes ... you're correct ... it's off-topic for this thread.

mjstaceyuofm
09-19-2008, 06:59 PM
Ian, I know what you're getting at. I didn't take it wrong at all. In a roundabout way I was agreeing with you - each DVC resort is unique in it's own way and some have more affinity in people's minds than others. I haven't stayed at SSR so I can't comment on it. What I can agree with you on is the fact that I think OKW (for as much as I love it) needs some TLC and I could see how someone staying there recently who hasn't had that love affair with it or have it grow on them would be put off by the run down, worn out, antiquated, smelly feel of the place.

What I worry about is that Disney will let their "less marquee" DVC resorts, (OKW and SSR), get to and stay at this state. If it's attached to a hotel, I don't think they'll let it get that way... Which rules out BLT, AKL, VWL, BWV, BCV.

Anybody see at pattern at vero or HHI?

Ian
09-19-2008, 07:14 PM
We're headed to Vero on Sunday, so I'll report back on the state of the rooms once we check in.

I've heard, though, that the Vero resort is top notch.

mjstaceyuofm
09-19-2008, 09:04 PM
first off - I look forward to hearing the report. We stayed at HHI for a week in May 2002 and I thought the place was very much like OKW. I do remember, even at the time, thinking the actual resort wasn't as clean as I would've thought it should be - I remember there being sand in the room in spots there shouldn't have been.....

.... I'm so picky!

Second - wait until those kids of yours get in school. Those long off-season vacations get more difficult to execute. We were in WDW the last week of August and it was on the verge of being too crowded for me...

lockedoutlogic
09-20-2008, 12:39 AM
just to throw a couple of lincoln's back in.....

my contention isn't actually that saratoga is a dump...

it is not....it is oversized....hastily constructed...and inadequate in amenities in my opinion....but that's another story.

my contention is that saratoga (and most likely animal kingdom) has changed the entire system for the worst - in my opinion....

adding what amounts to 30-40% of their inventory in "less desirable" locations completely alters the way DVC had worked for 15 years.....

950 units at saratoga is irresponsible on the greedies part.....

it simply bogs down what used to be a fairly convenient and successful system of choice and flexibility....

And when I...or someone else bring that up....the usual response is "then buy a resale add on for busy times where you WANT to go"

Excuse me? Does not everyone see that there is something fundamentally wrong with that?

(disclaimer: i'm not talking about Dec 22-Jan 2 here....the amount of log jams at other times have increased alot in the last few years....both from what i've observed from my in-laws and experienced on my own. soon....the whole year will be a "high demand time".....as much of the calender has already become

I think DVC has torpedoed the non-home resort privileges...i think they know it....and i think they will continue to push it as a primary selling point for the forseeable future....even though it's almost dead now.)

dnickels
09-20-2008, 11:25 AM
I think DVC has torpedoed the non-home resort privileges...i think they know it....and i think they will continue to push it as a primary selling point for the forseeable future....even though it's almost dead now.)

This isn't meant just for lockedoutlogic, but it brought up something I've always wondered (as a non-DVC person) so maybe someone else can answer.

As DVC becomes more built-out / sold-out, isn't it really just the same thing as a subdivision being built out? When you're the first house on the block you have peace and quiet, can go play in the neighboring lots, that sort of thing, but as more and more homes are built the traffic increases and you can't do quite as much as you used to. It seems like an inevitable progression that as each resort sells out you have a greater number of people competing for the same number of rooms, hence the reason Disney suggests buying where you want to stay.

Again I haven't heard the spiel, so I don't know whether they emphasize the ability to stay at different resorts or the need to buy where you want to stay more, just curious.

Ian
09-20-2008, 11:35 AM
They definitely emphasize the ability to stay at any DVC resort.

We were fortunate that our guide was pretty honest with us (buy where you want to stay), but I've talked to others and even overheard spiels from other guides and all of them just focused on all the DVC resorts there are and how you can stay at any of them.

Maleficent's Dad
09-20-2008, 07:48 PM
hence the reason Disney suggests buying where you want to stay.
No offense, but you are way off base here. Disney sells DVC as a timeshare where you can stay at ANY DVC resort. It is a major selling point for them.

They definitely emphasize the ability to stay at any DVC resort.
Ian is absolutely dead on correct here. Disney sells DVC as a unique timeshare where you can stay when you want (accurate) and where you want (only partially accurate). Try booking a room from Thanksgiving through Christmas at either the BC or BW (assuming they're not your home resorts). Darned near impossible these days. Ten years ago, it was rather easy.

Ian
09-20-2008, 10:23 PM
Yeah, I mean we've been waitlisted at BWV, BCV, and VWL for about 8 months and nothing has come through for us for the first week in December.

Admittedly, though, that's like the most popular DVC week of the year.

lockedoutlogic
09-20-2008, 10:53 PM
This isn't meant just for lockedoutlogic, but it brought up something I've always wondered (as a non-DVC person) so maybe someone else can answer.

As DVC becomes more built-out / sold-out, isn't it really just the same thing as a subdivision being built out? When you're the first house on the block you have peace and quiet, can go play in the neighboring lots, that sort of thing, but as more and more homes are built the traffic increases and you can't do quite as much as you used to. It seems like an inevitable progression that as each resort sells out you have a greater number of people competing for the same number of rooms, hence the reason Disney suggests buying where you want to stay.

Again I haven't heard the spiel, so I don't know whether they emphasize the ability to stay at different resorts or the need to buy where you want to stay more, just curious.


disney does not suggest buying where you want to stay....

that is completely inaccurate.

Disney builds new units and sells them....they do not actively push the resale of points they have reacquired after a location has "sold out"

their goal and public push is always to sell new pork.....they will accomodate those who wish to buy recycled points.....but it is neither advertised or encouraged in most cases....

I wouldn't be surprised if the agents are specifically instructed not to acknowledge the benefits of resale....

dnickels
09-21-2008, 12:37 AM
Thanks for the clarification, every thread I've read on here about DVC says to buy where you want to stay so I assumed that was something Disney recommends, but it sounds like it's more of a recommendation / warning that DVC owners give to people considering buying.

Maleficent's Dad
09-21-2008, 06:47 AM
Thanks for the clarification, every thread I've read on here about DVC says to buy where you want to stay so I assumed that was something Disney recommends, but it sounds like it's more of a recommendation / warning that DVC owners give to people considering buying.
You're absolutely right! Disney just wants people to buy. It's the membership who encourage you to purchase where you want to stay.

We have points at SSR and BWV. Been very happy with our membership thus far. It will be interesting, over the next few years, to see how the wait list vs. home resort scenario plays itself out. Members will not be happy if they are forced to their home resort until the end of their contract.

disneyboundagain
09-21-2008, 09:04 AM
Sorry ... correction to the incentive ... existing DVC members buying a BLT add-on can currently take advantage of a $5 per point credit.

The $5 discount will also be available to non-DVC people that want to buy BLT.

We very seriously considered AKV last Dec when we took the tour. Knowing that we really wanted BLT, we thought we would buy AKV just to get a foot in the door and then stay at BLT once it opened. Boy, did we make the right decision to wait!! After reading here, it is obvious that it is an absolute must to have BLT as "home" to be able to stay there in December.

We will be new DVC members on Oct 4th!!!

Ian
09-21-2008, 08:27 PM
The $5 discount will also be available to non-DVC people that want to buy BLT.That's not my understanding. Can you point me to where you saw that?

disneyboundagain
09-21-2008, 08:43 PM
That's not my understanding. Can you point me to where you saw that?

That's what Teresa, our agent, told me several different times last week.

Ian
09-22-2008, 07:30 AM
Huh. That's odd, because our guide was very specific that it was only for existing DVC members ... and even then that they might do away with it if it sells as fast as they think it will.

Maybe your guide is banking on it not selling briskly to existing members and Disney extending the incentive to new members, too.

Or maybe our guide got his information mixed up. That's possible, too.

disneyboundagain
09-22-2008, 08:55 AM
Huh. That's odd, because our guide was very specific that it was only for existing DVC members ... and even then that they might do away with it if it sells as fast as they think it will.

Maybe your guide is banking on it not selling briskly to existing members and Disney extending the incentive to new members, too.

Or maybe our guide got his information mixed up. That's possible, too.

I will let you know. I hope to have the preliminary paperwork completed by the end of the week. Though, there is only so much that I can do before Oct 4th.