DVC Right Of First Refusal (ROFR) activity appears to be picking up once again. There are several pieces of information when, taken together, indicate 2013 may not be like 2012.
Throughout 2012, Disney infrequently exercised ROFR except at Old Key West (OKW). However, it appears Disney has started 2013 much more aggressively.
Recently there was a change in DVC leadership, with Ken Potrock assuming the helm on February 1. Perhaps this change was more than administrative and signaled a change in DVC’s direction.
Prospective DVC buyers are reporting Disney is once again exercising ROFR more aggressively, particularly at the Boardwalk Villas (BWV) where, it seems, resales are once again being claimed through ROFR. Earlier this year, Disney offered theme park ticket incentives for BWV, an unusual move for an older DVC resort. (BWV opened in 1996.) Reportedly, these sales were so brisk that Disney’s entire BWV inventory was depleted. Consequently, Disney began to aggressively exercise ROFR at BWV, where the direct sale price is now $130/point while the resale price in 2012 sometimes was below $60/point. Folks now are reporting that Disney is exercising ROFR on BWV contracts that are over $70/point. Increased ROFR activity is being reported at other properties as well.
On March 20, Disney raised the direct sale price on most of its DVC properties. Some properties increased by over 30% while the aforementioned BWV increased from $115 to $130/point (a 13% increase). This increase might have created a spike in demand, as prospective buyers rushed to lock in at old prices.
Until the Villas at the Grand Floridian (VGF) opens in 2014, Disney has no new DVC properties to offer and instead has focused advertising the Animal Kingdom Villas (where Disney still has over 1 million points available) and Aulani (Hawaii). These two resorts, along with Bay Lake Tower, are Disney’s newest DVC properties. Based on recent activity, it is possible Disney will use this interim period to sell points at its older DVC properties.
With a slowing improving economy and no new DVC properties to sell, Disney once again appears poised to become more aggressive with ROFR in 2013. It will be interesting to watch if this trend continues after VGF opens.
Throughout 2012, Disney infrequently exercised ROFR except at Old Key West (OKW). However, it appears Disney has started 2013 much more aggressively.
Recently there was a change in DVC leadership, with Ken Potrock assuming the helm on February 1. Perhaps this change was more than administrative and signaled a change in DVC’s direction.
Prospective DVC buyers are reporting Disney is once again exercising ROFR more aggressively, particularly at the Boardwalk Villas (BWV) where, it seems, resales are once again being claimed through ROFR. Earlier this year, Disney offered theme park ticket incentives for BWV, an unusual move for an older DVC resort. (BWV opened in 1996.) Reportedly, these sales were so brisk that Disney’s entire BWV inventory was depleted. Consequently, Disney began to aggressively exercise ROFR at BWV, where the direct sale price is now $130/point while the resale price in 2012 sometimes was below $60/point. Folks now are reporting that Disney is exercising ROFR on BWV contracts that are over $70/point. Increased ROFR activity is being reported at other properties as well.
On March 20, Disney raised the direct sale price on most of its DVC properties. Some properties increased by over 30% while the aforementioned BWV increased from $115 to $130/point (a 13% increase). This increase might have created a spike in demand, as prospective buyers rushed to lock in at old prices.
Until the Villas at the Grand Floridian (VGF) opens in 2014, Disney has no new DVC properties to offer and instead has focused advertising the Animal Kingdom Villas (where Disney still has over 1 million points available) and Aulani (Hawaii). These two resorts, along with Bay Lake Tower, are Disney’s newest DVC properties. Based on recent activity, it is possible Disney will use this interim period to sell points at its older DVC properties.
With a slowing improving economy and no new DVC properties to sell, Disney once again appears poised to become more aggressive with ROFR in 2013. It will be interesting to watch if this trend continues after VGF opens.