Wilderness Lodge DVC additions - Copper Creek Villas & Cabins

[ToTBellHop]

Disney must make a killing when they merely renovate rooms as in this case versus building a completely new structure like BLT as the point price is the same to buy-in. Why wouldn't they convert rooms over at a resort that doesn't routinely sell out?

 

[GoofGoof]

Disney must make a killing when they merely renovate rooms as in this case versus building a completely new structure like BLT as the point price is the same to buy-in. Why wouldn't they convert rooms over at a resort that doesn't routinely sell out?

They are. According to the Spirit thread where this rumor was originally posted WL was not coming close to selling out and had times where occupancy was down around 60%.

I think it depends on how extensive the work needs to be to convert the rooms. If they go Poly style where they just refurb hotel rooms into studio DVC rooms it's definitely cheaper. For other conversions like SSR and Tree house villas I think they just went with knocking down existing structures and rebuilding because it was actually cheaper than trying to reuse the old structures.

 

[ToTBellHop]

They are. According to the Spirit thread where this rumor was originally posted WL was not coming close to selling out and had times where occupancy was down around 60%.

I think it depends on how extensive the work needs to be to convert the rooms. If they go Poly style where they just refurb hotel rooms into studio DVC rooms it's definitely cheaper. For other conversions like SSR and Tree house villas I think they just went with knocking down existing structures and rebuilding because it was actually cheaper than trying to reuse the old structures.

All they can reasonably do inside the Lodge is knock down interior walls to build larger villas if they wish. I assume they will go that route as the standard rooms at WL would likely be too small to be studios (the square footage if you don't count the balcony is actually less than that of a room at CBR!).

 

[GoofGoof]

All they can reasonably do inside the Lodge is knock down interior walls to build larger villas if they wish. I assume they will go that route as the standard rooms at WL would likely be too small to be studios (the square footage if you don't count the balcony is actually less than that of a room at CBR!).

The rooms at WL (344 sq ft) are slightly larger than the studios at BLT (339 sq ft) I could see them just converting existing rooms to DVC studios plus maybe adding the villas over the water things.

 

[ToTBellHop]

The rooms at WL (344 sq ft) are slightly larger than the studios at BLT (339 sq ft) I could see them just converting existing rooms to DVC studios plus maybe adding the villas over the water things.

Does that square footage at BLT include balcony? It does at WL. That's a tiny studio at BLT!

 

[GoofGoof]

Does that square footage at BLT include balcony? It does at WL. That's a tiny studio at BLT!

Not sure. I got the numbers for both from touring plans so I would assume they either both include it or both don't.
http://blog.touringplans.com/2012/0...world-number-crunching-part-3-square-footage/

BLT has some of the smallest studios for DVC. They also have some of the largest 1BR villas. It's a strange design.

The existing WL villas studios are only 12 square feet bigger than the hotel rooms. one thing that makes the DVC studios seem bigger is they only have 1 bed and a pull out couch instead of 2 beds. Without the couch pulled out you have more space and the rooms seem bigger. The kitchenette doesn't really take up much space.

 

[majortom1981]

Not sure. I got the numbers for both from touring plans so I would assume they either both include it or both don't.
http://blog.touringplans.com/2012/0...world-number-crunching-part-3-square-footage/

BLT has some of the smallest studios for DVC. They also have some of the largest 1BR villas. It's a strange design.

The existing WL villas studios are only 12 square feet bigger than the hotel rooms. one thing that makes the DVC studios seem bigger is they only have 1 bed and a pull out couch instead of 2 beds. Without the couch pulled out you have more space and the rooms seem bigger. The kitchenette doesn't really take up much space.

keep in mind some of the akl converted rooms are even smaller then blt. That's why their points are cheapest on property

 

[LAKid53]

It still doesn't work. If you charge less points per night then total points sold would be less reducing total revenue.

True. And that $/point purchase price is going to have to be significantly less than the cheaper DVC at WL or SSR (I paid $125/point for my contract at WL) since a Value resort like AoA currently lacks the amenities the DVC resorts have - TS restaurants, fitness center, etc. Plus, AoA 1 bedroom suites with a kitchenette will not be on par with the other 1 bedroom villas.

It's unfortunate (or fortunate given that the resort is usually available for a last minute trip) that SSR doesn't have greater demand. I think the grounds are lovely (yes, it's spread out, but so is OKW), you cannot beat the proximity to DTD (love walking along the river), and the best fitness center of all the DVC resorts I've stayed at. No, it's not a Monorail/MK DVC resort, but I like it.

 

[LAKid53]

Not sure. I got the numbers for both from touring plans so I would assume they either both include it or both don't.
http://blog.touringplans.com/2012/0...world-number-crunching-part-3-square-footage/

BLT has some of the smallest studios for DVC. They also have some of the largest 1BR villas. It's a strange design.

The existing WL villas studios are only 12 square feet bigger than the hotel rooms. one thing that makes the DVC studios seem bigger is they only have 1 bed and a pull out couch instead of 2 beds. Without the couch pulled out you have more space and the rooms seem bigger. The kitchenette doesn't really take up much space.

And the studios at OKW look more like a large standard room than a DVC studio, with 2 queen beds.

 

[flyerjab]

True. And that $/point purchase price is going to have to be significantly less than the cheaper DVC at WL or SSR (I paid $125/point for my contract at WL) since a Value resort like AoA currently lacks the amenities the DVC resorts have - TS restaurants, fitness center, etc. Plus, AoA 1 bedroom suites with a kitchenette will not be on par with the other 1 bedroom villas.

It's unfortunate (or fortunate given that the resort is usually available for a last minute trip) that SSR doesn't have greater demand. I think the grounds are lovely (yes, it's spread out, but so is OKW), you cannot beat the proximity to DTD (love walking along the river), and the best fitness center of all the DVC resorts I've stayed at. No, it's not a Monorail/MK DVC resort, but I like it.

I have been thinking that maybe the expansion/transformation of Disney Springs will help make this destination slightly more popular? They also added that bridge that makes it a little easier to get directly there from SS.

 

[LAKid53]

I have been thinking that maybe the expansion/transformation of Disney Springs will help make this destination slightly more popular? They also added that bridge that makes it a little easier to get directly there from SS.

I would think so (and hope not, it's usually where I stay for those last minute trips). Love that walkway from the resort to Marketplace - it's wonderful during beautiful (i.e., not 100+ degrees or raining) weather. And thanks to the person who thought "we need a walkway from Marketplace to Westside to alleviate the congestion around World of Disney and Lego". Hardly anyone used that walkway the day we went to DTD. And it dumps you near our favorite restaurant - Raglan Road.

 

[LAKid53]

BLT is weird. It and AKL- kidani (not Jambo) has easily the best 1BR layout of any DVC property because there are two full bathrooms- they're fantastic and big.
But the BLT studio is TINY for a deluxe. It's terrible. You'd feel so cramped unless you're coming from a value. If you came from a moderate it would still feel tiny.



I'm going to stay there once DS is completed. It, OKW, and GCV are the only resorts I haven't been to. SSR looks like it has great pools too.

The bathroom in the 1 bedroom will make you scratch your head - very strange layout, like WL. There are 4, yes, 4 bathroom doors. And why Disney couldn't have a door going directly from the living room into the water closet (i.e., toilet) is beyond me. You have to go through 2 doors to get to the toilet. Give me a sledge hammer and I would rearrange the bathrooms in the 1 bedroom villas at SSR and WL (and any other with a similar floor plan) to be more logical - would include moving the closet. Next I would start on the bathroom in the studio at Poly. Based upon the floor plan, that bathroom could be rearranged so that you have 2 toilets. If you like to tout the bathroom arrangement (two people can get ready at the same time [not if the closet is in one of the bathroom areas, duh, and you have to go through the shower room to get to the toilet]), then design it as such.

 

[LAKid53]

We don't know the details- or even what the expiration of the converted rooms are (I wouldnt think itd be 2042- but maybe?). It's only 16 ft difference, so its not really that big of a deal. Really- this is the first time we've ever seen this done- adding onto an existing DVC resort in a current Deluxe area. I'm interested to hear what is going to happen.


Aulani has Tombstone pizza in it. Does that make it not a deluxe resort? Or is it the best resort of any property that Disney owns? From the location, to the pools, to the activities, to the theming, to the shows, etc. My point is- pizza doesn't detract from a resort unless you're desperately grabbing at straws.

Like I said in an earlier post- I can point you right at Animal Kingdom- arguably the other best Resort Disney owns. It wouldn't be near the resort it is now without DVC. Between the pools, activities, and some of- if not the most unique restaurants on property. You can agree with that- correct?

Edit: I could also add Boardwalk- would that exist without DVC? I can't believe that there is an argument that DVC detracts from Disney.


More misinformation. If you are renting on a cash basis- you still get daily mousekeeping. Only DVC owners get the every 4/7days mousekeeping.



Of course we don't want Pop Century. But where do you get your all-knowing knowledge of DVC owners? While the Poly is great- VWL isn't really the same. VWL is one of the easier to book DVC resorts out there- even with limited capacity. The only dates that fill up before 7 months is Christmas. So there is no need for more DVC units at VWL from a demand-perspective of DVC owners.
If you polled DVC owners- I would assure you they would prefer a standalone new resort at Rivercountry vs a conversion of VWL rooms.
If you poll Disney- they want room occupancy to be full, while keeping their insane deluxe resort prices- and that's why they are converting. So please, save the "entitled 'tude" talk for someone that would believe you.

All contracts now have a 50 year expiration date. I wonder if the new studios at WL (if that's what the refurb will be) will have the now 50 year expiration date or the 2042 date the original contracts at WL have.

As one of those DVC owners at Wilderness Lodge, I don't want to see cash rooms converted to DVC studios. I think that will destroy the Lodge. And I agree about booking at WL. I had no problem making reservations for a 2 bedroom villa for Memorial Day weekend in January. Thanksgiving/Christmas - better be at my 11 month mark. But then there's always SSR....

 

[UofMGuy423]

For now I'm just renting points until I decide whether or not to pick up some points on the resale market, but I do enjoy the DVC option. It allows us to stay at a deluxe resort with more space. And we really like the community hall amenities too. The VWL is our favorite DVC with the Boardwalk and AKL our back-ups.

 

[note2001]

For now I'm just renting points until I decide whether or not to pick up some points on the resale market, but I do enjoy the DVC option. It allows us to stay at a deluxe resort with more space. And we really like the community hall amenities too. The VWL is our favorite DVC with the Boardwalk and AKL our back-ups.

Smart move! Another option is to pick up a very small contract so not much in the way of commitment, and then rent & transfer points into your account as needed to keep it under your control.

I wonder if the conversion of WL rooms to DVC will also add in a much needed community hall.

 

[UofMGuy423]

Smart move! Another option is to pick up a very small contract so not much in the way of commitment, and then rent & transfer points into your account as needed to keep it under your control.

I wonder if the conversion of WL rooms to DVC will also add in a much needed community hall.

Good idea, what is the lowest number of points you can buy? Is it 25?

Yes, an actual community hall would be a great addition!

 

[note2001]

Good idea, what is the lowest number of points you can buy? Is it 25?

Yes, an actual community hall would be a great addition!

You'll find a few rare 25 point contracts on the resale market. (Do expect to pay a premium for those, but take into account you won't have the annual dues on hundreds of points every year to pay out.)
Direct through Disney, I believe the minimum is set at 160 still for your first contract, and if you're already a DVC owner, you can buy 25 point contracts when they're available. We heard through a retired DVC rep that sometimes they'll ROFR a larger contract and break it up.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

All contracts now have a 50 year expiration date. I wonder if the new studios at WL (if that's what the refurb will be) will have the now 50 year expiration date or the 2042 date the original contracts at WL have.

As one of those DVC owners at Wilderness Lodge, I don't want to see cash rooms converted to DVC studios. I think that will destroy the Lodge. And I agree about booking at WL. I had no problem making reservations for a 2 bedroom villa for Memorial Day weekend in January. Thanksgiving/Christmas - better be at my 11 month mark. But then there's always SSR....

Please detail in what way it would "destroy" the Lodge. They converted the upper floors of AKL Jambo House, and it certainly didn't destroy anything there. You can't even tell they did anything. The WL has the main section and 2 wings. What if they convert the wing closest to the current DVC building? What would that hurt?

We are DVC members and absolutely love it, and I simply do not understand all of the comments from everyone of how DVC destroys a resort. I have asked many people here to explain how it destroys a resort, and have yet to receive an answer. We have stayed at AKL, SSR, SSR Treehouses, OKW, BWV, and VGF (and VGC as well), and do not see how DVC has hurt any of them.

 

[doctornick]

Please detail in what way it would "destroy" the Lodge. They converted the upper floors of AKL Jambo House, and it certainly didn't destroy anything there. You can't even tell they did anything. The WL has the main section and 2 wings. What if they convert the wing closest to the current DVC building? What would that hurt?

We are DVC members and absolutely love it, and I simply do not understand all of the comments from everyone of how DVC destroys a resort. I have asked many people here to explain how it destroys a resort, and have yet to receive an answer. We have stayed at AKL, SSR, SSR Treehouses, OKW, BWV, and VGF (and VGC as well), and do not see how DVC has hurt any of them.

People buying frozen pizzas in the lobby. Duh.



That is sarcasm before you start an argument with me. I personally agree that adding DVC or changing rooms into DVC doesn't intrinsically harm the resorts.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

People buying frozen pizzas in the lobby. Duh.



That is sarcasm before you start an argument with me. I personally agree that adding DVC or changing rooms into DVC doesn't intrinsically harm the resorts.

I thought it was sarcasm. No worries. I remember someone making that comment and thinking, really?? That's the best you can come up with???

Simply saying that it was so much better before DVC without giving any detailed reasons is all they seem to have to say.