EXCLUSIVE: DVC Member Reception in California Report

[pycees312]

i wanted to post quickly the incentives for new members are awesome! so if you are looking to buy i would at least call and talk to a guide. These deals so they say will only be avail until monday. I was not able to write anything down since my DS fell asleep in my lap during the presentation. I attended the session open to the public last night.( i will attend the member reception tonight from 7:00-8:30 and will report back.I was told the incentives for owners were even better than the new owners.
They did not preview the villas to non members. I asked a cast member about the villas and she pulled me to the side and told me that as a member i could preview them but between 9-5. So i will be going this afternoon to view the actual model.

If anything i say from this point on is not 100% correct i'm sorry im working purely off memory.
160 points will get you 2 annual passes of your choice premium.98.00 per point
1 free week through interval

350(updated info) i think will get you 2 annual passes 1 night stay in the mickey pent house suite, and adventure by disney trip for 2.but only select adventures98 per point

500 will get you all of the above but an adventure by disney trip for 2 of your choice. 98 per point

The event was cute they gave away DVC pins that you had to collect at each station that went over details of each of the options avail through dvc. they had video games avail for the kids wich my Ds's loved to play while the cast member talked to you. The giveaways were nice. They gave away from african art, a digital camera, and a 100.00 gift card with a plush mickey.
I'll post more later. after i attend the DVC reception. I will note there were a small number of people there. and half the room were already DVC members.....

[glypnirsgirl]

Wow - awesome incentives. How long are the annual passes good for? Just one year? The adventures by Disney is a great incentive in and of itself!

Thanks for posting. looking forward to tonight's update.

Elaine

[Colorado Belle]

Call me stupid but are you talking about buying into Grand Cali for $98 per point? I was led to believe it might be much more and that the cost for staying in a studio over 40 points per night...will sure appreciate the updates tonight!

[DVC Mike]

Call me stupid but are you talking about buying into Grand Cali for $98 per point? I was led to believe it might be much more and that the cost for staying in a studio over 40 points per night...will sure appreciate the updates tonight!

The offers listed all apply to AKV. The Villas at the Grand Californian aren't for sale yet.

[administrator]

Thanks for posting this info!! :)

Can't wait to hear about the later reception and models!! :bigear:

[JimP]

SoCalGal (or is it PSWGal?) gave me a call last night after the reception. They did not show the models at all. I talked to her again today... and learned that she *MIGHT* have been able to see them had she talked to her guide... but absolutely no pictures because they are not finished yet.

In any case... it is not ready for prime time.

/Jim

[Gaston]

We toured the model today. We just went over to the sales office and asked. No cameras allowed. The model is fantastic, arguably the best looking of all the DVCs.

[Mary]

What style are they? Are they pretty much the same set up as we are used to? Is there a chart out yet for the points per night? Thank you. Mary

[diva452]

Wow. I spoke to our guide on thursday and she didnt mention any akv incentives, she did say that cali and hawaii would not be on sale. We told her we were coming to SSR andn that we would not be at the reception and that our interest is in Hawaii.

We toured the AKV models here yesterday and they are very nice, but quite dark and VERY themed! I think they are a little too themed for my taste. I did LOVE the master bathroom. Not as many doors as SSR master...LOL...I get lost every time I have to go to the bathroom!!!!

[DVC Mike]

Linda Mac of AllEars.net has published her report of the DVC event.

It is available HERE (http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/lindamac/2008/05/not_ready_dvc_travel_expo_at_t.html).

[Starr W.]

Wow. I spoke to our guide on thursday and she didnt mention any akv incentives, she did say that cali and hawaii would not be on sale. We told her we were coming to SSR andn that we would not be at the reception and that our interest is in Hawaii.

We toured the AKV models here yesterday and they are very nice, but quite dark and VERY themed! I think they are a little too themed for my taste. I did LOVE the master bathroom. Not as many doors as SSR master...LOL...I get lost every time I have to go to the bathroom!!!!

:howudoin: I thought it was just me and the doors!
AKV is way too themed for DH's taste also, we confirmed that when we looked at the models last Thanksgiving. (Killing time waiting for DME).

[Gaston]

What style are they? Are they pretty much the same set up as we are used to? Is there a chart out yet for the points per night? Thank you. Mary

The style is Arts and Crafts. Kitchen is a bit bigger, bigger dining table. 2 bathrooms in the one bedroom. Setup is similar, but different. No point charts yet.

[pycees312]

Linda's report sums it up. I did get to see the villas and they are so beautiful. The murphy bed is inside of the tv living room entertainment center(gasp my mouth fell open litterally) and is a twin bed. that saves so much space the way this is designed. and yes no pictures or cameras. I tried my best to sneak some but was not able to...I was going to upgrade during the event until i saw the Grand villas and i think this is why they opted not to show them unless you asked. If you have ever been to the grand californian hotel the villas will complement this hotel very well. But to me the design/colors/ambience is very similar to Animal Kingdom just minus the African elements( villa is really dark with warm colors)
The kitchen is set up similar to the saratoga springs villas with the nook table but it slightly larger than the SSR(so said the cast member). it has a flat stove and will be all black or black and stainless steele. The bathroom jetted tub is seperated from your room by sliding doors.(like the old key west shutters) the actual door to get into the bathroom is a sliding glass/wood door. the living room and the master bed room share a balcony to give the living room more space witch i thought was great. Both rooms had flat screen tv's
I know this report does not do it justice but to those who already knew they wanted to buy Grand California Villas you will not be disappointed. ooh i almost forgot they told us about(for those who did not know) Short stays witch we will be able to book 30 days out from the II collection.The point chart for this was really good and im sorry i dont have that to share. There will be a link to this directly on the dvc member website.
I'm off back to the parks!

[Laxmom]

Thanks for posting for us. It sounds really terrific. I love the GC so I know I would love GCV also. Just don't think DH will be on board. No, I know he won't.

[JimP]

We toured the model today. We just went over to the sales office and asked. No cameras allowed. The model is fantastic, arguably the best looking of all the DVCs.

Gaston,

Thanks for validating that the models are indeed somewhat (if only soft) open.

/Jim

[Mary]

Thank you for the info. I am very excited to eventually go there (I've never been to DL) but I think I'll buy all my points in DW--although when I see Hawaii I could very well be tempted there. Mary

[XPhillip]

OK, they have given us the preview teaser. Did anyone even get a hint of when GCV might really go one sale?

[JimP]

OK, they have given us the preview teaser. Did anyone even get a hint of when GCV might really go one sale?

Seeing as how the "Calif founding members" are supposed to get a 90 day (did I get that right?) notice... followed by a 2 month exclusive buying period.... It sounds like EOY at the earliest.

/Jim

[pycees312]

Grand Cali villas are going to be EXPENSIVE. My guide would not reveal how much but did hint at a few things. sounds like the point charts won't be off the rocker(and similar to other DVC) but the buy in will. They will have a cap on the GCV of 160 points. Like we all know the Founders will get to buy first then, the regular dvc, then public. And it looks like GCV will be on sale approx next year.

[Cherta]

Grand Cali villas are going to be EXPENSIVE. My guide would not reveal how much but did hint at a few things. sounds like the point charts won't be off the rocker(and similar to other DVC) but the buy in will.

I was told the exact same thing by my guide (actually, it was almost word-for-word what you were told, pycees312). Given that info, I am speculating between $120.00-$125.00 per point (although I hope I'm on the high end).

Anyone else care to throw their 2 cents in? :scratchch

[Laxmom]

Ouch!! It makes sense though. They are the first DVC at DL, demand will be high so why not? I have no doubt it will sell at that if that is, indeed, the number. Think of the cost of anything on the west coast!! And the point limit is a smart one too. More people get the opportunity to own there that way. From a business standpoint, smart strategy to me. Just my humble opinion. It will be interesting to watch unfold.

[diva452]

I'm surprised at how expensive GCV will be since the Cali park is very much a "locals park". We live 20 minutes away from DL and do stay overnight several times a year at the GC but I wouldn't own there. Plus, the DL area is pretty "ghetto" once you leave the resort and drive down Ball Road and Harbor Blvd. Not ghetto as in Compton/South Central LA, but just not really very nice. It's totally different than WDW.

[mikayla73]

I was told the exact same thing by my guide (actually, it was almost word-for-word what you were told, pycees312). Given that info, I am speculating between $120.00-$125.00 per point (although I hope I'm on the high end).

Anyone else care to throw their 2 cents in? :scratchch

:hahahaha: I think I'll need to hang onto my .02 so I can buy VGC :jawdroppi DH and I are very very interested in buying, but I sure hope it's not that expensive.

[Gaston]

. the Founders will get to buy first then, the regular dvc, then public. .
I went to the DVC event on Sunday, and every CM I chatted with was of the opinion that the Founders will buy all of the available points. If that doesn't happen, they are sure it will still sell out in record time. Everyone stuck to the 2009 timeframe for sales to start. It will be interesting to watch it all unfold.

[JimP]

I was told the exact same thing by my guide (actually, it was almost word-for-word what you were told, pycees312). Given that info, I am speculating between $120.00-$125.00 per point (although I hope I'm on the high end).

Anyone else care to throw their 2 cents in? :scratchch

Of course this is all speculation for me... but I think that DVC will get more money for GCV. Now this can be accomplish in two fundimental ways


Charge more per point, keep point values low
Charge less per point (same as WDW), raise point values


I think they will blend the mix toward #2... because it is easier to sell. As a buyer who is going to spend $XXXX for GCV points... it is to your advantage to have more points so that you get more when you visit WDW.

I suspect that DVD will not care about those of us who want to use our WDW point to visit GCV... but will instead make things more attractive for those buying GCV.

I expect that higher point values will be accomplished in several ways. I would expect at least:


More points per night in all unit classifications
Fewer discount seasons
Higher weekend rates due to very different local demographics vs Florida


/Jim

[MouseMagic]

Hi all,

Just lurking and learning on this thread... curious and all... what is a founding member?

Cheers,
Dora

[pycees312]

Of course this is all speculation for me... but I think that DVC will get more money for GCV. Now this can be accomplish in two fundimental ways


Charge more per point, keep point values low
Charge less per point (same as WDW), raise point values


I think they will blend the mix toward #2... because it is easier to sell. As a buyer who is going to spend $XXXX for GCV points... it is to your advantage to have more points so that you get more when you visit WDW.

I

More points per night in all unit classifications
Fewer discount seasons
Higher weekend rates due to very different local demographics vs Florida


/Jim

Actually thier thought process is that the owners who buy GCV will stay at GCV and not WDW due to the expense to travel to Florida. so they WANT to make this geared moreso for the Cali residences so thet will use the points in GCV. and mind you the average stay is 3-4 days if that. Actually over night stays were mentioned. So i dont think buying alot of points is what they want you to do.. they only want you to buy what you will need. so 50-75 points is what they are looking at... Hence the cap of 160 points. and when you look a realestate in general to buy in Florida is say 200,000 am i right for a home ,but in the OC you will jump to 500 and up....So save your pennies is the right attitude because the 10% down will cost ya..

[pycees312]

Hi all,

Just lurking and learning on this thread... curious and all... what is a founding member?

Cheers,
Dora

A founding member is someone who purchases or upgraded at the California preview center.

[Starr W.]

I'm surprised at how expensive GCV will be since the Cali park is very much a "locals park". We live 20 minutes away from DL and do stay overnight several times a year at the GC but I wouldn't own there. Plus, the DL area is pretty "ghetto" once you leave the resort and drive down Ball Road and Harbor Blvd. Not ghetto as in Compton/South Central LA, but just not really very nice. It's totally different than WDW.

I used to go to a trade show out in Anaheim and I was amazed at the area surrounding DL. It was one of those places I was glad I was in a group after dark.

[diva452]

I used to go to a trade show out in Anaheim and I was amazed at the area surrounding DL. It was one of those places I was glad I was in a group after dark.

Exactly, that is what I"m talking about. You really dont want to go off Disney property except for maybe the Sheraton right at the gate but it's a dump and no where near Disney standards. There aren't any world class hotels near DL. There are plenty of world class hotels in OC but they are in Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, etc, not really close to DL.

I can't imagine paying a premium for GCV when there isnt much offered there compared to WDW. I hope they dont start charging the $95 fee to book an overnight but it sounds like they want locals to buy points instead of doing what we do and use some of our 500 SSR points to do an overnight at GC here and there.

[carolina_yankee]

Exactly, that is what I"m talking about. You really dont want to go off Disney property except for maybe the Sheraton right at the gate but it's a dump and no where near Disney standards.
Staying off-site is no comparison to staying at one of the 3 Disneyland resort hotels, however there are plenty of decent hotels on Harbor Blvd where most folk who go to Disneyland stay. All are walking distance, and some are actually as close or closer than Paridise Pier or Disneyland Hotel might be.

The Candy Cane Inn gets exceptional reviews as a boutique hotel, and the Howard Johnson's Anaheim is the chain's highest rated hotel and very popular with its guests. They aren't dumps and the neighborhood is safe to walk in - not attractive, but safe.

There's a Hilton at the Anaheim Convention Center (not necessarily within walking distance, but still part of the Resort zone), and mid to high-level hotels are being developed as part of the Anaheim Garden Walk, just off of Disney property. (There are rumors that Disney may have a hand in some of those developments, too.)

It's not really possible to compare Disneyland resorts (on or off-property) with anything at WDW, with the possible exception of the Grand Californian. Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel would both be unremarkable and somewhat dingy if they weren't Disney themed. Even Grand Californian, as nicely designed as it is, is not as 'resort-like' as Wilderness Lodge would be. They just don't have the land for it.

I like to use points at Disneyland, and I think a Disneyland DVC is a wonderful idea, but I'll pay HoJo or Candy Cane Inn $100 instead of $250 or highter to Disney for as nice rooms (except for GC) and almost as convenient a location (door to turnstyle).

Dirk

[diva452]

Staying off-site is no comparison to staying at one of the 3 Disneyland resort hotels, however there are plenty of decent hotels on Harbor Blvd where most folk who go to Disneyland stay. All are walking distance, and some are actually as close or closer than Paridise Pier or Disneyland Hotel might be.

The Candy Cane Inn gets exceptional reviews as a boutique hotel, and the Howard Johnson's Anaheim is the chain's highest rated hotel and very popular with its guests. They aren't dumps and the neighborhood is safe to walk in - not attractive, but safe.

There's a Hilton at the Anaheim Convention Center (not necessarily within walking distance, but still part of the Resort zone), and mid to high-level hotels are being developed as part of the Anaheim Garden Walk, just off of Disney property. (There are rumors that Disney may have a hand in some of those developments, too.)

It's not really possible to compare Disneyland resorts (on or off-property) with anything at WDW, with the possible exception of the Grand Californian. Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel would both be unremarkable and somewhat dingy if they weren't Disney themed. Even Grand Californian, as nicely designed as it is, is not as 'resort-like' as Wilderness Lodge would be. They just don't have the land for it.

I like to use points at Disneyland, and I think a Disneyland DVC is a wonderful idea, but I'll pay HoJo or Candy Cane Inn $100 instead of $250 or highter to Disney for as nice rooms (except for GC) and almost as convenient a location (door to turnstyle).

Dirk

Thanks for the scoop on Candy Cane Inn. I'll have to check it out. I've stayed at the Sheraton once and it was really bad. After that I never ventured out of DL. We just leave the park and drive down Ball road and head to the 91 East. Plus I'm kind of spoiled since there are so many fabulous hotels in Orange County.

It would be a great idea if the hotels surrounding Fashion Island and some of the Laguna Beach/Monarch Beach hotels and resorts would offer shuttles to DL. That would be the best of both worlds so those who want to stay at say GC on 4th of July Concierge level and it's full (me!!!) could stay at a similar or higher quality accommodation and still have access to DL without having to deal with the SoCal freeways.