Let's speculate about Polynesian some more!

[maui22]

The THV have 3 bedrooms, the cabins will have 1. I cannot see how they can cost more or even just a bit less.

This is the artwork:
https://dvcfan.com/2023/04/20/disneys-fort-wilderness-cabins-are-becoming-dvc-properties/
I don't see the height for a loft to add another "room.

Given the current nightly cost, which is less than any another DVC studio, it's hard even to justify the points of a 1BR.


I do not thinks there is a lot of overlap between people interested in Poly2 and the cabins. They're two completely different experiences.

Personally, I think Poly2 will compete with RIV sales.
RIV great for Epcot and DHS, also significantly closer to AK than Poly2. RIV also has good access to BW, BC, YC, Swolphin restaurants.
Poly2 convenient for MK and monorail resort access.

RIV is stand alone resort so it has TS, QS, and shops in its tower.
Poly2 is part of Polynesian resort. Likely only QS in the building (because that is largest need for Poly resort). Polynesian theme tries to get people outdoors, which is another reason I don’t think there will be a TS at Poly2. Close enough to walk to Poly and GF TS.

As I write this, I am starting to wonder could Poly2 paperwork actually boost RIV sales?

 

[aka Charles]

I agree that DVC is setting it up so that the Poly Tower and Riviera will be the High-End products that they will be pushing (VGF will be in Sold-Out status by then), and they will use the Cabins at Fort Wilderness as a lower cost option, especially for families that might walk at $230+/point prices or steep point charts.

I just checked and compared the cash prices for a deluxe studio at Copper Creek and the current FW Cabins for the last week of this month. (October being one of the most popular times at FW)
A FW Cabin is $55 cheaper per night than the CC deluxe studio, for both weekdays and weekends.
Of course the cash price for the "new" cabins will probably go up some, but I don't think they can push it too far, maybe equal to the studio price.

The current point chart shows 123 points/week in October for a deluxe studio at Copper Creek.
If the FW Cabins point chart keeps it even close to the cash equivalent, they could have a one-bedroom that sleeps 6 for about 125-130 points/week at Halloween. (even less at other times of the year)

This would allow a family to buy in at much less than 150 points (the current minimum is 100, but without member benefits until they reach 150 direct) and still be able to stay a full week at their home resort.

This would be a great drop option for guides to have.
It will also allow DVC to adjust the special offers here on the FW Cabins to increase direct sales when needed, but without having to cut too deeply on the other properties like Riviera and the Poly Tower.
This would also be another good reason that they are opening sales on the FW Cabins first, before the Poly Tower.

If what I am speculating here comes true, it would be great news for the FW Cabins, but would possibly be bad news for those of us hoping for some great incentives on the Poly Tower when it goes on sale.
.

 

[mamaofsix]

I agree that DVC is setting it up so that the Poly Tower and Riviera will be the High-End products that they will be pushing (VGF will be in Sold-Out status by then), and they will use the Cabins at Fort Wilderness as a lower cost option, especially for families that might walk at $230+/point prices or steep point charts.

I just checked and compared the cash prices for a deluxe studio at Copper Creek and the current FW Cabins for the last week of this month. (October being one of the most popular times at FW)
A FW Cabin is $55 cheaper per night than the CC deluxe studio, for both weekdays and weekends.
Of course the cash price for the "new" cabins will probably go up some, but I don't think they can push it too far, maybe equal to the studio price.

The current point chart shows 123 points/week in October for a deluxe studio at Copper Creek.
If the FW Cabins point chart keeps it even close to the cash equivalent, they could have a one-bedroom that sleeps 6 for about 125-130 points/week at Halloween. (even less at other times of the year)

This would allow a family to buy in at much less than 150 points (the current minimum is 100, but without member benefits until they reach 150 direct) and still be able to stay a full week at their home resort.

This would be a great drop option for guides to have.
It will also allow DVC to adjust the special offers here on the FW Cabins to increase direct sales when needed, but without having to cut too deeply on the other properties like Riviera and the Poly Tower.
This would also be another good reason that they are opening sales on the FW Cabins first, before the Poly Tower.

If what I am speculating here comes true, it would be great news for the FW Cabins, but would possibly be bad news for those of us hoping for some great incentives on the Poly Tower when it goes on sale.
.

This would be nice, but I just don't see them being the same point value as a studio. Could be wrong, but I think Disney is going to sell these as a luxurious and modern upgrade to the old cabins - with a very steep price hike. The biggest reason for rebuilding would be to make more money off of them than they currently do.

Not only are they a 1 bedroom, but they have their own deck, bbq, parking and yard. I see them going for 1 bedroom point chart territory - maybe even a smidge higher. Could be wrong, though.

 

[Nabas]

This would be nice, but I just don't see them being the same point value as a studio. Could be wrong, but I think Disney is going to sell these as a luxurious and modern upgrade to the old cabins - with a very steep price hike. The biggest reason for rebuilding would be to make more money off of them than they currently do.

Not only are they a 1 bedroom, but they have their own deck, bbq, parking and yard. I see them going for 1 bedroom point chart territory - maybe even a smidge higher. Could be wrong, though.

A cabin with a one-bedroom point chart but that sleeps 6 is going to have a unique appeal among DVC. For parties of 6 looking to save, this could be a perfect fit.

Still, AKV-Kidani and BLT sleep 5 in one-bedrooms and have 2 bathrooms. Two bathrooms is a tremendous help when you're trying to get ready in the morning.

We need to see what the new cabins will look like but at the moment I cannot imagine a party of 5 choosing a cabin at Fort Wilderness over a one-bedroom at BLT, which also is an easy walk to the Magic Kingdom.

Based on this, the cabins might have a very limited appeal if they have a point chart similar to a one-bedroom at BLT.

Maybe they should have point charts similar to a one-bedroom at OKW?

 

[tidefan]

This would be nice, but I just don't see them being the same point value as a studio. Could be wrong, but I think Disney is going to sell these as a luxurious and modern upgrade to the old cabins - with a very steep price hike. The biggest reason for rebuilding would be to make more money off of them than they currently do.

Not only are they a 1 bedroom, but they have their own deck, bbq, parking and yard. I see them going for 1 bedroom point chart territory - maybe even a smidge higher. Could be wrong, though.

I agree they may try, but they key thing you said above is “they are going to sell these”. In this case, the pricing, either by per point cost or via the chart structure is going to have to be enticing enough for a large portion of people purchasing here. Any restrictions would also factor in here.

 

[matt and beth]

I agree they may try, but they key thing you said above is “they are going to sell these”. In this case, the pricing, either by per point cost or via the chart structure is going to have to be enticing enough for a large portion of people purchasing here. Any restrictions would also factor in here.

Seeing RIV selling for $217 and the resales listed at $115 per point… I’d say yah… any restrictions and we are a hard no.

 

[Nabas]

Seeing RIV selling for $217 and the resales listed at $115 per point… I’d say yah… any restrictions and we are a hard no.

I thought that too but then looked at current resale prices for average sized contracts (150-175).

The cheapest RIV resale contract currently available is $134pp.

The cheapest VGF resale contract currently available is $155pp.

RIV resales are not being penalized as much as I thought.

Still, I'd never buy a resale at a restricted DVC as we stay at different resorts all the time.

However, I think a RIV resale makes sense for someone who wants to always stay at RIV.

 

[zavandor]

This would be nice, but I just don't see them being the same point value as a studio. Could be wrong, but I think Disney is going to sell these as a luxurious and modern upgrade to the old cabins - with a very steep price hike. The biggest reason for rebuilding would be to make more money off of them than they currently do.

Not only are they a 1 bedroom, but they have their own deck, bbq, parking and yard. I see them going for 1 bedroom point chart territory - maybe even a smidge higher. Could be wrong, though.

Everything you say is true. I mean, it's true of the current cabins too. So why do they rent them for less than a studio? It doesn't seem those features alone justify a high price. Location is the main problem here: taking a bus to then take transportation to a park gets annoying very quickly.

 

[CarolynFH]

Location is the main problem here: taking a bus to then take transportation to a park gets annoying very quickly.

Exactly. We stayed in a FW cabin in 1994 with our kids, our first WDW visit, and we never considered it again because of the transportation issue, even though we almost always have a car. It’s appealing to us now, though, because we spend less time in the parks and more time in our villa. But that’s just two of us now, and we’re not in the market to buy anything.

 

[Sandisw]

Seeing RIV selling for $217 and the resales listed at $115 per point… I’d say yah… any restrictions and we are a hard no.

RIV base is $217…but many who have bought have paid in the $160s, given the incentives since it opened.

Average resale has certainly been higher than $115. But, if someone is really that concerned about resale value, then I can see why they may choose to avoid a restricted resort.

I still believe as more resorts come online with restrictions and the restricted resorts become sold out, and there are no incentives, prices will stabilize. My hunch is RIV will be at the $120s to $140s for a long time moving forward with your occasional low price happening.

 

[JulieBeeRN]

We just got back from the GF and I took this picture from our balcony.




My husband and I did a lot of staring and speculating on our trip -- new vs old association; another monorail stop; will the walking trail go by the lake or the other side of the building; etc.

 

[matt and beth]

RIV base is $217…but many who have bought have paid in the $160s, given the incentives since it opened.

Average resale has certainly been higher than $115. But, if someone is really that concerned about resale value, then I can see why they may choose to avoid a restricted resort.

I still believe as more resorts come online with restrictions and the restricted resorts become sold out, and there are no incentives, prices will stabilize. My hunch is RIV will be at the $120s to $140s for a long time moving forward with your occasional low price happening.

I didn’t dig through all the sites but DVC resale Market has a $115 and $122 listing. So maybe you could say average. But the lower listings are there and available. When I buy something I don’t say hey give me the average price. I’m bargain hunting like most of us. $120 going forward like you are saying is a lot less than the $217 DVC is currently advertising for new purchase. I’m all with those saying they buy it because they love the resort. We love variety and look at the restrictions as a no go.

 

[tom1944]

I didn’t dig through all the sites but DVC resale Market has a $115 and $122 listing. So maybe you could say average. But the lower listings are there and available. When I buy something I don’t say hey give me the average price. I’m bargain hunting like most of us. $120 going forward like you are saying is a lot less than the $217 DVC is currently advertising for new purchase. I’m all with those saying they buy it because they love the resort. We love variety and look at the restrictions as a no go.

I could see restrictions resulting in some people buy direct because they want access to all resorts. I see more people buying at one or two resorts for stays at favorite resorts only.

 

[Jwaire]

I didn’t dig through all the sites but DVC resale Market has a $115 and $122 listing. So maybe you could say average. But the lower listings are there and available. When I buy something I don’t say hey give me the average price. I’m bargain hunting like most of us. $120 going forward like you are saying is a lot less than the $217 DVC is currently advertising for new purchase. I’m all with those saying they buy it because they love the resort. We love variety and look at the restrictions as a no go.

Those are large 300 pt stripped contracts. You get no 2023 points and only like 20% of your 2024 points. That's why they are priced so low.

There's definitely value there, but it's not as big as you think.

If you purchased Riviera direct today, you'd pay $193? per point for a 300 point contract with full 2023 points (Oct use year) or full 2022 AND 2023 points (December use year) with only a few months dues on the 2022.

Even better if you do Magical Beginnings on that contract for the 2022 points. I'd be curious how low RIV will go all options taken—dues benefit and magical beginnings.

 

[lkpat1983]

I'm torn. But the thing that has me leaning same association is that the current Polynesian DVC only offers studios and bungalows. No 1 or 2 bedroom units. I think in order to really complete the offerings it would be same association. Personally I own a resale PVB so I would love to see it be same in order to utilize that more, but I also own a direct RIV, so I could still book at 7 months. Time will tell, I'm probably wrong because I'm assuming Disney will do the thing that makes sense. HA.

 

[CarolynFH]

I'm assuming Disney will do the thing that makes sense. HA.

Makes sense to you does not equal makes sense to Disney financially. I don’t think they’ll want people to snap up resale PVB points instead of buying direct Poly2 points.

 

[intamin]

I'm torn. But the thing that has me leaning same association is that the current Polynesian DVC only offers studios and bungalows. No 1 or 2 bedroom units. I think in order to really complete the offerings it would be same association. Personally I own a resale PVB so I would love to see it be same in order to utilize that more, but I also own a direct RIV, so I could still book at 7 months. Time will tell, I'm probably wrong because I'm assuming Disney will do the thing that makes sense. HA.

This was my thought originally that because there's no 1/2BRs at PVB they'd be trying to fill this niche but the plans have shown dedicated studios in the tower. If it were focused on providing this niche to PVB owners, why wouldn't they maximize the space for 1/2/3BRs?

 

[tom1944]

Makes sense to you does not equal makes sense to Disney financially. I don’t think they’ll want people to snap up resale PVB points instead of buying direct Poly2 points.

This is where I am. The 1bed/2 bath POLY rooms are going to be tempting for my family. I wonder what the point chart will look like for them.

We can book 5 weeknights at BLT Lake view in August for 180 points. How much higher will these be? If I can get 4 weeknights for around 180 or less it might be doable for us.

Riviera would be 144 so I think POLY 2 would be more but maybe not 9 points a night more.

 

[BamaGuy44]

This is where I am. The 1bed/2 bath POLY rooms are going to be tempting for my family. I wonder what the point chart will look like for them.

We can book 5 weeknights at BLT Lake view in August for 180 points. How much higher will these be? If I can get 4 weeknights for around 180 or less it might be doable for us.

Riviera would be 144 so I think POLY 2 would be more but maybe not 9 points a night more.

I think if you look at the VGF chart, it will be similar to that on average. Probably a little more or less depending on the room type and season. Thats the way the PVB studios are now. I know some believe they will just blow past VGF with a crazy chart but that would be tough to justify, even for a brand new resort.

Hopefully we find out in December when the 2025 charts come out.

 

[tom1944]

I think if you look at the VGF chart, it will be similar to that on average. Probably a little more or less depending on the room type and season. Thats the way the PVB studios are now. I know some believe they will just blow past VGF with a crazy chart but that would be tough to justify, even for a brand new resort.

Hopefully we find out in December when the 2025 charts come out.

The other big consideration will be -can I get the lower point 1 bedrooms without turning making a reservation a complex assignment.

I am interested in how many 1-bedroom units there will be, and how many will be standard points. The units facing Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom will most likely be so many points it will be beyond what I am willing to spend.

I am maxing out at 200 points. That gives me a range of from $18,000 to over $40,000 as a purchase price.