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John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
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New Disney Vacation Club Treehouse Villas Blend Modern Luxury with Nostalgic
Appeal Amid Forested
Glens
Disney Vacation Club Bay Lake Tower offers the most magical view in the
kingdom of Walt Disney World
Disney Vacation Club Resorts Offer New Themed Adventures Just in Time
for Summer Travel
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort -- Fact Sheet
Guests Discovering Disney Vacation Club – The ‘Best-Kept Disney
Secret’
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa --Fact
Sheet
Disney Vacation Club Properties
Disney Resort Committed to Staying in Hawaii
Disney Vacation Club Scheduled to Open Kidani Village, Second Phase of
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
Disney moving ahead with Hawaii resort project
Disney retools time-share points
Disney reveals details about Hawaiian resort
Disney Vacation Club Continues Unprecedented Growth With Two New Development Projects Future accommodations are rooted in Walt Disney World history 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 www.disneyvacationclub.com. (Source: Press Release, 09/16/08)
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:
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
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Adventures by Disney: "Disney is expanding its selection of guided tours for families with 12 itineraries for 2007. Among the Adventures by Disney tours are trips to Wyoming, including whitewater rafting on the Snake River; the American Southwest; the mid-Atlantic, including a tour of Colonial Williamsburg; Costa Rica, including a zip-line tour of a rainforest; England and France; Ireland; Austria and the Czech Republic; and various destinations in Spain and Italy." Tours are pricey: $8,000 - $12,000 for a family of four. (Source: news.yahoo.com, 01/02/07)
Animal Kingdom Villas "Disney time shares are coming to the Animal Kingdom, with a plan for 458 units... Development of the Animal Kingdom Villas is scheduled in phases, with units to begin opening in fall 2007. The project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2009. The first phase will include 134 remodeled accommodations on the fifth and sixth floors of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and additional phases will include the building of 324 vacation properties in a new building at the resort." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/12/06) "The new units will feature African-inspired details and views of the area where Disney keeps some of its African animals, an area which will be expanded to accommodate the new rooms. Also to be added are a sit-down restaurant, a themed water feature, a fitness center, a merchandise shop and recreation facilities." (Source: orlandobizjournals.com, 10/12/06)
Cindy writes: "Wanted to let you in on a deal I found recently. There are several people who sell time at their Disney Vacation Club Resort on E-Bay. You can bid on it or some of them have a "just want to buy" option. My husband and I just got 5 days at Old Key West in an efficiency for $500. We will be going in November and even with the specials Disney is running we couldn't find a better deal than that for the same accommodations. Some of the sellers will even help you get tickets to the parks."
Ed writes: "I am going to two different time share presentations at local resorts in Orlando. One to buy discounted Disney World tickets (five day regular hopper pass about $75 off the regular rate) or pair of one day free passes. And the second one for low hotel rates (about $32.00 per night for five nights). We'll be saving about $200 - $300 approx. 2-adult 5-day hoppers and 2-child 5-day hoppers = $675 5 nights at Ameri-Suites = $170. Total = $825 We are driving to Orlando from Marion, VA (about 11 hours straight. or 15-16 hrs with frequent stops. we are planning a 2- day drive) We don't know how much we are going to spend on food, but we figure another $300 to $500 depending on how we do. Do you think this is a pretty good way to go? I would appreciate any comments or suggestions." You could spend 5 nights at Disney's All Star Resorts and buy 5-day park hoppers for your family for $1,250 during the value season. So you save about $425 with the timeshare deals. Here's a driving tip: My wife and I change drivers at every rest stop and one of us naps while the other drives. We drive straight through in 18 hours and arrive relatively rested.
Luanne writes: "What is your opinion of the Disney Vacation Club? We like the flexibility it offers versus other timeshares, but would you say it is a decent value?" We don't like the fact that you have to give up rights to the property after 40 years. We are also disappointed that Disney no longer includes passes. They used to give complementary passes during your stay! Still, there are those who think it is a good deal. You have to crunch the numbers. Richard wrote us about Luanne's question: "Please tell Luanne that the Disney Vacation Club is great. It affords you the opportunity to have a great amount of flexibility. You can use your timeshare at many properties and you can use 'points' from the next year. Like any timeshare you need to plan in advance, but the units are great."
Priscilla writes: "A person wrote about taking advantage of visiting timeshares to get freebees. We went on a Disney's Vacation Club visit and received a free lunch at Spoodles."
Money Saving Strategy Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members buy their timeshare points from Disney and use them to purchase stays at Disney's Vacation Club properties like the Wilderness Lodge Villas, Old Key West, and BoardWalk Villas. If the DVC members can't use their points, they are willing to sell them to nonmembers. The going rate is $10 a point. This is how it works: Let's say the Wilderness Lodge Villas cost 80 points for a 5-night stay. You pay a DVC member $800 (which is about half the rack rate) and he makes the reservation in your name. Typically, the member will ask for a deposit in advance (usually the cost of a one night stay) with the balance due 30 days before arrival. 30 days is a significant number since DVC reservations must be cancelled 30 days in advance! DVC resorts are very appealing. The Studios feature microwaves and refrigerators; the larger rooms boast a full kitchen. You also enjoy the perks reserved for WDW resort guests like early entrance to the parks and the use of Disney transportation. Because the transaction requires quite a bit of trust, I would open up a PayPal account and pay the deposit and balance with a credit card. PayPal allows payments to individuals by credit card and they have a buyer protection plan. It only takes a few minutes to set up and both parties can feel safe. We use PayPal to pay our associates and process membership payments. If the DVC member doesn't want to open a PayPal account, I would contact another member. For more information on PayPal, click here. Expect to pay twice as many points for weekend stays. You'll also pay more points to stay during certain seasons like Xmas. Points may be used at any WDW resort, should the resort you want be unavailable. The savings may not be as good, though. You will probably save 30% per night off the rack rate at the Contemporary, for example, whereas you would save 50% off the rack rate at a DVC resort like BoardWalk. To buy or sell DVC points, join the discussion group at alt.disney.vacation-club.
MM writes: "We just came back from Orlando and paid very little. We got our tickets free by visiting a timeshare - no pressure - in fact, it was fun. We almost bought one - maybe will on our next trip. We visited another one and they gave us $100 - which took care of our meals. We found a special on the internet for our accommodations - only $40 per night, - kitchen and a Jacuzzi and living room - lovely resort. So really, all we had to pay for was our gas - which was a bundle. But we only spent about $200 and had a lovely time."
J. M. writes: "Do you have to stay in a Hilton or Marriott resort to get the free Disney tickets? We already have our accommodations, but are interested in complimentary tickets. Someone told me that you can visit a timeshare and take a tour and that they will give you 2 tickets just for your time in taking the tour. Is this true? It sounds too good to be true... we would like to take several tours! How can we find out about these?" Some timeshare resorts do offer Disney tickets if you take a tour of their facilities. We advise our members to avoid them because they can literally hold you captive trying to get you to sign a contract! If you insist on investigating timeshares, just type in "florida timeshares" in your favorite search engine and you'll find several.
Jolene writes: "I have been looking into villas that you have suggested for our whole family. (12 people) I am running into a problem when I contact them because they are 'vacation club' villas and they don't know the dates that are open for next April/May yet. Do you have any tips on how to get around this? do I need to join the vacation club/time share to get into these villas? or how can I get hold of someone who has a timeshare at these villas and ask them to buy their week or two at that villa? thanks for the info." No, you don't have to join the vacation club. You are in a unique position - you are reserving your rooms a year in advance. That's the way to do it. This is what I want you to do - start calling every week until the operator knows the dates that are open. I don't even take the word of the first operator I speak to. Hang up and call back. A different operator may give you a different response! Happens all the time. I can't tell you how many times I hang up and call back and get what I want. Don't become obsessed about it, but call regularly. To buy someone's timeshare points at WDW, join the discussion group at alt.disney.vacation-club.
Hajime writes: "We are a member of the Disney vacation club and at this moment we have accumulated so many points that we never used. Do you handle trading or selling such points to other people? To buy, sell or trade timeshare points at WDW, join the discussion group at alt.disney.vacation-club.
The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge are located next to Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort. The Villas connect to Wilderness Lodge by a walkway. The 5-story tall Villas feature 136 units with studio and one and two-bedroom availability. Pool and view of the woods are included. The new vacation club is based on hotels built by railroad workers in Rocky Mountain park country in the early 1900's.
Adam writes: "I am looking for internet information on the Celebration Homes that Disney has been building. I am very interested in relocating to Orlando and would like to live in Celebration, any information you have or any websites would be very helpful." For more information, visit their web site, call 407/566-2200 or write:
Celebration Information
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