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PassPorter News
News, Announcements, Updates, and Tips
July 20, 2006 * Issue 6.27
PassPorter.com - http://www.passporter.com
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Welcome to PassPorter News, an online newsletter
about PassPorter travel guidebooks, the
Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Cruise Line.
PassPorter News is available by free subscription
to all readers and friends of our labor of love --
PassPorter Travel Guidebooks.
Learn all about them:
http://www.passporter.com/aboutpassporter.htm
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In This Newsletter:
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From the Authors: Allentown, Cedar Point, and Back
Again!
Disneyland Feature: White Water Snacks
Walt Disney World Feature: PhotoPass
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: TTC Trick, Chill Out, Tide Tip
Captain's Corner: Gravity-Defying Fountain
Q&A: Why are there no Yacht Club Villas?
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FROM THE AUTHORS: Allentown,
Cedar Point, and Back Again!
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First, we're pleased to report that Kim Larner,
Jennifer's sister and one of the editor's of our Treasure Hunts book, is
recovering well from her surgery! Thank you all for the well wishes!
We're back from the DISMeets.com meet in
Allentown, PA, and had a great time! The hall was packed with 350 enthusiastic
Disney fans, we met lots of PassPorter friends, and made a whole bunch of new
friends. Our exhibit table was always busy with folks excited to learn about
all the different books we have to offer. These veteran park visitors were
especially interested in our Treasure Hunts book, which
offers yet another way to find fun during their visits. Dave presented two
break-out sessions (Disney Cruise Line and Disneyland), both of which were
heavily attended, and we gave away lots of goodies - luggage tags, PassPorter
pins, older editions of our Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line
guidebooks, and a door prize consisting of all five current PassPorter
guidebooks (only one of dozens of door prizes given out during the day). Hidden
Mickeys author Steve Barrett and MousePlanet columnist Mike Scopa wowed the
crowd with their presentations, AllEarsNet founder Deb Wills, Walt Disney World
Trivia author Lou Mongello, Disney on a Dime author Chris Carlson and pin
trader John Rick also hosted popular break-out sessions, and the pin traders
were at it until after Midnight! Altogether, a great time was had by all. Meet
organizer Fred Block, his family, and a large team of volunteers all deserve
great thanks and congratulations for a job well done! While the date has yet to
be set for next year (sometime during the summer), folks in the Northeast just
may want to pencil this in for next summer! We'll be sure to let you all know
when next year's date has been set.
Now, once you're on the road from Michigan to
eastern Pennsylvania (U.S. 23 to Toledo, I-80 to Lake Harmony PA, then the PA
Turnpike extension south to Allentown), one thing in particular becomes
apparent to a theme park fan - you have the choice (or obligation) to visit Dorney Park, Knoebel's, or Cedar Point. No, we
didn't visit all three, but we did get in an evening at Cedar Point. We took
advantage of their "Starlight" admission deal, entering at 5:00 pm
and leaving after park closing (11:00 pm) for just $24.95 per adult. It's been
a while since we were last at Cedar Point, and we've accumulated a whole lot of
park wisdom since that visit. As you know, none of us are exactly "big
coaster" fans, and Cedar Point is one of the two top coaster parks in the
country. But Allie was with us, and she's as fearless as any teen. We
understood yet again just why Walt Disney felt the need to create a new style
of park. Far too often, the rides at Cedar Point were intended for either the
smallest children or thrill-seekers, with relatively little that could be
enjoyed by the entire family. Still, the park was clean, very well maintained,
has a great line-up of classic and headline amusement rides, and is reasonably
well designed (for a classic amusement park). There were even hints of the kind
of attention to design detail that Disney is famous for (alas, they were rare,
but they could be found). Unfortunately, the entrance Midway - concrete paved,
and flanked by relatively cheap-looking shops and arcades - doesn't
really set the tone for the rest of the park. As you make your way deeper into
the park you see more greenery, nicer architecture, and you catch a wonderful
breeze coming off of Lake Erie. Altogether, even if we weren't riding a lot, it
was a pleasant place to spend time. Now, Daddy did have to screw up his courage
and ride at least one "big" ride with Allie (who rode a lot of
coasters on her own). Without a lot of thought, he agreed to maXair, a swinging,
spinning behemoth that left his poor insides unsettled for several hours
thereafter. The effect on Dave's guts was very similar to that of Mission:
SPACE at Epcot, but many times worse. He had originally planned to ride at
least a couple more coasters, but that one ride took him out of the game.
Jennifer got off easy, accompanying Allie on the relatively sedate Cedar Creek Mine Ride (a tamer Big
Thunder Mountain without the elaborate landscape). After that, we all rode
around the park on the CP & LE Railroad, which boasts
coal-fired steam locomotives and an absolutely flat roadbed. Allie ended her
evening on Millennium Force, one of the
park's epic coasters. 310 feet tall? 92 miles per hour? Sorry, not us!
Miscellaneous Notes: Do your homework on the rides before you arrive. The Cedar Point web site has all sorts
of useful ride information and statistics, far more than Disney provides. On
the flip side, the printed park maps don't provide much useful information at
all beyond the name and picture of each ride - you have to arrive at the queue
entrance to learn anything about it. Even the signs outside the attractions
could be better. They try to be helpful, with a 1-to-5 (gentle to extreme)
numeric rating scale, but nearly any thrill ride, from easy/moderate to the
truly extreme Top Thrill Dragster rates the
same "5." By comparison, the incredibly sedate Antique Cars (think,
"Tomorrowland Indy Speedway on Prozac") rates a "3." While
admission is lower than Walt Disney World pricing ($39.95 for anyone 48"
tall and up), you'll pay the same $9 for parking, and food prices are at least
a match for Disney's. We dropped over $50 on a dinner of hot dogs, subs, and
pulled pork sandwiches for three adults and one toddler. Ouch!
In this edition of the newsletter Gincy Heins tips
us off to White Water Snacks, a hidden gem
at Disneyland's Grand Californian Hotel, and Terry Rohrer shares the benefits
of using Walt Disney World's PhotoPass. As always,
Captain Jack Skatt returns with a new treasure hunting game. Enjoy!
Jennifer and Dave
PassPorter Authors
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DID YOU KNOW?
Our PassPorter Goodies Bags are so popular we can't
keep them in stock! But we just got a fresh shipment of PassPorter Pens in and
they're now back in stock and ready to ship.
Show your PassPorter spirit with this fun
"goodie bag" for PassPorter fans! Kit contains one of our popular
PassHolder Pouches, two PassPorter luggage tags, two translucent PassPorter
pens, and one PassPorter cloisonne pin. The luggage tags and pens are not sold
individually.
For more details on the Goodie Bag, please visit:
http://www.passporterstore.com/store/0966899453.aspx
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DISNEYLAND FEATURE: White Water Snacks
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by Gincy Heins, Guest Contributor
YouÕre at the Disneyland Resort, the children are
hungry and the adults could use a break, but no one wants to take time away
from the fun to eat. Is there a dining solution that will satisfy everyoneÕs
needs? Borrow the motto of the Golden State, and shout, ÒEureka!Ó when you find
the hidden nugget at DisneyÕs Grand Californian Hotel, White Water Snacks!
When you travel, even some place as fun and
exciting as the Happiest Place on Earth, or maybe because of the fun and
excitement, it can be difficult to find something young children will eat. A
visit to White Water Snacks could be just the solution! White Water Snacks is a
combination of a snack bar and a restaurant. They have both fountain beverages
and beverages in individual containers.
My family and I have been there many times, both to
pick up a quick snack and to eat a meal. We have taken guests visiting the
Disneyland Resort with us, and have even gone there just to go out to
dinner!
What makes White Water Snacks worth the visit? The
food is good and the atmosphere is relaxing. As you enter, a sign listing the
general foods offered, rather than specific items with prices, greets you. Walk
around this wall and you will discover the fountain drinks and refrigerator
cases on your left. In addition to more drinks including milk, you will find
pre-made salads and sandwiches in the refrigerator cases. On your right you
will find baked goods and packaged cereals, a freezer case with ice cream bars,
and a small selection of candy bars. A variety of packages of chips are also
available.
On the wall directly in front of you, there is the
menu posted high on the wall with descriptions and prices of the food. The
grill is on the left and the cash registers are on the right. When you reach
the cash register, a cast member will take your order and ring up your other
purchases. If you order food from the grill, you will be given a number to
place on your table. Your food is brought to you piping hot when it is
prepared.
We have two favorites at White Water Snacks, both
from the grill. My husband usually orders the Foot Long ÒConey IslandÓ hot dog.
This large hot dog is served in a bun and covered with chili, cheese, and
onion, if desired. French fries are included. The other favorite, which our son
and I order, is the Chicken Tenders off the childrenÕs menu. It includes three
generous pieces of chicken, fries or baby carrots, a fountain drink and a fun
straw. You will be given the cup for the beverage once you order the childrenÕs
meal, so youÕll need to go back to the fountain drink dispenser to fill up the
cup.
With both of these items, there is so much food we
find it difficult to finish it all! We have discovered that if you order the
items Òto goÓ, you receive even more fries! If you get your food to eat in the
restaurant, the childrenÕs meal comes in a small plastic lunch box.
There is seating both inside and outside at White
Water Snacks. There are approximately 25 tables inside and another dozen
outside. The restaurant is well air conditioned and feels refreshing on a hot
day! Because of the high ceiling, it can be a little noisy inside, but still
relaxing. The outside seating area is very pleasant. YouÕll hear people at the
pool and the birds and crickets from the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at California
Adventure. In fact, there is a fence separating you from the Trail, so you are
sitting next to a lovely, wooded area!
Despite the small number of tables, we have only
encountered a line once at White Water Snacks, and have never had a problem
getting a table. The crowd was in December when both parks had just closed at
5:00 pm, right after the fireworks at Disneyland. There were about eight groups
in line ahead of us, and the wait for our food was closer to 30 minutes than
the usual ten.
How do you get to this hidden gem? There are two
ways to get to White Water Snacks. One is from California Adventure and one is
through the Grand Californian Hotel. If you are already in California
Adventure, enter the Grand Californian Hotel across from the viewing area for
Grizzly Rapids. As soon as you enter the hotel area, it is like entering a
serene environment. When you reach the end of the passageway, turn left. You
will pass the rest rooms on your left, and the pool is on your right. Walk a
little farther and the entrance to White Water Snacks will be on your left.
Reaching White Water Snacks through the hotel is
less direct, but still not difficult. After walking between Sephora and Club
Libby Lu in Downtown Disney, enter the Grand Californian Hotel near the
conference rooms, go through the lobby and back outside past the pool. (If you
have time as you stroll through the lobby, be sure to admire the beautiful
fireplace with chairs sized separately for children and adults, and the way the
pattern on the floor blends into the pattern on the carpet.) YouÕll pass
StorytellerÕs CafŽ and Napa Rose before reaching the entrance to California
Adventure. The entrance to White Water Snacks is just a bit beyond.
However your reach White Water Snacks, relax and
enjoy the food and atmosphere in this virtually undiscovered location.
About the Author: Gincy Heins recently
contributed an article about the new Adventures by Disney trip to Wyoming. She is
planning a trip to Walt Disney World for her family later this year.
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Did you enjoy this article? Have questions? E-mail
us at news@passporter.com or visit http://www.passporterboards.com to discuss
your Disney travel plans.
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*Savings based on double occupancy. Ships'
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800-886-8601
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DISNEY WORLD FEATURE: Say Cheese!: Making the Most
of PhotoPass
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by Terry Rohrer, Guest Contributor
It all started at an amusement park, with a bunch
of pushy kids trying to get everyoneÕs picture at the front gate. Then they
hand you a piece of paper that tells you to come back and see your group photo
after a designated time. After a long day of rides and ice cream, you find the
ticket and stop to see your picture (that is if you remember). When you find it,
itÕs a small slide photo on a cheap key chain that you have to hold up to a
light to see. All this for the bargain price of $11.95.
Like all things, Disney has made this not just
better, but fantastic. Disney teamed up with Kodak some years ago to capture
families as they walk down Main Street USA. With the help of Kodak, cast
members were trained to not only stop and take pictures, but give them better
quality pictures than most familyÕs point and shoot cameras.
This service has ÒdevelopedÓ as the technology
advanced. Yes, they started with old-style film cameras, but like everything
Disney touches, they have made it better. With the old way, film had to be
developed, so you had to stop back after a period of time to see the prints.
Even after the introduction of digital cameras, you had to wait about an hour
or so to see the pictures, but now you could view them on a computer screen.
You still had to go to a shop and ask to see your pictures. Then you had to
decide at that very moment if you wanted to purchase the photos. Sometimes, it
was a tough decision due to budget constraints, or because Mom did not have her
eyes open in the picture but everyone else looked great. Now with the new
PhotoPass system, you donÕt have to stop that day to look at pictures, and you
have lots of time to make your decision. Yes, Disney still has locations in
every theme park where you can view and purchase your photos, but you can also
view and purchase any and all of your PhotoPass photos on the Internet when you get
home.
So here is how it works - you start down Main
Street USA (or as you go into any park) and someone with a Nikon D-70 Digital
SLR camera and a Disney name badge asks you to stop for a picture. Tell the
kids this will only take a second, and make them turn around and follow the
directions of the cast member. The cast member will stand you in the perfect
spot and take a few pictures of the family. If you want a picture of just the
kids, ask, and they will make that happen also. By the way, they will be more
than happy to take a shot with your camera, too. If you ask for advice, they
will give you some tips about how to take photos and get great shots during
your vacation. Be sure that you get your PhotoPass card before you walk away
(they should offer it to you automatically). Treat this card like your park
tickets or your credit cards, as it will
be the way you will be able to see your photos later.
Carry your card with you, and give it to each cast
member that takes your picture. They will scan your card, and all your photos
will be stored together. If you forget to give them your card (or leave it in
your room), they'll give you another. DonÕt worry, you will be able to view all
of the pictures - you'll just need to keep track of all those extra cards. To
be safe, make sure you have a record of each card. Take a digital photo of
the back or write down the number, so you have it in case the card gets
misplaced.
When you meet Disney characters there will usually
be a PhotoPass photographer on hand to take pictures of you and your kids with
the characters. They will get candid shots of the first moments with the
characters, as well as posed shots.
If you are taking pictures at the same time the
cast member is, let your family know that the cast member gets the first photo,
then have whatever family member is also taking photos say, ÒNow, look at
me.Ó This way, you will not get home and find that everyone in your pictures
was looking at the PhotoPass photographer!.
As I said in an earlier article, the cast
member with the character (the ÒhandlerÓ) will be happy to take your picture,
using your camera. We had the PhotoPass photographer use our camera right after
he took his shots and they turned out great. Use both of these cast members to
your advantage while you spend time with the characters.
Now you have spent the day or week getting your
picture taken in front of all the park icons and with the characters. You can
stop at one of the locations in the park to look at the photos, or better yet,
go home and visit the PhotoPass web site to start the
process of viewing your photos.
Logging into the web site is a simple process. On
the first page of the web site you are asked for the number on the back of your
PhotoPass card. Enter the number and go to the second page and fill out the
required information. It will ask for your, name, address, e-mail, and a
password. Keep in mind that if you want anyone else to be able to view and
purchase these photos, they will have to enter your e-mail and password, so
donÕt use a password you use for other software.
After you register, the photos will come up in the
file marked ÒMy Disney Photos.Ó They will be there for the next 30 days so you
can view them and decide if you want to purchase any of them. There are six
things you can do at this point - view all of them in a slideshow, purchase
them, create greeting cards out of your favorite photos, share them with
others, enhance them, and add other PhotoPass numbers if you have multiple
cards - you'll be able to view everything with a single login. To me, the
neatest feature is enhancing the photos with borders, autographs, or customized
captions.
If at any time you need help, you can click on the
word "Help" at the top of the page and it will take you to http://www.disneyphotopass.com/help. This will
answer any questions you may have and give you additional information about the
system. Two things to keep in mind at this point is that you only have 30 days
to make up your mind, and you will not be able to download any photos from the
site. Any photos you buy will be shipped to the address you listed.
The cost of the program is listed at the site when
you choose to purchase a picture. Currently, a 5x7 is $12.95, an 8x10 is
$16.95, and the best deal is 1- 5x7 and 4 wallets for only $19.95.
If you want all of them but they took A LOT (our
last trip they took 120 photos), Disney has started something new. You can have
all of your photos put onto a CD for $99.95 and take them home with you. In the
future, you will be able to order this CD from the PhotoPass web site, but for now
you have to do it at one of Disney's in-park camera shops before you head home.
Disney usually has discounts available on the web
site and they will change often. For the most part, the more you buy, the
better the discount. Just keep checking and take advantage of them if you can.
In closing, do not shy away from the PhotoPass cast
members, as they are there to not only help DisneyÕs bottom line, but to
capture the magic as it happens for your family. Take the time to let them take
your picture, talk to them about photographic tips and when you get home, share
the photos with everyone you know. Who knows? You may just find the perfect
picture, and save the magic forever.
About The Author: Terry Rohrer is the father of
two and contributed an article on meeting Mickey Mouse in the May 4, 2006 issue of
PassPorter News.
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Did you enjoy this article? Have questions? E-mail
us at news@passporter.com or visit http://www.passporterboards.com to discuss
your holiday plans.
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UPDATES: What's New and Changed
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Here's a few of the new developments at Disney:
Foodie Alert: Reservations
for special dining events at this years 11th Annual Epcot International
Food & Wine Festival can be made
beginning at 7:00 am on July 31, 2006 by calling (407) WDW-FEST. Events will
include the weekly Party for the Senses Grand Tasting dinner, special wine
pairing meals and wine tasting classes. Reservations are limited so call
early!
Ahoy Mateys! Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is now
offering the "Island of the Caribbean Pirate Adventure" for
potty-trained children ages 4 - 10. Offered weekly, this adventure sets sail
from Old Port Royale and leads kids on a cruise/treasure hunt around the resort
ending back at Old Port Royale to share some grub. (Lunch is included in the
cost of the tour.) This adventure is every Tuesday from 9:30 am - 11:30
am and costs $28.17 plus tax per child.
Mickey's Halloween Treat (similar to
if not as lavish as Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World)
will be held at Disney's California Adventure on October 13, 20, 22, 27 and 29
from 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm and October 26, 30 and 31 from 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm.
Special entertainment, activities and treat stations will be set up through out
the park. This event requires separate admission. Ticket prices are $24 in
advance and $29 at the door.
>Things To Do: Hear some news? Send it to us at
news@passporter.com
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DISNEY TIPS FROM FELLOW READERS
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Our readers are a wealth of information! Here are
the winners in this month's tip contest:
TTC TRICK
"If you have little ones that are afraid of
the fireworks noise, visit the Transportation and Ticket Center for a great
view. We watched Wishes from benches near the ferry boat docks which gives you
a great view. The music from the fireworks is played over the speakers there
and you can beat the crowds when the display is over." -- contributed by
Jennifer Filling (jenfilling@...)
CHILL OUT
"To help beat the Florida heat on our
trip to Walt Disney World last week, my sister and I packed small, one-use cold
packs that we had purchased at our local dollar stores. The packs aren't cold
until activated by shaking the contents, popping the inner bag and voila -
instant cold pack! The cold packs last for about 20 minutes and are good for
one use only, but what a blessing they were in the middle of the parks on a hot
day! I even gave one to another guest who had become motion sick after riding a
few rides one day. These inexpensive cold packs will be going with me on every
future trip to WDW!" -- contributed by Laura E. (TerpnTime@...)
TIDE TIP
"We all enjoy good food at Disney and many
of us splurge on a few new outfits...probably something with white in it
to reflect the hot Florida sun! If your family is like mine then spills and
stains are common and there goes the new clothes. Pack the new TIDE TO GO
laundry pen. It's small, very portable and easy to use on the go. The small
price you pay for it may help you save some new (and old) outfits." --
contributed by Ilene F. (ifab@...)
>Notes: Send us your tips! You may see them in
this newsletter and win a copy of PassPorter! Visit:
http://www.passporter.com/customs/contest.htm
>>Want more Disney tips? For Walt
Disney World fans, we've collected 500 of the best tips submitted by readers
over the past six years. All have been edited for accuracy and categorized. For
details, visit the PassPorter Disney 500 info page at http://www.passporter.com/wdw/disney500.asp
>>For Disney Cruise Line fans, we
have an e-book with 250 cruiser tips, as well as a special cruise line
comparison section and seven customized packing lists. For information, visit
the Disney Cruise Clues info page at
http://www.passporter.com/dcl/cruiseclues.asp
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CAPTAIN'S CORNER: Treasure Hunting Game
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Play our fun and quirky treasure hunting game,
hosted by Captain Jack Skatt from our new book, "PassPorter's Treasure
Hunts at Walt Disney World."
The Captain makes a study of the delightful details
-- sometimes hidden, sometimes in plain sight but often overlooked -- at Walt
Disney World and aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Using notes from his journals,
he will lead you to this "treasure" at Disney with clues, questions,
photos, or riddles. Your challenge is to discover the answer by searching your
memory, visiting Disney, or even just looking really hard on the Internet. If
you think you've found the answer, e-mail it to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the
first person to correctly submit the FULL answer will receive a free PassPorter
enamel pin or PassPorter name badge pin.
Here is this week's treasure from Captain Skatt's
Journal:
"Egads! I've just stumbled upon the most
amazing thing! After my adventure at The Living Seas, I was scared witless. So
off I went in search of my wits and naturally I headed to the most obvious spot
in Epcot. As I approached the pavilion, I spied a most unusual water fountain.
It must have been in some odd gravity pool because it appeared that the
fountain's water was actually flowing UP rather than down. Most
astouding!"
Where in Epcot can you find a fountain that
appears to flow backward?
Send your full answer to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the
winner will be notified by e-mail and announced in the next newsletter, along
with the correct answer!
Congratulations to JamesD. who was the
winner of last week's treasure hunt game! James correctly named the seven
Finding Nemo characters outside The Living Seas - Nemo, Marlin, Dory, Pearl,
Bloat, Tad, Gill. To view the original clues, see last week's newsletter at
http://www.passporter.com/news/news071306.htm
Send your full answer to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the winner
will be notified by e-mail and announced in the next newsletter, along with the
correct answer!
If you enjoy treasure hunts, we've got an entire
book with over 100 distinct treasure hunts and over 1500 questions, complete
with clues and contributions from Captain Skatt. ÒPassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney World" is
now available! You can order the new book today at http://www.passporterstore.com/store/1587710269.aspx
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Q & A WITH JENNIFER & DAVE
====================================
DogLady asks: "Why are there no Yacht Club
Villas?"
Jennifer and Dave answer: "Where there's a
will, there's a way, but I'd bet that Yacht Club would be the last deluxe
resort to which they'd add DVC villas, since its "sister," Beach Club
already has villas.
Why doesn't the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand
Floridian or Animal Kingdom Lodge have them? And why aren't they building the
long-delayed Eagle Pines resort? Some of this has to do with available space,
but it's probably got a whole lot to do with DVC's marketing strategy, coupled
with projected demand for DVC memberships. Typically, DVC has only built (and
sold) one resort at a time. When that resort sells out, they announce the next.
Based on that strategy, there simply hasn't been enough time to build DVC
villas at every deluxe resort. Further, both Villas at Wilderness Lodge (VWL)
and Beach Club Villas (BCV) sold out so quickly, that I suspect DVC will continue
to focus on larger-scale projects like Saratoga Springs than on the resort
add-ons like VWL and BCV, which are only good for about 100-150 units.
The advantage DVC has enjoyed adding on to existing
resorts (or re-purposing a retired resort like Disney Institute/Saratoga
Springs) is that most of the resort infrastructure is already in place -
restaurants, recreational facilities, main lobby, etc. This cuts the cost of
development and speeds completion time for the project, and also leverages the
established reputation of the existing resort. The only downside as I
mentioned, is that there are so few new units that can be added. By the time
the marketing "machine" is up and running, it's time to shut it down.
In classic Disney style, DVC does not want to announce the next project until
the current one is fully sold - it helps ensure that folks won't defer their
purchase because they're waiting for the next project to open."
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===================================
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