Disney Riviera Resort

[AnnaKat]

On this topic of exclusivity, eliminating non-dvc guests entirely would be troublesome. Specifically, the exchange programs are predicated on Disney's ability to rent villas for cash in order to cover the cost of cruises, international resort stays and other non-DVC point uses. If we don't want any Riviera rooms rented for cash, it means Riviera owners would be banned from using points for any of those non-DVC destinations.

Exclusive amenities would be difficult. Closest thing currently in place is the rooftop lounge at Bay Lake Tower. If memory serves, that's not supposed to be accessible by cash guests--only DVC. But you can't make a pool exclusive. Even without exclusivity, the resort's restaurants will be touch-and-go at a 300-room DVC if for no other reason than every villa has a kitchen or kitchenette. DVC guests don't dine out like hotel guests do.

Agreed.
IF they did the atypical exclusive amenity for those staying on DVC points
OF exclusive use of a Club Level Lounge
with food & drink offerings throughout the day,
AND Concierge Services.


THEN maybe they could market DRR
as " the first DVC resort where EVERY Owner enjoys a full Club Level experience
for length of stay."

 

[preemiemama]

With no actual view of the parade lol

Yeah- I think my sarcasm on that got lost. Of course you won't have a parade view from there! But people are obviously still buying it...

 

[preemiemama]

Agreed.
IF they did the atypical exclusive amenity for those staying on DVC points
OF exclusive use of a Club Level Lounge
with food & drink offerings throughout the day,
AND Concierge Services.


THEN maybe they could market DRR
as " the first DVC resort where EVERY Owner enjoys a full Club Level experience
for length of stay."

Now THAT might make me want to stay there over Boardwalk- at least once. However, I'm not sure that goes along with their current business model. They are too in love with upsells to let club level be a DVC perk.

 

[Madonna3]

Notice my tag: "If you ticket it, they will come..."

That said, even I don't get the Tiana ice cream social -- but to each his/her own!

I'm on my phone so I can't get fancy but your first line is spot on. Ticketing an event means exclusivity, no? People pay for that? See where I'm going with this.

While my exclusivity argument is complete blue sky, there's no real concrete argument against it. Disney is catering to exclusivity. So, why not at DRR? I'm not saying it's going to happen. I'm saying let's imagine the possibilities if it did happen.

This is in response to @tjkraz :

Cash guests wouldn't need a membership card, they'll have a magic band. Membership cards would only be needed for members without a current resort reservation. If if you're a DVC member, you can't pool hop to BC. What if DRR built a nice pool that you could use since you're DVC.

What if, like BLT, there was a lounge that served actual food you could visit because you were a DVC member?

What if there was a store that sold DVC merch, like the Dooney and Bourke bags, that only DVC members could buy at a store only for DVC members?

Don't tell me DVC doesn't like exclusivity because it's already being done. It's not far fetched to believe it could be done on a resort level and that it would appeal to buyers.

Did you buy your MNSSHP tix yet?

 

[Madonna3]

Agreed.
IF they did the atypical exclusive amenity for those staying on DVC points
OF exclusive use of a Club Level Lounge
with food & drink offerings throughout the day,
AND Concierge Services.


THEN maybe they could market DRR
as " the first DVC resort where EVERY Owner enjoys a full Club Level experience
for length of stay."

There we go. Now we're thinking

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I'm on my phone so I can't get fancy but your first line is spot on. Ticketing an event means exclusivity, no? People pay for that? See where I'm going with this.

While my exclusivity argument is complete blue sky, there's no real concrete argument against it. Disney is catering to exclusivity. So, why not at DRR? I'm not saying it's going to happen. I'm saying let's imagine the possibilities if it did happen.

This is in response to @tjkraz :

Cash guests wouldn't need a membership card, they'll have a magic band. Membership cards would only be needed for members without a current resort reservation. If if you're a DVC member, you can't pool hop to BC. What if DRR built a nice pool that you could use since you're DVC.

What if, like BLT, there was a lounge that served actual food you could visit because you were a DVC member?

What if there was a store that sold DVC merch, like the Dooney and Bourke bags, that only DVC members could buy at a store only for DVC members?

Don't tell me DVC doesn't like exclusivity because it's already being done. It's not far fetched to believe it could be done on a resort level and that it would appeal to buyers.

Did you buy your MNSSHP tix yet?

I'm glad you're talking to me again -- no harm meant!

I agree with you 150% that exclusivity sells -- absolutely. I agree 150% that DVC members appear to like that sort of thing à la exclusive events, member cruises, etc.

I think the concrete argument against exclusivity of restaurants/stores specifically as a selling point is as follows:

• No hotel/timeshare that I am aware of does this, including snazzy places like Four Seasons and The Ritz
• If there was a way to make MORE money from one's restaurants/shops by making them exclusive to guests, I feel confident in saying that other hotels/timeshares would be doing this by now
• There are very few examples of "exclusive" restaurants that I can think of offhand (though I certainly wouldn't claim to know all if there are others!): Club 33, and some snazzy places in D.C. frequented by political types, mainly. Even in those cases, they are memberships open to everyone who can get their hands on them, and offer something VERY unique... I have a hard time imagining a TS at DRR having the same cachet as these other places enough to stay booked up, etc.

My gut just tells me that not enough people would pay extra money for exclusive access to restaurants/shops -- mostly because of the above few points

I know we agree that this is a "probably not"... I'm just leaning more toward the "not"... but nothing is impossible!

 

[jade1]

Right...large contracts were cheap...no doubt.

You did say "small contracts"...but I'll let it slide...

I'll concede your point...for being opportunistic...though you did "parse" the numbers a little and exaggerate.

No, I said small contracts sell for more. This practice starting surfacing later as it became clear on the demand. I did not mention size on retail contracts-just that they were in the 40's and 50's (which you didn't believe) and now worth double.

Regardless, $44 for 190 BCV points just 5 years ago? Heck the 270 point BCV for 62.50 is an amazing deal (all of those are actually).

 

[Madonna3]

I'm glad you're talking to me again -- no harm meant!

I agree with you 150% that exclusivity sells -- absolutely. I agree 150% that DVC members appear to like that sort of thing à la exclusive events, member cruises, etc.

I think the concrete argument against exclusivity of restaurants/stores specifically as a selling point is as follows:

• No hotel/timeshare that I am aware of does this, including snazzy places like Four Seasons and The Ritz
• If there was a way to make MORE money from one's restaurants/shops by making them exclusive to guests, I feel confident in saying that other hotels/timeshares would be doing this by now
• There are very few examples of "exclusive" restaurants that I can think of offhand (though I certainly wouldn't claim to know all if there are others!): Club 33, and some snazzy places in D.C. frequented by political types, mainly. Even in those cases, they are memberships open to everyone who can get their hands on them, and offer something VERY unique... I have a hard time imagining a TS at DRR having the same cachet as these other places enough to stay booked up, etc.

My gut just tells me that not enough people would pay extra money for exclusive access to restaurants/shops -- mostly because of the above few points

I know we agree that this is a "probably not"... I'm just leaning more toward the "not"... but nothing is impossible!

1st point: I can give no examples nor am I going to spend time searching. However, can't we agree that Disney are innovators? Businesses mold themselves after Disney, not the other way around, well back in the glory days anyway. So it's not unlike Disney to break from the mold. The whole DVC concept was a new take on the timeshare market at its introduction.

2nd point: again, I can't make any argument against it. Restaurants and merchandise are big money for resorts. But let's go back to my moderate example. How many people do you think went out of their way to dine at CBRs Shutters that weren't staying on property? Yet, there was enough business to sustain the restaurant. What about the shop? Do you think people went out of their way to shop at CBR? Yet, their was enough business to sustain it. I'm not saying they're going to be making money hand over fist, but with all DVC members having access at anytime, not just those staying at DRR, I think it would be a "go-to" place for DVC members looking for a little "exclusivity". DVC Epcot lounge, anyone? I love the idea of members having access to a lounge like that at DRR but with guaranteed snacks.

3rd point: this would be no different. Anyone can buy a DVC membership. Anyone can book a cash room. Those places serve a $50 hamburger because they can. They have an exclusive clientele. The restaurant has a "fireworks" view. At Disney. That's all it would need.

I think people would pay for access to exclusive restaurants/shops and that's the scary part.

 

[Roxyfire]

I was just pointing out Roxyfire, LOL and myself can make money, but not planning to sell currently.

And I just got mine so I still want to use it

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

1st point: I can give no examples nor am I going to spend time searching. However, can't we agree that Disney are innovators? Businesses mold themselves after Disney, not the other way around, well back in the glory days anyway. So it's not unlike Disney to break from the mold. The whole DVC concept was a new take on the timeshare market at its introduction.

2nd point: again, I can't make any argument against it. Restaurants and merchandise are big money for resorts. But let's go back to my moderate example. How many people do you think went out of their way to dine at CBRs Shutters that weren't staying on property? Yet, there was enough business to sustain the restaurant. What about the shop? Do you think people went out of their way to shop at CBR? Yet, their was enough business to sustain it. I'm not saying they're going to be making money hand over fist, but with all DVC members having access at anytime, not just those staying at DRR, I think it would be a "go-to" place for DVC members looking for a little "exclusivity". DVC Epcot lounge, anyone? I love the idea of members having access to a lounge like that at DRR but with guaranteed snacks.

3rd point: this would be no different. Anyone can buy a DVC membership. Anyone can book a cash room. Those places serve a $50 hamburger because they can. They have an exclusive clientele. The restaurant has a "fireworks" view. At Disney. That's all it would need.

I think people would pay for access to exclusive restaurants/shops and that's the scary part.

I still don't see it, but we can agree to disagree! And time will most certainly tell... One thing is for certain: if they survey this idea and it has major traction, they'll do it. If not, they won't.

I wouldn't put a DVC-exclusive restaurant in the category of "innovation", but that's me. I can just tell you this for sure: if the real estate / timeshare developer I worked for years ago could have made an extra penny by making his restaurants and shops exclusive, he would have done it. Granted, he didn't have WDW around him, but I'm not sure that matters on this one.

ETA: I'm not clear on why a restaurant at DRR being exclusive to DVC members should draw me to DRR if I'm staying elsewhere. Because I think it is special to dine around only DVC members and/or guests of DRR? What is exclusive that would matter to me? Maybe the view?? I am a view person... I still can't quite see it... but maybe I'm just shortsighted...

 

[Roxyfire]

Now THAT might make me want to stay there over Boardwalk- at least once. However, I'm not sure that goes along with their current business model. They are too in love with upsells to let club level be a DVC perk.

I think if it was more similar to the Business Class lounge at Coronado it might work. I don't know if you ever stayed there or did that one, but they had continental breakfast type stuff in the morning, with juices, coffees, muffins, bagels, fruit, etc. In the evening they had the dips, snacks, chips, sodas, beer and wine, cookies and other desserts. I think something like that would work fairly well. Something a little above the Epcot lounge but below what they'd offer in other club lounges. They wouldn't even need to provide the breakfast, but maybe starting in the afternoon offer iced tea, water, coffee, fruit and snacks. Changing it over to dips and appetizers in the evening.

Yes I realize, they don't want to pay for it. But part of it being in a bad location is to draw people either to own, stay, or visit there. Then they can visit that lovely DVC merch shop with the expensive polo shirts and dooney bags.

 

[preemiemama]

I think if it was more similar to the Business Class lounge at Coronado it might work. I don't know if you ever stayed there or did that one, but they had continental breakfast type stuff in the morning, with juices, coffees, muffins, bagels, fruit, etc. In the evening they had the dips, snacks, chips, sodas, beer and wine, cookies and other desserts. I think something like that would work fairly well. Something a little above the Epcot lounge but below what they'd offer in other club lounges. They wouldn't even need to provide the breakfast, but maybe starting in the afternoon offer iced tea, water, coffee, fruit and snacks. Changing it over to dips and appetizers in the evening.

Yes I realize, they don't want to pay for it. But part of it being in a bad location is to draw people either to own, stay, or visit there. Then they can visit that lovely DVC merch shop with the expensive polo shirts and dooney bags.

I have not stayed at Coronado, but it sounds like the idea of Hampton Inn with their free breakfast and then cookies/bottled water at night. That they might do...

 

[Roxyfire]

I have not stayed at Coronado, but it sounds like the idea of Hampton Inn with their free breakfast and then cookies/bottled water at night. That they might do...

Yep, pretty much with a little plus. They had great hummus and leek dip there. It was a nice way to wind down in the evening.

 

[preemiemama]

Yep, pretty much with a little plus. They had great hummus and leek dip there. It was a nice way to wind down in the evening.

I could see that being a way to incorporate the exclusivity (like the EPCOT lounge) without it breaking the bank. Still a hook, but not a large investment for them.

 

[Madonna3]

Glad to finally be in good company with the exclusive "hook".

 

[preemiemama]

Glad to finally be in good company with the exclusive "hook".

I think they have to do something- and you are right about DVC owners liking the exclusive angle. They have just been adding on charges to everything (and IMHO replacing the "magic" from the past with charges for the same thing in the present) that I am skeptical of them adding anything they think they could charge for. This "scaled down" exclusive idea might be a good compromise.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Glad to finally be in good company with the exclusive "hook".

Again -- if they have something exclusive wrt the gondola that is feasible (like some sort of "express gondola" to the parks from DRR), that would seem more of a selling point to me. And most of the cost there seems up front, so the economics seems more feasible (rather than having to constantly keep a restaurant booked). But perhaps the economics don't work out on the gondola idea either... or maybe it's not even feasible -- I'm totally ignorant on gondola feasibility.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

This "scaled down" exclusive idea might be a good compromise.

Would you pay extra for it? That's really what it comes down to... Would that take a resort that you would pass on and make it something you would buy?

Maybe enough people say 'yes'... I don't think so... and IF the answer is no, then Disney is not doing anything for free. We'll probably agree on that last part.

 

[preemiemama]

Would you pay extra for it? That's really what it comes down to... Would that take a resort that you would pass on and make it something you would buy?

Maybe enough people say 'yes'... I don't think so... and IF the answer is no, then Disney is not doing anything for free. We'll probably agree on that last part.

I think it would make it something I might try staying at to see if I like it. I don't think it would be enough to make me buy, but it might for some. I'm not sure the gondolas are enough to make people buy on their own. This might be a way to sway enough people to buy.

And yes, we definitely agree that Disney is not doing anything for free.

 

[jade1]

If it's a good restaurant and I agree with the pricing, and we can go there-we will.