FamilyTravelGurus

Back in January we did our first interview with Disney Vacation Club (DVC) expert and DVC resale broker Shontell Crawford.  That interview proved to be popular with our readers so we are going to make this a regular feature - checking in from time to time with Shontell on the latest about DVC.  Shontell is also a sponsor of our dvctalk discussion forum - a list Tim started back in 1998 that now has over 4,000 subscribers.

FamilyTravelGurus: Since we  last talked, Disney’s Bay Lake Towers have opened.  What has  been the response to the newest DVC resort?  Is it too soon  for resales to be available at Bay Lake Towers?

The response to the new Bay Lake Towers has been overwhelmingly positive.  Members have been begging Disney for a resort on the monorail since day one and it has finally come true!  The views on both sides of the property are spectacular, the rooms are modern, full of sunshine, sleek and yet comfortable.  It reminds me of retro Miami with the Magic and comfort of Disney. To “top” it all off…the Top of the World lounge brings the MK fireworks to our backyard along with the audio as icing on the cake.

Surprisingly, it isn’t too soon for resales to be available.  Unforeseen circumstances are just a part of life and we have already had a handful of BLT listings come in…and as you might imagine…sell VERY quickly.

FamilyTravelGurus: You recently stayed at Bay Lake Towers and the new Treehouse Villas - tell us about that experience.

I really enjoyed both!  The Treehouses are so unique – three bedrooms, two baths with bunk beds in the third bedroom. Lots of treated wood complimented with granite and black modern appliances.  The master bathroom has a unique setup with the jacuzzi and shower next to each other. The pool is nice and you are within walking distance to the main SSR Pool & Spa center.  The feeling the unit provides amidst the trees is so unusual and fun.  I heard someone calling it “Glamping”…glamorous camping. Unless you have an aversion to nature, I think most families will really enjoy these.

Bay Lake Towers are just fantastic.  Truly.  I don’t know what else to say…everyone I have either been with or talked to about the property has nothing but good things to say. A few questions from listeners on a recent videocast asked questions about the parking lot view from the MK side possibly being a negative but honestly, I don’t think that should be an issue when you can see the castle above the tree line. That is the only thing that hasn’t received amazing reviews from BLT to my knowledge.  It is certainly now my overall favorite property – not necessarily for the location but for the décor.  It’s just my style!

FamilyTravelGurus:  How is availability of resales at the other DVC resorts?

Resales are consistent and while the Beach Club still remains somewhat elusive, everything becomes available year round.  If someone wants something specific we always do our best to find it for them as quickly as possible.

FamilyTravelGurus: Are you  seeing more resales available with the downturn in the economy?

Yes, I think we’ve had more sellers in the past 12-16 months than in years past which is almost certainly related to the economy.  But our market ebbs and flows fairly consistently. November and December inventory increases due to the holidays taking priority and then in January it turns around and usually levels off around May.

FamilyTravelGurus: Are resale prices holding steady?

We saw a drop in the right of first refusal buyback figures from DVC earlier this year and resale prices fell for certain properties, while others held steady.  Personally, I feel like Saratoga has become the best deal financially at the moment because the ROFR has dropped to around $70 per point – which is similar to Old Key West yet SSR has 12 more years on the deed. Not to mention the annual dues are the lowest outside BLT.

FamilyTravelGurus: What do you think about the future California DVC property?

This is the one I’m VERY excited about, having never personally gone to Disneyland.  I’m intrigued to see how the demand will be.  Having only a minimal amount of units available and a LOT of Disney lovers on the West Coast.  I’m wondering if this is a test run for DVC to expand further in the CA area.

FamilyTravelGurus: Tell us about your new RR&R online Video segments featured on your  blog.

Thanks so much for asking, Tim!  In the almost 20 years I’ve been in Orlando as both a Cast Member and in the DVC resales, I have consistently been asked about “my” favorites out at Disney. The team decided it would be a good idea if I shared those and so we came up with RR&R = Restaurants, Recess and Relaxation specifically related to the Disney resorts.  What started out as a written blog has become a video blog so people can actually see the locations.  I’ve been inviting other Disney experts to join me and share their favorites as well.  Hopefully, it’s giving people at home something new to consider for their next Disney vacation….and at the very least, a Disney fix anytime!

http://DVCbyResale.com/blog
(if you have trouble viewing there, try our YouTube channel)
http://YouTube.com/DVCbyResale

FamilyTravelGurus: And you are on twitter and Facebook now, too?

Yes, we sure are…we have a fan page on Facebook and we now Twitter - for anybody who wants to see pictures and updates from Disney amidst our travels and we also have a DVC “deals” twitter for anybody in the DVC resale market who wants to know about the great listings when they come along.  We have been having fun with all of them and it has helped us really get to know some of the people we have been working with and talking to for years…many from dvctalk, I might add!

http://tinyurl.com/DVCbyResaleFB

http://twitter.com/DVCbyResale

FamilyTravelGurus: Any other DVC rumors or news on the horizon? 

There always seem to be rumors, doesn’t there?! 

We know Disney recently purchased some property in the Virginia/D.C. Area, rumors have been talking Las Vegas for a number of years and according to a survey, Lake Tahoe and Los Cabos may even be future considerations.  With our DVC President being named Chairman of ARDA (American Resort Development Association) I would imagine many doors could be opening that we have yet to consider.

Thank you so much for asking for my feedback, Tim!  I must say that it has always been a pleasure talking DVC with you and all the members of dvctalk.  I can’t believe we have been chatting over 10 years now, haven’t we?!  This is a great little cul de sac in the massive world of internet Disney information and I’m really happy to call it one of my homes.  You have done a fabulous job of moderating and developing this community.  You deserve a “cyber” mayor award of some kind!!!

FamilyTravelGurus: and thank you Shontell!  It’s amazing how much dvctalk has grown and we always appreciate you being a part of the list (readers - find out more about dvctalk at:  http://www.familytravelgurus.com/dvclist.html )

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