New York Doorway to Dreams closing

[quote="DisneyGeek"] I'm not very surprised by this. I would find it difficult to believe that most people in a shopping mall want to drop $20k+ for future Disney trips. Lots of stories I've read from people were going for various freebies and events, but it sounded like the ratio of buyers to Disney fix hunters probably wasn't very high. I think the operating costs for sales centers already on a Disney property would be lower for the overall Disney company as well, even if on paper they are charged rent from the various cross divisions. The timing coincides with fewer properties, particularly the "cheaper alternatives" of AKV & SSR being sold out. They could have been a marketing hook for mall shoppers. But then again, I'm not in sales of any kind so it would be interesting to hear what other people's take on this is... [/quote]

[quote="TimK"] The Chicago DtD opened in 2007 and NY in 2009. On that basis alone, I guess Chicago was successful enough to prompt a second location. If Disney/DVC was committed to using the locations for more than just sales, I can see how it could be justifiable. Particularly if they got other Disney business units (DCL, Disney Store, etc.) to help fund events and promotions. But without that synergy, I cannot see them being able to generate enough sales to support a mall-based outlet...particularly in this 2012+ economy. IMO this is an extension of other emerging trends--DVC is relying more and more on the uninformed theme park impulse buyer. You're right--few people go into the mall expecting to spend $20k on a timeshare. On the other hand, people are in the midst of a glorious Walt Disney World vacation, a little arm twisting will convince many to spend $130-160 per point for DVC. We all know Disney trips are expensive and DVC is a money saver, even at current retail prices. When DVC catches them at the right time, many won't bother to investigate further, learn about resales, etc. Outside of "the berm" buyers will be much more patient and discriminating. I have also come to understand that the staff compensation was extremely lackluster. Over time they may have found it increasingly difficult to maintain staff levels, while a lot of resources were tied up in finding, screening and training new staff. [/quote]

[quote="Maturod1"] First thing I'm am sad to see the untimely demise of this location as it is only about an hour and a half from where we live and we've come to know our guide very well at this location in fact we just completed a cruise on the Magic together. It was also where we added on so I can feel good that at least we contributed to their bottom line. As Tim mentioned in his post I think it would be a great idea to shift focus a little and put some DCL, WDW, DL and maybe even adventures reps in there to possibly build a better revenue stream to pay the bills and keep DVC to get in the big chunks of change when sold. But as I originally said I will be sad to see it go. Hopefully they will have a send off party or something it would be nice to see it once more before it's gone. [/quote]

[quote="DisneyGeek"] A multi-branch "Disney Travel Store" with events and help booking all the different offerings + the option to buy DVC instead of paying cash year after year is intriguing; sounds like it might work better than straight DVC locations would in a mall... :scratchchin: [/quote]

[quote="ree1064"] You have no idea how saddened I am by this. I can get in my car and in less than 15 minutes, no traffic of course, I would be there to get my Disney fix. We have made many friends there for sure. I added on recently at an event that they had. I feel bad for those that are working there and will have to lose their jobs......I hope that Disney will help them find something else. We were just on the MAGIC, on the 2-night getaway and not enough guides or people there to help with all of the great promotions on there!!! I will surely be there when we have to say goodbye..... BOOOO HOOOOOO [/quote]