On the heels of Universal Studios Orlando’s recently announced third gate, Universal’s Epic Universe, I began to ask myself if we may one day see a DVC style timeshare from them as well. Universal, in many ways, has always been chasing Walt Disney World and implementing some of their ideas to the company’s advantage. With Disney Vacation Club being arguably one of the company’s most lucrative ventures in the past decade, it would stand to reason that some Universal executives have at least considered the option.
The first factor that would need to be analyzed is whether the market exists to support a Universal timeshare property. Based on conversations I’ve had with others over the years, my answer to this would be yes. While the demographic is obviously smaller than what we see with DVC, Universal has done a lot to make themselves more appealing in recent years. Most notable is what they have done to heighten their appeal to guests of all ages. Whether you are looking for a fun family friendly ride like E.T.s Adventure, or something a bit more thrilling like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Universal has now established itself as a place where the entire family can have fun and spend multiple days enjoying its theme parks, water park, and more.
Next, Universal would need to evaluate if the timing is right to consider such an endeavor. In order to do this, I referenced back to Walt Disney World – Circa 1991. At the time Disney launched their first Disney Vacation Club Property – Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Walt Disney World was much different than what we know now. The resort at that time consisted of Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney-MGM Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, River County, Disney Village Marketplace (now Disney Springs), and a series of hotels. Essentially 3 theme parks or “gates”, two water parks, a dining and shopping destination, and some hotels. Sound familiar? With Universal Orlando soon adding a third gate, the resort would be eerily familiar to what Walt Disney World looked like at the time of its decision to enter the timeshare market.
The last and most important question to consider for Universal is how to successfully enter the timeshare market. This, in my mind, would be the hardest part of these discussions since Universal technically does not directly own any of its hotel properties. These are instead managed and owned by Loews Hotels. While this is an obstacle, it could in some ways work in Universal’s favor. If Universal were able to get Loews to sign on for such an endeavor, they would be able to leverage the growing network of hotel properties they have across North America. This could work similar to what we see with DVC and RCI and provide a greater value for those interested in purchasing a “vacation club” interest. It is one thing to sell people on visiting Universal Studios Orlando every year, but the possibility of visiting other locations sweetens the deal even more.
As I mentioned earlier, these thoughts are things I’ve considered over the past few weeks since Universal announced arguably its most aggressive growth initiative ever. If they want to play with the big boys, considering a way to get guests to return to their resorts year after year is the next step. Curious to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Is Universal ready to enter the timeshare market? If so, do you think people would buy their product?
Great article but the decision maybe more down to Loews wanting to offer timeshare in Orlando then Universal making the decision, as you say the hotels are owned and operated by Loews who i am sure pay Universal a nice amount of money to be on there property but i am sure in the small print it will be Loews who would have the final decision.
That being said if Universal have the money they could either buy the hotels off Loews or build others and offer timeshare.
Just do not think Universal have this in there grand scheme of plans to be honest.
I hope they dont. As these would start the slippery slope of different tiers, more VIP events with higher prices, etc.
I still don’t think Universal appeals to all ages. There is not much for preschool age kids. Most of the new attractions are thrill rides.
DVC was a gamble for Disney in the beginning but it has paid off handsomely. Universal would face the same kind of uncertainty and as you mention in the main article Universal has a few extra hurdles to overcome. If they entered the market at a more reasonable price than DVC they could be successful on a smaller scale and might even draw some interest from Disney fans who could stay at Universal and still visit Disney. It’s an interesting idea!
I am a decade-old DVC owner and long time Orlando vacationer. I absolutely would be interested in purchasing a UO DVC-style timeshare!!
Been waiting years for a Universal Resort/Loews Hotel timeshare partnership. Would absolutely invest in that program.
What about the new low cost hotel, are these still run by Lowes or are they full UO owned properties, if they are then this may have been a cheap gateway for UO to have moved into a time share style setup at a low cost hotel offering low cost points.
They are both listed on Lowes website so I assume they have an interest in them as well.