Two resort openings, new members-only lounges and an expanded perks program are just a few of the things that Disney Vacation Club brought to the table in a lively 2024.
Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Last year began with a bang when Disney Vacation Club confirmed plans for a new members-only lounge at Walt Disney World. Disney would later confirm that the new space would be located in the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. McKim's Mile House is slated for a summer 2025 opening.
Guests at Disney's BoardWalk Villas lost one nearby dining venue when Big River Grille & Brewing Works abruptly closed.
A flood of new information on The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort began to emerge as its summer 2024 opening date was revealed. Many were pleasantly surprised to find that the cabins nightly point rates are comparable with many DVC Deluxe Studio rooms, though the high annual dues rates were a turn off to potential buyers.
The BoardWalk Villas underwent the most dramatic refurbishment project in its 28-year history, including the addition of the popular pull-down sofa beds. After nearly 10 months, the project would finally wrap up in June 2024.
One of the final COVID-19 closures was finally reversed Disney announced that 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa would reopen in April 2024.
Walt Disney World revealed that all guests at its hotels and timeshare villas would receive free admission to either Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Disney's Blizzard Beach on their arrival day beginning in 2025.
Gateway to Discovery, a new DVC preview center, opened at Disney Springs in March. Later that summer, an upstairs area would be added with a small member lounge and model rooms for Disney's Riviera Resort.
Character dining returned to Disney's Vero Beach Resort with a weekly breakfast featuring Goofy and Pluto.
Permits associated with the former Reflections - a Disney Lakeside Lodge project were extended, the first sign that the resort might be revived. Later in the year, Disney would confirm plans to move forward with construction on what was renamed Disney Lakeshore Lodge.
DVC Members got an early look at Tiana's Bayou Adventure with an exclusive preview of the new Magic Kingdom attraction.
The EPCOT members-only lounge would close in June for an extended period. Orignally slated to reopen in July, the closure stretched to October due to issues with the building's elevator. It is now back open daily with a new name: ImaginAtrium - A Member Lounge.
Another new member perk, Welcome Home Weeks, debuted in July and August 2024. For 5 weeks, members were treated to a variety of discounts and freebies including a reduced-price quick service meal, free ice cream, exclusive character greets and more.
Disney California Adventure received its own DVC preview center when Golden Vine House moved into the old Blue Sky Cellar.
In order to comply with a new Florida law, most Disney Vacation Club resorts switched to a quarterly board meeting schedule with the first meetings taking place in September.
Vero Beach resort completed its own refurbishment project, updating the interiors of all villas.
In September, DVC announced the Moonlight Magic event dates for 2025, along with the surprise reveal of three additional nights across October, November and December 2024.
Also in September, the long-awaited refurbishment of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort finally began. The first updated rooms would open to guests right at the end of the year, sporting new pull-down beds and Mary Blair-inspired artwork.
Membership Magic Beyond was announced as an optional paid perks program, coming in 2025. For $99 per year, benefits include free Memory Maker, discounts on One Time Use points, theme park ticket discounts, unique character meets and more.
The December condominium assocation meetings provided a wealth of information regarding the present and future of Disney Vacation Club.
Finally, on December 17, 2024 Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows opened to guests. The 222 room facility is an addition to the existing Polynesian condo association, bringing a new pool and restaurant, fitness center, dedicated lobby and more.
