2008 will certainly be memorable for its political and economic upheaval but it was also a year of significance for Disney Vacation Club members. Before we officially put 2008 to rest, let's take a moment to review some of the most noteworthy events in the DVC world over the past year.
It was a year of new resort announcements, policy changes and new perks for DVC members. Here is our list of the 10 most influential events in 2008:
(Follow links for additional details)
10. First Disneyland Member Event - DVC held its first west coast members-only gathering back in May. Among the day's activities was a first look at the model rooms for the Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Resort. (Our extensive coverage of the VGC models can be found HERE.)
9. Change in Member Services Schedule - There were actually two changes in 2008. First DVC added Saturdays to the schedule. A month later operations expanded to 7 days/week.
8. 100 Point Initial Contracts - After more than a decade of selling initial contracts in the 150-160 point range, DVC allowed first-time buyers to purchase as little as 100 points at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas. This purchase threshold is still available but only for purchases at the Animal Kingdom Villas.
7. Free Internet - Day guests continue to pay $10 per day but Internet service is now free for members when using their points for a DVC resort stay.
6. Hawaii Groundbreaking - In a year filled with economic turmoil--and little news regarding this resort project announced in 2007--many questioned whether the Hawaii DVC resort would ever get off the ground. In November the Ko Olina project to a big step forward with a lavish ground blessing / groundbreaking ceremony. Projected opening is 2012.
5. Saratoga Springs Officially Sells-Out - After nearly 5 years of sales and 800+ units, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa reached "sold out" status with DVC. At least it did for a few months...
4. Treehouse Villas Coming to SSR - In February we heard found out Disney was rebuilding the old Treehouse Villas but it wasn't until September that we were certain they would be part of DVC. Not only are they DVC accommodations but they are part of Saratoga Springs and all SSR owners will be eligible to reserve these new villas 11 months in advance.
3. Cup-Gate - Somewhat mysteriously, DVC decided to remove all glasses and ceramic mugs from DVC Studio villas. Outrage ensued. A few days later DVC altered the policy in response to complaints from members.
2. Change in Booking Window - After years of booking Disney Vacation Club stays 11/7 months from the check OUT date a policy change allowed members to book 11/7 months from the check IN date. While seemingly designed to be more member-friendly, some feared that the change would leave them unable to secure their desired accommodation (i.e. "if too many members call 11 months out to book 6/1 to 6/5, will there be any rooms left when I call to book an arrival for 6/3?") Fortunately complaints have thus far been few and far between. Stay tuned!
1. Bay Lake Tower Announced - No matter what you call it--Contemporary DVC, Kingdom Tower, B.LT.--that building under construction adjacent to the Magic Kingdom has been Disney's "Worst Kept Secret" for over two years. That finally changed with a well-orchestrated announcement on September 16, 2008. Within days the DVC website had been updated, model rooms opened in Florida and point sales began. The Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort is scheduled to open in September 2009.
{/joso}