Each December, the condo association for Disney Vacation Club organizes a meeting that serves as a comprehensive recap of the significant events of the year, and an overview of what DVC members can anticipate for the upcoming year.
If you are a member (or future member!) of Disney Vacation Club, you might be eager to discover the key highlights from the 2023 Condo Association meeting held today, December 8th. Even if you were unable to attend, fret not! We have gathered all the essential highlights for your convenience right here. Let’s take a look at the meeting’s highlights.
Meeting Format
Last year, the format was changed to feature member questions in the beginning, but this year’s schedule returned to a more traditional format.
The agenda for the event begins with a comprehensive general session, followed by a Board of Directors meeting, a Member Meeting, and concludes with a 30-minute Q&A session. During this Q&A session, attendees have the opportunity to ask open floor questions and engage in meaningful discussions.
Upcoming DVC Resorts
Two exciting developments are on the horizon for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members. The first is the new DVC tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, which is expected to open in late 2024, and the second development is the new tower at the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness.
DVC Tower At Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and conveniently connected to the Magic Kingdom via the monorail. The construction progress is well underway, with nearly every room already enclosed. Permits and layout plans for the rooms have been filed, providing insights into the designs and amenities.
One question regarding this new tower has been, “Will DVC’s New Polynesian Tower Be A Separate Association?” During today’s Q&A section it was revealed that the new DVC tower at Polynesian will be a part of the existing association.
Our plans right now are for the new tower to be part of the existing Polynesian Resort.
Yvonne Chang, Executive Director of Business Operations for Disney Vacation ClubCabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
Throughout today’s meeting a few new pieces of information were revealed for the upcoming Cabins at Fort Wilderness, which are slated to be completely renovated, and join Disney Vacation Club by summer of 2024.
Pictured above, we’re now seeing our first ever sneak peak of the interior design of the upcoming cabins, as well as a new logo for the project as well.
Annual Budget
As is usual for the meeting, the budgets for each of the Disney Vacation Club properties were accepted without much to note. This includes ratifying the proposed annual dues that were posted on our website back in November, which you can find here: Proposed 2024 Annual Dues Announced For Disney Vacation Club.
DVC Resort Refurbishment Schedule
When it comes to keeping Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resorts in top-notch condition, a refurbishment process is in place. During the meeting, the plans to update resrots every 7 years to ensure a fresh and inviting experience for guests was reiterated. Here’s an overview of the recent and upcoming refurbishments:
Completed Refurbishments
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Boulder Ridge Villas: A full refurbishment was successfully completed in 2023, enhancing the charm and comfort of this rustic retreat.
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Beach Club Villas: This year, the Beach Club Villas underwent a refreshing update, providing guests with a renewed sense of coastal elegance.
Ongoing Refurbishments
- Vero Beach: Currently undergoing a “focused” refurbishment, Vero Beach’s refurbishment is expected to conclude in mid-2024.
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Hilton Head: Hilton Head is currently undergoing a full refurbishment, which includes the addition of elevators to one building. Guests can anticipate a revitalized experience when the project completes in mid-2024.
Upcoming Refurbishments
- Bay Lake Tower: The refurbishment plans for Bay Lake Tower are on track for 2024, ensuring that this iconic tower continues to provide a modern and comfortable stay experience.
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Animal Kingdom Villas: Both buildings of Animal Kingdom Villas are slated for refurbishment in 2025, promising upgraded amenities and a rejuvenated atmosphere.
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Treehouse Villas: At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the charming Treehouse Villas are also scheduled for refurbishment in 2025, offering guests an enhanced nature-inspired getaway.
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Copper Creek: In 2025, Copper Creek will undergo a refurbishment, further elevating its cozy yet sophisticated ambiance.
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Grand Californian: The iconic Grand Californian at Disneyland Resort will also receive a refurbishment in 2025, ensuring that guests continue to enjoy the utmost luxury and comfort.
As part of all current and upcoming refurbishments, each of the resort’s wifi infrastructure is being enhanced, with Bay Lake Tower scheduled to receive this upgrade next.
Member Feedback Tool
Special attention was paid to highlight the Member Feedback Tool, which encourages DVC members to use this online form to voice their mind regarding their membership and allows for a place to provide feedback to DVC staff about your vacation, how the DVC website is functioning and much more.
Member Experiences & Perks
DVC recapped many of its perks and exclusives from 2023, such as:
- Member previews of TRON, Journey into Water and Fantasmic’s return
- Member exclusive screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 followed by a night at EPCOT
- Hoop Dee Doo Holidays
- Special member treat stops at theme park events
They also mentioned some upcoming member experiences that are planned for 2023 including:
- Next DVC member Cruise in May of 2024 aboard the Disney Dream in the Mediterranean
- DVC member Cruise in June of 2024 aboard the Disney Magic to Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point
- DVC member Cruise in January of 2026 aboard the Disney Treasure
- Moonlight Magic will return for eight more nights in 2024
- more news to come as the year progresses regarding addition member experiences
Member’s Question And Answer Session Highlights
Near the end of the meeting, DVC members were invited to ask their questions and engage in a dialogue with the Board of Directors. Here are a few of the highlights, questions & answers are paraphrased and are not exact quotes:
Replacement H20 Hygiene Products In DVC Resorts
The bath products used in Disney Vacation Club villas will maintain an identical formula but will now bear the Disney brand instead of H2O. So, not much to change with everyone’s beloved H20 products!
When can we expect a DVC app for phones?
Currently, there are no immediate plans for the release of a DVC app. However, it has been on the radar and may be part of a continuing evolution of DVC services. Additionally, there is news of a new DVC IT director who will be joining soon, which could potentially bring advancements in this area. Stay tuned for further updates.
Will pool hopping be reintroduced in the future?
Currently, the infrastructure at hotels is tailored to cater specifically to the resort’s registered guests. This ensures that they are not inconvenienced during their stay. However, if guests are interested in pool hopping, it is recommended that they check with the resort management to see if this option is available during their visit.
What is the impact of Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) on taxes, member dues, and other related matters?
Due to its connection to litigation, we are unable to provide any specific comments regarding the impact of CFTOD on taxes, member dues, or related matters. However, it is important to note that there is no immediate impact on the current businesses.
Are there any plans for Disney Vacation Club to expand into other states?
When asked about expansion plans, Bill Diercksen, Director of Finance and Strategy for Disney Vacation Club, mentioned that DVC has a lot of plans for growth. They are constantly exploring opportunities and actively seeking feedback from members. However, at the moment, there is no specific information or announcements to share regarding expansion into other states. Stay tuned for any updates in the future.
Shouldn’t an annual dues surplus be returned to members instead of being put into reserves?
When there is a surplus in annual dues, it is recorded as a credit. However, this credit is allocated to the reserves rather than directly returned to members. By doing so, it reduces the amount of reserves that the club would otherwise need to request from its members.
Will the new Polynesian tower be part of the existing association or a new association?
According to Yvonne Chang, Executive Director of Business Operations for Disney Vacation Club, their current plans indicate that the new tower will be integrated as part of the existing Polynesian Resort.
Wrapping Up
The 2023 Disney Vacation Club Condo Association Meeting provided DVC members with a lot of new information about the upcoming changes for 2024.
With two new DVC resorts in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s DVC tower and the new Cabins at Fort Wilderness, there is plenty to look forward to for Disney Vacation Club members in 2024.
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Disney Vacation Club Condo Association Meeting in December 12th, 2024!
Stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog for all the latest developments from inside the parks, and around the DVC resorts.
Your site does not allow me enough time to say everything that I need to about the DVC meeting. Why is it so short?