For frequent travelers to Walt Disney World, the gradual shift away from single-use plastics has been a noticeable trend over the last few years. What started with the removal of plastic straws and the introduction of wall-mounted shower amenities has now expanded further into the guest room experience. Disney Vacation Club villas are currently receiving updated bulk amenities, signaling the end of the small, take-home bottles that many members have collected for decades.
This latest update sees the replacement of individual hand soaps, body lotions, and dish soaps with larger, refillable dispensers. This change aligns with broader sustainability goals across the hospitality industry and follows the precedent set by the shower amenities introduced in 2018.
Expanding the Bulk Amenity Program
The transition to bulk amenities at Disney resorts began several years ago, primarily focusing on the shower area. Guests staying at various DVC resorts have long since grown accustomed to wall-mounted dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. The new phase of this rollout targets the vanity and kitchen areas of the villas.
Reports from guests indicate that the small bottles of hand lotion and bars of facial soap typically found on bathroom vanities are being replaced with freestanding, pump-style bulk bottles. Similarly, the kitchen and kitchenette areas in studios and larger villas are seeing the introduction of combination hand and dish soap dispensers. These new dispensers are designed to be refillable, reducing the need for housekeeping to replace half-used bottles after every checkout.
What to Expect in Your Villa
If you have an upcoming stay booked at a Disney Vacation Club resort, you may notice these changes immediately, or you might see a mix of old and new amenities as the rollout progresses.
- Bathroom Vanities: Expect to find large pump bottles for hand soap and body lotion secured to the countertop or placed in a designated holder.
- Kitchens and Kitchenettes: A single dispenser containing a dual-purpose hand and dish soap is becoming the standard. This product is formulated to be gentle enough for hand washing but effective for cleaning mugs, plates, and utensils.
- Shower Areas: The existing wall-mounted dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash remain in place.
While the packaging has changed, the product quality remains a priority. Following the discontinuation of the H2O+ brand in 2022, Disney acquired the formulas for these popular bath products. Consequently, the new bulk dispensers continue to contain the familiar “Sea Marine” and “Sea Salt” scents that members associate with their Disney vacations, now branded simply under Disney Resorts.
The Push for Sustainability
The primary driver behind this shift is environmental sustainability. The hospitality industry generates significant waste through single-use toiletries, as partially used bottles are discarded daily. By switching to bulk dispensers, Disney aims to drastically reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills.
This initiative is part of a larger environmental commitment by The Walt Disney Company to reduce single-use plastics across its parks and resorts. While some guests miss the convenience of taking small toiletries home, many appreciate the reduction in plastic waste. Additionally, bulk dispensers often provide easier access to product, particularly for families or larger groups sharing a villa who might otherwise run through small bottles quickly.
Conclusion
The introduction of additional bulk toiletries in Disney Vacation Club villas marks the next step in Disney’s ongoing efforts to modernize its resorts and operate more sustainably. While it marks the end of an era for souvenir soap collectors, the change ensures that guests continue to have access to high-quality amenities while contributing to a greener future. As this rollout continues across all DVC properties, members can expect a consistent, eco-friendly experience during their stays.
Stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get all the latest developments from inside the Disney parks and around the Disney Vacation Club resorts!
Stay At Deluxe Resorts For Less
If you’d like to view confirmed reservations for rent at Disney’s Deluxe resorts, you can experience Disney’s most luxurious resorts for less this Easter season, even without being a DVC member! If you’re interested in becoming a member, and joining the DVC family, you can save thousands by shopping from our current DVC resale listings.
DVC Deluxe Resorts
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
