Exterior Refurbishment Underway at Disney’s Grand Californian Villas



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The Disney Vacation Club villa wing at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is currently undergoing extensive exterior refurbishment. These updates aim to enhance both the appearance and functionality of the building while ensuring that its design remains consistent with the resort’s signature craftsman architecture.

If you are a Disney Vacation Club Member or planning a stay at this popular property, this article covers all the details you’ll want to know about the ongoing work.

Scope of the Exterior Refurbishment

The refurbishment work on the Grand Californian DVC villa wing focuses on refreshing the building’s exterior. Scaffolding and scrims now cover large sections of the resort, including areas around the Mariposa Pool.

Crews are repainting and renovating the structure to maintain its aesthetic appeal and ensure it meets modern standards. From vantage points near the main pool and interior hotel corridors, guests can glimpse these ongoing updates.

This is part of a broader effort to sustain the resort’s charm while keeping it functional for DVC Members and other guests. While the work is most noticeable from public spaces, the goal is to minimize disruptions to guests staying in nearby rooms.

Schedule and Timeline

Though Disney has not provided a firm timeline for completing the refurbishment, reports indicate that work on the DVC villas is expected to wrap up later in the spring. Over the summer months, much of the construction is likely to pause to accommodate seasonal demand. The project is anticipated to resume in the fall, allowing the process to move forward without heavily impacting the guest experience during peak vacation periods.

Guests planning visits in the coming seasons may encounter portions of the villa wing under refurbishment. By scheduling construction breaks, Disney aims to strike a balance between making essential updates and minimizing inconvenience for vacationers.

Related Updates at the Grand Californian

The exterior refurbishment of the Disney Vacation Club villas is part of a larger project that also includes updates to other parts of the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Notably, Disney plans to expand the Napa Rose restaurant later this year. This upcoming change will require the restaurant to close from spring through fall 2025.

The updates to the resort as a whole reflect Disney’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its properties for a seamless guest experience. While these enhancements ensure the longevity of the resort’s infrastructure, they also maintain the elegant design and welcoming atmosphere that guests associate with the Grand Californian.

Tips for Guests and DVC Members

If you are planning a stay at the Grand Californian during the refurbishment period, it’s a good idea to inquire about the status of the project before you arrive. Knowing which sections of the resort are affected can help you better plan your vacation and set your expectations.

Disney typically takes measures to reduce noise and disruption, and resort staff are available to assist guests with any concerns during their stay. DVC Members should also monitor announcements for any additional enhancements or updates specific to the villa wing or other amenities.

Final Thoughts

The exterior refurbishment of the DVC villa wing at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a proactive step toward preserving the timeless appeal of this beloved resort. While it may bring minor inconveniences for some guests in the short term, the updates will ensure the property continues to deliver a high-quality experience for years to come.

For more updates on the latest Disney developments, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox.

Photo credit goes to Debbie Ely from Vacation Club Loans. For those interested in financing a Disney Vacation Club resale point purchase, consider exploring Vacation Club Loans.

Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

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.

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