Author Archives: Kristen Tutas

  1. Unveiling the Magic: Review of Disneyland Hotel’s New Deluxe Studio

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    Disneyland Hotel, the iconic hotel in Anaheim, California, has recently undergone a major renovation and now boasts a new category of accommodations: the Disney Vacation Club Villas! Being the first DVC property to open in California in almost 15 years, we naturally had to see it for ourselves. Plus, I’ll never turn down a trip to Disneyland! 

    We visited in October of 2023, shortly after the grand opening of the Discovery Tower, so everything was brand new!

    Disneyland Hotel DVC Villas

    Upon entering the new tower, we were immediately struck by the attention to detail and luxurious feel. The Villas at Disneyland Hotel celebrate “the iconic legacy of Disney storytelling” and this is evident throughout the building design, artwork and furnishings. From classic character murals to a Steamboat-Willie themed splash pad, no surface is left untouched.

    disneyland hotel villas lobby

    For this trip, we booked a Standard View Deluxe Studio. These rooms are primarily situated on the backside of the tower with views of parking lots or behind-the-scenes areas of the hotel. In other words… it’s not much to look at, but it’s fewer DVC points than the “preferred view” and its all that was available during this time.

    disneyland hotel villas

    The Deluxe Studios can accommodate up to 4 guests and are themed around Sleeping Beauty or Princess and the Frog. Our studio was Princess and the Frog Themed from head to toe – from wall coverings and artwork to themed carpets and more!

    Disneyland hotel deluxe studio

    The Deluxe Studios at the Disneyland Hotel have two bedding options: a normal queen-sized bed and a murphy bed that folds into the wall to make a couch. This bed is also queen-sized and leaps and bounds more comfortable than the traditional sofa bed. I had no problems sleeping here on our trip and i’m very picky about mattresses! It was also conveniently placed so we didn’t need to put it away during the day, leaving ample space to move around the room.

    Disneyland hotel deluxe studio

    These rooms also feature a split bathroom with a private toilet room. Our room had a tub/shower combo but most have a walk-in shower. 

    There was plenty of under-bed storage for luggage, as well as a closet to hang clothes. We particularly enjoyed the large vanity area that doubled as a workspace. 

    We enjoyed the convenience of a kitchenette, complete with an under-the-counter refrigerator, microwave, toaster and coffee maker. Although we did have to request more K-cups as the few supplied were not enough for our much-needed caffeine-fueled park days!

    Disneyland Hotel Deluxe DVC Studio

    In addition to the Deluxe Studios, there are Duo Studios that sleep two guests and one, two and three-bedroom villas. The Duo studios are Jungle Book themed and the villas are either Princess and the Frog or Fantasia themed.  This makes each visit a magical surprise: which room will you get?

    How To Book The Villas at Disneyland Hotel:

    • Book directly through Disney – cash rates start at $800/night.
    • Book through DVC – must own points at Disneyland Hotel Villas or have direct, unrestricted points.
    • Rent from a DVC Owner – this is the option we picked. As a resale owner, I was not able to book DLH with my points so we rented points from another owner who did not have booking restrictions. Our quick 3-night stay was only 60 Vacation Points!

    Check out the Full Room Tour:

  2. How to Avoid Foreclosure of Your DVC

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    Owning a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) timeshare can be a dream come true for many families, offering a way to enjoy the magic of Disney vacations year after year. However, financial hardships can strike unexpectedly, putting owners in a difficult position trying to avoid foreclosure on their beloved timeshare. Foreclosure can have significant negative effects on your credit score and financial history, making it crucial to take proactive steps to prevent this from happening. This article aims to guide DVC owners through various strategies and options available to avoid foreclosure.

    Understand Your Financial Obligations

    The first step in preventing foreclosure is to thoroughly understand your DVC membership and the financial obligations it entails. Knowing the specifics of your agreement, including payment due dates, grace periods, and late payment penalties, is critical.

    Your membership fees are due each year by January 15th. They are considered “late” if not paid by February 15th. If you financed your purchase through Disney Vacation Club, your loan payments will be due monthly, typically on the 1st or 15th of every month.

    Once you miss the final deadline for payment, you will not be able to make new reservations, modify existing ones, or bank/borrow points. You are essentially “locked out” of using your membership until your account is up to date.

    Know the Foreclosure Process

    Within a few months of being in default, Disney will place a lien on your contract for unpaid mortgage payments, unpaid maintenance fees or both. There will be added late fees and penalties, possible attorney fees as well.

    If you don’t pay the lien, your lender will begin foreclosure proceedings. They will issue a Notice of Trustee’s Sale with a deadline for paying all owed funds and a date for auctioning the property. If the amount due and fees are not paid, your property will be auctioned off, and this cannot be reversed.

    Communicate Early and Often

    If you’re facing financial difficulties, it’s important to communicate with DVC or the loan holder as soon as possible. Many owners make the mistake of avoiding communication out of fear or embarrassment, which can exacerbate the situation. Early communication can open up a dialogue for potential solutions and demonstrate your commitment to resolving the issue. The lender may offer temporary relief or modified payment plans to help you through tough times.

    TIP: Set up the monthly payment plan for your annual dues at the beginning of the year so that you can pay over the course of the year instead of in one lump sum. If you’re struggling with a mortgage/loan payment, contact a third-party lender like Vacation Club Loans about re-financing your mortgage to make the monthly payments more manageable.

    Consider Renting Out Your Timeshare

    Renting out your DVC points can be an effective way to generate income to cover your dues and fees. This option can be particularly useful if you’re unable to travel due to financial constraints or other reasons. Brokers like Vacation Club Life specialize in timeshare rentals and make it easier to find renters. Your accounts must be in good-standing with DVC to book reservations so this avenue should be explored before you are in distress or behind on payments.

    Sell Your Timeshare

    If your financial situation makes it unlikely that you’ll be able to afford your DVC in the long term, selling it may be the best option. The resale market for DVC timeshares can be competitive, but there is a demand for these properties. It’s important to approach the resale process with realistic expectations and to be wary of scams targeting timeshare sellers. Consider working with a reputable reseller or a real estate agent, like the team at Vacation Club Life, who specializes in DVC resales to navigate the process.

    Join Support Groups and Forums

    Connecting with other DVC owners through support groups and online forums can offer moral support and practical advice. Many owners have gone through similar experiences and can share strategies that worked for them. These communities can also be a source of recommendations for legal assistance, reputable resellers, and rental platforms.

    Plan for the Future

    Once you’ve navigated the immediate threat of foreclosure, it’s essential to plan for the future to prevent similar situations. This may involve reassessing your vacation priorities, creating a more robust savings plan, or even reevaluating whether timeshare ownership aligns with your long-term financial goals.

    Avoiding foreclosure of your DVC requires prompt action, open communication, and a willingness to explore all available options. By taking proactive steps and utilizing the resources available, you can work towards a solution that preserves your credit, financial health, and your ability to enjoy magical vacations for years to come.

    Are you facing foreclosure? Contact us today and we’ll walk you through options!

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  3. Old Key West Extended Contracts

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    If you’ve been browsing Disney Vacation Club resale sites, you will have noticed some Old Key West listings are tagged “Extended 2057.” In this article, we’ll cover a little bit of DVC history and dive into what an Old Key West Extended contract actually means.

    Back in 2007, Old Key West Resort owners had the option to extend their contract for an additional 15 years, from the original end date of 2042 to 2057. This opportunity cost owners between $15 and $25 per point, on top of what they initially paid for their contract. These contracts would then be extended from the original expiration date of 1/31/2042 until 1/31/2057.

    The following is an overview of the Old Key West extension that was offered in September of 2007:

    • The cost was $25 per point, however DVC applied a $10 per point reduction (net $15 pp) for those who committed prior to 2/29/2008.
    • Owners who did not wish to extend their contracts for the additional 15 years could decline the extension offer. The extra years will essentially be deeded-back to DVC after 1/31/2042.
    • There were no additional fees involved in either accepting or declining the extension, and DVC offered to apply a credit of $30 to the 2008 annual dues of all owners to cover any incidental costs incurred in dealing with paperwork related to the extension.
    • Extra goodies were provided to those who committed to the extension, including a “Lighthouse Memory Capsule” and a lithograph.
    • The extension could be paid in cash, credit card, or financed through DVC at normal terms.
    • The extension was a one-time offer. Those who rejected the offer would not be able to extend their contract at a later date.

    Most owners decided against purchasing the extension, so for many years, there were very few Old Key West extended ownerships for sale on the DVC resale market. Fast forward to today and you will see more of these contracts come up for sale because anyone who purchased Old Key West, direct from Disney AFTER October 2007, automatically has a 2057 expiration date.

    How Much Does it Cost Today?

    Prior to 9/24/07, DVC was selling Old Key West points for $92 per point. After the passing of the resolution, all Old Key West points purchased through DVC were increased to $96 per point and would include the 2057 contract ending date. 

    Today’s current pricing for Old Key West direct from Disney with the 2057 extension is $205 per point while you can find 2042 expiration date contracts for resale around $85 per point and 2057 expiration dates for around $100 per point.

    If you’re thinking of buying an Old Key West extended contract, you can browse Current Resales available at Disney’s Old Key West here. Look for the Extended 2057 special tag!

  4. Insider Tips: Top Three DVC Resorts to Buy in 2024

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    There are a lot of options when buying into the Disney Vacation Club so where do you start? 

    Before deciding on a DVC resort to buy, my best advice continues to be: buy where you want to stay. This way, you can book your preferred accommodations at your desired location without worrying about finding something else outside the priority booking windows.

    If you’re someone who doesn’t plan too far in advance, and you enjoy hopping from one resort to another, then you should buy where it makes the most financial sense for you. With DVC, you can own multiple home resorts and mix and match for your needs. Some owners purchase all their points in one place while others choose a primary resort for specific vacations and then add points at another, more affordable resort that can be used for additional trips or nights. 

    We have recently updated the price list for DVC direct purchases for 2024 and compared it with the average resale prices of the last 90 days. After analyzing the price differences, along with other factors like contract duration and annual dues we’ve come up with a list of the best DVC resorts to buy this year.

    Top DVC Resorts to Buy in 2024:

    #3 – Saratoga Springs 

    Back on the list again this year! You really can’t go wrong with Saratoga Springs. It’s our most commonly purchased resort for new and existing owners and there’s plenty of inventory available to find your perfect contract. This is also one of the few DVC resorts that can be found on the resale market for under $100 per point.

    Although it’s not a new resort, it has undergone a recent refurbishment, giving the rooms a brand-new look. You’ll have ownership for over 30 years, giving you plenty of time to make memories!

    Since it’s the largest DVC resort, there are plenty of owners to share costs. This keeps maintenance fees relatively low and steady year after year. For 2024, the dues bill for 200 points annually will cost you $1,628 for the year or $136/month. Trade your points for another resort to really make this a great purchase. We’ve used our Saratoga points to stay at almost all the resorts, including Aulani! Just be flexible with dates and book as early as you can inside the 7-month booking windows.

    Direct: $205 per point
    Resale: Avg of $100 per point (a savings of 51%!) 

    #2 – Bay Lake Tower

    I’m keeping this on the list again this year for a few really key reasons:

    First, it’s a MAGIC KINGDOM resort, the most sought-after area of Disney World. This gives you the 7-11 month priority booking window at a hotel that is literally steps away from the magic.

    Second, Bay Lake Tower has the 2nd lowest dues amongst Walt Disney World Resorts at just $7.59 per point. This makes the yearly costs of ownership very affordable and gives an added bonus: if you can’t vacation one year and want to rent points, your profit margin is much higher with the lower dues!

    Third, Disney’s direct price is $275 per point! This shows how popular the resort is, as it is the second highest-priced purchase after the Grand Californian and Beach Club. The good news is you can buy a resale contract right now for 50% less. With an average resale price currently at $138 per point, you’re getting deluxe accommodations within walking distance to Magic Kingdom and a contract life until year 2060 at a huge discount.

    Direct: $275 per point
    Resale: Avg of $138 per point (a savings of 50%!)

    #1 – BoardWalk 

    If you’re looking for a “home” near Epcot, my choice is BoardWalk and 2024 may be just the year to buy! With a price tag of $240 per point direct, this is the 5th highest-priced resort, coming in just under Polynesian and Copper Creek priced at $250 per point. You can buy on the resale market for almost half that price and use your Boardwalk points for stays at all the classic DVC resorts.

    But what about the 2042 expiration date? Hear me out… even with 18 years left on this contract, you will save money on vacations. Let’s say you buy 150 points resale today for $18,000 ($120/pt). If you spread that cost over the next 18 years you’re spending $1,000 per year. Annual dues will fluctuate each year but using this year’s rate of $1,300 for 150 points at BoardWalk, you’re now at $2,300 for the year.  A one-week stay in September, in a 1-Bedroom Villa during Food and Wine festival would require 149 points. The cash rate for that same stay is around $5,000 to $6,000. With your annual cost of ownership around $2,300 you’re still saving more than 50% on your vacation! 

    Direct: $230 per point
    Resale: Avg of $120 per point (a savings of 48%!)

    The One to Watch: Polynesian

    Direct sales for Polynesian points are currently on hold as Disney prepares for the expansion project. Before sales were halted, you could buy points direct for $250 per point. Once the new inventory comes up for sale, there will most likely be a lower rate to start with further incentives for larger point allotments. If direct prices are substantially less than they were, this will impact prices buyers are willing to pay for resale. The new room options will also spur more interest so we could see one of two things happen in the market: resale prices drop because direct points are priced more comparable with benefits included or resale prices increase because of limited inventory and more demand. Keep a close eye on the resale market if you’re thinking of adding more points at Polynesian. Current sale prices are averaging at $145 per point so now may be the time!

    Have questions? We love to chat DVC! Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect contract! 

  5. How Much Does DVC Cost? Updated Prices for 2024

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    Are you interested in becoming a member of the Disney Vacation Club but unsure about the costs involved? Look no further! As you explore the possibility of buying DVC points from Disney, know that there are options and pricing to consider. Purchase prices vary by resort, starting at $150 per point up to $310 per point.  There are also different minimum point requirements based on resort and if you’re an existing member or a new DVC member.

    DISNEY DIRECT PRICES FOR 2024

    It is important to note that these rates and terms below apply only to points purchased direct from Disney Vacation Club, not to points purchased on the resale market. Minimum purchases are subject to change and can be confirmed with a DVC sales rep. Please note: As of 2021, a minimum of 150 direct purchase points are required to be eligible for Membership Magic perks and benefits.

    Resort New Members
    Current Member Add-On
    Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas $225 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $225 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort $275 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $275 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Boulder Ridge Villas (VWL) $215 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $215 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Copper Creek Villas & Cabins $250 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $250 per point;
    50-point minimum
    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas $210 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $210 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Disney’s Beach Club Villas $275 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $275 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Disney’s BoardWalk Villas $240 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $240 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort $165 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $165 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Disney’s Old Key West Resort $205 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $205 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows $250 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $250 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa $205 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $205 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Disney’s Riviera Resort $225 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $225 per point;
    50-point minimum
    Disney’s Vero Beach Resort $150 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $150 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel $310 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $310 per point;
    25-point minimum
    Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa $230 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $230 per point;
    50-point minimum
    Villas at Disneyland Hotel $239 per point;
    100-point minimum
    $239 per point;
    50-point minimum

    Information is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Source: DVCNews.com – updated 1/31/24

    DIRECT PRICE V. RESALE PRICE

    If Disney’s direct prices are out of your budget, you’ve come to the right place. We can help you become a DVC member for a fraction of the cost. Savings up to 65%! 

    Disney sets the rate for direct sales, whereas prices on the resale market can be negotiated with the seller and are usually substantially lower. You can purchase any DVC resort at a much lower rate. Look at the chart below to see how much you can save.

    Resort Direct Price Avg. Resale Price* Resale Savings
    Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas $225 $100 56%
    Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort $275 $142 48%
    Boulder Ridge Villas $215 $105 51%
    Copper Creek Villas & Cabins $250 $145 42%
    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas $210 $105 50%
    Disney’s Beach Club Villas $275 $145 47%
    Disney’s BoardWalk Villas $240 $133 45%
    Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort $165 $63 62%
    Disney’s Old Key West Resort $205 $90 56%
    Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows $250 $144 42%
    Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa $205 $100 51%
    Disney’s Riviera Resort $225 $125 44%
    Disney’s Vero Beach Resort $150 $52 65%
    Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel $310 $275 11%
    Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa $230 $150 35%

    *Average resale prices are from the last 90 days to give you a general idea.
    Click here for previous price comparisons

    Many first-time buyers opt to purchase between 150-200 points, which allows them to stay at most resorts for a week or two each year in a Studio or 1 Bedroom Villa. To determine the cost of purchasing 200 points at different resorts, please refer to the chart below. Resale prices vary but this will give you a good estimate based on recent sales prices.

    Resort 200 Points DIRECT 200 Points RESALE
    Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas $45,000 $20,000
    Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort $55,000 $28,400
    Boulder Ridge Villas $43,000 $21,000
    Copper Creek Villas & Cabins $50,000 $29,000
    Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas $42,000 $21,000
    Disney’s Beach Club Villas $55,000 $29,000
    Disney’s BoardWalk Villas $48,000 $26,600
    Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort $33,000 $12,600
    Disney’s Old Key West Resort $41,000 $18,000
    Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows $50,000 $28,800
    Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa $41,000 $20,000
    Disney’s Riviera Resort $45,000 $25,000
    Disney’s Vero Beach Resort $30,000 $10,400
    Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel $62,000 $55,000
    Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa $46,000 $30,000

    DIRECT V. RESALE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

    While there are some restrictions when buying resale, the drastic savings usually outweigh these. Another factor to consider are the minimum point requirements for new members. As seen in the first chart above, Disney usually requires new owners who purchase direct to make a purchase of at least 100 points, however, to gain the “blue card” member benefits you must purchase a minimum of 150 points.  If you are a first-time buyer wanting less than 100 points, the best option, and sometimes the only option, is to buy resale.

    Eleven of the 16 DVC resorts are “sold out,” meaning all the allocated points for that resort have been sold and you cannot readily purchase points for those resorts directly from Disney. Aulani, Copper Creek, Riviera, Grand Floridian and the New Disneyland Hotel Villas are the only resorts that are not completely sold out and are readily available to purchase direct from Disney.  Disney can acquire inventory for sold out resorts through owner foreclosures and Right of First Refusals but they are sold first-come first-serve according to buyers on a waitlist. If you’re looking for a specific resort, you might have to wait for a while to find a suitable option. In that case, purchasing a resale may be a better option since you’ll have access to more options at a lower upfront cost.

    We’d love to walk you through the process and help you find the perfect contract to fit your needs.

    Contact Us

    We look forward to assisting you with a Disney Vacation Club resale. Please fill out the form below and we'll be in touch with you very shortly.

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  6. Highlights from the 2023 DVC Condo Meeting

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    Another year has passed, and we attended the Disney Vacation Club Annual Condominium Association Meeting at the Contemporary Resort to connect with fellow DVC members, reflect on the past year, and enjoy some complimentary cookies!

    As part of the rules and regulations outlined in the DVC bylaws, this meeting is held yearly so the association can conduct required business, like electing and re-electing board members, approving last year’s minutes, and approving resort budgets for the upcoming year. Members also get to hear about upcoming events and plans for the next year and have a chance to ask the board questions. 

    2023 Year In Review

    This year’s meeting was themed around the 100th Anniversary of Walt Disney Animation Studios and continued to celebrate the magic of Disney Vacation Club ownership. The meeting started with a screening of the short film, “Once Upon a Studio,” which celebrates 100 years of Disney animation. If you haven’t seen it yet head over to Disney+ to see this short video featuring all your beloved animated characters (No, we’re not crying!).

    The order of business was quite the same this year with an opening greeting from senior executives, including the current Vice President of Disney Vacation Club, Bill Diercksen. We heard a recap of highlights from the past year, which included the opening of the Villas at Disneyland Hotel, and the opening of Star View Station member lounge at Disneyland.

    The Disney Vacation Club (DVC) executive team then spoke about various topics emphasizing Disney’s ongoing efforts to enhance member satisfaction. They expressed gratitude to the members for sharing valuable feedback. DVC plans to continue improving its services by expanding resort and travel options, introducing new member experiences, and offering additional Membership Magic benefits. During this time we also got a sneak peak at the DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness, expected to open in late 2024 as the 17th DVC property.

    Member Experiences

    Shannon Sakaske, Vice President of Member Experiences, expressed again the importance of member feedback as it shapes the offerings they plan for upcoming years. Members are encouraged to go online to: disneyvacationclub.com/feeback and let them know what is working, what isn’t, and what you’d like to see.

    They plan to offer 9 more Moonlight Magic events in the next 9 months to accommodate the popularity of these events and the growing amount of members. DVC is also going to continue Attraction Previews (like Tron), complimetary advance movie screenings (like Guardians 3), member nights, holiday gatherings, and member cruises.

    Resort Updates 

    There are two type of refurbishments: a full refurb and a refresh. The full refurb includes everything from new floors to new furniture and design. A refresh is typically just “soft goods” like bedding, curtains and carpets. Full refurbishments currently come around 14 years, and a refresh comes at 7 years.

    A full refurbishment has just finished at Boulder Ridge, providing fresh and beautiful new rooms. A refresh is still underway at Beach Club which includes the public spaces as well.

    A room refresh is currently underway at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort which includes the addition of the ever-popular murphy bed! A complete room refurbishment is underway at Disney’s Hilton Head and will include the addition of elevators in one more building to accommodate guest needs. Both enhancements are set to be completed by mid-2024.

    Starting in 2024, Bay Lake Tower is due for a full refurbishment, with other resorts on schedule for full or refreshes in 2025.

    In addition to room modifications, there are plans to improve in-room wifi at all resorts and enhance food & beverage offerings. Just this past year we saw a new cafe at Boardwalk, Caurasel Coffee, and upgraded Kona Cafe at the Polynesian, and a refreshed Narcossee’s at Grand Floridian.  Disney’s goal is to “wow” you each time you visit with new offerings and updated designs.

    Fans of the H2O beauty products at DVC resorts will be happy to hear that Disney has acquired the exact formula and will be producing it under the Disney brand. (No news on if the mini bottles are coming back!)

    2023 Dues Presentation and Approval of Budgets

    This part of the meeting it the official business of the board to present the budgets and approve them for the upcoming year. The board also discussed reasons for the increases in member dues and officially approved the 2024 resort budgets and Maintenance and Taxes.

    Member dues contribute towards various expenses required to operate the resort. 67% of the budget is allocated to Operating & Administrative Expenses such as housekeeping, transportation, front desk services, maintenance, utilities, and others. 16% is allotted for Reserves, which are used for refurbishments and enhancements, and 17% goes to Property Taxes. Each resort has a distinct budget and member dues that vary based on factors such as size, number of units, age, number of staff members, theme (aka animals!) and more.

    Increases this year were mainly due to: higher general liability insurance for the properties, higher wages, increased value of the property as determined by the counties, and more reserves for refurbishment.

    As usual, the annual dues and resort budgets were approved by the board and owners can expect bills in the upcoming weeks. You can view the budget for your particular resort online under your member account.

    To conclude the meeting in a fitting celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary, attendees were entertained with a live musical performance by Kissy Simmons, who holds the record for the longest-running Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King. The performance featured Disney Vacation Club’s latest song “Where We Belong,” a theme song created to embrace the magic of DVC membership. The event was made even more special with a surprise appearance and greeting from none other than Mickey and Minnie!

    Stay tuned to our website for more exciting DVC news as 2024 unfolds. Happy Holidays, everyone!

  7. New Details on the DVC Cabins at Fort Wilderness

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    At yesterday’s annual Disney Vacation Club condo meeting, members got a sneak peek of what’s to come for the brand-new DVC Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

    The cabin designs will incorporate four themes: camping, canoeing, archery, and fishing. Keeping up with the love of the outdoors and all things nostalgic, the cabins will have artwork featuring River Country and The Junior Woodchucks of the World. Disney “easter eggs,” like hidden Mickeys, will also be sprinkled into the design. One unique item planned is a carved lamp that includes the date November 19th, which was the opening date of Fort Wilderness in 1971.

    In a previous post, we discussed what’s to come for this newest DVC project. This is a unique opportunity for Disney to reimagine a “moderate” level resort and bring it up to “deluxe.” Not only will there be 350 new DVC cabins, the resort will also see enhancements to recreation, dining, walking trails and more. The existing campground will remain, as this has been a long-time fan favorite amongst many Disney guests.

    Stay tuned to the Vacation Club Life Blog for more details on the newest DVC project at Disney’s Fort Wilderness!

  8. NEWS: Polynesian Tower Will Be Part of Existing Condo Association

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    As confirmed at Disney Vacation Club’s annual condo meeting, the new Polynesian Tower is planned to be part of the existing condo association that oversees the current Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

    This is great news for existing owners as it will provide more room categories and help alleviate the ongoing room availability issues.

    What do we know about the Polynesian Tower? Well, not much! The expansion is slated to open in late 2024 with not many details provided to us yet. We know there will be a variety of guest room types (like 1 and 2 bedroom villas), new recreation offerings, and new dining options. Permits filed with Orange County have revealed that room types will include Duo Studios, Standard Studios, 1-Bedroom Villas, dedicated 2-Bedroom Villas, and lock-off 2-Bedroom Villas. This is a huge update, considering the current DVC Polynesian buildings only contain studios, with the alternative option for larger families being the overwater Bungalows.

    “It’s no secret that our Members and Guests love the monorail resorts at Walt Disney World,” said Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club, in a statement. “Expanding our Disney Vacation Club offerings at the Polynesian would give our Members and Guests yet another incredible option for staying close to the magic while making vacation memories that last a lifetime.”

    Stay tuned to the Vacation Club Life Blog for more details on the DVC expansion at Polynesian Village Resort!

  9. 2024 Disney Vacation Club Annual Dues

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    It’s that time of year again! Notice of 2023 Annual Condo Meetings for the DVC Resorts have been mailed out to owners, and included in them are the proposed Budgets and Annual Member Dues for the upcoming year.

    The budgets are calculated based on the Association’s 2023 fiscal year operating experience and anticipated or known changes in costs for 2024. The Annual Dues for the year January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 are comprised of the estimated Annual Operating Budget, the estimated Annual Capital Reserves Budget, and the estimated ad valorem taxes. The budgets will be officially approved at DVC’s Condo Association meeting, scheduled for December 7th of this year. More details on attending that meeting are below.

    It’s typical for annual dues to increase every year. This year, the increase averaged at 4.25%, down from last year’s 6%. The average dues for Walt Disney World Resorts is $8.49 per point for the 2024 billing year, with the beach resorts averaging at $11.65 per point and California resorts averaging at $9.04 per point.

    The 2024 dues amounts are displayed below by resort. Your total dues bill will be based on how many points you own at that particular resort. For example, 100 points at Animal Kingdom Villas would equate to $908.20 ($9.0820  x 100 points). You can also view the Estimated budgets and more details on Operating Expenses for each resort by clicking the links below.

    2024 Disney Vacation Club Annual Dues (per point)
    Resort 2024 Dues Increase
    Animal Kingdom Villas $9.0820 +3.09%
    Aulani $9.7620 / $7.3385 (subs) +6.78%
    Bay Lake Tower $7.5902 +2.22%
    Beach Club Villas $8.6256 +5.36%
    BoardWalk Villas $8.6711 +1.64%
    Boulder Ridge $8.6790 +1.97%
    Copper Creek Villas $8.0938 +2.19%
    Disneyland Hotel $9.5307 +5.20%
    Grand Californian $8.5544 +6.39%
    Grand Floridian $7.5740 +3.28%
    Hilton Head $11.3140 +5.44%
    Old Key West $9.866 +5.45%
    Polynesian $8.2301 +3.56%
    Riviera $8.8508 +4.07%
    Saratoga Springs $8.1388 +3.52%
    Vero Beach $13.8628 +7.88%

    ANNUAL MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 7, 2023

    The following information is from Disney Vacation Club Management, LLC.

    You are invited to attend the joint 2023 Condominium Association Meetings for Disney Vacation Club Resort Associations, scheduled for Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center. The 2023 Annual Meetings of the Board of Directors and the 2023 Annual Meetings of the Members will take place beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST. A question-and-answer session will be held as part of the Member Annual Meeting and will be open to questions specifically related to agenda items and the proposed budgets.

    • Additionally, we are holding a reception after the meetings, attended by representatives from the Disney Vacation Club leadership team and Disney Vacation Club Resort General Managers who will be available to answer Member questions one-on-one.

    RSVP, PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
    Please visit www.disneyvacationclub.com to RSVP by November 17, 2023. From the home page, go to the My DVC tab, Condo Association News section, and click on the 2023 Annual Meetings section, where you will find the RSVP link for the meetings. If you are unable to access the website to RSVP, please call our 24-hour line (407-566-3844) and leave us your name, Member Number and phone number for a return call.

    • You may sign up to receive future meeting notices electronically on the Condo Association News section or by visiting the Communication Preferences tab in your profile.
    • If you are driving to the meeting, an off-site parking area will be designated with bus and accessible van service to Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center. Please allow extra time to park and arrive at the meeting. Further details on parking and transportation will be sent via email. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort hotel, we recommend using Walt Disney World transportation to get to Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center.

    AGENDA ITEMS, PROPOSED BUDGETS AND HOW TO ASK QUESTIONS
    The Notice of the Meetings, including agenda items scheduled for discussion and the proposed 2024 budgets are now on the Condo Association News page of www.disneyvacationclub.com. As your Unit’s authorized Voting Representative, Disney Vacation Development, Inc. (“DVD”) has reviewed the resolution proposed in the Notice and considers it to be appropriate for approval. Consequently, DVD intends to cast your Unit’s vote to approve the resolution described in the Notice at the Member Annual Meeting. A number of options are available for sharing your questions and feedback.

    • For questions or inquiries, please call 800-800-9800 or 407-566-3800 and for specific questions about Annual Dues, please select Option 3 for Member Accounting. You can also send questions via email to Member Services at members@disneyvacationclub.com.
    • You may also share your questions, thoughts and opinions directly with your Condo Association Board of Directors by visiting our feedback page on the Condo Association News section of www.disneyvacationclub.com.

  10. Hello, Vacation Club Life!

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    Dear valued customer,

    We have some exciting news to share with you! You have come to know us as ResalesDVC, but we’ve changed our name to Vacation Club Life. Same family, new name!

    Our mission has always been to help families create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. We feel our new name truly captures the spirit of what we do and the incredible customers like you who make it all possible. At Vacation Club Life, it’s not just a product. It’s a lifestyle. 

    We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone by visiting our new website and joining us on social media. We have some fantastic giveaways and events planned throughout 2024, and we can’t wait to share them with you. 

    Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new journey. We are grateful to have you as a part of our Vacation Club Life family.