D23 – Disney Vacation Club Recap

Unless you live under a rock or in a cave you were likely aware that this past weekend Disney held its biennial D23 Conference in Anaheim, California. If you are like me, you may have been hoping for some big exciting updates related to Disney Vacation Club. From what I have heard and saw, I can sum up my feelings with basically one word: Meh…

As always, DVC made their presence known with a large booth on the convention floor that highlighted their current selling resorts: Disney’s Riviera Resort and Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas. Disneyland Correspondent for the DIS Unplugged, Nancy Johnson, confirmed on the DVC Fan Facebook Group that no new information appeared at the booth regarding Riviera or the proposed next DVC resort, Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge.

The largest portion of Disney Vacation Club news came during Sunday’s much anticipated Disney Parks panel. During this presentation, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Parks, Experiences and Products shared some never before seen concept art for Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge. Additionally, we learned the following pieces of information about this upcoming DVC property:

• Reflections will focus a portion of its accommodations around both A-framed housing, as well as tree-house suites.
• Fixtures and artwork throughout the property will be inspired by Disney’s nature-based stories.
• A new waterside restaurant on the banks of Bay Lake will be included and themed to Disney’s Princess and the Frog.

Pete Scheidle, contributor to ‘The DVC Show‘ had this to share over on the DVC Fan Facebook Group after attending Sunday’s panel:

“I am always nervous now about announcements of any sort of cabins/bungalows – and though the A-frames and treehouses look beautiful of course – they are point hogs to DVC which really hurt owners that just want studios. (And will be doubly painful when there’s a bunch of resale owners forced to book there only.) But, let’s cheer one thing – that the first thing they focused on was that it was a mixed use facility – with both cash and DVC rooms. If they don’t overwhelm the number of points that are in the A-frames/treehouses. Copper Creek has 38% of the points in Cabins and Grand Villas – which is dangerously high. (The 20 % at Polynesian is somewhat more reasonable.) So, let’s hope as DVC fans that they keep the % of points at Reflections in A-frames and treehouses at 20% or less.“

“The highlight for me though is the Princess and The Frog themed dining which they described as “On the Bayou”. This could be a fantastic experience – clearly should be called Tiana’s – especially if they were to incorporate Tiana and Naveen walk-around characters as hosts and have a band come out and play jazz at times. This would really make a fantastic dining experience – and let’s hope they give it that extra snap to make it desirable for people to travel out to there.“

Overall, it was great that we received some news from this years D23, but it was minor in comparison to the 2017 announcement of Disney’s Riviera Resort. While I am excited for Reflections, I also can’t help but have some concerns based on the information released thus far. My wife, Amy, and I discussed last night that it appears the resort already has a bit of an identity crisis. Is this resort a “lakeside lodge” with Bambi, Thumper, and Flower scurrying about? If so, why is Tiana cooking here instead of somewhere along the Bayou in Louisiana? The restaurant seems like it would fit more with the theming of Port Orleans, even though I admit this physical location on Bay Lake is far superior.

Curious to hear your thoughts about what we learned at this years D23 Convention for Disney Vacation Club. Share your comments and opinions below!