Instead of the usual DVC year in review I have done the past few years, let’s change it up, shall we? There’s no doubt that the last few years have brought a ton of change, but not all of it has been for the worse. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the best DVC news that came out of 2022.
The Expansion of the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
In June, the new addition to the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa officially opened. The building, Big Pine Key, has added about 200 Resort Studios to the condo association. The beautiful Resort Studios are themed after the movie Mary Poppins Returns and feature two Queen beds.
Announcement of the New Polynesian DVC Tower
Speaking of additions, in March we learned that the Polynesian would also be expanding with a new DVC tower. The tower is projected to open in 2024 and will feature new rooms, dining options, and recreational options. We still don’t know what villa types this tower will include or if the tower will become part of the existing Polynesian condo association, but either way, this is exciting news for many DVC Fans and avid Polynesian fans.
Return of Moonlight Magic Events
In March, we welcomed back Moonlight Magic Events, starting with 2 events in Epcot! While the events aren’t exactly the same as they were pre-pandemic, they are still a lot of fun with rare characters, short wait times for attractions, ice cream bars, and snacks. Later in the year, we also saw Moonlight Magic Events in Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Typhoon Lagoon. During the 2022 Condo Association Meeting, DVC announced that Moonlight Magic will return to Disney California Adventure in 2023. Here’s to hoping there will be even more events in 2023!
The End of Borrowing Restrictions
We can finally stop asking when borrowing will be back to 100%! On July 12, you may have heard DVC members cheering because members are now able to borrow their full allotment of points from the next Use Year. While this adds a lot of flexibility to trip planning, it can also mean tighter availability, but overall, it’s nice to have another pandemic-era restriction removed.
Announcement of the New Disneyland DVC Lounge
West Coast DVC members often feel left out of membership perks. However, a new DVC lounge, the Disney Vacation Club Star View Station, is set to open in Disneyland in 2023. It will be located on the second floor of the Star Wars: Launch Bay building. With a dedicated Member Services Team, seating, complimentary wi-fi, and charging stations, the lounge is shaping up to be a nice spot for a mid-day park break. Note that this new lounge is considered part of Membership Magic and only available to DVC members who qualify for Membership Extras.
Boulder Ridge Refurbishment
Boulder Ridge fans, rejoice! The long-awaited refurbishment is finally underway! In September, Disney shared a first look of the newly designed rooms at the D23 Expo. The refurbished rooms will feature the popular Murphy beds and laminate flooring that have been introduced with many of the other recent resort renovations.
New Membership Extras Events
In late 2022, DVC added some new events as part of Membership Extras, such as the Halloween Meet and Treat, a Meet and Greet event with Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid), a special showing of Fantasmic just for DVC members, and Holidays in Hollywood. While these events were announced at the very last minute and did require eligible members to be staying onsite, they were nice offerings. Hopefully there will be more next year.
I hope 2022 brought you and your family lots of magical memories. Have a happy and healthy New Year, DVC Fans!
That is a lot of great things that has happened for DVC when you break it down that way. Thanks! Looking forward to the Disneyland Tower Villas to go on sale in CA. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Great article. As a side note, the new Villas expansion at Grand Floridian is wonderful! The rooms are large, have a Keurig coffee maker, a nice glass front mini fridge and a mini microwave. Good lighting in all areas and 2 Q beds. Quick access to all resort amenities too.
Only downside is make sure you pull into Hotel unloading area rather than adjacent DVC building. They will send you over to resort lobby.