Disney Vacation Club Members booking a Grand Villa at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas may notice a subtle but important change when making a reservation for arrival dates starting January 5, 2027.
Previously, all Grand Villas at BoardWalk Villas were grouped together under a single booking category labeled “3 Bedroom Grand Villa.” Now, Disney Vacation Club has separated those accommodations into two distinct booking categories:
- One Story 3 Bedroom Grand Villa
- Two Story 3 Bedroom Grand Villa
While this update appeared quietly in the booking system, it could make a big difference for Members planning larger family vacations, reunions, or special events at the Boardwalk.
What Changed for BoardWalk Villas Grand Villa Bookings?
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas features seven total Grand Villas. Of those seven villas, two are two-story, while the remaining five are single-story.
Until now, Members booking a Grand Villa had no way to specifically request which layout they would receive. That occasionally led to surprise experiences upon arrival, especially for guests expecting the more commonly featured single-story floor plan.
For many longtime Members, the existence of the two-story layout was not widely known.
We first discovered this ourselves during our inaugural DVC Fan Summerfest event several years ago. After arriving fully expecting the traditional single-story layout commonly seen in room tours and floor plans, we were surprised to walk into a sprawling two-story villa instead.
Why This Change Matters to DVC Members
The point charts remain identical between both Grand Villa categories, so there is no difference in point cost.
However, the layouts deliver very different vacation experiences.
Some Members may strongly prefer the convenience and accessibility of the one-story layout, especially for:
- Multi-generational families
- Guests with mobility needs/concerns
- Families with younger children
- Groups wanting a more centralized gathering space
Meanwhile, others may enjoy the added separation and privacy offered by the two-story design.
By separating the booking categories, Disney Vacation Club now gives Members the ability to intentionally choose the layout that best fits their vacation style, rather than leaving it to chance.
It is possible this update comes after years of guest feedback from Members who expected one layout and received the other upon arrival.
One Story Grand Villa Floor Plan at BoardWalk Villas
Below is the floor plan for the One Story 3 Bedroom Grand Villa at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas.
What Does the Two Story Grand Villa Look Like?
We previously toured and stayed in one of the two-story grand villas during DVC Fan Summerfest, and the layout offers a dramatically different feel compared to the single-level option.
The upstairs living areas and separate bedroom spaces create a much different flow throughout the villa.
Members considering booking one of these villas may want to research both layouts carefully before securing their reservation.
What You Need to Know
| Feature | One Story Grand Villa | Two Story Grand Villa |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Category | Separate Category | Separate Category |
| Point Cost | Same | Same |
| Total Villas | 5 | 2 |
| Layout Style | Single Level | Multi Level |
| Best For | Accessibility and centralized space | Privacy and separation |
Final Thoughts
This may not be the biggest Disney Vacation Club announcement of the year, but it is a meaningful improvement for Members booking one of the most unique accommodations at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas.
Having the ability to choose between the one-story and two-story Grand Villa layouts removes uncertainty from the booking process and helps Members better plan their vacations around their group’s needs.
Stay tuned to DVC Fan, join the conversation in the DVC Fan Forums, and connect with the community in the DVC Fan Facebook Group for more Disney Vacation Club news and updates.
