Ranking the Recent DVC Full Refurbishments

Since 2018, we have seen 7 hard goods refurbishments among the DVC resorts.  These are the full renovations with new floors, furniture, appliances, paint, and decor.  Looking back at them now, which ones lived up to their potential and which ones left something to be desired? Here’s a ranking of the best DVC full refurbs over the last 7 years.

---

#7: Grand Californian

Sadly, the much-anticipated Grand Californian hard goods refurbishment comes in last place.  The updates we have seen include Murphy beds, new flooring, and new carpeting, but that’s just about all that has changed.  The bathroom hasn’t been changed at all, the furniture (minus the Murphy bed that has no outside artwork) is all the same, and the only updated outlets are via a rather dated iHome device. There aren’t even any updated appliances like microwaves, toasters, or coffeemakers. It just feels disappointing, especially considering annual dues are typically set aside for refurbishments, and Grand Californian contracts sell for a premium.

#6: Old Key West

It doesn’t seem like Old Key West was undergoing renovations that long ago, but here we are 7 years later, and the resort is nearing its soft goods refurbishment.  The 2018 full refurbishment gave the rooms a more modern feel but retained its laid-back style.  The main reason that the Old Key West refurbishment ranks low on this list is that it lacks USB ports and Murphy beds, two key features that are in nearly every refurbishment nowadays.  The living rooms still have sofa beds, which may not be as comfortable as the Murphy beds to some guests.  

#5: BoardWalk 

Overall, the 2024 BoardWalk refurbishment is fine.  In fact, the One Bedroom Villas and larger villas are quite nice with jewel tone accents.  The rooms are now brighter, include the Murphy beds, have added outlets, and feature cute artwork with Mickey and friends enjoying the resort.  

My biggest gripe is with the Deluxe Studios.  They lack the pops of color that the larger rooms have and even lost some functionality, particularly with the loss of the real tables, chairs, and ceiling fans.  Also, the kitchenettes are largely unchanged in the studios.  

Unfortunately, all the rooms share the same balcony chairs.  They are probably the most uncomfortable ones I have tried so far.  I’m usually not picky about chairs, but they don’t feel much better than sitting on the floor.

#4: Hilton Head

The 2023 update to Hilton Head brought a fresh look to the rooms with lots of neutral colors, Murphy beds to replace the sofa beds, and very subtle touches of Disney.  Gone are the green walls, decorative birds above the headboards, and dated kitchen backsplash.  While there’s no major standout feature of these renovations, there’s also nothing too negative about it either, hence its spot right in the middle of this ranking.  

#3: Bay Lake Tower 

Bay Lake Tower is still undergoing refurbishment through this September.  However, guests are already staying in the new rooms, and they look wonderful!  These rooms have some expected elements, such as Murphy beds and USB ports, but perhaps the best part of this refresh is the addition of Mary Blair-esque artwork by Joey Chou.  You’ll find artwork of the various Magic Kingdom lands on the Murphy beds and on the walls.  There are also fun touches like the monorail etching in the bathroom mirrors and pull-down beds in the living room.  All in all, the new Bay Lake Tower rooms are sleek and well, contemporary, with just the right amount of Disney theming.  

#2: Boulder Ridge

In 2023, Boulder Ridge was refurbished, and to me, this renovation did a wonderful job of modernizing the rooms but maintaining the rustic theming that makes the resort unique.  The rooms have a splash of color from the patterned textiles that help make the rooms feel brighter.  There’s also beautiful artwork depicting Mickey and friends enjoying the great outdoors and nice little touches like the lantern by the Murphy bed in the One Bedroom Villa and larger villas or the curtains and throw pillows with silhouettes of the characters.  Overall, these rooms just have so much character and improved functionality.

#1: Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs had a reputation for being the resort of last resort, but not so much anymore!  The resort lands in the number one spot with the biggest glow up of them all.  (I mean, take a gander at the old rooms prior to the refurb; the difference is night and day.)  With their clean lines, neutral hues, Murphy beds, updated outlets, and subtle touches of Disney, the beautifully refurbished Saratoga Springs villas feel like the model for most of the refurbishments since then.

---

Tell us in the comments: Which of these refurbishments do you think was most successful?