2023 turned out to be a surprisingly big year for DVC news, and 2024 continued this trend. From new DVC resorts to refurbishments on the horizon, here are the big headlines from 2024!
Creation of the Palmetto Trust
Towards the end of 2023, rumors swirled about a possible trust structure for DVC. Well, in the first few days of 2024, we received confirmation of the establishment of the Palmetto Trust when documentation was filed for the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. With this trust, instead of Members owning an interest in the resort property, Members purchasing contracts at Fort Wilderness are buying an interest in the trust association. Currently, the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort are the only property included in the Trust Use Plan, but this can change in the future.
Opening of the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
On July 1, 2024, the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness officially opened as the 18th DVC resort! As of the initial opening, there were only 30 new cabins open for DVC members to book. Additional cabins will be added as sales continue, and more units are added to the trust. In a first for DVC, some of the cabins are pet-friendly, which allows guests to bring up to 2 dogs.
New Quarterly Condo Association Meetings
Starting in September, DVC began hosting quarterly condo association meetings for its Florida properties due to recent changes in Florida timeshare legislation. Each quarter, there is a separate meeting for each resort. DVC will still host a December meeting, but instead of it functioning as a board and Member meeting, it is more of a Member gathering and informational session. While this isn’t the most exciting DVC news of the year, it still represents a significant change for DVC, and the increased frequency of meetings allows more Members to attend.
Beginning of Bay Lake Tower Refurbishment
Also in September, Bay Lake Tower began its full refurbishment. The construction is expected to last at least through September 2025. While no concept art has been released as of yet, we will likely see updates such as new appliances, furniture, flooring, and fixtures. From guest photos of the construction, it appears that the refreshed rooms will have Murphy beds, pops of teal backsplashes, and some beautiful new artwork featuring Cinderella Castle. With Bay Lake Tower having opened in 2009, this is its first full refurbishment.
Introduction of Membership Magic Beyond
In October (more than two years after DVC Fan reported the rumor), DVC announced Membership Magic Beyond, a new paid program for more Membership Extras. With this option, eligible DVC Members can pay an annual fee of $99 for specially priced theme park tickets, an exclusive character meet-and-greet at the Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium, priority access to Member Lounges, and greater flexibility for things like one-time-use points, paying for your Sorcerer Pass with points, and waived exchange fees. Whether the new program is worthwhile or not will greatly depend on how you like to use your Membership.
Announcement of McKim’s Mile House Magic Kingdom Lounge
DVC Members got their wish for another theme park lounge! A new DVC lounge will open in the Magic Kingdom, called McKim’s Mile House – A Member Lounge. The lounge is slated to open in Frontier land in summer 2025 and will have amenities such as seating, soft drinks, wifi, a children’s area, and charging cables. This Membership Extra will be available to eligible DVC Members and up to 4 guests per membership card or the number of guests on their resort reservation.
Announcement of Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge
In November, Disney announced that Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge is projected to open in 2027! This new resort will be built on the land between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge that was originally cleared for Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge. Based on the permits filed, it appears that much of the original plans for Reflections will come to fruition but under the new name. From the resort’s proximity to Magic Kingdom to the new room types like A-frame cabins, there is a lot to look forward to as Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge takes shape!
Opening of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
On December 17, 2024, the new and highly anticipated Island Tower at the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows opened to guests. The tower adds Duo Studios, Deluxe Studios, One Bedroom Villas, Two Bedroom Villas, and Two Bedroom Penthouse Villas to the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows condo association. Developed with sustainability in mind, the tower is inspired by the themes of earth, water, wind, and fire and has very subtle Moana theming.
With the opening of the Island Tower, the Polynesian adds some new amenities, such as Wailulu Bar & Grill, the Cove Pool, the Moana’s Voyage splash pad, and a fitness center.
Cheers to a happy and healthy New Year, DVC Fans!
