This week marked a monumental moment for Disneyland, as the Anaheim City Council officially approved DisneylandForward!
Despite the buzz around the extensive plans for DisneylandForward, details specifically concerning the implications for the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) in California have been somewhat scarce. However, there’s much to speculate and ponder about how these expansive changes could enhance the value and experience for DVC members. Let’s dive into a few things we’ve unpacked about DisneylandForward as it relates to DVC!
What is DisneylandForward?
With an ambitious $1.9 billion investment from Disney in the first decade, this 40-year proposal aims to transform and enrich the Disneyland resort experience without expanding its current footprint.
DisneylandForward focuses on revitalizing existing spaces with updated rides, attractions, entertainment, and shopping, as well as adding new ones within Disney’s current properties. Most of this investment will occur in areas west of Disneyland Drive and the Toy Story Parking Area, setting the stage for a reimagined Disneyland experience.
DVC’s Bright Future at Disneyland
For DVC members, DisneylandForward’s approval virtually guarantees the addition of new DVC properties in Disneyland. Throughout the approvals process, Disney has emphasized its plan to focus on DVC for the majority of new lodging developments under DisneylandForward. While the exact timeline for these new properties is not set, the completion of sales at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel could hint at when we might expect these developments to begin – potentially five years from now if I had to take a rough guess. This move signifies not just growth but a resounding vote of confidence in the DVC model within the Disneyland resort in the coming decade.
Simplified Regulations for Future DVC Developments
One of the most impactful parts of DisneylandForward for DVC members is how it simplifies the regulatory landscape. Previously, there were significant limitations on the number of timeshare units Disney could build as part of agreements with the City of Anaheim. This is one of many reasons it took so long for The Villas at Disneyland Hotel to become a reality. DisneylandForward effectively removes these barriers, allowing for any hotel room developed as part of this expansion to be designated as a timeshare unit. This radical shift paves the way for a smoother, more streamlined process in creating new DVC properties, ensuring that Disney can more easily expand its offerings to members.
The Continued Role of Transient Occupancy Tax
An important consideration for DVC members is the handling of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). The DisneylandForward agreement maintains the requirement for TOT Revenue Neutrality, meaning that DVC properties will provide equivalent TOT revenues to comparable hotels. This agreement, already tested with The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, implies that members or guests staying at new DVC properties in Anaheim will contribute to TOT with each night of their stay. This tax contributes to the City of Anaheim and, while not new, it’s a consideration that future and current DVC members should be aware of. However, it’s crucial to note that existing agreements for properties like The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian are likely to remain unaffected by this change.
DisneylandForward represents a significant evolution for both Disneyland Resort and the Disney Vacation Club. This proposal not only promises to enhance the magic and adventure that Disneyland offers but also ensures a bright and expansive future for DVC members. With the possibilities of new properties on the horizon and a streamlined approach to development, members have much to look forward to. The next decade promises to be an exciting time, and as a newer owner at Grand Californian, I, for one, cannot wait to see how Disneyland Resort will unfold in this new chapter.
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Rick-n-Jane
May 9, 2024Hi Kriegers!
We have been DVC members since 1996 starting with BWV. We have since added on at BLT and more recently Disneyland Hotel Villas. I really don’t know what took so long to find your blog, but it is great!
Several things that I would love to see. Kill the TOT! (ok that sounds bad). It is an added expense (Can be a huge expense) that a lot of people do not budget for. It is really hard to justify the buy in price PLUS dues PLUS TOT. It really adds up! I feel it is just a bribe to Anaheim so Disney can stay pretty autonomous.
Next bring a great perk over from WDW. The Sorcerer Annual Pass. This is a great perk! Magic Key is pretty expensive especially for only 2 parks. With the Sorcerer pass we get access to all 4 parks with very few blackout dates. I think this perk is often overlooked as one of the great things about DVC.
I don’t think we would be adding on points at any new DLR villas but if it means more DLR perks I am all in.