Construction continues at the Wilderness Lodge. We know that besides the waterfront cabins, Disney is converting some or all of the South Wing of the main lodge into DVC, following a pattern used at the Polynesian and Animal Kingdom Lodge. The new DVC is rumored to be called “Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge”.
The photo below shows the ongoing construction on the South Wing.
Courtesy of Sandy Marino
This photo shows the new restaurant being constructed.
Courtesy of Allison Hickey-DysonCourtesy of Allison Hickey-Dyson
Wilderness Lodge DVC Expansion April 2015 plans (click for larger version)Wilderness Lodge DVC Expansion April 2015 plans (click for larger version)Overlay of Expansion April 2015 plans (click for larger image)
Add your comment below or join the discussion in our DVC Forum.
Walt Disney World introduced a new paid after hours event called Disney After Hours. For $149, guests are able to buy a ticket that will grant them access to The Magic Kingdom for three hours after the park closes.
Well, the first night was far from successful. Attractions Magazine estimates that there were only 1,000 people in attendance.
But those were not all paying guests. Attractions Magazine is also reporting that free tickets were given out to travel agents, ticket sellers, and Disney Vacation Club members.
This was not a good start for this new extra cost event. Motley Fool is reporting:
Disney World’s $149 Experiment Is a Flop — for Now Leading theme-park operator Disney is trying to get folks to pay up for an exclusive after-hours experience, but the first night of Disney After Hours appears to have been a dud.
In an announcement today, Ken Potrock announced new restrictions to benefits available to resale purchasers after today – including discounts on dining, shopping, annual passes, and access to member-exclusive events. In a letter to DVC members, he states:
Dear Disney Vacation Club Member,
Our goal at Disney Vacation Club has always been to create magical experiences for you and your families – experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else but Disney.
As our Member community continues to grow, we want to make sure we can continue to deliver the Membership Extras that add value to your overall experience – offerings that are provided as a premium advantage to our Members who purchase directly from Disney Vacation Club.
With that in mind, please be aware of a policy change regarding the availability of Membership Extras to our membership. As previously communicated (effective March 21, 2011), Getaways included within the Disney Collection (e.g., Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney) and the Concierge Collection, which are now part of Membership Extras, have not been available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Club. Now, effective April 4, 2016, Members who do not purchase their ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Club will not have access to other Membership Extras, such as exclusive Member experiences and discounts. Please know that as a current Disney Vacation Club Member (regardless of when or where you bought your membership), your access to Disney Differences and these additional Membership Extras will not be affected by this policy change. For more details about our Membership Extras program, please refer to our Membership Extras Acknowledgment and Disclosure Statement available online at disneyvacationclub.com.
We see this policy change as a very positive step to ensure that, going forward, our Members who purchase directly from Disney Vacation Club receive a premium advantage – in addition to all the magic that Disney has to offer.
Speaking of membership advantages, you’ve probably heard about the exciting Membership Extras introduced as part of the Disney Vacation Club 25th Anniversary. With this celebration, we’ve created unprecedented and exclusive Disney experiences for you and your family. In fact, just weeks ago, nearly 16,000 of you were able to enjoy the Disney Vacation Club 25 and Beyond Bash at Magic Kingdom Park. Meanwhile, more than 10,000 Members have entered our Disney Vacation Club Silver Anniversary Sweepstakes, and thousands of you have booked the Member Cruise sailing from New York later this year.
In the coming months we’ll be bringing you even more spectacular Membership Extras as part of the anniversary, from exclusive merchandise and one-of-a-kind events (including exciting plans for the West Coast) to an all-new Member Lounge opening later this spring in the Imagination! Pavilion at Epcot. And there’s so much more Disney Vacation Club fun on the horizon!
Thank you, as always, for being part of the Disney Vacation Club family – a family we are proud to serve. We look forward to welcoming you home again soon!
Sincerely,
Ken Potrock
Senior Vice President & General Manager Disney Vacation Club & Adventures by Disney
The loss of benefits applies to any resale purchase closing after April 3, 2016. As of April 7, DVC now says that anyone with a contract that was received by Disney Vacation Club by the end of the day on April 3, will be grandfathered in to have the same access to Membership Extras that are available to others who have purchased DVC memberships from sources other than Disney since March 21, 2011.
Since this year is the 25th anniversary of the Disney Vacation Club, let’s take a look back at the past 25 years and learn how DVC started, the successes, failures and changes from 1991 to today. Learn about planned resorts that never came to be, how DVC’s grand expansion vision was curtailed, and how DVC has changed over the years.
Read the most thorough and extensive DVC history I am aware of.
Our special guest Paul Little of the DVC Rental Store gives his advice to DVC members who are thinking of renting out their points.
Renting DVC: Private vs Broker Assisted
For a DVC member, purchasing a Disney Vacation Club membership is a significant financial investment. Due to life circumstances, a member may find that there are some years when they cannot travel to Disney and need to try to recoup some of the funds that have have invested in that year’s allotment of points. Renting Disney Vacation Club points to a guest is a great way to accomplish this.
The question is, what is the best way to rent DVC points? There are two paths that a DVC member might take to rent their unused points.
They might choose to rent via a private rental with an individual or they may choose to work with a DVC rental broker to assist them in renting points. So which of these is the best path? There is no set answer. In the end, a member will want to weigh all of their options and decide what works best for them based on the type of DVC owner they are.
Generally, there are two types of DVC owners when it comes to renting points.
There is the DVC member who has the time and knowledge to invest in a Private Rental. They don’t mind the amount of work that it may take to seek out a guest to rent their points to. In fact, they may enjoy the planning and interaction with the guest that a private rental requires. Outside of renting to a family member or friend, this member feels comfortable with renting to a “stranger”.
There is the DVC member that wants no part of advertising their points and working with a guest that they may not know. They want the ease and safety of turning this and other associated tasks over to an established DVC rental broker to assist them in renting their points.
So which is right? Which is best for you? As mentioned earlier, there is no set answer. The best way to view a DVC point rental broker and their role is to compare them to other brokerages. Some homeowners are happy to sell their home without the help of a real estate agent. Others would never consider doing so. Some investors enjoy day-trading or handling their own investments. Others would not know where to start and decide it best to utilize a stock broker. Likewise, the owner of rental property might employ a property manager to oversee the rental of their property while others would take this role on themselves.
Using a DVC Points Broker
Time & Energy Investment
There are many tasks involved in the rental of points:
Advertising the availability of points
Working with a guest or guests to find availability for their stay
Arranging for receipt of funds and drawing up a point rental agreement
Setting up a Disney Dining Plan or Disney’s Magical Express reservation
Taking care of miscellaneous questions and tasks that the guest may have
The above tasks can vary from guest to guest. In our business, we find that there are guests that know exactly what they want. They know how renting DVC points work and are extremely “low maintenance”. On the flip-side, there are those guests that our Travel Advisors exchange in excess of 40 emails and phone calls with before they book. Even after the reservation has been made, some guests may be nervous about the process and may reach out to the member several times just to check and make sure everything is okay. They may even panic if the member’s response is delayed.
A DVC member can expect to deal with guests that are shopping for the best price in a private rental. During the initial vetting, low-ball offers can be expected. Sometimes a renter may move on to another member if they find better pricing.
You’ll want to consider how much time and energy that you want to invest in renting your points. Some members love being a “Travel Advisor” for a guest. Some don’t have the desire or in some cases the patience and prefer to pass these tasks along.
All of the above is handled for the DVC member when renting their points through a DVC point broker.
The DVC member does not have to advertise the availability of points.
The DVC member does not have to work with a guest or guests to find availability for their stay. In fact, brokers typically have fewer points available to them than they need. This means you should be able to rent your points very quickly.
The broker collects, holds safe, and distributes all funds.
The broker truly acts as the guest’s travel advisor. The member never has direct contact with the guest.
Safety and Risks
Renting DVC points, whether through a private rental or via a DVC point broker is a relatively safe transaction. With that being said, there are risks and problems that may arise. We see them in our business every day. A guest may desire to cancel their reservation and may choose to cancel their payment if made via PayPal (or credit card if the member allows in a private rental). This can put the DVC member’s points at risk. In the least, the member would then have to begin the process again with another guest in a private rental.
A DVC Member’s full payout for their points is guaranteed when working with a DVC point broker. Even if there is a cancellation. In fact, we will work to re-rent the reservation and will pay the member for the extra effort to handle the administrative duties of switching the reservation to the new guest.
A broker’s reputation is their most valuable asset. The two largest DVC rental services are accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. In addition, we have been named a Better Business Bureau “Ethics-Minded Business”. In order to maintain this sterling reputation, a DVC point broker will take the time and has the means to enforce the provisions of the rental agreement to protect the member and the guest. In a private rental, the renting DVC member will want to consider prior to renting, to what extent and by what means they would enforce the terms of the rental contract.
Taxes on Rental Income
I have heard the comment numerous times. “I will have to pay taxes if I rent my points through a broker”. In actuality, there is no difference regarding taxes whether a DVC member rents their points via a private rental or a via a DVC point rental broker.
If you file a US tax return you are obligated to report any rental income whether you rent your points through the DVC Rental Store, another DVC rental service or through a private rental. This applies regardless of where the DVC point rental broker is located.
You should be aware that income realized from the rental of your DVC points may be able to be reduced by expenses you paid relating to your DVC membership. For example, if you paid dues relating to the points you are renting, they will be deductible. Also, the original cost of the membership divided by the life of the membership should also be able to be deducted. These two items should reduce your taxable income significantly leaving just a small portion that is actually taxed. (This is not to be construed as tax advice, it is only an example. Please see IRS forms or an accountant/tax advisor for your individual situation and advice).
To comply with the IRS, all DVC point rental brokers are required to issue 1099 Forms at year end. Any that do not are putting them and possible the renting member at risk.
Financial Considerations
Generally, the DVC member can expect to receive more money for their points when renting their points via a private rental compared to renting through a DVC point rental broker.
The lower payout from the broker allows for their compensation for the services rendered in assisting to rent the DVC member’s points. As mentioned earlier, the DVC member will want to consider the time, effort and safety concerns to decide if it offsets the difference in payout between a private rental and that the DVC point rental broker is paying.
How should you rent your points?
I would suggest that you only consider two options when renting your points:
Only rent to a friend, family member or someone that you personally know if you decide that a private rental is a right fit for you. Do be sure to price your points appropriately. Many members will lower their price to someone they know as a gesture of kindness. This is perfectly fine as long as you are aware that you are giving money away.
Only rent your points through one of the two largest Point Rental Brokers. They have been in business for years and have facilitated thousands of rentals involving millions of points. These years of experience provide them with the experience and knowledge to take the best care of you. There are other brokers out there, but many of these are 1-2 person operations that do not have a proven track record.
About the Author
Paul Little resides in his hometown of Wilson, North Carolina and is the owner of the DVC Rental Store, the largest DVC Point Rental Broker in the United States.
Join the discussion of this post in our DVC discussion forum here. Or, leave a comment below. Read another article that describes the process of renting out your points.
Our special guest Nick Cotton of DVC Resale Market gives us his analysis of DVC resale price changes over the past two years. If you’re thinking of buying DVC, read on.
Analysis of DVC Resale Price Changes (2014-2016)
In recent years, some Disney Vacation Club resorts in resale have experienced significant price changes while others have had relatively small to moderate gains. For example, resorts such as Saratoga Springs, Animal Kingdom and Hilton Head have increased less than $10/pt. since September 2014 while other resorts such as Beach Club, Boardwalk, Grand Floridian and Grand Californian have increased nearly $20/pt. or more in that same time.
Below is a chart summarizing the DVC resale prices every 6 months from September 2014 to March 2016:
Average Cost Per Point
What are the reasons for the increases, and why the disparity among the resorts?
Disney raising the prices of sold-out resorts sold directly from the developer over time can impact DVC resale prices
Unlike prices with the developer, on the resale market, prices will not change overnight based on a decision to raise prices. However, the market can be influenced over time by these pricing decisions from the developer.
For example, in January 2015 Disney raised the prices of Beach Club, Boardwalk and Wilderness Lodge each $25/pt., and since September 2014 Beach Club has increased $22/pt., Boardwalk $22/pt. and Wilderness Lodge $16/pt. And recently, we have just seen another increase on all sold-out properties outside of Vero Beach and Hilton Head anywhere from $5/pt. to $10/pt. The price changes of Beach Club, Boardwalk and Wilderness Lodge can also be seen in the graph below:
Resale Prices over time
Right of first refusal (ROFR) also impacts price changes
Right of First Refusal is the option Disney Vacation Club has to purchase any resale package after a sales price has been agreed upon and a contract has been executed. When Disney becomes more aggressive at buying back at higher prices, the prices in the market rise as buyers want to avoid losing their purchase to Disney.
Two great examples of an ROFR impact are with Boardwalk and Old Key West. For example, in the Summer of 2015 Disney began exercising their right of first refusal on Boardwalk contracts that were selling as high as in the 90’s per point, which at the time was a higher price than the average Boardwalk contract was listed. This aggressive buying back of Boardwalk soon led to an average listing price of over $100/pt. In all likelihood, the ROFR strategy can probably be linked to the Disney direct price increases as well. If Disney raises the price of Boardwalk in January by $25/pt. and still has demand for it, they can raise the buy-back price by as much as still keep the same margin.
Another example of ROFR impacting a resort’s resale price is with Old Key West. The resale price of Old Key West has risen $13/pt. over the past year, which has out-paced the DVC direct price increases for Old Key West of $10/pt. in that same time. Likely influencing the resale price increase of Old Key West is that it tends to be one of the most aggressive resorts bought back, and one of the contributing reasons is probably the additional 15 years Disney adds to the deed automatically (2042 to 2057) when it’s resold by them.
In May of 2015, Disney Vacation Club stopped wait listing Members and Prospects for Grand Floridian, Grand Californian and Beach Club
Part of the reason can probably be attributed to very long wait lists to purchase any of those three resorts directly from Disney Vacation Club. This move makes sense in that for any developer the main objective is to sell the newest resorts at the highest margin possible, and carrying long wait list for a lower margin resale doesn’t make as much financial sense. With this change in policy nearly all potential buyers had to focus on the resale market for purchases of these resorts. Since the change in policy all 3 resorts have seen a steady increase in demand and as a result a rise in price.
Lack of inventory in the resale market can significantly contribute to prices rising fast
Many factors can contribute to a reduction in inventory. Internal DVC factors can influence changes in inventory such as direct prices being raised, aggressive ROFR purchasing and not wait listing for particular resorts. Also, external factors can influence inventory as well such as a good economy and continued strength of the Disney brand.
Furthermore, you can correlate many of the resorts whose resale prices sharply rose to a shortage of resale inventory at some point. Bay Lake Tower, Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk and Grand Californian all had a shortage of inventory (less than 10 listings from the major DVC Resale brokers combined) on the resale market at some point in 2015, and all had a significant price adjustment as a result. Meanwhile, resorts such as Saratoga Springs and Animal Kingdom never experienced any type of inventory shortage and their resale price increases have remained fairly moderate, increasing less than $10/pt. over the last year and a half.
Disney hotel room inflation has continued to strengthen the value DVC
Some would argue why do prices of sold out properties (all properties other than what the Developer is actively selling such as Aulani and Polynesian) ever go up considering they have less and less years on them. This is a valid point, but I believe the inflation of the Disney hotel rooms have historically more than offset the loss of years. For example, when considering DVC from a financial perspective many consumers are going to make the comparison of paying for Disney hotel rooms vs. buying into the Disney Vacation Club.
Even with less years the value of DVC can still hold strong if the room rates continue to rise. Obviously, at expiration date of the deed the value of the DVC contract goes to zero, but in the meantime if someone is buying a contract for Boardwalk in the year 2032 (so 10 years left on the deed) that has enough points to stay for a week in a studio and the cost to stay a week in that studio is hypothetically $8,000 a week, there should still be value in that Boardwalk contract with 10 years left on the deed. While $8,000 a week may sound far-fetched, consider that the Contemporary rented for $29/night in 1971 and routinely commands over $500/night in 2016. That represents an approximate increase of 6.5% per year. Taking a Boardwalk studio in 2016 that rents for $3,000 week would be $8,000 a week in 2032 given the same 6.5% increase per year.
The ability to command these types of room rental rates will likely be dependent on a continued strong Disney brand, which in recent years continues to be a powerhouse with Marvel, Star Wars and continued attendance growth at the theme parks. The continued value of DVC contracts would also be dependent on the cost of annual dues as well, but you can easily make the argument Disney does an excellent job of keeping the annual dues increases moderate considering the longest running example, Old Key West (the original DVC property) has gone up a modest average of 3.7% per year since inception.
About the Author
Nick Cotton began his Disney career in 2004 as an Industrial Engineer working on a lot of exciting ways to make the “magic” more efficient. Then in 2008, he transitioned to Disney Vacation Club where he was a Senior Disney Vacation Club Guide. At DVC he became the top performing guide from 2008-2014. Nick has applied his direct expertise on the Disney Vacation Club in DVC resales as part of DVC Resale Market, which specializes in bringing buyers and sellers of DVC contracts together.
Back on December 10, we reported on the planned room refurbishments for 2016. On January 28, Disney filed a Notice of Commencement for a “Room Rehab” at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. The end date is noted as September 30, 2016. The general contractor is New Horizon Construction Services, an Orlando-base company that has performed services at Walt Disney World, including at Saratoga Springs, as well as for Universal Orlando.
More than $3.8 million in renovations are being pumped into Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, according to plans submitted to Indian River County’s Community Development Department.
The renovations include modifications to the main inn totaling $2.7 million; two- and three-bedroom, beachfront cottages will each receive $113,000 in upgrades; and Villa 12 that contains one- and two-bedroom accommodations will receive $936,000 in upgrades. New televisions and furniture round out the upgrades throughout the resort.
Vero Beach Room Rehab 2016
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort was the first timeshare development for Disney that was built away from the theme parks in Orlando, and broke ground on July 28, 1994. The resort opened in October, 1995 with the four-story inn and vacation club villas welcoming guests. The architect for the original project was Graham Gund.
According to Disney Vacation Club spokesperson Rebecca Peddie, the renovations at Vero Beach include updated bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms and are part of a scheduled refurbishment of the resort. Flooring and appliances will be replaced throughout the inn rooms and selected cottages and villas.
Architects Baker Barrios and General Contractors New Horizon Construction Services, both from Orlando, are overseeing the construction project. With construction at Disney’s Vero Beach already underway, Peddie said the project is slated for completion by the end of 2016.
Town Center, Disney Springs’ newest neighborhood, will offer a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where Guests can relax, refresh and reconnect with each other. Town Center features Spanish “Revival” style architecture, drawing from a rich history of explorers that landed in Florida centuries ago.
TOWN CENTER RETAIL
The following Town Center shops are slated to open in phases beginning May 15:
Anthropologie: Anthropologie’s unique and eclectic product assortment includes women’s casual apparel and accessories, intimates, shoes, beauty, home furnishings and a diverse array of gifts and decorative items.
LACOSTE: Since the very first polo shirt was created in 1933, LACOSTE relies on its authentic sportive roots to spring optimism and elegance on the world thanks to a unique and original lifestyle for women, men and children and offers a range of products: apparel, leather goods, fragrances, footwear, eyewear, homewear, watches and underwear.
kate spade new york: Crisp color, graphic prints and playful sophistication are the hallmarks of kate spade new york. From handbags and clothing to jewelry, fashion accessories, fragrance, eyewear, shoes, swimwear, home decor, desk accessories, stationery, tabletop and gifts, the brand’s exuberant approach to the everyday encourages personal style with a dash of incandescent charm.
Sephora: The new Disney Springs Sephora store will offer guests the opportunity to try, test, and play with thousands of products from classic and up-and-coming cosmetic and fragrance brands. Sephora at Disney Springs will feature the latest in beauty services and technology at their expanded Sephora Beauty Studio including Mini Makeovers, Sephora + Pantone Color IQ and complimentary Beauty Classes.
Under Armour: Covering two-stories of retail space with a large array of athletic apparel, footwear, and equipment for men, women, and youth, the Disney Springs Under Armour Brand House will have an interactive experience geared toward young athletes who want to test their skills and talents.
M·A·C Cosmetics: Collaborating with leading talents from fashion, art and popular culture, M·A·C is a leader in professional makeup and celebrates diversity and individuality.
Vince Camuto: A lifestyle brand offering a range of innovative, stylish, trendy products including footwear, handbags, sportswear and much more.
Vera Bradley: Celebrating the unique signature style of Vera Bradley in an exciting and modern way, this store designed just for Disney Springs, will bring to life the rich history and heritage of Vera Bradley, showcasing a wide range of their distinctive signature collections and a myriad of specially-created Disney-themed products.
Lucky Brand: Staying true to the rich heritage and authentic, all-American spirit of denim, Lucky Brand crafts comfortable vintage-inspired jeans and casual clothing with an irreverent rock and roll attitude.
Oakley: Oakley infuses technology, performance and style into eyewear, apparel and accessories for those who are passionate about sports and outdoor lifestyles.
Coca-Cola Store: Building on its long-standing relationship with Disney, the new store, inspired by a 1920’s–era Coca-Cola bottling plant design, will feature a wide selection of Coca-Cola merchandise, a Coca-Cola Polar Bear experience and refreshing rooftop beverage bar.
TROPHY ROOM: Founded by Marcus Jordan, son of NBA legend Michael Jordan, TROPHY ROOM is an elevated and unique athletic retail boutique experience, inspired by the trophy room in the Jordan family estate. Opening its first location at Disney Springs, the store offers footwear, apparel, memorabilia and exclusive merchandise.
ALEX AND ANI: Meaningful, eco-conscious jewelry and accessories designed to connect people. ALEX AND ANI products are proudly MADE IN AMERICA WITH LOVE®.
Na Hoku – Hawaii’s Finest Jewelers Since 1924: A collection of fine jewelry that captures the essence of Hawaiian and Island Lifestyle.
Shore: A fashionable American lifestyle brand featuring swimwear, fitness wear, everyday comfort clothing, exclusive products and a new line of limited-edition Shore Brand apparel, only available at Disney Springs.
American Threads: Opening a flagship location at Disney Springs, American Threads offers women’s clothing inspired by the free American spirit.
Volcom: Volcom was founded on the belief that there is a higher level of consciousness to be found within one’s self through the internal and external journeys that board-sports, music, art and film provide. The company prides itself on making quality apparel, outerwear, footwear and accessories that not only exemplify the lifestyle, but also enhance the ability to live it.
Kipling: An international accessories brand offering lightweight and ultra-functional handbags, backpacks, luggage and more to lighten one’s day.
francesca’s: With new merchandise arriving daily and in limited quantities, guests will find unique, fashion-forward clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry and gifts.
Melissa Shoes: As the pioneer in jelly shoes manufacturing, this Brazilian footwear company offers guests innovative and stylish plastic footwear.
UNOde50: Founded in Madrid, Spain, this jewelry retailer offers unique, highly hand-crafted designs that break away from the norm.
Johnston & Murphy: Known for its heritage in designing high-quality, well-crafted footwear and apparel, Johnston & Murphy offers modern classics for the new traditional customer.
Everything But Water: Known for providing the perfect getaway wardrobe for fashionable women, Everything But Water offers an extensive collection of designer swimwear, resortwear and accessories.
Free People: Free People offers a unique merchandise mix of casual women’s apparel, intimates, shoes, accessories, activewear and gifts.
JOHNNY WAS: Beautifully crafted bohemian womenswear brand, with a curated selection of jewelry, books, and gifts and a signature line of colorful printed silk scarves, dresses, and tunics.
Columbia: Creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor and fishing enthusiasts since 1938. The new store at Disney Springs will feature the Performance Fishing Gear (PFG) collection designed with fabrics and industry leading technologies that allow for comfortable wear and use for enjoying long days on the water or under the sun.
Sperry: From the invention of the world’s first boat shoe to a full collection of sea-tested lifestyle products, Sperry offers the tools for life’s adventures.
Luxury of Time by Diamonds International: An industry leader of fine timepieces and jewelry in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexico, Luxury of Time by Diamonds International will feature some of the world’s most prominent designer watch brands and a large collection of fine jewelry.
TOWN CENTER DINING
Also announced today as coming to Disney Springs are several new dining venues at Town Center overlooking The Spring, the heart and soul of the property.
At D-Luxe Burger, a Disney owned and operated concept, burger aficionados are in for a treat with gourmet burgers made from a signature blend of beef, unique toppings and freshly baked buns. All-natural chicken and vegetarian burgers round out the menu with hand-cut fries and house-made dipping sauces as the perfect complement. Artisanal gelato shakes (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) and floats will also be featured, as well as hard sodas, draft beer and cider.
Celebrating the art of pastry making, Amorette’s Patisserie features elements of an artist’s loft and art gallery side-by-side within the comforts of a small town patisserie. Amorette’s means “little loves,” which is evident in the care poured into creating the shop’s sweet treats. Timeless classic and contemporary pastries are the stars in this unique high-end pastry shop owned and operated by Disney. Custom cakes are truly a work of art and are available for immediate purchase or for pre-order. Champagne selections by the glass and handcrafted hot chocolates only a pastry artist could create allow for a truly indulgent experience.
These venues are in addition to the new restaurants currently being built in Town Center by award-winning celebrity chefs.
The newest contemporary Mexican-themed restaurant joining Disney Springs has a new name. Tablas Frontera will delight friends, family and food-lovers with exciting flavors and a contemporary Mexican experience. Warm colors, an open kitchen and a lively atmosphere frame an inviting exploration of the many delights from the kitchen of renowned chef Rick Bayless. The delicious, enticing presentation of grilled meats, seafood and vegetables served on planks (tablas) promote sharing and togetherness.
Homecoming — Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar by Chef Art Smith will showcase farm-to-fork cuisine inspired by the Sunshine State. The menu will feature Southern favorites like homemade pimento cheese, deviled eggs, low country shrimp and grits, and fried chicken.
ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENTS
As Guests enter Town Center around The Spring area, they will be warmly greeted at the Welcome Center, a place where Guests can relax and take in the beauty of the clear water with lush landscape along the water’s edge. Themed to early Florida settlements, the architecture around The Spring is based on timber frame structures that were once used in the citrus and ranching industries.
Over in the Marketplace, Fulton’s Crab House will open a new concept this fall. The re-imagined restaurant will welcome Guests with a bow to stern update including interiors reflecting the crisp luxury of modern yachting, and new spaces include a lushly appointed rooftop lounge overlooking Disney Springs, outdoor waterfront bar featuring a “build your own” fish boil and private dining areas. The new menu stars fresh seafood with an oyster shucking bar, Florida stone crab and Alaskan king crab, with hearty steaks and chops, as well as classic and curated cocktails.
In addition, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will move from its current location at World of Disney into a new and expanded location near Once Upon a Toy in the Disney Springs Marketplace. Guests ages 3-12 will receive the royal treatment, getting made up like their favorite Disney princess with the help of their own Fairy Godmother-in-Training. This country parlor-inspired location will include an expanded salon to welcome royal attendees and a uniquely designed photo room to capture memories.
Disney Vacation Club 25 and Beyond Bash at the Magic Kingdom
On February 25th, the first of two “Disney Vacation Club 25 and Beyond Bash” events at the Magic Kingdom took place. This complimentary event was exclusive to Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests.
Below, our special guest Amy Bashor (MinnieMomofOne) gives us her experience of this special 25th anniversary event.
Typically, when I hear the words “Disney” and “free” in the same sentence, I get skeptical. You can imagine my surprise when the Disney Vacation Club announced a special 25th anniversary celebration that would open the Magic Kingdom for a complementary party for members and guests for two nights in 2016!
As additional details rolled out about the event, we learned that Members would be have to make reservations to get into the party. There was no fee, however there were a limited number of reservations available. DVC members staying on property could bring up the number of guests listed on their hotel reservation. DVC members not staying on property could book for themselves and up to a total guests total. All DVC members and guests with a party reservation would be given complementary Magic Kingdom access starting at 7pm on party night.
I called and reserved five spots as soon possible the first day the reservations opened. The spots went quickly and the event was “sold out” well before the first party night. However, DVC is doing several other Members Only events in 2016. If any of these are of interest, one key learning from these Magic Kingdom parties is to .
Arriving at the Magic Kingdom just after 7pm for the first party, we saw others checking in the middle of the gate area. Cast Members asked to see a DVC member card and photo ID. This was used to verify reservations via Cast Member iPads.
Once checked in, Cast Members standing just past the gate area gave wrist bands to party guests. Just like the holiday Halloween and Christmas parties, these bands identified who was eligible to ride rides, meet characters, buy merchandise and, well, even be in the park for the party. Other Cast Members standing nearby gave out special Magic Kingdom maps to show which attractions were open for the evening, locations for character meets, spots to enjoy the complimentary refreshments and various other details such as where to meet DVC executives.
While it is strongly preferred the entire party check in together, we found on the first night it was possible to check in different members of the group separately. This was not efficient and I do not recommend it. Get your group together for the check in! While we checked in at 7 at the front gate, there were other options. The DVC resorts had check in from 6:30 till. For those already in the park, there was a third option for checking in at TomorrowLand. Basically, check in was quick and easy with DVC card and photo ID.
Most of the Tomorrowland and Fantasyland rides plus the Haunted Mansion were open for the event. The Seven Drawfs Mine Train had waits of 40 minutes or more posted throughout the evening. Most of the rest of the rides were walk-on waits of 10 minutes or less. In the three hours of party time, we did 12 of the 13 ride that were open.
In addition to short lines, the party featured tables of chips and cookies plus water and lemonade. There were even all you care to enjoy ice cream and hot chocolate options. Many rare characters, including Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Little John, Darkwing Duck, Wreck-In Ralph & Vanellope von Schweetz, Lanchpad Mcquack, Louis the Alligator, Daisy de la Cruz, Cadaver Dans and Baymax, attended the party. I understand Flynn Rider, Naveen, Phillip and Charming were meeting with their princesses as well. Belle was meeting in her blue village dress but neither the Beast nor Gaston seemed to make an appearance. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy were attired in some retro outfits and helped dance the night away in Tomorrowland.
However, the most special event was the special 11:30pm fireworks presentation. This was an unique show developed specifically for this event. It went for about 10 minutes and was the best fireworks show I have ever seen. We watched it from behind the castle in Fantasyland, which was somewhat like being part of the show as fireworks were going off in front and behind us. I can only speculate the view from main street was even more impressive. While the fireworks ended around 11:40, the party continued till midnight. As we were already in Fantasyland, we managed to ride It’s a Small World after the fireworks as well as just make it in to be the last guests of the evening on Haunted Mansion. It was lovely to walk out of a mostly empty Magic Kingdom.
The Disney Vacation Club 25 and Beyond Bash was a blast to attend. In fact, I need to go email my manager to see if I can take this Friday off to attend the second one just to make sure it was as much fun as I remember….
Once Upon A Time, I fell in love with stories. That love of stories lead naturally enough to a Disney World addiction. I enjoy reading stories, blogs and books about Disney. Not too long ago, someone suggested I try writing my own Disney story. At first I laughed it off. Then I started tinkering with some ideas. Soon, I had a something I wanted to share. That turned into my first book, A Year of Disney.
Now the writing bug has bitten and won’t let go! My second book, Camping Disney, shares my family’s love of Fort Wilderness. It is based on our adventures in the Walt Disney World campground. If you have ever considered stopping by the Fort, this book shares how to have the most fun at the Fort for any kind of visit. With the second book published, I am hard at work on Book 3. If all goes exactly right, it will be available on Amazon this summer. To learn more, please drop by my blog or visit me on Facebook.
