Three years ago – on October 23, 2013 – The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa opened and became the 12th Disney Vacation Club resort.
Back in 2011, Disney was selling points at three DVC resorts at Disney World — Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.
On March 23, 2011, news broke that Disney had filed plans on March 8 for an expansion at the Grand Floridian – Disney’s flagship resort at Walt Disney World.
The plans showed a T-shaped building.
The expansion, which was widely rumored to be a DVC resort, would be placed in between the Grand Floridian and the Wedding Pavilion.
In August 2011, Disney filed a notice of commencement for the project.
On December 8, 2011, DVC officially announced a project to build a DVC addition next to the Grand Floridian at the DVC Annual Meeting.
Concept art released by Disney showed the resort would be as upscale as the hotel.
The public watched as the new DVC resort began to take shape.
The following time-lapse video shows the construction from start to finish.
Sales to existing DVC members began on May 23, 2013. “When Disney Vacation Club members and guests stay at our newest resort, they will have access to all of the wonderful amenities available nearby at the jewel in the crown of Disney’s vacation kingdom – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – including spectacular pools, award-winning dining, extensive recreation options, and transportation to all of the amazing theme parks at Walt Disney World,” Ken Potrock (senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club) said.
VGF sales grabbed a large share of DVC’s sales in 2013 and 2014 – until it sold out in 2015.
Members were excited to see the model room, as it showed an elegance not typical of previous DVC resorts.
On October 23, 2013, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian opened.
The video below shows the grand opening ceremony.
As the smallest DVC resort at Walt Disney World (100 units with a maximum of 147 rooms), it can be difficult at times for DVC members to book VGF.
The current price per point when purchasing direct from DVC is $180 per point (the initial price per point for members back in May 2013 was $145).
People who are not DVC members can book stays at VGF either direct through Disney, or by “renting points” from DVC members.
The lake view rooms offer a great view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
For more information, please refer to our resort page for The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Or, ask DVC members questions on our discussion forum.