Looking ahead to 2009; This could be the biggest year in DVC history?
Yesterday we discussed the possible negative impacts the economy will likely have on Walt Disney World and the Disney Company. But there is one division of the company that is certain to turn 2009 into a banner year. The Disney Vacation Club, the company’s timeshare organization, is poised for a huge year that will see multiple new resorts and the opening of what will doubtless be its biggest and most anticipated location in its history.
Yes, while the parks may see a cut in development and the slashing of operating hours and show times, the DVC will see three new resorts open its doors at Walt Disney World. The biggest of these will be the Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary resort. For years, members, and potential members, have been waiting for a resort located on the famed Magic Kingdom Monorail line. Well, in the fall of 2009 that is exactly what they will get. The crescent shaped monstrosity, the design of which has enraged more than a few purists, will offer what has been promised to be the most spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom yet seen at a Disney World resort.
For lovers of Imagineering imagination, the new Kidani Village at the Animal Kingdom lodge may be the resort for you. With its very own savannah filled with African wildlife, this property is being billed as the most visually impressive and immersive experience the DVC has yet to offer. This may turn out to be one if those place people stand in awe over.
And finally, with a nod to the purists, the Disney Vacation Club is resurrecting the Treehouse Villas which have long been wasting away in the Florida swamps. Just up the river from Downtown Disney, these classic villas have always been a popular talking point among guests. In recent years Disney has closed them to the public and let them sort of deteriorate. This coming summer the DVC plans to open them again.
The Disney Vacation Club also is scheduled to open its first west coast resort when the Grand Californian opens at Disneyland in Anaheim. Right now, the opening is scheduled for the fall of 2009 making the coming year big for DVC on both sides of the country. As a DVC member myself, I can say with honestly that this particular project excites me. I can’t wait to use my membership at Disneyland.
Despite the recession and all the negative effects it will certainly have on Walt Disney World in 2009, the Disney Vacation Club is pushing forward and spending money as if nothing can slow it down. The coming year is scheduled to be the biggest and most important in the Club’s entire history. We may not be getting many new e-ticket attractions in the parks, but DVCers have much to look forward to this year.
KingBob said,
January 6, 2009 @ 3:08 am
While Universal builds new attractions like that incredible new roller coaster and Harry Potter Land, Disney builds new timeshares. But just because they keep building them doesn’t mean people are going to keep buying them. There are a lot of layoffs in the timeshare business right now; consumers are worried, credit is tight and even on the units sold, the developer may have trouble selling the paper to get the cash. Disney is bringing a LOT of units onto the market at premium prices. I hope they can pull it off.