Reunion Station at Wilderness Lodge to Offer Disney Vacation Club Members Paid Lounge Experience

WDWNT on December 11, 2017

When Reunion Station opens at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in 2018, it may offer a first-of-its-kind paid lounge experience for Disney Vacation Club Members.

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The space located adjacent to Geyser Point Bar and Grill (it’s connected to the same building, located just behind the dining venue) is planned to offer:

  • A paid lounge access option that includes select food and beverages daily during specified morning and evening hours. The option will be available to entire travel parties for the duration of stay, based on availability for an added fee.
  • A variety of premium experiences with a participation fee.
  • Open time for members to visit the space to play family games, etc.

So basically, this would be a paid, add-on, club level style offering for Disney Vacation Club members, but the lounge would only be available during set times. During other times, the space will be used for the aforementioned paid activities and general activity time for all members.

Disney Vacation Club exclusive accommodations typically do not offer a club level option.


Reunion Station is set to open in 2018 at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

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CONFIRMED: Gondolas, Minnie Vans, New DVC Resort Coming to Walt Disney World – D23 Expo 2017 News

WDWNT on July 22, 2017

Bob Chapek has confirmed at D23 Expo 2017 several stories that we broke over the past months.

First, the gondolas, now called “Disney Skyliner,” were announced. “A brand new transportation system is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort to add even more magic to your future vacation experiences.” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts said that the Disney Skyliner will soon give guests a bird’s-eye view as they travel between Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach resorts and the newly-announced DVC resort, to be named “Disney’s Riviera Resort,” connecting with Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the International Gateway at Epcot. The gondolas of Disney Skyliner will feature favorite Disney characters as shown in the concept art.

AT D23 EXPO 2017, DISNEY PARKS CHAIRMAN BOB CHAPEK ANNOUNCES DISNEY SKYLINER COMING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT — A whole new transportation system called Disney Skyliner will give guests a birds-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort.

 

 

The map shown at the presentation looks strikingly familiar to the map we showed when we broke the gondola story back in February 2017.

More information on the gondolas can be found in a number of our articles published since then.

Second up is the Minnie Vans announcement made today that confirms the story we ran two days ago.

AT D23 EXPO 2017, DISNEY PARKS CHAIRMAN BOB CHAPEK ANNOUNCES MINNIE VAN SERVICE COMING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD — An all-new Minnie Van service will provide a point-to-point transportation service at Walt Disney World Resort, giving guests an even more seamless resort vacation from start to finish.

“Since we’re all about exceeding guest expectations and making every aspect of your vacation uniquely Disney, we’re creating a new point-to-point transportation service in a way that only Disney can do,” Chapek said.

The Minnie vehicles will take you everywhere you want to go at the Walt Disney World Resort, and you’ll ride in Minnie’s classic style.

No further details were given on the cost of the service.

And finally, in news we first brought to you all the way back in June of 2016, the 15th DVC resort was announced as “Disney Riviera Resort” and will be located adjacent to the Caribbean Beach Resort.

“We’re thrilled to announce plans for a new Disney Vacation Club property called Disney Riviera Resort coming to Walt Disney World Resort,” Chapek said. “Our Vacation Club Members are among our most loyal fans, and we think that they will love what we have planned, especially the rooftop restaurant that will offer unbelievable views of nighttime spectaculars at both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.”

Estimated to open in fall 2019, this new resort experience is slated to have approximately 300 units spread across a variety of accommodation types.

AT D23 EXPO 2017, DISNEY PARKS CHAIRMAN BOB CHAPEK ANNOUNCES PROPOSED 15TH DISNEY VACATION CLUB RESORT — The next planned development for Disney Vacation Club will be an entirely new resort called Disney Riviera Resort. Estimated to open in fall 2019, this new resort experience is slated to be the 15th Disney Vacation Club property with approximately 300 units spread across a variety of accommodation types. A new skyway transportation system will connect the new resort to other areas on Walt Disney World property.

 

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Boulder Ridge Cove Pool and Cascade Cabins Area Opens to Guests at Wilderness Lodge

WDWNT on July 13, 2017

With just two weeks to go before their official opening, the Cascade Cabins area and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool opened to guests at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort this week. Below, we have a video tour for you to enjoy of the awesome new area, followed by some photos:


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The mighty buffalo topiaries are back, a nice touch for the new area.

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Now connected to the track at Geyser Point Bar and Grill, there is another mine car.

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Steps away from Geyser Point is the new Boulder Ridge Cove Pool.

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The entrance to this section of the Cascade Cabins can be found just behind Geyser Point.

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Once it grows in more, the area around the cabins will be pretty serene. The look is already quite pleasant with the new foliage though.

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I love the cabin number signs so much.

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It probably would have been a little cooler if they were log cabins, but they aren’t unpleasant looking.

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Benches in the surrounding area are nice and unique.

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Now we head back to the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool area.

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The spa timer is attached to dynamite. This might be my favorite detail in any pool area Disney has ever built.

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The poolside restrooms are gorgeous and offer a little more privacy that at most resorts.

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Don’t worry, I made sure it was empty before I took any pictures…

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A shower and changing room with a locking door is a nice offering.

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The covered seating areas are well themed and furnished.

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And lastly, a look from above.

The Cascade Cabins and the Boulder Ridge Cove Pool both look to be fantastic additions to Wilderness Lodge, continuing the rich theme and attention to detail that the resort is known for. While we may scoff at more and more Disney Vacation Club additions, these are well thought out and well executed, and a viable addition to the DVC lineup at Walt Disney World.

DVC Resorts Now Have Daily Trash Service; Likely Related to New WDW Resort Security Measures

WDWNT on May 28, 2017

On the heels of the new resort security measures we reported this morning, it appears that DVC resorts are also implementing some changes that may be related.

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In an email sent today to Disney Vacation Club members, a change to the longstanding policy of trash removal every fourth day was announced:

Your in-room experience has never been more important to us. That’s why we will begin removing trash from your rooms at Disney Vacation Club resorts on a daily basis in addition to regular housekeeping visits. The daily service begins December 22, 2017, at five resort properties (Bay Lake Tower, Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian, Disney’s Grand Californian and Aulani). The service extends to all other Disney Vacation Club resorts on January 7, 2018.

Is it mere coincidence that this announcement came today, and the changes begin today, the same day that Disney is removing the “Do Not Disturb” signs from guest rooms at the three monorail resorts on Walt Disney World property?

The trash service policies are part of the official DVC Rules and Regulations:

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Daily trash service has been on the wish list of many DVC members for as long as I can remember. Whilst members were always able to carry their full trash bags to a local dumpster, many felt removing your own trash made the vacation experience much less magical.

Presumably, the new security requirement across WDW that a Disney employee enter their hotel room at least once a day to ensure guest safety is something simple to implement for resorts where daily housekeeping service is the norm. For DVC resorts, where it is not the norm, having a Cast Member visit your room daily will require additional manpower to implement. And since extra personnel are going to be knocking on doors anyway, why not have them grab the trash while they are in your room? That would seem to make for a win-win situation for Disney and DVC members, and as we’ve now seen, also allows Disney to put a favorable spin on this new security regimen.

New Disney Vacation Club Member Benefits for Disney Springs

WDWNT on April 27, 2017

Beginning in May of this year and continuing on for the rest of 2017, DVC members will get exclusive benefits at a featured store each Wednesday. The store will open an hour early (9am instead of the usual 10am) for DVC members only, and each store will have a special offer that will be available only on that day.

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Here is a list below of the stores that will be currently open and what discounts they will offer:

  • Wednesday, May 3rd, Kate Spade New York: save 15% on purchases
  • Wednesday, May 10th, Origins: save 15% on purchases
  • Wednesday, May 17th, Pandora Jewelry: Save 10% and receive a cosmetic bag with purchase of $100 or more
  • Wednesday, May 24th, Basin: Spend $30 and get one Bath Bomb; Spend $50 and get 2 Bath Bombs; spend $150 and get a Bath Bomb Barrel
  • Wednesday, May 31st, Vera Bradley: Complimentary monogramming and gift with a purchase of $100 or more
  • Wednesday, May June 7th, UGG: Complimentary Disney customization (up to $35) with any purchase
  • Wednesday, June 14th, Sephora: Complimentary makeover (by appointment) and gift with a $50 purchase in product; complimentary gift with a $25 purchase in product
  • Wednesday, June 28th, L’Occitane en Provence*: Save 15% on purchases of $65 or more
  • Wednesday, June 28th, American Threads: Save 10% on purchases
  • Wednesday, July 5th, Sugarboo & Co.: save 15% on purchases

This is the current list as of right now. Updates and additions, as well as more details, are posted on the DVC Member Benefits website.

*L’Occitane en Provence will not be open early for Members; however, the store will feature a private shopping area for Members from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

 

PHOTOS: On-Sale Dates Announced for Wilderness Lodge Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, Room Plans Revealed

WDWNT on March 6, 2017

Sales for Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the newest Disney Vacation Club resort, will begin next week. Current Disney Vacation Club Members will have the first chance to purchase real estate interests beginning on March 8, with general sales following on April 5.

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The resort, which is currently under construction, also has a scheduled opening date: July 17. Once open, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins will be the 14th Disney Vacation Club development and the second at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins offers Disney Vacation Club Members and guests a new frontier for magical vacations where the comforts of home and the wonders of the wilderness are deeply rooted in the magic of Disney. Inspired by the legendary mining and railroad history of the Pacific Northwest, Members and guests will discover rustically elegant accommodations, where cozy touches mix with modern designs to create a tranquil retreat.

Offering one of the widest ranges of accommodations found at Walt Disney World Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins will feature 184 modern, nature-inspired vacation homes, including Deluxe Studios, one- and two-bedroom Villas, and even three-bedroom Grand Villas, which sleep up to 12.

Artist rendering of the cabin interiors

Artist rendering of the cabin interiors

 

Here are what the floor plans for each room type look like:

Deluxe Studio, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

Deluxe Studio, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

One Bedroom Villa, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

One Bedroom Villa, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

Two Bedroom Villa, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

Two Bedroom Villa, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

Two Bedroom Lock-Off Villa, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

Two Bedroom Lock-Off Villa, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

Three Bedroom Grand Villa, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

Three Bedroom Grand Villa, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

Cascade Cabin, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

Cascade Cabin, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge

The new resort will also include 26 all-new luxurious waterfront cabins. Sleeping up to eight and featuring two bedrooms, two baths and large dining and living room spaces, the cabins’ floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed wooden beams and interior-exterior stone-hearth fireplace bring the beauty of the outdoors in, and offer plenty of room for families. After a long day of fun at the nearby theme parks, guests can return to their porch and relax in the built-in hot tub. Some even enjoy a view of the Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake!

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Additional developments at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge include the recently opened Geyser Point Bar & Grill, an open-air lounge overlooking Bay Lake. The resort’s quick-service restaurant, Roaring Fork is also undergoing refurbishments and is scheduled to reopen later this year with a refreshed look and expanded outdoor seating. Boulder Ridge Cove pool, a modern-day swimmin’ hole, will also open this summer.

Those in search of extra pampering will want to stop by the all-new Salon by the Springs for poolside manicures, pedicures and hair services scheduled to open this summer.

More details are to come, but for now, you can visit DisneyCopperCreek.com to explore this latest offering from Disney Vacation Club.

RUMOR: 10-Story Tower, Waterfront Dining, and More Changes Coming to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

WDWNT on March 6, 2017

While Coronado Springs has stolen a lot of the thunder with the announcement of a 15 story tower and massive expansion, the far-longer-rumored expansion of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is beginning as well, but Disney is saying very little on the project…

Also during this exciting time, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be reimagined with new additions to the resort’s current marketplace, Centertown, including new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. This centralized location will offer the resort’s guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining.

This doesn’t really tell you a whole lot about the overall project. Why? Well, it would be kind of hard to sell the Copper Creek Villas at Wilderness Lodge (which aren’t even on sale yet) when people know that another Disney Vacation Club Resort is on the way.

The following information comes from cast members at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and is in no way official as of yet. This is simply what they are being told at this time.

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The expansion of Old Port Royale that begins May 1st and runs through Summer 2018 will reportedly include moving the Shutters table service restaurant onto the waterfront and will include a new bar and lounge. Small grab and go locations are also being constructed elsewhere around the resort, including one in Trinidad South. The counter service location and shop space inside of Old Port Royale will be completely reimagined during this process.

Other pieces of the project include the demolition of the Customs House and the move of all important guest facilities to Old Port Royale as well.  A centralized pathway system over the water (similar to another facet of the Coronado project) is also planned to allow guests an easier way to traverse the large resort.

Of course, the focus of the project will be a new, 10-story tower with 600 guest rooms that will make up the Disney Vacation Club wing of the resort. This and the rumored gondola system are yet to be announced, and knowing DVC, it could be a while until they are formally. The tower should also have a rooftop dining restaurant similar to the one being constructed at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Hopefully Disney will come forward with more information soon, but in the meantime, guests staying at Caribbean Beach should keep in mind that it will be a “war zone” in there starting this May. Guests are being compensated with $75 gift cards per night until the Old Port Royale project is completed.

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Cabins & Dining Take Shape at New DVC Copper Creek Villas, Wilderness Lodge

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

While no opening date is set yet, work continues at a blistering pace on the Copper Creek Cabins and Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the latest Disney Vacation Club property announced by the company. I went to check out the construction site yesterday and found that many of the cabins are in place and the new dining establishment along the waterfront is pretty far along as well.

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Here we find the new dining establishment, just steps away from the existing pool bar at the Wilderness Lodge.

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

This looks to be an outdoor seating area adjacent to the new dining establishment.

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

We’re guessing that is the entrance to the establishment, believed to be an additional counter service location.

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Some of the cabins are in place already and many have their framework fully completed at this point. This project has moved a lot faster than we thought it would, possibly because Disney is anxious to move on the the Caribbean Beach project, followed by the 2nd Bay Lake Tower project.

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

The pool seems to be the one part of the project lagging behind, but pool construction is not such a time-consuming task.

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

Copper Creek Cabins & Villas Construction

We also have a video tour of the construction site to share with you today, which will give you a better feel for the scope of the project:

As always, stay tuned to WDWNT.com for the latest news and information on the Copper Creek Cabins and Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

RUMOR: Another “Bay Lake Tower” Vacation Club Wing To Be Constructed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

WDWNT on August 18, 2016

While Caribbean Beach Resort will likely be the next Disney Vacation Club addition at Walt Disney World, supposedly Disney is already looking ahead to expanding their DVC presence at the Contemporary Resort with another Bay Lake Tower-type wing.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

While still a few years off, early design has begun on a new tower for Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The exact location of the new wing is still in-flux right now, but the competing sites range from the planned site of the Persian Resort (a cancelled original hotel planned for the Walt Disney World Resort back in the 1970’s) and the space currently occupied by the convention center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The Persian Resort site seems far more likely at this time, but other sources are speculating that the convention center would be the site of the new addition.

Separately, the convention center is set to be removed in the coming years in favor of an expanded convention center at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Proposed site for 2nd Bay Lake Tower type wing at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Proposed site for 2nd Bay Lake Tower type wing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

While the building would have a very different look from the existing Bay Lake Tower, it should have a similar height and size to that of the first addition made in 2008.

The new hotel wing would boast better views of the Magic Kingdom than Bay Lake Tower if constructed, as it would be even closer to the park. Rumor has it that the price point at this new wing would be much higher than Bay Lake Tower, rivaling or surpassing the Polynesian Village Resort DVC additions.

Again, the project is not formally announced by Disney, but is in the design phase at this time. The new resort wing could be more than 5 years from completion at this point and could easily be cancelled at any point prior to construction, but sources close to the project say it is as good as green-lit at this point in time.