When it comes to family vacations, few names are as synonymous with joy and memories as Disney. From its iconic theme parks to the beloved characters and unforgettable experiences, Disney has built an empire of entertainment. But for many, Disney offers something even more special: the chance to make Disney vacations a regular part of their lives. Enter the Disney Vacation Club (DVC), a timeshare program that allows Disney fans to enjoy world-class resorts year after year. But how did this magical concept come into existence? Let’s take a look at the history of Disney Vacation Club and how it has evolved over time.
The Origins: The Idea of Disney Vacation Club
The idea for the Disney Vacation Club was conceived in the 1980s when Disney was exploring new ways to diversify its business and increase revenue. Michael Eisner, then CEO of The Walt Disney Company, recognized the growing demand for vacation ownership and saw a potential opportunity to blend Disney’s brand of family-friendly entertainment with the world of timeshares. However, unlike traditional timeshare models, Disney wanted to create a product that not only provided ownership in high-quality vacation resorts but also offered flexibility, something that was largely missing from other vacation ownership options at the time.
In 1989, Disney officially announced the creation of the Disney Vacation Club, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion beyond its traditional theme park business. The club was designed to offer families an affordable and flexible way to enjoy Disney vacations by purchasing vacation points, which could be used for accommodations at various Disney resorts.
The First DVC Resort: Old Key West
In 1991, the Disney Vacation Club opened its very first resort—Old Key West, located at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. This resort was not only a testament to Disney’s commitment to vacation ownership but also set the stage for what the DVC brand would become: a blend of luxury, relaxation, and magical experiences. Old Key West offered a laid-back, Key West-inspired atmosphere with spacious villas that could accommodate families of varying sizes.
Old Key West was a groundbreaking addition to Disney’s portfolio, but it was just the beginning. The initial response to the program was positive, and it helped to pave the way for future DVC resorts.
Expansion and Growth
The success of Old Key West prompted Disney to continue expanding its timeshare program. In 1994, the company opened its second DVC resort—Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, located near Epcot. This marked the beginning of DVC’s emphasis on creating distinct, themed properties. Each resort was designed to provide guests with a unique experience, while maintaining the core Disney values of family, fun, and convenience.
Over the next several years, Disney opened additional DVC resorts, including:
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Villas (2000): Offering a rustic and nature-filled retreat, this resort was designed to evoke the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas (2002): A coastal-themed property that brings the charm of New England’s beachside towns to central Florida.
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (2004): A resort that harkens back to the grand spas and horse racing culture of Saratoga Springs, New York.
By this point, the Disney Vacation Club had grown to include several properties across Walt Disney World Resort, and the concept of DVC began to take off, becoming an integral part of Disney’s vacation offerings.
DVC Goes National and Global
In the late 2000s and 2010s, Disney Vacation Club took its next steps toward national and global expansion. In 2011, Disney opened its first DVC resort outside of Florida: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai’i. The tropical retreat combined Disney’s signature magic with the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands, making it a dream destination for many families.
In 2015, DVC expanded even further with the addition of Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This resort offered the chance to stay in luxurious overwater bungalows, providing an entirely new level of luxury and uniqueness within the DVC portfolio.
Most recently, Disney’s Riviera Resort opened in 2019 as the 15th DVC resort, showcasing the company’s commitment to offering diverse and upscale vacation options for its members. The Riviera Resort features a European-inspired theme and is located near the new Skyliner gondola transportation system.
The Future of Disney Vacation Club
As of today, Disney Vacation Club has grown to include numerous resorts across several Disney destinations, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort in California, and Aulani in Hawai’i. DVC’s growing influence is not just in the quantity of resorts but also in the expanded flexibility it offers its members. With new technology, booking systems, and diverse destinations, Disney Vacation Club continues to adapt to the needs of modern travelers.
The concept of vacation ownership, once seen as a niche market, has now become a major part of Disney’s business, with thousands of families becoming lifelong members. By offering unique accommodations, excellent locations, and the magic of Disney in every stay, DVC has become an integral part of the Disney experience.
Whether you’re staying at a resort in Florida, California, Hawai’i, or beyond, the Disney Vacation Club provides families with the opportunity to make their Disney dreams come true, time and time again.
In the end, the Disney Vacation Club is not just about ownership; it’s about creating lasting memories with the people you love in the most magical places on Earth.
