Last week, plans for a new Disney Vacation Club property were “leaked,” leaving the Disney online community buzzing about a new DVC property at the Grand Floridian. The proposed building, located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon between the main pool and the Wedding Pavilion, will be a smaller property if the proposed parking lot is any indication, just 200 or so additional parking spaces. We don’t know now how tall the building will be, but our sources who’ve seen the plans say six or seven stories with views of the Magic Kingdom from the upper floors. That’s taller than the main Grand Floridian building and many are worried about how this new addition will change the shoreline of the Lagoon, some of which will be reclaimed in the process.
If you’re a big Disney fan, you know that the idea of a DVC property at the Grand has long been a staple of the Disney rumor mill and you also know that many proposed projects never get off the ground, but our sources who know construction say these plans look very promising. It seems reasonable too, given the success of Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort, that Disney would want to replicate that success at another Magic Kingdom resort. This property, unlike the Polynesian, has the land for it.
The question, then, is what kind of DVC property? We know it will be expensive. With Bay Lake Tower now going for around $140 a point, you can expect higher prices at a DVC located at the Grand Floridian (estimates go as high as $160 per point). It is, after all, Disney’s flagship resort. One theory is that this DVC will have concierge rooms, in keeping with the overall feel of the main resort. If this is the case, expect real luxury with high prices. Would I buy in there? Sure. It’s one of my favorite resorts. But I also want to pay for my children’s college! Still, I think the potential for an amazing experience is there and I’ll definitely stay there, whether I buy in or not.
A couple of things worry me. First, if this building does go up, expect about two years minimum of ground preparation and construction. This means that brides getting married at the Wedding Pavilion will have a whole new set of concerns to worry about, particularly construction noise. Noise will also be a concern if you’re staying at the Polynesian. I also have questions as to how the existing Grand Floridian will handle transportation and check-in issues with hundreds more guests a day. And finally and perhaps most importantly, how will a new property change the scenery around the Seven Seas Lagoon, arguably one of the most picturesque places in the Southeast? I’m trusting Disney to impress me, much in the same way they did with Bay Lake Tower, which seems to have rather seamlessly blended into the existing Contemporary Resort.
So, will you buy into a DVC at the Grand Floridian?
For more information, there’s a lively and informative discussion going on here at WDWMagic.com (includes site plans).
Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat podcast and a travel agent with Pixie Vacations. Email her at ChrisW@pixievacations.com for information on how you can get a free $50 Disney gift card (in addition to current discounts when you book a Disney vacation.
Related articles
- The Truth About Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort And Spa!! (chipandco.com)
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
I would not buy in at GFV, since we already own points at BLT and are VERY happy there, and think the BLT location has a slight edge with the ability to skip the monorail (usually way crowded when we’re there) and walk to the MK. But I can totally see us splurging and coughing up the points to stay at GFV for a romantic getaway if we can get in at the 7 month mark. I think with stays where we have the kiddos along we’ll be happier at BLT.