DVC Planned Refurbishments Through 2026: What We Know So Far

Hey Disney Vacationers and DVC Members! Disney Vacation Club (DVC) has shared updates on planned villa refurbishments across six resorts through 2026. These projects include both soft goods and hard goods refurbishments, ensuring the resorts stay fresh and functional for owners and guests. Let’s take a look at the planned DVC planned refurbishments through 2026.

Here’s the full breakdown:

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Start Date: September 2024
• End Date: September 2025 (estimated)
• Project Details: The Bay Lake Tower refurbishment is divided into four phases. The first phase, focusing on the south tower’s upper floors, is almost complete and rooms are expected to reopen by late 2024.
• Skybridge Closure: Temporary closure of the Skybridge will occur during one phase. While Disney hasn’t specified the duration, it could last up to three months. Guests will need to use the ground-level outdoor walkways to access the Contemporary Tower.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel

• Start Date: Early 2025
• Completion Estimate: TBD
• Project Details: This will be the first hard goods refurbishment for the Grand Californian villas since they opened 15 years ago. Updates are expected to include the addition of pull-down Murphy sofa beds in most rooms.
• Scope: With only 48 villas, this project should be relatively short.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins

• Start Date: Spring 2025
• End Date: 5-12 months (conflicting reports)
• Project Details: This is a soft goods refurbishment featuring updates to wall coverings, flooring, upholstery, and decor. A new color palette with more Disney characters and theming is expected.
• Murphy Beds: Disney has not decided if pull-down sofa beds will be added. The villas, which were converted from hotel rooms, present space limitations.

Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

• Start Date: Likely Summer 2025
• Project Details: No specifics were provided for this project. However, work has already started on replacing the wooden outdoor decks attached to the treehouses.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

• Start Date: October 2025
• End Date: July 2026
• Project Details: This is a hard goods refurbishment, the first full update since Kidani opened. Changes will likely include kitchen cabinets, appliances, furniture, and bathroom fixtures.
• Murphy Beds: Updates include pull-down sofa beds and pull-down twin beds replacing the twin sleeper chairs.
• Additional Updates: The project includes updates to the lobby and Community Hall.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Jambo House

• Start Date: July/August 2026 (following Kidani’s completion)
• Project Details: Rooms will receive updates similar to Kidani Village. However, Jambo House’s status as a former hotel may introduce unique challenges. The Value Villas, which are among the smallest Deluxe Studios in the DVC program, may require special attention.
• Completion Timeline: Not yet provided.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

• Start Date: 2026
• Project Details: Expected to be a soft goods refurbishment. This resort last received significant updates in 2018-2019.
• Murphy Beds: While pull-down Murphy beds may be added to some rooms, the presence of windows on two living room walls may limit placement options.

Recently Completed Refurbishments

In 2024, three DVC resorts received updates:

• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
• Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

These refurbishments focused on refreshing room decor and furnishings.

How DVC Refurbishments Work

DVC follows a regular refurbishment schedule:

• Soft Goods Updates: Every 7 years (wall coverings, upholstery, flooring, and decor)
• Hard Goods Updates: Every 14 years (furniture, fixtures, appliances, and more substantial changes)

Refurbishments are funded through the capital reserves portion of members’ annual dues. While these timelines are subject to change, DVC remains committed to keeping villas updated for the comfort and satisfaction of owners and guests.

Final Thoughts

With refurbishments planned through 2026, Disney Vacation Club is ensuring its resorts remain fresh, modern, and enjoyable for years to come. Stay tuned for updates as projects progress and completion timelines solidify.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!