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Disney Vacation Club Continues Unprecedented Growth With Two New Development Projects
Future accommodations are rooted in Walt Disney World history
Walt Disney World Press Release
Sept. 16, 2008
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Two highly anticipated resort developments announced today will expand the Walt Disney World experience and continue the rapid growth of Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s innovative vacation-ownership program:
~the 15-story Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is scheduled to join the Disney Vacation Club family of properties in fall 2009, while
~ the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, scheduled to open in summer 2009, will become the next room category offered at that resort.
Disney Vacation Club also announced that Bay Lake Tower sales are scheduled to begin on Sept. 21 for Disney Vacation Club Members, while sales to the general public and sales for the newest phase of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will begin at a later date.
“Our founder, Walt Disney, was well known for having one foot in the past and one in the future,” said Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis. “These new resort developments share that dynamic sensibility, blending modern luxury and design with the nostalgic spirit of two of the most storied resorts in Walt Disney World history.”
The announcement comes during an unprecedented era of growth for Disney Vacation Club, established in 1991 to give families decades of affordable vacations at Disney destinations and beyond. Disney Vacation Club membership has more than doubled since 2004, expanding to include more than 350,000 individuals from approximately 100 countries and every U.S. state.
That membership growth has also driven Disney Vacation Club expansion, inspiring Walt Disney Imagineers to dream up new vacation home opportunities. In addition to Bay Lake Tower and the Treehouse Villas, development continues on Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort in California and the recently announced resort at Ko Olina on the island of Oahu.
“What excites me most about this tremendous growth is that we’re not only creating new accommodations, but new experiences,” Lewis said. “Each of the projects we’ve undertaken at Disney Vacation Club is unlike anything previously available in our resort portfolio, and both Bay Lake Tower and the Treehouse Villas proudly build on that tradition.”
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
The new, curvilinear Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is designed to complement the fabled styling of the original building, which opened with the Magic Kingdom Park on Oct. 1, 1971, and featured comedian Bob Hope as master of ceremonies. Mimicking the color palette and strong horizontal lines of its iconic predecessor, the new structure even sports a rooftop lounge inspired by the original resort’s A-frame architecture.
The tower’s crescent shape, hugging lush landscaping, planned recreation options and a lakeside pool, promises to deliver some of the most dramatic views available anywhere at the Walt Disney World Resort. Some villas face scenic, undeveloped stretches of Bay Lake, while others offer spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom Park, located a short walk away.
The views promise to be equally appealing inside the tower’s 295 two-bedroom-equivalent villas, where visionary design meets Disney chic to define the vacation experience. As the closest resort to the Magic Kingdom Park, Bay Lake Tower guests can easily return to their rooms for quick breaks from their busy day in the Park, where they can relax in an inspiring setting offering many of the conveniences of home.
Most of the rooms in this iconic resort will feature innovative touches, such as modern artwork designed specifically for Bay Lake Tower, flat-screen TVs, full kitchens complete with granite countertops and modern appliances, separate bedrooms, washers and dryers, and other home-like amenities. Plus, to accommodate larger families or families traveling together, many Bay Lake Tower vacation villas are designed to sleep up to nine, though some units can also be divided into one-bedroom villas that sleep five and studios that accommodate four, creating flexible options for smaller groups.
“These vacation homes will be furnished with some amazing custom pieces that are works of art unto themselves,” said Imagineer Brian McFarland. “It’s all about maintaining that feel of clean lines and open spaces, with plenty of Disney touches.”
Add to the plans a spacious lobby filled with woven woods and glass-wrapped columns, sweeping views from a rooftop lounge and fireworks viewing deck, and the convenience of a sky bridge linking families to shops, restaurants and the monorail station, and you have a Disney Vacation Club destination that is both practical and fashionable.
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Meanwhile, nestled in natural forest glens just around the river bend from the bustling Downtown Disney area, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will mark the newest phase of what has become the largest Disney Vacation Club resort. Phase one of the idyllic lakeside community debuted in 2004, and phase three sold out earlier this year.
This new phase will revive Walt Disney World “treehouse living,” a cherished tradition from 1975-2002. While crews are replacing villas of the ‘70s with brand-new vacation homes, Imagineers took special care to honor the original octagonal design.
The construction process itself is unique as each stand-alone Treehouse Villa will come together like a giant 3-D puzzle to ensure both superior quality and environmental sensitivity.
All 60 three-bedroom homes, elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams designed to blend into the forest environment, will sleep nine and are planned to offer modern luxuries such as cathedral ceilings, granite countertops and flat-screen TVs, all presented in a style dubbed “cabin casual.”
“I was lucky enough to have a treehouse as a kid, but it was certainly nothing like this,” said Imagineer Todd Thomasson. “In developing this resort, we’ve all learned a new word, ‘glamping,’ which apparently means glamorous camping. The Treehouse Villas will be glamping at its absolute best.”
Disney Vacation Club is owned by Disney Vacation Development Inc., part of the magic of The Walt Disney Company. To learn more, visit disneyvacationclub.com.
Figment! aka Jason ºoº
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Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort - FACT SHEET
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, a Disney Vacation Club Resort, will complement the strong horizontal lines of the original resort while adding its own unique touches, including a fireworks viewing deck, a rooftop lounge, a lakeside pool and much more. Add to that a sky bridge linking the tower to the original resort’s monorail station, restaurants and shops, and you’ve got a new classic Disney resort that allows guests to blow Tinker Bell a kiss goodnight as they relax after a fun day of theme park experiences.
Building upon a Beloved Icon
Bay Lake Tower builds on the celebrated legacy of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, hailed as a modern marvel of American architecture when it opened alongside the nearby Magic Kingdom Park on Oct. 1, 1971. While its innovative design drew early crowds, it was Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s unparalleled convenience that kept families coming back. Today, Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers conveniences unavailable at any other resort hotel, including a monorail station right inside the building, the fine dining and amazing views of the Walt Disney World Resort available at the California Grill, the innovative and healthful dining options served at new restaurant The Wave and the new game arcade and quick-service eatery located on the resort’s fourth floor. Plus, the proximity to the Magic Kingdom Park continually proves to be among the resort’s most popular “amenities,” allowing families to easily return to their rooms for quick breaks from their busy day in the Park.
Bay Lake Tower will take that experience one step further, adding the conveniences of “home” to this world-class vacation destination. Most rooms feature full kitchens complete with granite countertops and modern appliances, separate bedrooms, washers and dryers, and other home-like amenities that will add even more comfort and convenience to the unique experience offered by Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Unparalleled Views
Bay Lake Tower’s crescent-shaped tower will boast some of the most dramatic Walt Disney World views available, offering open sightlines to an amenity-filled courtyard, the picturesque lakefront or one of the most beloved theme parks on earth. The view will be equally appealing on the other side of the window, with rich woods and warm fabrics complementing interior spaces and creating a welcoming, family friendly environment.
Planned Rooftop Lounge and Fireworks Viewing Area
The only view better than the one families will enjoy from their rooms may be the one available* from the exclusive rooftop deck, offering sweeping views of the resort and a dramatic look at Magic Kingdom Park’s fireworks by night. Plus, as an homage to the original, Bay Lake Tower’s rooftop lounge, Top of the World Lounge, was actually inspired by Disney’s Contemporary Resort’s former restaurant of the same name.
*Availability is limited and usage guidelines do apply.
Planned Spacious Lobby
After checking in at the original resort, Guests’ first glimpse of the tower’s interior will be revealed in the lobby area filled with woven woods and glass-wrapped columns. From the area, guests can catch their first look at Bay Lake Tower’s lakeside pool area and outside pool bar.
Planned Bay Cove Pool
Nestled in the shadow of Bay Lake Tower, the resort’s zero entry pool includes a water slide, separate whirlpool spa and an interactive children’s water feature – all overlooking picturesque Bay Lake.
Planned Resort Amenities
Beyond the rooftop lounge, spacious lobby and lakeside pool, Bay Lake Tower will feature a covered outdoor sky bridge that connects to the original resort so that guests can access the monorail as well as the restaurants and merchandise shops Guests love at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Plus, Bay Lake Tower Guests can pamper themselves with room service available through the original resort or make use of Community Hall, an activity center.
Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club is a vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, families enjoy flexible vacations at Disneydestinations worldwide, as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.
Disney Resorts
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts operates 38 resort hotels with more than 35,000 hotel rooms worldwide.
Disney Vacation Club properties include the following eight deluxe resorts:
· Disney’s Old Key West Resort
· Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
· The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
· Disney Beach Club Villas
· Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
· Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
· Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
· Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Fun Facts
* Disney Vacation Club has doubled its membership since 2004 to include more than 350,000 individual members from each U.S. state and approximately 100 different countries.
* There are 167 miles of post-tensioning cable running through the concrete slabs. These cables could stretch from Bay Lake Tower to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and back.
* There are 1,398 tons of reinforcing steel, known as rebar, within the structure. This is equal to the weight of 254 full-grown elephants.
* Bay Lake Tower rests on a foundation of more than 800 concrete piles that are 16” in diameter and extend 70’ into the ground. Stacked on top of one another, these would reach more than 10 miles into the sky.
Quick Facts
Date Announced:
September 16, 2008
Targeted Completion Date:
Fall 2009
Location/Geography:
Bay Lake Tower is ideally situated between the Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Contemporary Resort with easy access to the monorail
Room Mix:
Bay Lake Tower offers studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The majority of room categories include views of Bay Lake or Magic Kingdom Park
Number of Units:
295 two-bedroom equivalent villas
Planned Resort Amenities:
Zero entry pool with water slide, separate spa and interactive children’s water feature. Exclusive lounge on the top floor with outdoor fireworks viewing area* (* availability is very limited and usage guidelines apply). Covered outdoor sky bridge connects Bay Lake Tower to the existing resort so that guests can access the monorail.
Figment! aka Jason ºoº
INTERCOT STAFF
News, Rumours & Imagineering
Dining
Vacations Beyond Disney
~It’s what us storytellers do; we restore order with imagination, we instill hope again and again~
~We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things~
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Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa - FACT SHEET
Nostalgic memories of childhood playtime translate into over-the-treetops family vacation time with the addition of the Treehouse Villas to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Evoking a sense of adventure that makes kids feel more like grownups and grownups feel more like kids, the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will combine a dash of luxury and comfort with the nostalgic memories of a childhood fortress.
Walt Disney World’s Long History of Treehouse Living
A cherished Walt Disney World tradition from 1975-2002, the original octagonal treehouse villas were built on pedestals in forested glens, offering Guests breathtaking treetop views of the natural surroundings.
When designing the new Treehouse Villas accommodations, Disney Imagineers went to great lengths to ensure that the new villas would actually lessen the original villas’ footprint. As a result, Disney Imagineers were able to reduce encroachment on the surrounding wetlands by 70 percent for each individual home site.
Treehouse Villas’ Unique Construction Process
Rather than heading to the nearest hardware store to purchase a few 2” x 4”s and a handful of nails, Disney Imagineers will break the typical treehouse mold with the construction of the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. The construction process itself is unique, as crews will assemble all 60 vacation homes onsite like a giant 3-D puzzle.
Treehouse Living With All the Comforts of Home
Designed in a style decreed “cabin casual,” the Treehouse Villas will offer much more than the rope ladder and snack stash typically found in childhood treehouses. Elevated 10 feet off the ground, these villas will offer three bedrooms and two baths while comfortably accommodating up to nine Guests. An open kitchen will boast an island sink and a counter area offering seating for three, while a separate dining table will seat up to six. In addition, flat-screen TVs will be found in the living room and each bedroom, giving Guests an opportunity to catch up on the day’s latest news stories or favorite TV shows while relaxing after a fun-filled day at Disney’s theme parks. Throw in cathedral ceilings and granite countertops for a treehouse that surpasses every childhood expectation.
Resort Amenities
The Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will feature its own planned pool area, in addition to sharing all that the main resort has to offer, including boat transportation between the Downtown Disney Area and the Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort dock, tennis courts, bicycle rental, a children’s playground, a nearby spa and fitness center and High Rock Spring Pool, which boasts its own water slide and whirlpool spa.
Disney Vacation Club
Disney Vacation Club is a vacation-ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations for decades to come. By purchasing a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club resort, families enjoy flexible vacations at Disneydestinations worldwide, as well as more than 500 other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe.
Disney Resorts
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts operates 38 resort hotels with more than 35,000 hotel rooms worldwide.
Disney Vacation Club properties include the following eight deluxe resorts:
· Disney’s Old Key West Resort
· Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
· The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
· Disney Beach Club Villas
· Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
· Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
· Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
· Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Fun Facts
* Disney Vacation Club has doubled its membership since 2004 to include more than 350,000 individual members from each U.S. state and approximately 100 different countries.
* Environmental sensitivity was extremely important to Disney Imagineers when constructing the new Treehouse Villas. As a result, 5,178 tons, or 65.22 percent, of materials from demolition were recycled, including concrete and metals.
* When it comes to wiring, Disney Imagineers working on the Treehouse Villas went to great “lengths” to ensure every vacation home runs smoothly. Consequently, there are 87,858 lineal feet, or 16.6 miles, of wire for fiber optics, copper, telephones and CATV.
* To support all 60 Treehouse Villas, there are a total of 480 concrete columns.
Quick Facts
Date Announced:
September 16, 2008
Targeted Completion Date:
Summer 2009
Location/Geography:
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be located within Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa near the Downtown Disney Area
Size:
Three bedrooms, two baths
Number of Units:
60 villas
Number of Guests per Unit:
Villas accommodate up to nine Guests
Bedding Sizes:
Master bedroom – Queen
Second bedroom – Queen
Third bedroom – Bunk
Living room – Queen-size sleeper sofa and sleeper chair
Figment! aka Jason ºoº
INTERCOT STAFF
News, Rumours & Imagineering
Dining
Vacations Beyond Disney
~It’s what us storytellers do; we restore order with imagination, we instill hope again and again~
~We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things~
-
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Construction Pictures& Concept art
Figment! aka Jason ºoº
INTERCOT STAFF
News, Rumours & Imagineering
Dining
Vacations Beyond Disney
~It’s what us storytellers do; we restore order with imagination, we instill hope again and again~
~We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things~
-
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Construction Pictures & Concept Art
Figment! aka Jason ºoº
INTERCOT STAFF
News, Rumours & Imagineering
Dining
Vacations Beyond Disney
~It’s what us storytellers do; we restore order with imagination, we instill hope again and again~
~We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things~
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It is clear that I am not the target audience for this announcement, because it doesn't excite me at all.
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Originally Posted by Tekneek
It is clear that I am not the target audience for this announcement, because it doesn't excite me at all.
DW is the target audience for the Contemporary announcement. I have been trying to sell her on DVC for some time, but she hasn't been thrilled with AKL; she's been holding out for Contemporary.
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I wonder how many existing DVC members will buy into BLT when the go on sale and how many point will be left over for the general public to buy. There have been a lot of people salivating over this one.
I'd expect BLT (this will make me hungry every time it's discussed) will sell out fast, so that makes me wonder what's the next resort for DVC. If it's the Poly, then I'm in. I think that the Poly and GF are the only Deluxe resorts without DVC, so it's logical that it will be one of those two resorts. If they offer that first to DVC members, then to make sure that I get in, I might just buy a small amount of resale points at some other DVC resort just to get my foot in the door.
Amanda
Mom of Jay and Sam
'Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor
mantengase alejado de las puertas'
CR - Jun 76, 85 & 89
BLT - Nov 11 & 13
Poly - Jun 80 & Jan/Feb 07
WL - Jun 97, Sep 05 & Dec 08
Next - Jersey Week 2015 Baby!
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If I had the funds I would buy into Bay Lake Towers tomorrow. Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't this be the first DVC resort on the monorail?
I Am That Hero!
I'm a Ramblin Wreck from Georgia Tech...
It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses.
Hit it.
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Originally Posted by Tekneek
It is clear that I am not the target audience for this announcement, because it doesn't excite me at all.
1) One could make a good case for a sell=out among DVC owners.
2) I presume there would still be some for the public.
3) Once occupied, I can see the fights for the MK view rooms.
4) Whew!
Average Banjo Picker. Pretty-Good Sailing Master. Newly Ordained.
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Originally Posted by TheRustyScupper
1) 3) Once occupied, I can see the fights for the MK view rooms.
I wonder, will the MK view rooms be more points that the non-MK view?
Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're NOT out to get you!
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We're planning on buying now that it's official. My family was surprised I knew before they did.
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Originally Posted by big blue and hairy
I wonder, will the MK view rooms be more points than the non-MK view?
I'd put money on that.
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Thank you Jason for all of your hard work! I really appreciate the photos and diagrams and I forgot to say so before.
Amanda
Mom of Jay and Sam
'Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor
mantengase alejado de las puertas'
CR - Jun 76, 85 & 89
BLT - Nov 11 & 13
Poly - Jun 80 & Jan/Feb 07
WL - Jun 97, Sep 05 & Dec 08
Next - Jersey Week 2015 Baby!
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Originally Posted by diz_girl
I wonder how many existing DVC members will buy into BLT when the go on sale and how many point will be left over for the general public to buy ...
Count us among those who are buying ... we're meeting with our guide Thursday and will probably sign the papers same day.
Originally Posted by big blue and hairy
I wonder, will the MK view rooms be more points that the non-MK view?
I'm pretty sure the point chart is available already and yes ... MK view rooms cost more.
Ian ºOº
INTERCOT Senior Imagineer
Veteran of over 60 trips to Disney theme parks and proud to have stayed in every Disney resort in the continental United States! º0º
Next trip:
April 2018 - Saratoga Springs Treehouse
Help support INTERCOT's sponsors!!!
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Thanks for the update!
One of these days I will convince DH that we should buy in.
-- Dawn
2002 ASMo
2003 ASMo
2005 Condo Offsite
Jan 06 Boardwalk
Oct 06 Orlando World Center Marriott
Oct 07 Condo Offsite
Jan 09 - It's my birthday!! Coronado Springs
Nov 10 Long weekend offsite, 2 days
Sept 2011 Port Orleans Riverside
May 2012 BLT
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Originally Posted by CaptainJessicaSparrow
We're planning on buying now that it's official. My family was surprised I knew before they did.
Cool Jess! Karen, Kathy and I will come stay with you any time you wish!
Kristen and Ben
Next - 8/7-15 @ OKW w/Kakn7294 & Taylor & Joline; 12/16 Disney Wonder&12/19 SSR; July '10 @ VWL w/Kakn7294 - Nursing School Graduation Party ; Aug '11 Disney Dream; F&WF '11
DVC Owners @ SSR & AKV & BLT
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Such Exciting Times
As always Disney has given us so much to enjoy. I can't wait to stay at both properties. Even if it's for one night the Treehouse will be such an adventure that I've seen all my life....
I'm planning our next trip as I write...
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I had a perfect view of the CR ones last wk when i had a room in the main building
the TReehouse ones would appeal to me
doubt if I could ever afford any though
BC 2
WL CL 1
AKL 4
SOG 3
POFQ 3
POR 2
CSR 4
CBR 2
Asp 3
AS m 2
POP 7
12-13 WL CSR ASM
3-14 POR, AS s Dolphin
6-14 Us CSR
1-14 Unv
6-15 WL, SSR.
11- 15. AOA, OKw
7 16..CSR, FW, AKL, POR
7 17..ASM, CSR, WL AKL club POP
8 18 As sports, Pop
DL 9-19
DVC WL, CSR and idk 10-20
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