2016 DVC Condo Meeting Highlights

In early December of each year, DVC holds their Annual Condominium Association Meeting in which board members are elected, resort budgets for the upcoming year are presented and approved, and we learn about upcoming events and projects for DVC. Highlights from this year’s meeting included a look back at the 25th Anniversary year, resort refurbishments, a closer look at Hurricane Matthew’s impact on Hilton Head, and a sneak peak at the newest DVC addition opening at Wilderness Lodge.

2016 Year In Review –  The board was very happy to report a successful year of 25th Anniversary events and special offerings for members. Membership Magic will continue into 2017 or as Disney likes to call it, Membership Magic “Ever After.” The board reported that 70,800 members attended events this year and 180,000 members and their guests visited the Member Lounge at Epcot. The Member Lounge will continue for 2017 along with more online member tools and experiences. Most of the DVC resorts underwent some form of refurbishment this year, with Old Key West scheduled for upgrades in 2017. The most notable is probably Vero Beach with quite a makeover.

DVC Vero Beach Renovations

Resort Budgets & Annual Dues – All DVC Resort Budgets were officially approved at the meeting and 2017 member dues bills will be sent out accordingly over the next couple of weeks. Increases in dues this year were mainly due to an increase in property taxes and housekeeping expenses. Lower utility costs helped to offset the increases for this year. Dues increased an average of 4% overall with the highest increases seen at Old Key West (6.6%) and Hilton Head (6.7%).

Old Key West went up to $6.41 per point due to higher property taxes and the decision made in 2015 to accelerate the refurbishment schedule. More money will be put into the reserve fund to cover upgrading the kitchens and baths in 2017.

Hilton Head went up to $7.27 per point due to Hurricane Matthew damage that will not be covered under the insurance policy. Here’s the Treasurer of DVC discussing the impact of Hurricane Matthew on the resort and the owner’s dues:

Coming in 2017 – Copper Creek Cabins and Villas are coming in 2017 to Wilderness Lodge, along with enhancements to the existing DVC resort now named Boulder Ridge Villas. Here’s what members can look forward to:

• New waterfront cabins will sleep up to 8 guests, similar to the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
• New waterfront restaurant, Geyser Point Bar and Grill, will feature indoor and outdoor seating and beautiful views of Bay Lake.
• The former Hidden Springs Pool is being transformed into Boulder Ridge Cove and will feature a zero entry pool and sundeck.
• A new community hall, BBQ pavilion and sports facilities are coming as well.

Here’s a sneak peak of the enhancements coming to Wilderness Lodge (apologies for the shaky video…too much coffee!):

We can’t wait to see what 2017 brings for Disney Vacation Club and its members! Keep checking back for more exciting news to come.

Posted By:

Kristen Tutas