Big Changes Are Coming at Disneyland DVC Resorts

The Walt Disney Company had a full day yesterday. Disney announced a promotion for Ken Potrock, the most recent President at Disneyland Resort. His replacement, Thomas Mazloum, is the person most recently in charge of Disney Vacation Club. Mazloum had headed Disney Signature Experiences, which includes DVC.

On the same day Disneyland announced its new President, it also revealed some unexpected news. Big changes are coming at Disneyland’s DVC resorts. Here’s what’s happening.

Disneyland’s Three Hotels Will Add Amenities

As you know, Disneyland Resort hosts three different official Disney hotels, two of which are part of the DVC program. Those two are The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. In addition, Disney recently converted an old property into Pixar Place Hotel, which celebrates its first birthday on January 30th.

The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa courtyard at night

So, technically, two of the three hotels are less than 18 months old, while the third opened in 2001. These aren’t outdated properties in need of maintenance. Disney’s going to enhance all three anyway, which is why we’re all so proud to be DVC members. The program takes excellent care of us.

According to the official Disney Parks Blog, Disney will add “two all-new concierge lounges, new décor touches to guest rooms, new themed suites and a beautiful new look for Napa Rose restaurant.” Let’s start with Napa Rose, as that’s the change that will impact you the most in the short term.

Villas at Disneyland Hotel - Exterior

The beloved restaurant will close this spring to begin quick but significant renovations. Disney will alter the interior. The goal is a space exhibiting “Craftsman design with an eye toward modern Californian luxury and approachability.” Plans call for “reclaimed French oak flooring and columns” and “an eye-catching chandelier inspired by California’s Mission grapevines.”

From a guest perspective, the most impactful changes occur at the counter and on the patio. Disney will lengthen the counter to provide more guests with a view of food preparations. Outside,

Napa Rose will add more seats, which is welcome news. Presuming all goes well, the restaurant will reopen this fall. Obviously, this closure will disrupt dining at the hotel. So, Disney indicates you should track this page for any additional updates.

Both DVC Resorts Will Add Concierge Lounges

As a reminder, Disneyland turns 70 this July. Disney will commemorate the moment with the Disneyland 70 celebration.

The birthday has Disney feeling a bit nostalgic, which factors into the next news item. Disneyland Hotel will open the High Key Club this summer. This concierge lounge will pay tribute to “the music and sounds of Disneyland park circa 1955.”

The Parks Blog suggests that the High Key Club will “draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of original and classic sounds at Disneyland park.” I guess that means lots of Sherman Brothers tunes, which is something we’ll all enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog

If you remember the previous lounge, Disney promises that this one will possess nearly double the space. It will also be in the Adventure Tower, with Disney promising views of the nighttime fireworks. The club will pipe in the appropriate sounds as well.

Based on this information, you’re probably thinking that the Grand Californian will replace The Veranda as well. That is NOT the case! Instead, Disney will add a second club-level lounge at the hotel. The Parks Blog indicates that this new space will “celebrate classic California Craftsman design and will be a perfect spot for lounging with a good book, relaxing with a glass of wine, or admiring the hotel’s Great Hall lobby below.”

This lounge sounds breathtaking. Unfortunately, it’ll require construction, though. So, it won’t be ready until some point in 2026. Therefore, we’re getting new DVC lounges at Disneyland Resort this year and next.

The Grand Californian will also undergo a room refresh this year, and it’ll include the DVC inventory. Also, Disney hasn’t forgotten Pixar Place Hotel. It’ll add new two-bedroom “themed premium suites” starring Coco and The Incredibles. So, all three hotels will improve significantly by the end of 2026.

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