Let’s Talk about DVC’s Non-Theme Park Resort

When Disney officials plotted the Disney Vacation Club, a central theme emerged. DVC would mirror the existing timeshare businesses in operation during the 1980s, albeit with an elevated Disney-based vibe. 

So, the plan for DVC called for Disney resorts beyond the parks, starting with one on the Newport Coast in California. You may have stayed at the Newport Bay Club, but it’s definitely not where you’d expect. That’s a Disneyland Paris property. We never got one in California, though. 

In fact, after nearly 35 years in operation, DVC has introduced only three properties at locations other than Disneyland and Walt Disney World. So, let’s talk about DVC’s non-theme park resorts. 

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

I’m listing these alphabetically rather than chronologically, as the three resorts tell the whole story that way. In December 1991, the resort we now know as Disney’s Old Key West opened to the public. 

Less than two years later, park officials had already plotted DVC’s next two locations. One would be west of EPCOT, while the other would reside in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Remarkably, we only got one of those facilities, and it wasn’t the one on the Walt Disney World campus. 

What happened instead is that Disney faced pushback from locals in the Hilton Head area. In the meantime, DVC plotted two other new resorts, including the aforementioned one at Newport Coast. So, that’s another early DVC project that failed, making Disney just two for its first four in planned hotels… two for five if we count the original Hilton Head location 

As you might expect, these early struggles put a ton of pressure on DVC executives to get the next project right…and they did! Disney’s Vero Beach Resort debuted in October 1995. Yes, this beloved property recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. 

For more than 30 years now, fans have relished the benefits that Vero Beach affords us. We can visit a gorgeous hotel on the beach and even admire a bit of conservation while we’re there. Vero Beach pre-dates Disney Cruise Line, but the concepts are eerily similar.

Disney fans don’t want to spend all their time at the parks. Sometimes, we want to feel the sand beneath our toes while we bask in the sun. Vero Beach is perfect for that, and fans know a stay here includes an added bonus. The resort resides about an hour away from Magic Kingdom’s front gate. 

DVC members can and often do take joint vacations at Vero Beach, followed by Walt Disney World. Disney officials had expected program participants to pick one or the other. During the past 35 years, it’s become clear that fans love having both options. 

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort 

I recently detailed the strange pushback Disney received in adding a DVC resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Residents feared that a noisy Disney resort would negatively impact the area.

Undeterred, Disney built a property in a different location in town, and we’re all thankful for that. Hilton Head is undeniably one of the most beautiful locations on the East Coast. 

The people who live there take pride in their hometown. So, the local government strictly enforces several building requirements. You won’t find neon at Hilton Head, nor are skyrise billboards a thing. This area prioritizes its seclusion and simplicity. 

The caution and forbearance of others have served DVC members well since 1996. Yes, Disney’s second non-theme park hotel has charmed guests for 30 years as of March 1st, 1996. For that entire time, guests have enjoyed ocean views from this breathtaking hotel.

While Hilton Head Island Resort isn’t oceanfront, Disney did acquire some exclusive beach space. DVC members can walk or ride a shuttle to the Beach House, a lovely hangout area complete with a sitting area, pool, and restaurant. Then, we can take a dip in the ocean before heading back to the hotel. 

Imagineers themed the Hilton Head property to the 1940s Carolina Lowcountry. So, genteel southern charm is on display everywhere, something you know if you’ve ever interacted with the Cast Members here. These are some of the kindest Disney employees in the world, and they understandably take pride in the splendor of the hotel grounds. As with Vero Beach, this is among the finest “get away from it all” resorts in the DVC catalog. 

Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas 

Finally, we have Disney’s third and currently most recent non-theme park resort. The construction of Aulani featured tons of fanfare, partially due to what was happening behind the scenes. 

First, Disney purchased plenty of land on the island of O’ahu. Then, the company handed the project to a native of Hawaii, Disney Legend Joe Rohde. The Imagineer, having earned icon status for his work at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, relished this rare opportunity. 

Rohde imbued Aulani with the spirit of the islands where he’d grown up, and his touches are readily apparent throughout the campus. The hotel lobby alone embodies the height of Imagineering with its authenticity and majestic design.

Walking the hotel grounds of Aulani will relax you to your very core. Here’s a question, though. Why would you walk when you can just as easily swim? You’ll find three main pools and a lazy river here, plus several other water features. 

The beauty of Hawaii remains on full display no matter where you walk, swim, or, if you’re anything like me, catnap. Aulani may be the most serene of all DVC resorts, which speaks to the fact that the program’s founders had the right idea. Sometimes, program participants want to visit places beyond the parks. Vero Beach, Hilton Head, and Aulani not only scratch that itch but also fulfill us in ways that even EPCOT festivals cannot.

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