Lots of Disney and DVC news floating around the internet. Some just speculation some announcements from the Mouse himself. This is not usually a news blog, but I can’t ignore all the news that is happening. So without more useless drivel, let’s dig in.

DVC Speculation

First a bit of speculation originally published in DVC Fan here. The rumor/wishful thinking is that DVC is planning on expanding Animal Kingdom Villas. Specifically by converting more resort hotel rooms in Jambo House to DVC studio villas. Their reasoning is that Jambo House will be undergoing refurbishment in 2026. This is a perfect opportunity to start selling points late 2025 and convert the rooms during refurbishment. The inventory of value studios is pretty low. These rooms have very low point costs and so are in high demand. Converting existing rooms will be easy and will ease this inventory crunch. Reflections won’t be on the market yet, so this will fill the demand for DVC memberships.

My Take

Disney has already shown that it is willing to sacrifice resort rooms to DVC. They have done so in the past at Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge and the Polynesian. DVC Fan argues that DVC’s business model depends on adding inventory. This is true. Timeshares either expand or stagnate. Disney has been expanding DVC resorts and not investing in any new standard resort types. I would think that adding a value resort is sorely needed. However, DVC members tend to return year after year. Repeat customers really drive the theme park business. It is a revenue stream that can be counted on. Other resorts may attract people that will not return or do so very rarely. I bet Disney has all sorts of data on this.

Converting rooms also helps a resorts occupancy rate. The is the percentage of the rooms rented vs rooms available. This ratio is the life blood of hotels and resorts in general. If the rate is very high, then prices can be raised. Otherwise you start seeing discounts, sometimes steep discounts, to get the rooms rented. If a resort typically has low occupancy rates, removing rooms from rental inventory can make the rate seem more favorable. I believe this is what happened at Wilderness Lodge. Converting rooms to create Copper Creek made Wilderness Lodge occupancy rate look much better, while giving DVC additional inventory to sell. A win-win sorta speak.

I will file this one under RUMOR. It would not surprise me to see it happen.

Announcements

DINOLAND

Under the good news category, Disney announced the actual closing dates of the rest of the Dinosaur land in Animal Kingdom. As most of you already know Dinoland is being replaced by a new land, Tropical Americas. Demolition and construction has already begun with the removal of the carnival area and the Triceratops Spin ride. Really I did not hate to see this go. I always felt it was really out of place. The Disney Tourist Blog has a great write up of the developments here. I found this to be really good news. I am looking forward to the old Dinosaur ride getting a remake to Indiana Jones. It really needs the love. I and the grandkids will miss the Boneyard. It is really good to know that it will be around until 2026. This gives us another chance to enjoy it.

SXSW: New Groundbreaking Rides and Experiences at Disney Parks

This was the title of a Disney Parks Blog post. Disney took to the stage of SXSW to bring us up to speed with the progress of the changes that were announced in last years D23 ultimate fan event. The article is a very short read and links to additional information such as the new Monsters Inc. attraction and the changes to Smugglers Run to include Mando and Grogu. DVC Fan blog also has a great digest of these announcements in this article.

What was announced

• Mandalorian update to Smugglers Run
• BDX droids will roam in multiple parks
• Monstropolis construction in Hollywood Studios update
• Cars Land expansion in Magic Kingdom update
• Marvel Attractions in California Adventure

The above linked articles are well worth the read.

My Take

This is great news. Disney needs to keep everyone informed as to progress, or lack there of. Right now there are projects happening in every US based theme park. These are in addition to the DVC Reflections project and normal refurbishment. It is getting harder to plan a Disney vacation and know what will be open, where the crowds will be and just what to expect. For example, we are looking forward to a last stroll through the Boneyard and a ride on Dinosaur. Disney is being proactive here and I applaud it. I am curious if these announcements are due to Universal’s Epic Universe opening in May. It seems they might be responding to it. The Mouse House really wants to stay in the spotlight. They need a way to remind fans that they are doing great things as well. These announcements help fill that bill.

Disneyland

Disneylands 70th anniversary celebration is right around the corner. Grandma and I went to the 50th anniversary buy happy circumstance. I would love to make it to the 70th, but may have to wait for the 75th instead. Filled under the heading of GREAT NEWS, Disney is making a ticket deal for the summer of 2025. This deal is open to everyone and not just the Southern California residents.

For a limited time, guests can visit the Disneyland Resort for as low as $100 per day. This applies to a 4-day, 1-park per day ticket. For as low as $120 per day, guests can get a 3-day, 1-park per day ticket. Both are valid May 16 through August 14, 2025. This offer will go on sale March 11, 2025. You can get this deal is also available through Get Away Today, which has even more discounts.

Deals such as this, tend to fill the parks to capacity. I’m sure this will be no exception. Grandma and I experienced such an event on our latest Disneyland trip. Disney had special 3 day and kid pricing for So Cal residents. The parks were packed during what was supposed to be lighter than normal crowds. Disney really knows how to put butts in seats!

Any other rumors/news you want me to look into? We are in the middle of planning our next trip to Walt Disney World. It is almost time to make Advanced Dinning Reservations. Other than Sci-Fi Cafe, I don’t know if we will make any reservations. Part of the process!

Until next time: