Earlier this year, the “Gateway to Discovery” Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center opened at Disney Springs. The Gateway to Discovery is located in the Town Center section of Disney World’s shopping and dining district and is open to all guests during normal Disney Springs operating hours.
When it opened, DVC teased that a gathering space would also be part of the offering, but said that it was still receiving the finishing touches. Now, the gathering space and Riviera Resort model rooms are open on the second floor of the Gateway to Discovery. We stopped by Disney Springs to check it out!
DVC Member Gathering Space & Model Room at Disney Springs
While the first-floor Gateway to Discovery is open to all guests visiting Disney Springs, the upper-floor gathering space is reserved for Disney Vacation Club Members only. The upper-floor gathering space and model rooms are open from noon to 7:30pm, daily.
For non-members looking to learn more about Disney Vacation Club ownership, head to the first-floor Gateway to Discovery to speak with a Cast Member. Informational sessions (noon to 7:30pm) do take place in breakout rooms in the second-floor space, but none of the member perks such as unlimited snacks and soda are available to prospective members (as you’d imagine).
After checking in with a Cast Member, guests will be invited up to the second floor via the golden elevator next to the Gateway to Discovery.
Once upstairs, photos line the hallway to the member gathering space. Note that while some of the offerings in the gathering space are similar to the in-park lounge that Disney Vacation Club operates, the space is much smaller. Because of the limited space, availability may be more sparse and there may be extended waits to enter. Additionally, Members will be seated by Cast Members at specific tables or couches.
The space is actually quite beautiful and looks incredibly relaxing. The gathering space is staffed really well, with Member Services Cast Members on hand, and a few different breakout room options available for Members who would like to have a more personalized or private chat about Membership options.
An outdoor balcony provides wonderful views of the Town Center section of Disney Springs, and is located roughly above the Disney Ever After store. A fun fact is that this very balcony was utilized by Stormtroopers during the early phased reopening of Disney Springs.
Another room looks ready to host Member presentations but is currently an extension of the central gathering space.
Here’s a look at the offerings for current Disney Vacation Club Members, including unlimited snacks and a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine!
An interactive table is available for children to play games on.
In addition to the Member gathering space, there are two model rooms for Disney’s Riviera Resort, available for anyone to tour (with an appointment). The model rooms represent a studio room and a one-bedroom villa.
Deluxe Studio Model Room
One-Bedroom Villa
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!