Disney adding time shares to Animal Kingdom Lodge mix
Walt Disney World plans to add 456 new Disney Vacation Club units at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, to be built in phases through the spring of 2009.
The units will include 134 remodeled hotel rooms to be added to the existing hotel property, on the fifth and sixth floors, and 324 villas in a new building at the hotel.
The remodeled rooms are expected to be completed by fall 2007.
Disney did not put a price on the cost of the expansion. The company indicated the demand for its 15-year-old time share product remains strong, and that construction of this latest addition is in response to that demand.
Disney Vacation Club owns and operates seven resorts in addition to the newest one. All but one, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, are sold out.
The new units will feature African-inspired details and views of the area where Disney keeps some of its African animals, an area which will be expanded to accommodate the new rooms.
Also to be added are a sit-down restaurant, a themed water feature, a fitness center, a merchandise shop and recreation facilities.
Disney Vacation Club membership includes more than 300,000 individuals from more than 100 countries.