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Credit: Inside The MagicWalt Disney World Resort is attempting to have guests pay $32,550 to enjoy numerous discounts and a more lavish vacation with their Disney Vacation Club EPCOT location. But with all the price hikes, does this new location make sense?
Disney Vacation Club Moves Into EPCOT
For years, EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion has been a picturesque escape within World Showcase, where guests can marvel at cascading waterfalls, explore rustic charm, and even catch the sounds of Canadian folk music.
But lately, visitors have noticed something unusual—construction walls quietly rising around the Hotel du Canada. Speculation ran wild. Was a new lounge coming?
A long-overdue exhibit? Perhaps an expansion to the beloved Le Cellier Steakhouse? Turns out, the answer is something no one expected—and many aren’t thrilled about. So, what’s really happening in Canada?
A Controversial Addition to World Showcase
Disney has officially revealed that EPCOT is set to welcome its first-ever in-park Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Welcome Home Center, named Château de Voyage. Scheduled to open this spring, the new space will serve as an exclusive area for guests to learn more about DVC membership, including a full-scale model room from the recently opened Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
Château de Voyage, the first in-park Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center, is opening in the Canada pavilion at EPCOT this spring. It will feature a model room of Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and guests will be invited to “explore membership.” – @AshleyLCarter1 on X
Château de Voyage, the first in-park Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center, is opening in the Canada pavilion at EPCOT this spring. It will feature a model room of Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas and guests will be invited to "explore membership." pic.twitter.com/pK42CJXsM9
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) March 25, 2025
This marks a historic first, as Disney Vacation Club has never before established a permanent location inside a Walt Disney World theme park. The decision follows the successful debut of the Gateway to Discovery Welcome Home Center at Disney Springs last year.
While Disney is excited about this addition, many guests are voicing concerns that this move signals a shift in priorities—one that benefits high-paying members rather than regular park visitors.
A Shift in Disney’s Strategy?
The introduction of Château de Voyage has sparked debate among Disney fans. Many had hoped the Canada Pavilion would receive a much-needed upgrade—perhaps a new attraction or a refreshed cultural exhibit. Instead, they’re getting a sales-focused space dedicated to DVC membership.
Just read the description. It’s essentially a sales office. I love how Disney in their official release and the shills on social media word it as if Disney is providing a benefit to guests, when in reality it’s a way for them to make more money. – @bdphill22 on X
Just read the description. It's essentially a sales office.
I love how Disney in their official release and the shills on social media word it as if Disney is providing a benefit to guests, when in reality it's a way for them to make more money.
— Brad Phillips (@bdphill22) March 25, 2025
Disney Vacation Club isn’t exactly an impulse buy. With memberships starting at a staggering $32,550 and requiring at least 150 points, the program is far from affordable for the average guest. In an era where Disney’s prices continue to climb, many visitors feel that instead of expanding immersive experiences, Disney is doubling down on upcharging.
“World Showcase is supposed to be about exploring different cultures,” one guest shared on social media. “Now, it just feels like another way to sell something.”
What’s Next for the Disney Vacation Club? Will the EPCOT location succeed?
This move aligns with Disney’s broader approach to maximizing revenue through premium experiences. From high-end hotel expansions to exclusive after-hours events, the company has been strategically targeting guests willing to pay extra for luxury perks.
DVC members enjoy long-term benefits like reduced hotel rates and access to exclusive lounges, but for the average guest who visits once or twice a year, the ever-rising costs of a Disney vacation make the dream feel more out of reach than ever.
Disney has promised to share more details about Château de Voyage as its opening approaches, but one thing is clear: the Canada Pavilion is about to change. Will this new Welcome Home Center find its place among EPCOT’s storytelling charm, or will it stand as a reminder of Disney’s growing focus on premium sales?
Fans will have to decide when Château de Voyage opens this spring. For now, one question remains—what does this mean for the future of EPCOT? Is this just the beginning of more sales-driven spaces within Disney’s beloved theme parks?
What are your thoughts on this new DVC location coming soon to EPCOT? Are you interested in being a DVC member for $32,550? Sound off in the comments below.