Disney Vacation Club: Our Magical Stay at the New Disneyland Villas in Discovery Tower

This post is sponsored by Disney Vacation Club. All opinions are my own.

If you’ve been dreaming of blending the comfort of home with the magic of Disney, then let me tell you—our recent stay at the new Disneyland Villas in Discovery Tower at the Disneyland Hotel was pure magic. Thanks to Disney Vacation Club (DVC), my family and I had the chance to spend several days at this brand-new property, complete with four days in the parks and Lightning Lane access. From the moment we stepped into our Tiana-themed villa inspired by The Princess and the Frog, we knew this was going to be one of our most memorable Disney experiences yet.

Whether you’re a Disney Vacation Club member or just curious about what staying at a DVC property in Anaheim is like, here’s a full look at our trip—from the incredible villa to the perks of being part of DVC, and why Discovery Tower might just be the dreamiest place to stay for your Disneyland vacation.

What is Disney Vacation Club?

Before I dive into our stay, let’s talk about what Disney Vacation Club actually is. DVC is Disney’s version of a vacation ownership program, similar to a timeshare but with more flexibility. Members purchase “vacation points” that can be used to book stays at DVC resorts across Disney destinations, from Walt Disney World and Disneyland to Aulani in Hawaii and even select international spots.

One of the things that makes DVC unique is how it blends luxury accommodations with the Disney experience. Instead of staying in a standard hotel room, you’ll find spacious villas that come with kitchens, living areas, laundry options, and themed touches that make your stay feel both personal and magical.

And the newest jewel in the DVC crown? The Villas at Disneyland Hotel’s Discovery Tower.

The Disneyland Villas: Discovery Tower

The Discovery Tower is the first Disney Vacation Club tower at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. It’s located right next to the iconic Disneyland Hotel, which means you get that nostalgic mid-century modern Disney feel along with the upgraded perks of a brand-new resort.

The tower itself is stunning. The moment you walk into the lobby, you’re surrounded by whimsical art and décor that celebrate classic Disney storytelling. Each floor highlights different characters and themes, but what stood out most for us was the attention to detail in the rooms.

Our Princess and the Frog-Themed Room

We were lucky enough to stay in one of the Tiana-themed villas, and let me tell you—it was a dream come true. As a family that loves The Princess and the Frog, walking into a space inspired by Tiana’s story felt like stepping into New Orleans with a Disney twist.

• The villa was filled with thoughtful touches:
• Artwork and accents that nodded to Tiana, Naveen, and the bayou.
• A murphy bed and pull-out options that made it easy for everyone to sleep comfortably.
• A full kitchenette where we could store snacks and whip up quick breakfasts before heading to the parks.
• A spacious bathroom with both a shower and a large tub, perfect for soaking tired feet after long Disney days.

It wasn’t just a room—it was an extension of the Disney magic. And unlike a standard hotel room, the villa gave us the space we needed to spread out, relax, and truly feel at home.

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Park Days + Lightning Lane

One of the biggest highlights of our trip was that Disney Vacation Club provided us with four days in the parks, including Lightning Lane access. If you’ve ever tried to maximize your time at Disneyland, you know how game-changing Lightning Lane can be.

With it, we were able to:

• Hop on classics like Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Indiana Jones Adventure without the long waits.
• Experience family favorites like Peter Pan’s Flight and Dumbo the Flying Elephant with ease.
• Save precious hours in the day so we could enjoy parades, character meet-and-greets, and meals without feeling rushed.

Having four days also meant we could pace ourselves. We split our time between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, ensuring we experienced everything from Avengers Campus to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. We also had a lot of time to explore the hotel, spend time in the pool and on the water slides and enjoy our spacious room.

Why Stay at a Disney Vacation Club Resort?

After this trip, I can confidently say there’s a difference between staying at a standard hotel and staying at a Disney Vacation Club villa. Here’s why it felt so special:

• Space & Comfort – With kids, having extra room is priceless. The villas come with kitchens, separate sleeping areas, and cozy touches that make them feel more like a home away from home.
• Theming – Disney never skimps on details. Our Tiana room made the whole trip feel extra magical, and every corner of Discovery Tower felt thoughtfully designed.
• Proximity – Being right at the Disneyland Hotel means you’re steps from Downtown Disney and a short walk to the parks.
• Exclusive Experiences – DVC members often get access to member lounges, events, and discounts that make trips even more special.

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Dining & Amenities at the Disneyland Hotel

Another perk of staying at the Disneyland Villas is that you also have access to everything at the Disneyland Hotel. We loved grabbing a Dole Whip at Tangaroa Terrace, walking through the gardens with their nods to Disney history, and taking advantage of the hotel pools (yes, including the famous monorail waterslides!).

After long days in the parks, it was nice to come back to a resort that had plenty to offer. You really don’t have to leave the property to stay entertained.

Tips for Booking Your Stay

If you’re considering a stay at the Disneyland Villas, here are a few tips:

• Book Early – Discovery Tower is new and in high demand. If you’re a DVC member, use your points early to secure your preferred dates.
• Consider Room Size – Villas come in different sizes (studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and even grand villas). Pick based on your family’s needs.
• Plan Your Park Days – With Lightning Lane and multiple days, map out which park you’ll visit each day to maximize the experience.
• Use the Kitchen – Save time and money by having easy breakfasts or late-night snacks in your villa.

Final Thoughts: Is Disney Vacation Club Worth It?

After our magical stay, I can say that Disney Vacation Club at Disneyland Villas is 100% worth it if you’re a frequent Disney traveler. The combination of luxury accommodations, immersive theming, and the convenience of being right at the heart of Disneyland made this one of our best trips ever.

The Princess and the Frog villa in Discovery Tower wasn’t just a place to sleep—it was an experience. Paired with four days in the parks and Lightning Lane access, our trip felt both relaxing and adventure-filled.

If you’ve been on the fence about DVC, I hope this post helped. If you’re simply looking for the ultimate Disneyland stay, the new villas at Discovery Tower are a dream come true. Disney Vacation Club made our visit unforgettable, and I can’t wait to plan our next trip.

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