The DVC Member Lounge in Disney Springs is a Hidden Gem

Written by Joshua Posted November 29th, 2024

My family loves going to Disney Springs. They dig shopping. I do not. But I do love the atmosphere. While they visit Uniqlo, Gideon’s Bakehouse, and World of Disney, I enjoy walking the grounds and snapping photos. Oh, and I enjoy the food. But now I have another reason to hang out at Disney Springs: the DVC Member Lounge at Gateway to Discovery. We recently toured the space, and it’s beautiful.

Gateway to Discovery opened earlier this year. It includes a giant globe, an equally large Mickey Mouse, an interactive door, and miniature models of several Disney Vacation Club resorts. It’s a cool space. But even cooler is the DVC Member Lounge found upstairs. Surprisingly, the lounge was mostly empty when we visited last Saturday, even though Disney Springs was crowded. I’m sure many DVC owners walk right by Gateway to Discovery, oblivious to the free snacks awaiting them.

At the risk of making it harder to enter the lounge on our next visit, I’m going to tell you how to get in. If your member card shows DVC Y, check in with a Cast Member in the welcome center. They’ll escort you to an elevator just outside the building. That’s it. You’re on your way to upstairs comfort. The new lounge is smaller than the one found in EPCOT, so you might have to wait on busier days.

Elevator to DVC's Gateway to Discovery member lounge

After exiting the elevator, you’ll head down a long hallway. The walls are covered with photos of people having fun doing Disney things. It’s a nice aesthetic, but it serves another purpose. The lounge doubles as a way to woo prospective DVC buyers. I imagine it’s very effective. The lounge is beautifully designed and, more importantly, very comfortable. We were led to a section including a large sofa, chairs, and a coffee table. My tired feet appreciated that couch.

Hallway leading to the Gateway to Discovery DVC Member Lounge

Gateway to Discovery DVC Member Lounge seating area

We also appreciated the complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and snacks. If you’re curious, I enjoyed a Barq’s Vanilla Cream and a bag of chips. After refueling, I began exploring the space. In addition to the main seating area, the lounge also includes a smaller second room and a balcony. The latter offers some great views of Disney Springs. I snapped a pic of the Christmas tree from up there.

Disney Springs' Christmas tree as seen from the Gateway to Discovery DVC Member Lounge balcony

If the lounge isn’t enough to entice potential DVC owners, the connected Riviera Resort Two Bedroom Lock-Off Villa model just might. After my family toured those rooms, my wife and son both said, “When are we staying there?” I’ll share those pics another time, but here’s one from the master bedroom. Yeah, I want to stay there, too.

A DVC Cast Member told me that Magic Kingdom’s new lounge, recently named McKim’s Mile House, will be a similar size to the one in Disney Springs. We’re used to waiting for access to EPCOT’s larger ImaginAtrium Lounge. I imagine wait times for Magic Kingdom’s space will be considerably longer. DVC owners who pay for Membership Magic Beyond, a new benefits package upgrade, will get priority seating in all member lounges.

Disney Springs’ DVC Member Lounge is a great perk for owners. I imagine we’ll visit whenever my family drags me on their shopping days. The lounge is open from 12 to 7 PM daily.