DVC Newscast

Shannon, Pete, and Sue discuss the opening of Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond, the return of both Minnie Vans and self-service beverages at the DVC Member Lounge, DVC Member Cruise direct purchase incentives, and Moonlight Magic at Animal Kingdom registration dates! N080

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market – Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store – DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial – Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! is opening on June 13. Based on Disney and Pixar’s film Finding Nemo, this exciting stage show invites you to discover the familiar tale of Nemo and friends from a whole new point of view, as well as fan favorite songs such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.”

This story starts from the end of Finding Dory by catching up with the fish from Dr. P. Sherman’s office in Finding Nemo who made their way across the ocean to the Marine Life Institute. The show is about 25 minutes versus the previous 40-minute show.

Showtimes are listed at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM.

Source: Walt Disney World Website

Minnie Vans will officially return to service on June 29, 2022, and guests can enjoy being driven around Walt Disney World property by expert, specially trained cast members. Test rides are expected to begin this week –  meaning Minnie Vans may show up on the Lyft App prior to June 29th.

The Minnie Van service works with the Lyft app. Minnie Vans include up to 2 complimentary child seats if needed, and are required for children under 6 years of age.

Source: Walt Disney World Website

The DVC Member lounge has used cast members to serve beverages since reopening from the COVID pandemic. As of this week, members are now able to use the freestyle soda machines on their own. Entrance into the lounge is still being restricted to assigned tables.  

Also, Kona Cafe has been announced to close for short refurbishment on August 15th through at least September 1st. Mobile orders will be available at Kona Island with a limited menu. 

Source: DVCNews.com, Walt Disney World Website

The Disney Wish will embark on just its second sailing July 19, 2022 with a shipload of Disney Vacation Club members. As thanks for participating in the cruise, DVC is offering additional savings for add-on points purchases. 

For an add-on of 150-199 vacation points, members on the cruise will save an additional $500. For add-ons of 200 or more points, the savings increases to $1,000.

Source: DVC News

Disney Vacation Club has announced Members with a Disney Resort hotel reservation can register online for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park events beginning June 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM EST. Event registration opens to all Members on July 13th, 2022 at 11:00 AM EST (pending availability).

The event dates are July 26, 2022, August 31, 2022 and September 28, 2022.

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

My DVC Points is a fantastic community of DVC members. Our cheerful, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club are designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Please join us in continuing our Facebook group and YouTube channel conversations.

It takes an incredible community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 400 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. “Take Flight” music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Shannon and Pete discuss a third virtual queue added for guests eligible for Extended Evening Hours, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure moved to Genie+ service for a limited time, new Star Wars characters coming to Disneyland, Magic Key sales suspended, new direct DVC purchase incentives, and a chance to win a cruise on the Disney Wish Maiden Voyage benefiting GKTW! N079

Season 7 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

The new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction is using a virtual queue at Epcot instead of a standby line. Consistent with past virtual queues, the queue opens at 7 AM and a second set of boarding groups open at 1 PM.

Registered guests staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort or other select hotels will have an additional opportunity to request to join the virtual queue at 6 p.m. on select dates during extended evening theme park hours. Guests with this benefit do not need to be in EPCOT to request to join at that time. 

A couple other things to note:

• Joining the virtual queue does not guarantee the ability to participate in the experience.
• In order to give as many Guests as possible the opportunity to join the queue, each Guest can enter the virtual queue for a given experience no more than once per day, subject to availability.
• 7:00 AM (Guests do not need to be in the park when they join, but must have a theme park reservation for EPCOT)
• 1:00 PM (Guests must be in EPCOT to join the virtual queue at this time)

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will be included in the Genie+ service starting May 31st through August 7th. Riders will not be able to purchase individual lightning lanes for this ride during this time.  The ride has been moved to the list of rides shown as “temporarily” removed from Individual lightning lanes listed until August 7th. It is not known at this time if this will be extended further. 

Source: Walt Disney World Website

At the recent Star Wars celebration, Disney announced Boba Fett and Fennic Shand from Book of Boba Fett and Mandalorian Disney+ series are now meeting at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Disney also announced that The Mandolorian himself and Grogu (also known as “Baby Yoda”) will be coming soon. No announcement was made for Walt Disney World at this time. 

Source: Disneyland website, D23

Disney has suspended sales of its Magic Key annual pass program and is offering California residents a new three-day, one-park-per-day ticket this summer for Disneyland and California Adventure.

Disneyland rolled out the Magic Key program last August.  The $1,399 Dream Keys and the $949 Believe Keys sold out late last year, and, as of May 31st, the $649 Enchant Keys and $399 Imagine Keys were no longer available.

Current Magic Key holders will be able to renew their passes, though further details were not immediately available

The new three-day tickets start at $249 for admission on Mondays through Thursdays, or $299 for any day including weekends for eligible guests.  Tickets are available for purchase beginning May 31st and can be redeemed on any three eligible days from June 13 to September 15, 2022, subject to park reservation availability.

Source: ABC 10 News LA, Disneyland Website, Disneyland Website

From June 2 through July 13, 2022, Disney Vacation Club is offering additional incentives for both first-time buyers and existing members adding-on. Most noteworthy are the new buyer rates for The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which more than doubles the savings at most purchase levels, resulting in lower prices than when resort sales launched on March 31, 2022.  

See below for pricing for new DVC members:

 Similar patterns can be found in add-on pricing for current members. While discounted prices are not quite as low as the Grand Floridian debut rates offered for 4 weeks in March, they are an improvement over the more modest incentives provided throughout April and May. 

Disney Vacation Club is not offering any incentives for older "sold out" properties.

In light of the incentive increases for Riviera and Grand Floridian, recent buyers may be able eligible to have their purchase updated to the lower rates. Timeshare purchases include a right of rescission period during which the buyer may cancel the contract with no penalties. Buyers who are still within their rescission period or who have not finalized the contracts should reach out to their DVC sales representative to inquire about price adjustments. 

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

Give Kids The World is hosting a chance to win a magical Five-Night Bahamian Cruise in the Tower Suite on the Disney Wish Maiden Voyage benefiting Give Kids The World and Make-A-Wish®, departing Port Canaveral, FL on July 14, 2022.

Enjoy the enchantment and magic of the ocean as seen in the beloved Disney film Moana. This first-of-its-kind accommodation features two master bedrooms, a children’s room with bunkbeds, a library that can serve as an additional bedroom and sweeping views of the sea. Enter via a special private entry and relax in the double-height living room which features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer breathtaking views of the upper decks and the shimmering sea beyond. 

Up to eight (8) guests can participate in this one-of-a-kind vacation package.

Source: Give Kids the World Website

It takes an awesome community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 225 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Join Shannon, Pete, and Sue for this week's update. Harmony Shop, Genie+ changes, Eat to the Beat concerts, direct sales for April 2022, and a new DVC retail store on I-Drive in Orlando. Episode 78

Season 7 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Harmony Barber Shop will reopen on July 31 for the world’s most magical haircut. A limited number of reservations for this timeless experience will be bookable in the My Disney Experience app beginning June 28. Walk-in appointments will be accepted based on availability.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique was confirmed to be reopening later this year at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, but no specific dates have been provided. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

In an announcement that Walt Disney World Resort will open bookings for theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel stays and packages for visits in 2023 on June 8, a change to Genie+ was also mentioned. 

Starting June 8, Disney Genie+ will only be offered for purchase through the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit. Previously, Disney offered the option to purchase this service pre-arrival as a ticket add-on.  

This means that moving forward, whether you have an Annual Pass, multi- or single-day ticket, you may only purchase Disney Genie+ service on the day of your visit via the app, one day at a time, subject to availability. Disney hopes this adjustment will help manage the strong demand guests have shown for Disney Genie+.

Disney stated, on average, guests who purchase Disney Genie+ service will continue to enter 2-3 attractions or experiences each day using the Lightning Lane entrance when the first selection is made early in the day. 

Any tickets already purchased that include Disney Genie+ service for dates later in 2022 will still be honored. 

Note this update is also only happening at Walt Disney World Resort and will not affect guests at Disneyland Resort.  

Disney also confirmed the early theme park entry benefit for Disney Resort hotel guests will continue beyond the 50th Anniversary for visits throughout all of 2023! This benefit gives Disney Resort guests an opportunity to enter ANY of the 4 Walt Disney World Resort theme parks to enjoy select attractions, shops, and dining EVERY day (valid admission, park reservation, and Resort ID required).

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney announced 2022 Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare coming to the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE starting this July.  Internationally recognized artists, as well as local bands, will perform on the America Gardens Theatre stage including favorites like Baha Men, Tiffany, and Air Supply, and new acts like Hoobastank, Los Amigos Invisibles, and Stokley.

• July 14-15 – Baha Men
• July 16-18 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
• July 29-30 – Taylor Dayne
• July 31-Aug. 1 – Tiffany
• Aug. 5-8 – Joey Fatone & Friends
• Aug. 12-13 – The Devon Allman Project
• Aug. 14-15 – Christopher Cross
• Aug. 19-20 – Journey former Lead Vocalist Steve Augeri
• Aug. 21-22 – Air Supply
• Sept. 2-3 – Southern Avenue
• Sept. 4-5 – Kris Allen & David Cook
• Sept. 9-10 – Hoobastank (NEW)
• Sept. 16-17 – Los Amigos Invisibles (NEW)
• Sept. 23-24 – BBMak
• Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Stokley (NEW)
• Oct. 2-3 – Sheila E.
• Oct. 7-8 – Mark Wills
• Oct. 9-10 – 38 Special
• Oct. 23-24 – Billy Ocean
• Oct. 28-31 – Hanson
• Nov. 4-7 – Boyz II Men

Eat to the Beat Dining Packages will be offered Friday through Monday. Reservations open on May 24th. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Lead:  Peter

For only the second time in the 12 years DVCNews has tracked direct sales, more than 300,000 Disney Vacation Club points were sold in a single month. Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa continued to dominate however Disney's Riviera Resort tallied its highest monthly sales numbers in more than two years.

310,866 DVC points were sold in April 2022 for the 11 resorts at Walt Disney World.   The last time DVC sales topped the 300,000-point mark was in July 2013 when 364,416 points were sold.  Coincidentally, July 2013 was also the second month of sales for the original Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.  Grand Floridian accounted for 57.2% of April’s sales, while Disney’s Riviera Resort represented 30.0% of total sales. 

Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort —  In its second month since resuming sales, 177,819 points were sold for Grand Floridian.  It was the largest number of points sold for a single resort in a single month since Disney’s Riviera Resort sold 181,289 points in January 2020.  Disney has now sold 293,818 points, or 16.5% of the 1,779,822 points that have been assigned to the 202 Resort Studios located in the Big Pine Key building. 

Disney has declared exactly half of the 202 Resort Studios for the DVC inventory.  This means that 101 resort studios can be booked using DVC points on any given Use Day.

Disney’s Riviera Resort —  In April 2022, 93,218 points were sold for Riviera, the largest single-month sales since 153,416 points were sold in March 2020 at the cusp of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disney has sold 2,874,658 points, or 42.7%, of Riviera’s 6.7 million points.   The resort has averaged 78,190 points in monthly sales, which includes several months in 2020 when sales for all DVC resorts were severely impacted by the COVID pandemic.

On April 15, 2022, Disney declared additional vacation homes for the DVC inventory at Riviera.  180 of Riviera’s 341 vacation homes are now available for DVC members to book using points.  The declared inventory accounts for about 3,605,940 points or 53.5% of the resort’s total points.

Source: DVCNews.com

Later this month, Disney plans to open a new retail location on the I-4 / International Drive corridor which will feature a remote Disney Vacation Club sales center. 

The new Walt Disney World Store will feature Disney merchandise, theme park ticket sales, and a new Disney Vacation Club Virtual Discovery Station. With floor-to-ceiling screens, The Disney Vacation Club Virtual Discovery Station can transport guests to our theme parks, resorts, and cruise destinations around the world via first-person virtual tours, photo galleries, and videos.

The location will also feature a dramatic ribbon-like display board that wraps around the parking garage in Hollywood Plaza. The display will be used to showcase Disney characters, theme park attractions, and more. 

The retail location is scheduled to open on May 31, 2022. 

Source: DVCnews.com

Join the Pioneer Hall Players for 2 hours of rousing Wild West dancing, singing and zany comedy at Pioneer Hall in Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

In between skits and song standards, chow down on all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken and smoked BBQ pork ribs, as well as a tossed green salad, cowboy beans, fresh-baked cornbread, macaroni-and-cheese and creamy coleslaw. And be sure to save room for the grand finale… strawberry shortcake!

The doors open at 4:00 PM, 6:15 PM or 8:30 PM. Seating will begin immediately at these times; the show begins 20 minutes later.

Choose from 3 different seating categories. Prices include tax and gratuity. 

Ages 10 and older Ages 3 to 9

Category 1

$74 $44

Category 2

$69 $40

Category 3

$66 $39

Source: Walt Disney World website

It takes an awesome community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 225 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Shannon and Pete discuss the announcement of the return of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom and Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure for 2023. Disney Vacation Club also revealed Top of the World will be reopening, the 2023 DVC Member Cruise, and the name for the new DVC Disneyland Tower. N077

Season 7 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disney Vacation Club announced in an e-mail to members that the Top of the World Lounge will be reopening soon. The Top of the World Lounge is located on the 16th floor of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and offers spectacular views of Magic Kingdom Park for Members and their Guests. The opening date has not yet been announced.

Source: DVC Member E-mail

This fall, ghosts and ghouls of all ages are invited to don their favorite costumes and celebrate all things haunted during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Taking place on 37 select nights Aug. 12 through Oct. 31, 2022, this special event haunts Magic Kingdom Park after normal park operating hours from 7 p.m. to midnight. 

Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party may be purchased online beginning May 18. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing tickets as early as May 12. Ticket prices will range from $109 – $199. 

Also, Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party, will officially return this upcoming Halloween season! This separately ticketed, limited-capacity, after-hours event at Disney California Adventure park is a seasonal guest favorite, and we’re delighted to share that it will be returning on select nights in fall 2022.  No dates have been announced yet.

Source: Disney Parks Blog, Disney Parks Blog

Hoist the anchor and sail away on a dream cruise to The Bahamas! Disney Vacation Club is excited to announce the 2023 DVC Member cruise. This 4-night, round-trip Disney Cruise Line sailing from Port Canaveral aboard the Disney Wish, the newest ship in the fleet, takes you to Disney Castaway Cay, a private island oasis, and Nassau in The Bahamas.

The Member cruise includes daily themed gifts delivered to Members' staterooms and entertainment created just for the Member Cruise!

Dates are September 4 - 8, 2023. No information on booking date or pricing has been announced. 

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

Construction on the new Disney Vacation Club tower has gone vertical, and it finally has a name, “The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.” Disney has also confirmed that a walkway is being built for Paradise Pier Hotel guests to access Disney California Adventure directly. The walkway will be located across the crosswalk from the hotel near the entry into the parking lot for the Grand Californian Hotel. Disney is currently updating the Paradise Pier Hotel with Pixar theming,

Source: Mice Chat

It takes an awesome community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 225 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Pete and Jake discuss the registration dates for Hollywood Studios Moonlight Magic events, the DVC preview for Cosmic Rewind, plans for the upcoming DVC building at the Polynesian, and runDisney announcements. N076

Season 9 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

This year, Moonlight Magic events will take place in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 24th, June 16th, and July 14th. Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members who have a Disney resort hotel reservation on one of those dates can register beginning on April 20th. All other eligible DVC members can register for events beginning on May 10th.

Source: Disney Vacation Club website

On April 14th, e-mails were sent out to some eligible Disney Vacation Club members to inform them that at 9 AM the queue would open for dates for DVC previews of the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction. Many members received the emails after 9 AM and some didn’t get them at all. There were only two dates for members, May 9th and May 18th. Annual Passholders were given more dates for previews, May 8 - 10, May 15-16, and May 18-21. DVC dates were booked in less than hour, while the AP dates lasted a little longer. 

Source: Disney Vacation Club email

Disney has filed the first permit for the new Disney Vacation Club building at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, and there is a layout image showing the location between the Fiji Building at the Polynesian and the wedding pavilion at the Grand Floridian. Though the plans do not provide a lot of detail, it does show the building along the water with a new parking area to the west. On the south side near the existing buildings is both a feature pool and a children’s play area. Not surprisingly, there is no monorail station shown at the new resort, so members will have to walk to the exiting Polynesian station or take the slightly longer walk to the Grand Floridian station. 

Source: WDWNT

The 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the marathon and the 10th anniversary of the Dopey Challenge. The theme has 90’s retro vibes. The WDW Marathon Weekend will be held on January 4-8, 2023.

The Disney Castaway Cay Challenge on Disney Cruise Line has returned! The race will be held on January 12, 2023. 

Registration begins on Tuesday, April 19th at 10 AM. Club runDisney registration is now live. 

Source: RunDisney website

It takes an awesome community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 225 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Shannon and Pete discuss the announcement of the return of traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue! Disney Vacation Club members will have access to Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind previews, but specific dates have not yet been announced. Shannon and Pete also discuss new DVC incentives for the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. N075

Season 7 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Get ready to clap your hands, stomp your feet and sing along, as the beloved musical dinner show Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue returns this summer to Walt Disney World Resort! If you’re hankerin’ for a seat at the table, reservations will be available via DisneyWorld.com starting May 26 for showtimes beginning June 23. Mention of minor changes to the show have been made as well as some backdrops. No word yet on pricing or AP/DVC discounts. 

In addition, as early as April 18, Disney will start reintroducing traditional character greetings at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, as well as aboard Disney Cruise Line. Very soon, you will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy.

Source: Disney Parks Blog, Disney Parks Blog

As of March 31st, Disney Vacation Club has resumed sales of Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for new members. Also, the discount rate for current DVC members have dropped. For example, a 200 point contract is discounted to $195 for current members, and only $203 for new members. See below:

Source: DVC News 

Our friends at DVC News post monthly sales, and while we don’t normally review the numbers, we thought it would be interesting to look at first month sales for VGF. In March, total sales were 241,490 points, with 116,000 points (48%) coming from Grand Flo, and another 71,000 (29%) coming from Riviera. Next highest was BLT at 17,200 and AKV at 12,400 points. Now remember, Grand Floridian sales were for current members only during this time period. However, the 241,000 points was the best month of sales since pre-pandemic numbers - and the best month since April 2019. (It should be noted that Riviera went on sale in March of 2019 - is this coincidence?)  

Source: DVC News

On Monday, April 4th, Disney announced the opening date of Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind. The same day an email went out to DVC members:

“As an Annual Passholder or eligible Disney Vacation Club® Member, you’re invited to a special sneak peek of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, an all-new family thrill coaster at EPCOT®!  Be on the lookout for a registration email in your inbox soon.”

If you are traveling to Disney in May, keep a close eye on your inbox! 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

It takes an awesome community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 225 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Pete and Sue discuss the recent price increase to Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas for direct purchases from Disney Vacation Club. Disney also announced the return of Minnie Vans, H2O Glow Party at Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney's Cultural Representative Program! N074

Season 7 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

On March 24th, Disney Vacation Club raised the price on Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas for direct purchases. All three resorts are now $200 per point direct, which is a $16 per point increase at Animal Kingdom Villas and a $20 per point increase for Old Key West and Saratoga Springs.

Since there are currently no incentives at these sold-out resorts right now, the Villas Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Disney's Riviera Resort are now priced lower for contracts of 125 points or more.

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is now the lowest priced Walt Disney World DVC resort at $190 per point.

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

Disney announced that the Minnie Van service, booked through Lyft, will be returning sometime this summer. The exact date has not been given. Minnie Vans are a rideshare service that provides 6 passenger vans with car seats for service to Disney locations.

Source: Disney Parks TikTok

H2O Glow After Hours is a special after hours event at Typhoon Lagoon on Saturdays from May 28th through August 27th from 8 PM to 11 PM. Guests with tickets to this event are able to enter the park at 6 PM.

Tickets go on sale to general public April 1st and for resort guests March 29th. Ticket prices for the general public are $75 for adults and $70 for ages 3-9 plus tax.

Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholder ticket prices are $59 for adults and $54 for age 3-9 plus tax.

Source: Walt Disney World website

More international flair will be returning to Epcot this summer as Walt Disney World is relaunching the Disney Cultural Representative Program.

Disney has stated it will be a phased reintroduction, with initial recruitment in Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Norway for Epcot’s World Showcase. More countries will be added after they clear travel restrictions and have CDC-authorized vaccine availability.

The first new participants will begin work at Walt Disney World in August.

Disney now is reaching out to participants whose programs were shortened, canceled or wait-listed in 2020, as well as those who had an offer but had not arrived at Disney World yet. Those people will be given first opportunity to reapply, and others will be invited to apply soon, Disney said.

Source: Disney Programs Instagram

It takes an awesome community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 225 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Shannon and Pete discuss the announcements of the new expansion at Disney's Polynesian Villas and new dining and enhancements at Disney's BoardWalk area. They also review the verbiage change from Guaranteed Week to Favorite Week, the return of the Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the opening date of the new Resort Studio rooms at the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Season 7 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

On March 15th, Disney announced that the Spirit of Aloha dinner show would not be reopening and would be replaced by a new DVC resort building. The proposed plans would offer additional rooms, new recreation offerings and dining options.

In a press release, Bill Diercksen, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Club said, “It’s no secret that our Members and Guests love the monorail resorts at Walt Disney World. Expanding our Disney Vacation Club offerings at the Polynesian would give our Members and Guests yet another incredible option for staying close to the magic while making vacation memories that last a lifetime.”

It is not known at this time whether this will become part of the existing condo association or will be considered a separate resort for member/booking purposes. 

Source: WDW Magic

On March 11th, Disney announced changes coming to Disney's BoardWalk area.

Per the Disney Parks Blog, “Waterside strolls will be extra special with storybook sweet treats and dreamy desserts at The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, a new table service restaurant and bakery that’s sure to delight. Expected to open in 2023, this restaurant will offer both savory and dessert menus, along with afternoon tea service, in a whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that guests know and love."

The Cake Bake Shop will replace the ESPN Club, which has been shuttered since March 2020. 

Additionally, the BoardWalk Bakery will become a new sandwich shop located along the water’s edge. Disney's BoardWalk Inn will receive "light and airy touches" throughout the lobby, lounge and guest rooms. A new coffee bar just off the lobby with artisanal beverages and quick bites will be added as well.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

On March 8th, Disney Vacation Club announced that Guaranteed Weeks would now be called Favorite Weeks. Members can choose to pay a 10% points premium to be guaranteed a specific room type on a particular week each year. The offer first started with the original Grand Floridian resort release. There has not been any changes to the program other than the name change.

Source: WDWNT

The Starlight Safari tour is returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on April 22nd. Per Disney's description of the tour, “guests will climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle and witness the wild as it comes to life on an after-dark safari tour. Feel the rush of the night air as they rumble through lush scenery, scanning the horizon for over 30 species of African wildlife on this popular, nighttime expedition.”  Pricing is at $89 plus tax. Guests must be 8 years or older to participate, and guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Source: The DIS

According to members of the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Resort Studio rooms are now bookable for members beginning June 20, 2022, and beyond. Note booking must be completed with member services and is not able to be booked through the DVC website at this time. 

Source: Various

It takes an awesome community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 225 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Pete and Sue discuss the pricing and other details of the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa now on sale and updates to Disney Cruise Line mask requirements. N072

Season 7 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

On March 3rd, the new rooms at the The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa went on sale. New owners will be part of the same condo association as the previous Grand Floridian DVC, so all Grand Floridian owners will have access to the new Resort studio rooms.

Initial pricing is on par with Riviera and Aulani pricing at $207 per point and there are incentives. Initial sales are to only existing members:

• 125-149 points: $8 off per point
• 150-174 points: $10 off
• 175-199 points: $13 off
• 200-249 points: $21 off
• 250-299 points: $22 off 
• 300-499 points: $28 off
• 500-999 points: $31 off
• 1000+ points: $33 off

This pricing is good through March 30th.

Sales start to new members on March 31st, and it is not currently known what price or incentives will be available to new members. 

Source: Disney Vacation Club website (sign-in required)

Disney Cruise Line has modified their mask requirements.

"For sailings originating from a U.S. port of departure beginning March 11, 2022, face coverings will be optional in most indoor locations throughout our ships. Guests ages 2 and up, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, will still be required to wear face coverings in the Walt Disney Theatre. Guests under 5 years of age who are currently ineligible to be vaccinated will be required to wear face coverings in Youth Activity spaces and in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique; and, while not required, we continue to strongly recommend these guests wear a face covering in all other indoor locations. Face coverings may be required in ports of call based on local government requirements."

There has been no change in vaccination requirements.

Source: Disney Cruise Line

It takes an awesome community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 225 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.

Shannon, Pete, and Sue discuss temporary changes to Disney's Genie+ Lightning Lane attractions, return dates for nighttime entertainment at Disneyland Resort, and two new dining discounts at Walt Disney World for eligible DVC Members. N071

Season 7 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Effective February 25th through August 7th at Walt Disney World, Frozen Ever After, Space Mountain, and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway will move to Genie+ Lightning Lane and no longer be offered as Individual Lightning Lane selections. 

There are no changes to early theme park entry for resort guests.

Source: Disney World website

On April 22, 2022, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will return to Disneyland park, and “World of Color” will return to Disney California Adventure park. “Fantasmic!” is preparing for its return to Disneyland park on May 28, 2022.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the “Main Street Electrical Parade”, this nighttime spectacular will return with an all-new, enchanted grand finale that celebrates the theme of togetherness.

This universal theme is reflected in the creative concept of the grand finale sequence. Inspired by both the original design of classic “Main Street Electrical Parade” floats and Disney Legend Mary Blair’s iconic art style on “it’s a small world,” the new grand finale brings to life more than a dozen Disney Animation and Pixar stories. These stories will be interpreted in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sound, with unique representations of beloved characters as animated dolls.

As the new grand finale passes by, guests along each side of the parade route will see a different set of stylized scenes from classic and contemporary favorite stories such as “Encanto,” “The Jungle Book,” “Raya and the Last Dragon,” “Aladdin,” “Coco,” “Mulan,” “Brave,” “The Princess and the Frog” and more. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Eligible Disney Vacation Club members can now enjoy special discounts at the new Space 220 Restaurant in Epcot and at Jellyrolls piano bar on Disney’s Boardwalk.  

Save 15% on Lunch and Dinner at Space 220 Restaurant.  The discount applies to the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity). This discount is not valid on the following blockout dates: New Year’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Special events excluded.

Jellyrolls is offering a nightly 10% admission discount for each DVC member plus one guest. DVC members are required to be present and show valid DVC member I.D. upon entry to Jellyrolls to participate in the discount program. All guests must be 21 years to enter. The offer is not valid on New Year’s Eve.

Source: Member email/Disney Vacation Club website

It takes an awesome community of DVC members to produce our content. We're always recruiting people to help research, produce, edit, or join our shows to share their stories. Thus far, we've had over 225 DVC members on our shows.

If our content has been a blessing to your family, please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com and join us for the Patreon After-Party from our live shows.

Facebook admins and moderators of the My DVC Points Community Group: Sandy Symianick, Gina Grotsky, Shannon Ford, Caleb Allison, and Mary Anne Tracy. "Take Flight" music by Martinrowberry1 on Pond5.