Shannon and Pete discuss the refurbishment scheduled for the Keister Coaster (affectionately known as the Creepy Clown Slide at BoardWalk), visibility to transferred and one-time use points when booking a stay, changes to park hours on weekends, and the latest news in the DVC Community.

DVC Newscast by My DVC Points Podcast was made possible through financial support from the DVC dream team:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC ResalesDVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rental and Swap PartnerMonera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC ContractsPatreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disney Waterparks Will Return in March of 2021

Disney fans finally received some long-desired clarification about the return of currently closed waterparks. When the pandemic reached Walt Disney World in mid-March, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach shut down along with the rest of the campus.

Since then, Disney Vacation Club members with Platinum Plus Passes have looked on in confusion as Volcano Bay has reopened at Universal Orlando Resort. That waterpark returned during the first week of June. Yet, here we are in late September, and Disney’s waterparks remain closed.

This past week, park officials revealed a plan to reopen one of the waterparks on March 7, 2021. The company didn’t indicate which of Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach will return. Also, Disney firmly stated that these plans are tenuous. The decision presumably depends on the outbreak status in Florida in the first quarter of 2021.

About Platinum Plus Passes…

Some of you with Platinum Plus Passes may feel frustration over this announcement. After all, your annual passes include waterpark and ESPN Wide World of Sports access. Both appear likely to remain closed until March of 2021.

Well, Disney has proactively announced that refunds are coming. The company will send lump-sum refunds to affected passholders. You should receive them in late-October or November. You’ll receive a lump-sum whether you pay once a year or monthly.

Also, if your Platinum Plus Pass is still active when a waterpark reopens, you’ll still receive free admission until the pass’s current expiration date.

So, Disney has treated its passholders more than fairly in addressing the extended closures. Presuming this plan holds, one Disney waterpark will remain closed for 51 weeks. The other will close for more than a year.

Big News at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Quick, what’s the most glaring oversight on the Mobile Ordering service? I feel it’s the lack of Table Service options on the Mobile Ordering system. Until this week, no sit-down restaurants participated in the program.

Thankfully, Disney has introduced Table Service To Go at one of its restaurants. Guests and visitors at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village can order a meal to go from Sanaa.

Here’s how the new system works. You’ll pull up My Disney Experience on your phone. Then, you’ll hit the plus sign on the bottom of your phone. It’s the middle option of five buttons, to the left of the search option.

A series of four new options will display on your phone. You want the one that says Order Food. Disney populates the next page based on your location. So, if you’re at Kidani Village, your first menu choice should be Sanaa.

From that point, you’ll choose your Arrival Window. Afterward, a screen will notify you that you’re ordering Table Service To Go.

The one thing to understand is that Disney chefs cook each meal to order. You want that because it guarantees freshness and accuracy. However, this approach means that you’ll wait as long when ordering Sanaa to go as you would by dining at the restaurant.

Importantly, this option is currently available for lunch and dinner service but not breakfast. You’ll then add items and customize just like you usually would for a Quick Service Mobile Ordering meal.

Keister Coaster Waterslide Closi

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is canceled for 2020 due to the pandemic; however, elements will be kept and offered to regular day guest visitors at Magic Kingdom.

DVC Newscast by My DVC Points Podcast was made possible through financial support from the DVC dream team:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC ResalesDVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rental and Swap PartnerMonera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC ContractsPatreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Walt Disney World Resort Holiday Hours for 2020

From Nov. 6-Dec. 30, guests will be able to enjoy festive décor, themed merchandise, seasonal food & beverage offerings and entertainment all across Walt Disney World Resort. Holiday magic will be in full force at the four theme parks and Disney Springs, and Santa Claus will make time for special pop-up appearances at each location, waving and exclaiming holiday wishes to all. 

Guests will be delighted by the sight of festive flotillas at Disney's the Animal Kingdom, holiday promenades at EPCOT, and merry motorcades at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Character cavalcades at the Magic Kingdom will take on a special holiday twist, with Christmas friends on festive floats in their holiday finest.

When night falls, special projection effects will give a festive look to Cinderella Castle this year, providing a colorful backdrop for our guests’ photos. The appearance of the iconic castle will be transformed with a rotating series of designs including a whimsical Christmas sweater and a regal overlay of red, green and gold ornamentation. This will be in place of the Castle Dream Lights. Other holiday experiences that draw big crowds will be on hiatus this year as well, such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. 

Of course, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a meal among friends and family. Minnie Mouse will be hosting a yuletide gathering for all her friends at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting Nov. 6. Santa Goofy will be there, along with Minnie and more in their holiday best.

Shifting gears to Disney Springs, guests will discover Christmas around every corner as they come across a collection of elaborately-decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout this retail, dining and entertainment destination. In the evening, guests visiting areas within Town Center, West Side and The Landing will encounter a magical snowfall, adding an extra touch of wonder to their holiday shopping. And to top it off, Jock Lindsey will once again be turning his hangar bar into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar complete with delightful holiday décor and a delicious limited-time menu filled with festive favorites.

Disney Resort hotels will also be decked out for the holidays, with their lobbies featuring iconic trees and other festive flourishes. One thing to keep in mind is that our gingerbread displays will not return to the Resort hotels this year. While we know they are a favorite of people taking in the holiday décor, we’re not able to include those displays due to physical distancing guidelines.

Starting a bit later in the season, on Nov. 27, we’ll celebrate highlights from the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Holiday kitchens will return around World Showcase promenade with favorites like American Holiday Table featuring Slow-roasted Turkey with Stuffing and Bavaria Holiday Kitchen with dishes like Cheese Fondue in a Bread Bowl.

Guests will be invited to step inside World ShowPlace to enjoy the returning group, JOYFUL!, who present a journey through R&B, Gospel, contemporary and traditional Christmas and holiday music. Also, the Voices of Liberty will bring their incredible 8-part harmonies to the America Gardens Theatre stage for a special concert of favorite carols and songs of the season. 

Previously reduced to just 9:00

The Polynesian resort has a delayed opening. Disney is taking this time to apply some Moana themed refurbishments. Magic Kingdom will be offering some Fall Fun. Disney released new discounts for reservations up to Christmas eve 2020.

DVC Newscast by My DVC Points Podcast was made possible through financial support from the DVC dream team:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC ResalesDVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rental and Swap PartnerMonera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC ContractsPatreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Polynesian Hotel Reopening Postponed To Summer 2021 (DVCNews.com)

https://dvcnews.com/resorts/polynesian/news/4845-polynesian-hotel-reopening-postponed-to-summer-2021

The Polynesian hotel rooms were scheduled to welcome back guests beginning on October 4, 2020. That reopening has now been significantly delayed. 

Revised opening plans now call for the hotel rooms to remain closed until the summer of 2021. Disney has been in planning stages for an upcoming refurbishment to the resort’s guest rooms. The coming months will refurbish the hotel rooms and perform work in the Great Ceremonial House. Apparently, that work will encompass the resort’s monorail station, as it is now scheduled to close in October 2020 with no planned reopening announced. Since the June reopening of Walt Disney World, the monorail has exclusively provided service to the Magic Kingdom with the EPCOT loop yet to debut. The resort’s direct boat service is also not operating. 

The Disney Vacation Club villas and bungalows will continue to operate, along with most resort services. 

Fall fun at Magic Kingdom Park (Disney Parks Blog)

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/08/fall-fun-at-magic-kingdom-park/

From September 15 to October 31 you are sure to “fall” in love with Magic Kingdom Park all over again. You’ll soak in the aura of autumn with Main Street, the U.S.A. dressed in fall décor and other seasonal offerings.

Of course, Halloween is THE fall holiday. This year, there will be some exciting surprises, including an impressive Halloween-themed cavalcade with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and pals wearing their favorite Halloween costumes. You may even spot those rascally chipmunks, Chip ‘n’ Dale, in costume over in Frontierland, and look for other Disney character friends dressed up and riding the horse-drawn trolley down Main Street, U.S.A.

And speaking of costumes, get yours ready! To bring some Halloween party fun into the park this year, for the first time, guests of all ages can wear your funniest, Disney-ist, most creative costumes during Magic Kingdom Park regular operating hours from September 15 to October 31. 

Annual Passholders / Southern resident discounts: on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels This Fall (Disney web site)

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/

With this offer, Passholders can save up to 40% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights September 1 through December 25, 2020. Book through December 25, 2020. If you’re a resident of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia, discover significant savings on rooms when you take advantage of this special offer. Get swept up in seasonal fun—and save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights September 4 through December 25, 2020, when you book through December 25, 2020.

Select Disney Deluxe Villas & Disney Deluxe Resorts - Save Up to 30% (40% AP)

Select Disney Moderate Resorts - Save Up to 25% (35% AP)

Select Disney Value Resort Hotels - Save Up to 20% (30% AP)

My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, 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

125 Points Required for Blue Card Direct Membership Perks, Saratoga Springs Contractor files Suit, Beach Club's Stormalong Bay Reopens

DVC Newscast by My DVC Points Podcast was made possible through financial support from the DVC dream team:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC ResalesDVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rental and Swap PartnerMonera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC ContractsPatreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

In today's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the new rumored 125 point minimum purchase required to get a Blue Card issues by DVC that unlocks the membership extras. Peter concluded that the difference on 125 points direct vs resale at Animal Kingdom would be $9,000 to $10,000. Both hosts agreed, that price difference is really going to be hard to make up in 10% dining discounts and free Mickey Bars at Moonlight magic events.

According to rumors, new owners who wish to have access to the full slate of Disney Vacation Club perks and benefits will soon have to own a larger number of points purchased direct from DVC. Multiple sources indicate that Disney Vacation Club plans raise the number of direct purchase points required in order to receive access to Membership Extras. Currently, owners must have at least 100 points purchased direct from DVC in order to access a variety of benefits including the after-hours Moonlight Magic events, Annual Pass discounts, dining discounts and more. DVC is reportedly planning to increase this to 125 points in the coming weeks. DVC first instituted these restrictions back in April 2016. For access to member perks, owners were required to hold some number of direct-purchase points with no stated minimum. In February 2018 a 75-point minimum was instituted, and later raised to 100 points in September 2019. Existing owners have previously been grandfathered into their current status at the time of each policy change. 

Note this increase is only a rumor at this time. Disney Vacation Club has not officially notified members of any pending increase. 

Disney Sued By Saratoga Springs Contractor

The Orlando-based construction company originally hired to renovate Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has sued Disney Vacation Club Management for breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation. 

Validus Construction Services has filed suit against Disney after being dismissed as contractor on the 2019 Saratoga Springs renovation project. A story in the Orlando Sentinel details the allegations against Disney. Trouble reportely began when Validus crews discovered fire code violations which dated back to the buildings' original construction in 2004. Rectifying these issues reportedly increased the cost and duration of the project, creating friction between Validus and Disney executives.

Disney is also accused of making a variety of mistakes during the refurbishment including purchasing the wrong model refrigerators and light fixtures which did not arrive on time. 

Meanwhile Disney project manager John Gavin is accused of harrassing Validus owner Nicole Wickens both verbally and via text message. 

According to the suit, all 18 buildings at Saratoga Springs were due to be completed between April 2019 and November 2020. By December 2019, only the four buildings in Saratoga Springs' Congress Park section had been completed. In late December, guests at Saratoga Springs and Disney's Riviera Resort were ordered not to use the new pull-down beds after reports of the beds coming detached from the wall. The problem was seemingly rectified several days later. 

Three buildings in The Springs were in the midst of renovations when the project was interrupted in March 2020 due to COVID-19. According to the Sentinel report, Disney met with Validus execs on March 11 to request that all current projects be completed by April 11, at which ti

Shannon Ford and Peter Scheidle are back to cover some of the latest news impacting DVC Members. Moonlight magic events were canceled for 2020. WDW Park Hours Shorten; however, the quarantines are lifted for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

DVC Newscast by My DVC Points Podcast was made possible through financial support from the DVC dream team:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC ResalesDVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rental and Swap PartnerMonera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC ContractsPatreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Travelers from New York area are no longer required to quarantine in Florida

New Yorkers traveling to Florida no longer will be required to quarantine when they arrive in the Sunshine State. Gov. Ron DeSantis quietly rescinded an executive order Wednesday that stipulated travelers from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut must isolate themselves for 14 days to limit the spread of COVID-19. The change could be beneficial to tattered tourism businesses that are trying to recover from the pandemic, particularly with the fall travel season approaches. But New York still restricts travelers from Florida, which means many New Yorkers who resettled here still face a predicament.

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/coronavirus/fl-ne-desantis-rescinds-travel-quarantine-20200806-ewuypnontbcwdp7epa2jv6maoq-story.html

Moonlight Magic Events Cancelled Through 2020

"With the safety and well-being of our Members, Guests and Cast always top of mind, Disney Vacation Club continues to evaluate our upcoming slate of Membership Magic events and make necessary adjustments. Moonlight Magic events previously scheduled for April through the end of 2020 have been canceled. Thank you for your patience and kindness as we all navigate the challenges surrounding COVID-19."https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/discounts-perks-offers/member-events/moonlight-magic/

Disney World has delayed or indefinitely postponed reopening dates for several hotels

Walt Disney World began a phased reopening of resort hotels on June. 22, but has made it clear that all reopening plans are subject to change. Proposed reopening dates have now been pushed back or postponed indefinitely at a number of Walt Disney World Resort hotels.  First reported by Scott Gustin and now confirmed on the Walt Disney World website, and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Beach Club Resort reopening dates have been delayed indefinitely.

Meanwhile, the following resorts have had their reopening dates pushed back:

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will now open on Oct. 4 (previously Aug. 12).Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will now open on Nov. 1 (previously Aug. 12)Note that while the BoardWalk Inn, Beach Club Resort, and Polynesian Village Resort reopening’s have been delayed, the Disney Vacation Club components of these resorts both reopened to guests on June 22.According to the Walt Disney World website, resort reopening dates are “subject to change and Guests’ reservations could still be modified to other Disney Resort hotels if needed.”

Disney Vacation Club is currently offering significant Developer Credits

Disney Vacation Club is currently offering significant Developer Credits on Riviera Resort and Aulani. However, the incentives don’t stop there. Incentives are also being offered on several sold-out resorts. They include, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bay Lake Tower, Copper Creek, Old Key West & Saratoga Springs.

Walt Disney World Park Hours Reduced Effective September 8

Beginning September 8, 2020, the four parks at Walt Disney World will see operating reductions of 1-2 hours each.  When the Disney parks reopened in July, each began operating under a standard daily 10-hour schedule. But as children return to school in the fall--virtual or otherwise--crowds are expected to decline further. As a result, parks will be

DVC Newscast by My DVC Points Podcast was made possible through financial support from the DVC dream team:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC ResalesDVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rental and Swap PartnerMonera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC ContractsPatreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

On July 16th, Disney officially announced the permanent closure of Stitch’s Great Escape, Primeval Whirl, and Rivers of Light. Two of these attractions were already nearly closed before the whole COVID crisis, but Rivers of Light came as a surprise to many. 

On July 17th, the planning and building committee of the city of Anaheim recommended approving the new DVC Tower at the Disneyland Hotel. The committee published a 1,605-page document detailing the resort.

1.77 Acres Located between the convention center and the Frontierland Tower12 Story Tower with tiered levels off the back towards Walnut street to minimize view to outside property.A planned completion date of 2023This project will be a significant improvement to the view from Walnut Street versus the current ivy-covered chain link fence.Location is 350 rooms342 rooms in the main building and 8 “garden” rooms next to the pool deck38 Pods (2 person suites similar to Riviera Tower Suites)253 Studios19 2-Bedroom Lock-offs20 dedicated 2-bedrooms2 Grand Villas (2-story on floors 9+10 and 11+12)Garden Rooms are 4 Studios and 4 Pods on two levels. The largest floors have 40 rooms (Floor 3-5). As the floor number increases, the number of rooms per floor decreases. The 12th floor only has 20 villas.305 Parking Space expected. The pool is 2,400 Square Feet (32 x 75 for example)870 Square Foot “Interactive Water Feature” (Splash Pad)Pool Bar that seats 20 – only dining at the TowerFitness Center – 1300 Square Feet.Lobby with DVC Desk & Concierge + 4 elevatorsCommunity Hall – 1126 Square Feet.Two stories breezeway from the main resort back to the pool area. Basement level used for Backstage.

Detailed photographs and drawings from the plan are available to see at https://www.dvchelp.com/page/disneyland-tower-dvc-2023

Link to 1605 page document: http://local.anaheim.net/departmentfolders/planning/PC/Item3.pdf

My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, 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 to continue the conversations on our Facebook Group and YouTube channel.

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.

News by Parks:

Magic Kingdom

No significant news to report

Animal Kingdom

UP! A Great Bird Adventure” has been performed in the Caravan Theater for the last few years, but for now, “Feathered Friends in Flight” will be taking over with a more socially distant show. Russell and Dug no longer appear, instead there are just a couple of Cast Members.

Epcot:

On reopening day, people noticed that Spaceship Earth and Mary Poppins had been removed from the show at the EPCOT Experience. Disney then released a statement confirming that the projects are in fact postponed:

“As with most businesses during this period, we are further evaluating long-term project plans. The decision was made to postpone the development of the “Mary Poppins”-inspired attraction and Spaceship Earth.”

Hollywood Studios

Guests can request to join the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance via the My Disney Experience app at three different times during the day: 10 AM, 1 PM, and 4 PM (ET). Previously, all virtual queue spots were released when the park opens. Guests must be within Disney’s Hollywood Studios to request a queue spot.

Once inside the park, open up the My Disney Experience app and then scroll down until you see this Rise of the Resistance. Finally, tap the “Join” button to enter the virtual queue. The request process will open at each of the three scheduled times.

Annual Passholders:

Walt Disney World to Increase Number of Park Reservations Available for Annual Passholders Starting July 16th; Disney’s Hollywood Studios Excluded

It’s important to note that this will launch on July 16th for select dates in July and August at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is not included in the added availability. Annual Passholders are still limited to just 3 theme park reservations at a time, on a rolling basis.

Note: this is not an increase in actual park capacity. Health and safety guidelines set park capacity. However, increases the percentage of annual passholder spots to individual ticket sales.  

Annual Passholder now save 30% until August 14th

Rumor: Reflections speculation continues.

My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, 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 to continue the conversations on our Facebook Group and YouTube channel.

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 provide an update on a property tax settlement in Disney's favor that could lower DVC dues, Cirque du Soleil reopening, Jamabo availability, Transportation options when the parks reopen, and an update on the new park pass reservation system.

This episode of the My DVC Points Podcast was made possible through financial support from the DVC Dream Team\

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC ResalesDVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rental and Swap PartnerIncredible Vacation Homes - Luxury Vacation Homes for Family GatheringsBe Our Guest Vacations - Travel Agent for DVC Point Swap ProgramsMonera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC ContractsPatreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Walt Disney World Wins Lawsuit Against Orange County Property Appraiser Over "Excessive" Property Taxes

In 2015, Disney went to trial over what was deemed excessively high property assessments for Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort, which ultimately led to a win in 2018. The judge ruled that the resort's value should be cut in half, to a mere $189 million.

Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh tried to appeal, however, the Fifth District Court of Appeal has since determined that the property appraiser's office inflated the value of the property by over $4 million. The win represents a major legal victory for not just Disney, but the entire lodging industry.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the court declared the entire method that Singh had used to appraise the Disney property — also known as the "Rushmore" method that is widely used by other property appraisers — is illegal under Florida law. Armed with this new ruling, Disney and other hotel companies can now leverage lower tax assessments on all of their properties. In fact, Disney already filed lawsuits in Orange Circuit Court over last year's tax assessments for the company's various theme parks, resorts, and all of the associated buildings located throughout the property.

Tickets for Cirque du Soleil's "Drawn to Life" at Disney Springs Now On Sale; First Performance Scheduled for November 5

Update on Jambo House

Upon the reopening of Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House, Uzima Pool will also open, however, all other amenities such as restaurants and merchandise locations will remain closed until the rest of the Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge opens. A shuttle from Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House to Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village will be provided where available merchandise locations and restaurants are located.

Restaurant Reservations now Open

Transportation Available for reopening announced

Starting June 22, buses were back in service and taking Guests to and from Disney Springs to their resort hotels. But beginning July 7, the Monorail and Ferry Boats will be available, with the Skyliner reopening on July 15. The Minnie Van service and Watercraft dates were not announced, Disney says, "stay tuned for return dates."

Park Pass Reservations possibly added for resort guests.

Looking at the availability calendar for Disney Resort Guests in July, previously sold-out dates were July 15th, 17th, and 18th. Each of those dates is now showing availability for every theme park. Of course, July 15 is a big day, as all Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will officially reopen.

At the moment, only additional availability has been added for Disney Resort Guests, and there have been no changes to the Theme Park Tickets Guests or Annual Passholder calendars.

My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Our content focuses on a Disney Vacation Member lifestyle. We cover everything from buying, selling, renting, picking your next resort or Disney res

This episode of the My DVC Points Podcast was made possible through financial support from the DVC Dream Team\

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC ResalesDVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rental and Swap PartnerIncredible Vacation Homes - Luxury Vacation Homes for Family GatheringsBe Our Guest Vacations - Travel Agent for DVC Point Swap ProgramsMonera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC ContractsPatreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

BREAKING: Walt Disney World and Disneyland Re-Imagineering Splash Mountain to “Princess and the Frog”

Today we are thrilled to share the first glimpse of a project Imagineers have been working on since last year. Splash Mountain – at both Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida – will soon be completely reimagined. The new theme derives from an all-time favorite animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” We pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.

Be Our Guest Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom to Reopen as Table Service Only for Lunch and Dinner with Prix Fixe Menu; Breakfast Discontinued

Upon reopening, the restaurant’s popular fast-casual breakfast and lunch service will not return. The restaurant will only offer table service at lunch and dinner with a 3-course prix fixe menu served at both lunch and dinner time. Each meal costs $62 for adults (ages ten and up) and $37 for children (ages 3 to 9) plus tax and gratuity.

Walt Disney World Adding One Month to Annual Passes or Offering Partial Refunds or Cancellations to Make Up for Reservation System Limitations

To make up for the “reopening period” limitations, Annual Passholders who are paid-in-full can: Opt to receive a one-month extension (added to your pass in October 2020) or cancel and receive a partial refund. If you are on the monthly payment plan, you can receive the one-month extension added to your pass in October.

Disney Resorts Reopening Schedule – Jambo House removed.

July 10 Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort

July 29 Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

August 12 Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

August 24 Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort

September 21 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

October 1 Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

October 14 Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

On June 24, Guests were able to begin booking their 2021 travel dates for select Disney Resort hotels.

Moonlight Magic at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park — Cancelled

With the safety and well-being of our Members, Guests and Cast always top of mind, Disney Vacation Club continues to evaluate our upcoming slate of Membership Magic events and make necessary adjustments. Moonlight Magic events previously scheduled for June (during the park closure period), July and August, will be canceled.

Thank you for your patience and kindness as we all navigate the challenges surrounding COVID-19.

Disney Park Pass System Opened on June 22 for Resort Guests and on June 26 for Annual Passholders. June 28 opens up reservations for ticket holders without resort reservations. Availability is different for Annual Passholders and Resort Guests. Example: at the time of recording, Disney’s Hollywood Studios was not available for Annual Passholders until August 4, yet for Resort Guests, availability starts July 19.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/availability-calendar/?segments=tickets,resort,passholder

Topolino’s Terrace Modified Character Dining - https://youtu.be/T9RHetMwQdQ

Reopening of Riviera Resort - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrNMTmAw1Sk

My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club designed to help people make informed and educated decisions abou

This episode of the My DVC Points Podcast was made possible through financial support from the DVC Dream Team\

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC ResalesDVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rental and Swap PartnerIncredible Vacation Homes - Luxury Vacation Homes for Family GatheringsBe Our Guest Vacations - Travel Agent for DVC Point Swap ProgramsMonera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC ContractsPatreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

N001 News You Should Know About Disney Reopening

This is our first DVC Newscast episode. We're airing this in the traditional podcast channel. A brand new podcast will be starting up soon!

Here's the link to Disney's official information. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/

Park Reservation System

The Disney Park Pass system will be available soon to select Guests. Booking dates vary based on your plans.

Beginning June 22, 2020, Disney Resort and other select hotel Guests with a valid theme park admission can make reservations.Beginning June 26, 2020, Annual Passholders without a Resort stay can make reservations.Beginning June 28, 2020, existing ticket holders can make reservations.Park reservations will be available through September 26, 2021, based on your Resort stay and ticket eligibility or ticket eligibility window.If you have a room-only reservation at a Disney Resort or other select hotel for a stay in 2021, please call the Disney Reservation Center or call your travel professional beginning on June 24 to upgrade to a vacation package with tickets—and then make your theme park reservations.

Disney Discontinues Complimentary MagicBands for Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Guests in 2021

Disney Resort hotel guests will continue to have the option to purchase new MagicBands at a discount, and we’ll be introducing even more colors and designs featuring favorite Disney characters in the future. 

Guests who prefer not to purchase a discounted MagicBand will be able to use the My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card during their visit. We will still offer MagicBands in retail locations and on shopDisney.com, and guests will be able to continue using the wearables throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney Cancels All Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Parties & Disney H20 Glow Nights for 2020.

While assessing another fall special event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we determined that many of its hallmarks – stage shows, parades, and fireworks – are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. With that in mind, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Additionally, Disney H2O Glow Nights, the nighttime special ticket event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, will not take place for the remainder of 2020. Disney will assist guests who have already bought tickets with refunds over the coming weeks.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2020 Kicking Off July 15 With Park Reopening; Modified Experiences Announced

This new take on the food festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park. If you’ve ever imagined a world where the floral fun of Flower & Garden supplements the global goodies of Food & Wine, here’s your chance! Guests will be able to see our newest topiary, Remy, in the France pavilion and find Flower & Garden merchandise. For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt return. And stay tuned as Food & Wine merchandise joins the fun later on after the festival begins. 

We know the popular musical acts during the “Eat to the Beat Concert Series” often pack the house, and to accommodate proper physical distancing, we will not be able to host these concerts this year. There will be plenty of m