DVC Newscast

Quite a few stories this week. Disneyland begins selling tickets again; Reflections looks like it is permanently on hold. Direct sales decreased for Rivieria, and DVCHelp.com has updated their point charts. Pete explains how the COVID-19 pandemic and DVC Member policies are impacting the availability data.

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Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disneyland Resort Ticketing and Park Reservations Go Live

Story Lead: Vicky

On April 12 park reservations went live and on April 15 ticketing went live for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.  Vicky talks about the “no earlier than” 8am time given, how long the process took and other dramatic details of the day.

Reflections Construction Trailers Removed

Many news sources have reported that permits have been filed with Orange County, Florida to "[r]emove office trailers from property" at the Reflections - A Disney Lakeside Lodge, which was to be the 16th DVC property.  Three trailer addresses are cited, all with addresses on World Drive within the city of Bay Lake.  It appears these trailers served as office space for crews leading  the construction effort on Reflections.  Some believe this signals “the final nail in the coffin for the project”.  With the removal of the support trailers, it seems like the project has been abandoned. While the long-closed River Country water park was demolished as part of the early work on this project, it seems like it will sit bare for now as Disney goes back to the drawing board for this prime piece of land along Bay Lake.

Source: https://www.dvcnews.com/resorts/reflections/4993-permit-filed-to-remove-reflections-construction-trailers

Direct Sales for Riviera in March account for only 59% of overall Direct Sales

Source: DVCNews.com

In March 2021, Disney sold 120,218 DVC points for the resorts located at Walt Disney World, its best month for sales since the start of the pandemic However, sales are still nowhere near their pre-pandemic levels. In March 2020, Disney recorded 190,027 points in sales, 58.1% more than this month’s sales.

In March, Riviera sold 72,063 points, just under 60% of total sales. Next was 13 % from Copper Creek and 11.5% from SSR. Remaining resort at 4 % or less.

DVC Member Services Long Wait Times

Story Lead: Pete

An email was sent out to members stating: “Due to multiple circumstances, we are experiencing higher than normal call volumes and some of you have shared your concerns when calling Member Services and experiencing extended wait times. Our Advisors continue to address many complex situations for our Members who have had their vacations interrupted by the pandemic, which often requires more time and limits the total number of Members we can speak to.”

“Please know that we are working diligently to remedy this issue and recognize that we need to do better. We want to assure you that we are taking the necessary steps to help reduce call wait times, including hiring more Cast Members and investing in new phone systems that will enhance our customer service levels.

In the meantime while we are working as quickly as possible to improve the Member experience, we also wanted to share some online tools available at DisneyVacationClub.com that can help you resolve many of your planning and booking needs.”

Source: DVC Member email

DVCHelp Availability Point Charts Updated

Pete discusses 2022 availability point charts and how Covid has impacted what you see on the charts.

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

Members, assemble! Avengers Campus has officially announced its grand opening at California Adventure. Join Shannon, Jake, & Vicky as they discuss additional information about Disneyland's reopening, the return of character dining at Aulani Resort, Walt Disney World's updated face-covering policy, runDisney virtual summer series, and Mears' announcement regarding shuttle service in 2022.

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.

Disneyland Reopening Information

As previously announced, Disneyland will be reopening to California Residents on April 30th, 2021. The park will be reopening with health and safety measures and certain attractions and experiences will be modified or temporarily suspended to accommodate the limited capacity. The Disney Parks Blog has shared some additional information regarding these protocols: 

Theme Park Reservations 

To enter Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure park, both a theme park reservation and a valid admission ticket for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks, and in groups no larger than 3 households, in line with current state guidelines. 

Here are some key dates: 

“April 9: If you currently hold a theme park ticket, you can check available days for your 1-day ticket type beginning April 9 on Disneyland.com/ParksUpdates.

April 12: The theme park reservation system will open no earlier than 8 a.m. PT on April 12 and guests who already have valid theme park tickets may begin making park reservations.

April 15: Theme park ticket sales will resume no earlier than 8 a.m. PT on April 15, and guests without park tickets may begin purchasing tickets and making park reservations.”

Park Hours 

Daily park hours for both parks will be 9 AM to 7 PM. 

Parking

Parking will be available at the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures.

Ticket Pricing

Visit: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/park-availability/.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-disneyland-resorts-reopening-including-theme-park-reservations-and-tickets/

Avengers Campus’ Grand Opening Set for June 4th

Avengers Campus’, the all-new Marvel-themed land at Disney California Adventure, will have its grand opening on June 4th, 2021. The land will be open in full force as new WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, Disney’s first attraction featuring Spider-Man, is set to make its debut. Also, Pym Test Kitchen - “a food innovation science lab where the food and drinks tell a story” - will open with the land and will also offer mobile ordering through the Disneyland app.

Aulani Character Breakfast Returns

Aulani’s character breakfast at Makahiki Restaurant will be returning on May 7th, 2021. It will be available seven days a week, with Mickey and friends appearing on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Throughout May, the dining experience will be limited to guests of the resort only. Reservations will open on April 26 and can be made by calling Aulani Resort at (808) 674-6200.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/dine-with-disney-friends-at-aulani-resorts-character-breakfast-returning-to-makahiki-restaurant-on-may-7/

Walt Disney World Face Covering Policy Update

Walt Disney World has updated its face-covering policy. Now, guests may take a photo without having to wear a face-covering given that they are stationary and physically distanced from others. Here are the official guideline

The news from Disneyland continues to come in this week as the park has expressed interest in expanding. Join Shannon & Peter as they discuss DisneylandForward, Disney Cruise Line's UK-only sailings, Copper Creek's direct price increase, and an update on the all-new MagicMobile service at Walt Disney World.

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.

“DisneylandForward” Plans

According to the Orange County Register, “Disneyland has unveiled long-term plans for theme park, retail and parking expansion. DisneylandForward is a multiyear public planning effort with the City of Anaheim to update existing development approvals that will allow Disney to meaningfully invest in Anaheim for years to come and meet the future demands in entertainment.”

Source: Orange County Register

“Disney Magic at Sea” DCL UK-Only Sailings

Disney Staycation at Sea Aboard 2-, 3- and Limited 4-Night Cruises from the UK

Departing on select dates from London Tilbury, Newcastle, Liverpool and Southampton aboard the Disney Magic, our new staycation sailings—exclusive to UK residents—invite you to embark on a brand-new, magical Disney experience. Close to home and at sea—be immersed in Disney storytelling, thanks to an amazing collection of onboard entertainment, dining and recreation for the entire family, with all the care you’d expect from Disney.

Source: DCL Website

CCV Direct Price Increase

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins has seen a price increase when purchasing directly through Disney Vacation Club. The price increase was $5.00, per point, which puts the resort at $225, per point, total.

Source: Disney Vacation Club

Update on MagicMobile

MagicMobile is now live for Apple users. The feature can be found on the MDX application under “Disney Magic Mobile Pass”. There are a variety of themes to choose from when selecting your digital card, including a DVC Member exclusive one. 

As a reminder, MagicMobile offers all of the same functions as a MagicBand - just on your mobile device and is currently only available for Apple users (will expand later on). 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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 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.

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West Coast Disney fans have something else to cheer about this week as Disneyland has officially announced its reopening date! Join Jake, Vicky, & Peter as they discuss the original park reopening, Disney Cruise Line's 2022 summer itinerary release, MagicMobile coming soon to Walt Disney World, and some new Passholder extras for Walt Disney World.

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.

Anaheim’s Disneyland Parks Reopening on April 30

Disneyland in Anaheim, CA has announced that their two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, will be reopening on April 30th on a limited basis. Following state guidelines, the parks will open at a 15% capacity and will only be accepting California residents, initially. While there has been no information regarding tickets and pricing, it has been announced that park attendance will be managed through a reservations system; similar to the system used at Walt Disney World. The parks are expected to open with many popular attractions, including the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish which will be available for guests for the first time. It was also noted that the all-new Marvel land, Avengers Campus, at Disney California Adventure will not be open during this phased reopening period. In addition to limited capacity, certain experiences that draw large crowds, such as parades and nighttime spectaculars, will not be available on opening day and will return at a later time. However, “new magic” will be created within health and safety guidelines.

Resort Reopening Dates (at the time of recording)

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa - April 29, with limited capacityThe Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa - May 2. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/magic-is-back-at-disneyland-resort-theme-parks-plan-to-reopen-on-april-30/

Disney Cruise Line Releases 2022 Summer Itineraries

Disney Cruise Line has released its Summer 2022 itineraries; however, some of the biggest news released is that the Disney Dream will be receiving a new port in June of 2022 - Miami, Florida - for Bahamas and Caribbean sailings. Other highlights include the  majestic locales in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, Europe and the British Isles, the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Alaska. The following are the dates when bookings open, depending on your membership tier:

March 22, 2021: PlatinumMarch 23, 2021: Platinum and GoldMarch 24, 2021: Platinum, Gold, Silver, & DVC MembersMarch 25, 2021: General Public

Source: Disney Parks Blog

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/disney-cruise-line-reveals-new-destinations-and-itineraries-for-summer-2022/

MagicMobile Service Coming Soon

In addition to MagicBands, Walt Disney World will be releasing a new option, MagicMobile, which serves the same functions as the band but on your mobile device. Guests utilizing this service will be able to create a “Disney MagicMobile Pass” through the My Disney Experience app and add it to their device’s digital wallet. This roll-out will begin exclusively on Apple devices, such as an iPhone or Apple Watch, and then expand to other smart devices. For guests who do not want to use this service, MagicBands and Key to the World cards will still be available for use as before and, as of now, will not be adjusted. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/coming-soon-disney-magicmobile-service-a-convenient-new-way-to-experience-walt-disney-world-resort/

Orange Bird Magnets Being Shipped to WDW Passho

It was a big day for Disney news following the Walt Disney Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the grand opening announcement for the all-new Ratatouille attraction. Join Shannon, Peter, & Jake as they discuss the opening of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Disneyland's reopening timeframe, standard DVC Member policies returning, a new Member MagicBand, and recap Disney's Annual Shareholder meeting,

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.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure's Grand Opening Set for October 1st

In an article from the Disney Parks Blog, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure now has a grand opening date of October 1st, 2021 - the day of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. 

Here’s a description of the attraction from Disney: “In this delicious new attraction, you’ll feel like you’ve shrunk to the size of Chef Remy as you scurry through Gusteau’s famous restaurant on a wild adventure for the whole family. Based on Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning “Ratatouille,” the experience will be part of a newly expanded France pavilion,” 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/just-announced-remys-ratatouille-adventure-grand-opening-at-epcot-set-for-oct-1-2021-in-honor-of-walt-disney-world-resorts-50th-anniversary/

Disneyland Looking Towards “Late April” Reopening

In a statement from Bob Chapek during the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders: 

“Here in California, we’re encouraged by the positive trends we’re seeing and we’re hopeful they’ll continue to improve and we’ll be able to reopen our Parks to guests with limited capacity by late April.”

This news correlates with the recent developments from the State of California, allowing larger theme parks to reopen as early as April 1st at 15%. Also, the guidelines state that theme park goers must be California residents; however, that can change throughout the coming weeks as it is based on “tier” categories. 

Source: Walt Disney Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/the-walt-disney-companys-2021-annual-meeting-of-shareholders/

Walt Disney Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Recap

Highlights:

Disney Cruise Line is expected to resume sailings by Fall 2021.Bob Iger will be leaving the company at the end of this year.Disney Plus passes 100 million subscribers.

Source: Walt Disney Company’s 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/the-walt-disney-companys-2021-annual-meeting-of-shareholders/

Standard DVC Member Policies Returning May 1st

Some of the temporary adjustments made last year to certain Disney Vacation Club policies will end April 30, 2021. Previous policies will be reinstated on May 1, 2021. Please visit the Member website for details about policies related to reservation cancelations, the borrowing and holding of Points, exchange fees and more.

As a reminder, Members who want to borrow Points to complete a reservation will temporarily only be able to borrow up to 50 percent of their future Use Year Points per contract. Doing this will help manage inventory and accommodate more Members who want to schedule their vacations. Learn more about these policy changes.

Source: DVC Member Website

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/travel-information/

DVC Member MagicBands Now Available for Pre-Order

DVC Members now have a new MagicBand to choose from when pre-ordering before a Walt Disney World vacation. The design features a sketch of Mickey Mouse wearing sunglasses with “Disney Vacation Club Member” above it. While the design is the same for both, there are two different col

Spring is in the air as Walt Disney World has announced special Easter & Mother's Day brunch offerings at select restaurants. Join Peter, Vicky, and Jake as they discuss these unique dining opportunities, Aulani's luau returning later this month, new face-covering policies, and an in-depth recap of the "A Touch of Disney" ticket release.

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.

KA WA‘A Luau at Aulani Resort Returns March 27

The KA WA’A Luau at Aulani Resort will be returning on March 27th. This immersive experience includes live music, traditional dance, and ancient stories of Hawai‘i through Disney’s signature entertainment. However, given current health and safety requirements, the show will be modified in light of these protocols.

The luau features a three-course plated meal that includes imu-style braised pork, island fish, teriyaki chicken, local seasonal vegetables, and a dessert trio. To accompany the meal, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are included in the event price. After dinner, guests are treated to an enchanting journey through Hawaiian history and discover its deep cultural roots in canoe exploration, which brought the first explorers to the shores of Ko Olina. Throughout the evening, live music and traditional Hawaiian dance vividly bring the show’s story to life.

The luau is offered three nights per week at 5 p.m., weather permitting. Reservations can be made online, or by calling (844) 284-7644. Reserve early as seating is limited to maintain physical distance between parties.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

2021 Easter & Mother’s Day Brunches at WDW Information

Walt Disney World will be offering a couple of specialty brunches during Easter and Mother’s Day weekends.

Whispering Canyon Cafe

Dates: April 3rd and 4th; May 8th and 9th. 

Pricing: $25/adults, $14/children

"Holiday Brunch-B-Q Menu includes the all-you-care-to-enjoy signature skillet, featuring mini pastries, house-made buttermilk-cheddar biscuits with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, country potatoes, hickory-smoked bacon, sausage, smoked salmon and pulled pork, Mickey Mouse waffles, and green asparagus with Hollandaise sauce. Plant-based options are available upon request."

Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Dates: April 3rd and 4th; May 8th and 9th. 

A la carte options include:

Blueberry-bacon pancakes with a side of sausage or baconBreakfast protein bowl including your choice of tofu scramble or plant-based eggs with quinoa, sweet potatoes, chard, kale, pickled carrots and carrot-ginger dressing, served with plant-based sausage and chocolate-avocado toastShrimp and white cheddar grits with poached eggs, chorizo and charred tomato stewMaine lobster roll on a New England-style roll with house-made chips

Source: Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Face Covering Policy Update

Walt Disney World has made the following changes to its face-covering policy:

“Face coverings must be worn in all public areas and can only be removed while actively eating or drinking. Face coverings must be worn while standing, waiting or sitting in dining locations.”

Source: Walt Disney World

Hilton Head Island Resort Celebrates 25 Years

“Twenty-five years ago from March 1st, Disney Vacation Club opened its third property and second beach resort: Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. Reminiscent of a 1940’s-era hunting and fishing lodge, the resort is set among mature live oak trees (some more than 300 years old) and features many recreational activities, including 12 miles of breathtaking beaches.” To celebrate, a downloadable digital backdrop to magically transport you to the resort’s sce

In this episode, we discuss another DVC Resort with a reopening date. Join Shannon, Peter, and Vicky as they discuss The Villas at the Grand Californian reopening, information regarding Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary, Disney Junior breakfast returning to Hollywood Studios, "A Touch of Disney" at Disney California Adventure details, and the reopening of Big River Grille on the BoardWalk.

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.

The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa Reopening

In an email to Members, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa will be reopening on May 2nd, 2021. While the DVC side of this resort will be open, the hotel side will not be, along with the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel. 

Also in the email, was the following regarding Member Policies:

“We would also like to share that some of the temporary adjustments made last year to certain Disney Vacation Club policies will be ending soon. We ask that you please visit the Member website for details about policies related to reservation cancelations, the borrowing and holding of points, exchange fees and more.”

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/travel-information/

WDW 50th Anniversary To Last 18 Months

Beginning October 1st, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” - Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary - will begin, lasting a total of 18 months. As part of the celebration, icons of the four parks will transform into “Beacons of Magic”. Mickey and Minnie will also be receiving new apparel for the occasion. 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/02/the-worlds-most-magical-celebration-begins-oct-1-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Disney Junior Breakfast Returns at Hollywood & Vine

“Beginning March 22, join popular Disney Junior stars for Character Dining experiences at a fun-filled breakfast. The breakfast features shared pastries— including caramel monkey bread and mini muffins —as well as individually-plated entrees such as all-you-care-to-enjoy house-made pancakes, four-egg omelette and a plant-based frittata.”

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/hollywood-and-vine/

DCA Ticketed Event - “A Touch of Disney” Information

“A Touch of Disney”, a new limited-capacity ticketed experience in Disney California Adventure Park, will begin on March 18th, 2021.

Information for Disney Parks Blog

Dates: Beginning Mar. 18; offered Thursdays – Mondays from noon to 8 p.m.

Pricing: The introductory $75 ticket includes admission, parking for the experience at Mickey & Friends parking structure, unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the day of the experience, and a $25 A Touch of Disney dining card valid towards the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages (subject to restrictions including not being valid for alcohol). Ticket prices are subject to change.

Tickets: A Touch of Disney tickets will be available on Disneyland.com beginning March 4, for select days from March 18 through April 5, 2021. Tickets for this experience will then be released for dates on a rolling basis until the experience ends. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online at Disneyland.com for a specific date (subject to availability).

Dining: Table reservations for Lamplight Lounge and Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining will be made available beginning March 11. 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/02/a-touch-of-disney-new-limited-capacity-ticketed-experience-coming-to-disney-california-adventure-park-beginning-march-18/

Big River Grille at the BoardWalk Reopens 

Big River Grille & Brewing Works - a fami

Join the conversation as Jake & Vicky discuss a shopDisney discount for DVC Members and WDW Passholders, 2021 Military tickets, 2022 Walt Disney World vacation packages, Disney Cruise Line ground transfers renewed, & Marvel and Star Wars Sea Days returning next year.

shopDisney Discount for DVC Members & WDW Annual Passholders

25% off shopDisney and Disney Store discount for DVC Members & WDW Passholders on purchases over $75. Valid from 2/21this Sunday - 2/24 thru Wednesday - only four days!

Promotional Codes: DVC25 and AP25OFF

Source: Disney Vacation Club Member Website

Walt Disney World 2021 Military Promotional Tickets Now On Sale

Members of the U.S. Military can choose between a 4-Day or 5-Day Disney Military Promotional Ticket. The promotional tickets below are available for purchase:

5-Day Military Tickets

Park Hopper Option: $315 plus tax ($63/day)

Park Hopper Plus Blizzard Beach (for travel beginning March 7, 2021): $345 plus tax

4-Day Military Tickets

Park Hopper Option: $296 plus tax ($74/day)

Park Hopper Plus Blizzard Beach (for travel beginning March 7, 2021): $326 plus tax

Receive admission for 4 or 5 days when you visit during the period from February 15 through December 17, 2021.

“Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by active or retired members of the U.S. Military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.”

Source: Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World 2022 Vacation Packages Now Available

Packages for 2022 are now available through the Walt Disney Travel Company. As of now, you can book at any WDW Resort, except Boardwalk Inn, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, All-Star Music and Sports, & Animal Kingdom Lodge. Park tickets can be built-in to a package; however, the Disney Dining Plan cannot be added in at the time of recording. As a reminder, Disney's Magical Express shuttle service will not be offered in 2022.

The Disney Park Pass Reservation System is now open through January 2023. Any WDW Annual Passholder, single or multi-day ticket holder, or Disney Resort Guest with valid park admission is eligible to make park reservations through MyDisneyExperience.

Source: Walt Disney World

Disney Cruise Line News

Ground Transfers Available for 2022 & Beyond

Ground transfer service to and from Walt Disney World Resorts, Port Canaveral, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) will continue through 2022 and beyond. This service acts similar to Disney’s Magical Express; however, it is not included in the price of your voyage. This shuttle service is at an additional cost and is priced on a per-person basis.

Themed Cruises Returning in 2022

Disney Cruise Line has announced the renewal of their themed cruises. In 2022, both Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea are expected to return on the Disney Magic (Marvel) and the Disney Fantasy (Star Wars). 

Marvel Day at Sea Sailings from Miami, Florida

Sail DateItineraryJanuary 8, 20225-Night Western Caribbean CruiseJanuary 17, 20225-Night Bahamian CruiseJanuary 22, 20225-Night Western Caribbean CruiseJanuary 31, 20225-Night Bahamian CruiseFebruary 5, 20225-Night Western Caribbean CruiseFebruary 14, 20225-Night Western Caribbean CruiseFebruary 19, 20225-Night Bahamian CruiseFebruary 28, 20225-Night Bahamian CruiseMarch 5, 20225-Night Western Caribbean CruiseDisney Magic

Star Wars Day at Sea Sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida

Sail DateItineraryJanuary 8, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean CruiseJanuary 15, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean CruiseJanuary 22, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean CruiseJanuary 29, 20227-Night Western Caribbean CruiseFebruary 5, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean CruiseFebruary 12, 20227-Night Western Caribbean CruiseFebruary

It's a Disneyland news week as we have a headliner story from our West Coast park in this episode! Join Shannon & Vicky as they discuss a new ticketed-experience coming to Disney California Adventure, DVC resort pool refurbishments, & Direct promotions for add-on contracts and Disney VISA cardholders.

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.

DVC Resort Pool Refurbishments

Disney’s Polynesian Villas

The Kiki Tikis Splash play area, located at the Lava Pool in Disney’s Polynesian Villas, will be closed for a refurbishment through March 2021. However, both pools in the resort will remain open during this maintenance closure. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village

The Samawati Springs Pool in Kidani Village is scheduled for a refurbishment from January through April of 2022. For those visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge during this time, guests can utilize the Uzima Springs Pool in Jambo House.

Stormalong Bay Slide

According to the DVC website, “Starting in February 2021, the Stormalong Bay waterslide will be closed for refurbishment. During this time, Stormalong Bay and the other 3 pools at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort will remain open.”

Source: DVCNews

New DCA Ticketed Experience

In a message from the President of Disneyland, “Currently planned to begin mid-March, we will debut an all-new, limited-time ticketed experience, focused on our world-famous food and beverage offerings from around the resort, the latest merchandise, and unique, carefully crafted entertainment experiences…all to be offered multiple days a week. With limited capacity and enhanced health and safety measures in place, Guests once again will get to step into a magical Disney environment — an environment that will provide memorable and fun experiences our Guests are craving.”

Source: Disneyland Resort

DVC Direct “Welcome Back to the Magic” Add-On Offer & Disney VISA Offer

From now through April 7th, 2021, current DVC Members can add-on to their current membership with a special offer. For a limited time, save $2,850 or more when you add on at least 150 Vacation Points at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or Aulani Resort in Hawaii. 

Source: Disney Vacation Club

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 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.

Disney's Riviera Resort, the newest edition to Disney Vacation Club, has declared additional rooms into its inventory for DVC Members. Join Peter, Jake, & Vicky as they discuss the Epcot DVC Member Lounge staying open through 2021, an update from Riviera Resort, a 30% merchandise discount for DVC Members and Passholders, and a new "Scenic Selfie" scavenger hunt experience in all four theme parks.

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.

DVC Member Lounge in Epcot Open Through 2021

The Epcot DVC Member Lounge, a complimentary space for Members to enjoy while visiting Epcot, will be open through 2021. This space is located in the Imagination Pavilion for DVC Members with blue card benefits. 

Source: Disney Vacation Club

Additional Villas Declared at Disney’s Riviera Resort

As of January 15th, 2021, Disney’s Riviera Resort has declared 24 additional villas for Members to book using Vacation Points. This addition included:

3 Tower Studios2 Dedicated Studios2 Dedicated 1-Bedroom Villas8 Lock-Off 2-Bedroom Villas8 Dedicated 2-Bedroom Villas1 3-Bedroom Grand Villa

In total, Disney now has 147 of the 341 villas declared in this resort for Members. 

Source: DVCNews

 “Scenic Selfie” Scavenger Hunt for DVC Members Announced

A "Scenic Selfie" scavenger hunt is set to launch on February 16th in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. DVC Members are asked to take selfies in locations described by a series of trivia questions using their smartphones. A series of four collectible buttons will be awarded as prizes for those who complete the quests. The DVC kiosks in each theme park are:

Magic Kingdom: TomorrowlandEpcot: Canada PavilionDisney's Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Land EntranceDisney's Animal Kingdom Park: Asia

Source: Disney Parks Blog

30% Merchandise Discount Returns for DVC Members & Annual Passholders

From February 2 through March 2, 2021, Disney Vacation Club Members & Annual Passholders can save 30% on purchases at Disney owned-and-operated merchandise locations at Walt Disney World. For other dates, you can still save 20% on purchases. As always, show an active Disney Vacation Club Membership or Annual Pass card at checkout to take advantage of this discount.

Source: Disney Vacation Club

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 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.