DVC Newscast

Shannon and Pete welcome a new co-host Jake to the show, and Chad pops in for this episode. We discuss the minimum number of points new members must accumulate is 125 to unlock the membership extra's programs from DVC. We have some news from California that essentially states Disneyland won't reopen as a theme park for many months; however, Disney is opening DCA for shopping and restaurants as a trial. And finally, the team shares their thoughts on the friendship boats returning.

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 New Purchaser Minimum Raised to 125 Points

According to Disney Vacation Club’s website, 

“Effective October 19, 2020, to obtain a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card, Members must accumulate a total of at least 125 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc.” DVC Member Website

If you’re a first-time buyer, you will now need 125 vacation points to qualify for Membership Extras, which includes access to the Epcot Member Lounge, Member-exclusive events, and the ability to trade your points for Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney vacations.  

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/membership/costs/

DVC Shifts from Selling Active Inventory Properties to Sold Out Resorts.  We saw some $5 and $10 per point incentives on sold out  

Disneyland Reopening Update

After going back and forth with the State of California, the State released reopening guidelines for theme parks on Tuesday morning.  

According to California Health and Human Services, they must wait until their counties enter tier 4 ("minimum risk") with less than 1 case per 100,000 residents and a positivity rate under 2%. Currently, Orange County, where Disneyland is located, falls in the "substantial" risk tier (the second-worst of the four levels).

“We have proven that we can responsibly reopen, with science-based health and safety protocols strictly enforced at our theme park properties around the world. Nevertheless, the State of California continues to ignore this fact, instead of mandating arbitrary guidelines that it knows are unworkable and that hold us to a standard vastly different from other reopened businesses and state-operated facilities. Together with our labor unions, we want to get people back to work, but these State guidelines will keep us shuttered for the foreseeable future, forcing thousands more people out of work, leading to the inevitable closure of small family-owned businesses, and irreparably devastating the Anaheim/Southern California community.”Statement form Ken Potrock, VP of Disneyland Resort

Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street Opening for Shopping & Dining Only

Disneyland’s California Adventure will be opening up Buena Vista Street as an expansion of the Downtown Disney District for shopping and dining purposes only in November - according to Disneyland officials. The following are the shopping and dining options in Buena Vista Street:

Dining

Carthay Circle LoungeFiddler, Fifer & Practical CafeSmokejumpers GrillTrolley Treats

Shopping

Elias & Co.Julius Katz & SonsKingswell Camera Shop

It has still not been confirmed whether Disneyland Park will be opening up Main Street, USA as part of the expansion.

Friendship Boats Resuming Crescent Lake Operations November 1st 

After nearly 8 months, the Friendship Boats on Crescent Lake will be resuming operations on November 1st. Friendship Boats offer service between the Epcot Resorts, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and International Gateway. 

The operating hours will be:

Hollywood Studios - 1 hour before open

Shannon and Pete cover the latest news for DVC members. Annual credit card payments can now be automated via credit card. Members booking Aulani during a closure have had their points extended until Feb 28, 2021. The creepy clown has been officially removed and dismantled at Boardwalk. Minivan service has been discontinued, and they cover an update on the reopening of Disneyland.

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.

Credit Card Auto Pay Option For Annual Dues Coming Soon

Next month, Disney Vacation Club will give owners a new option for pre-scheduling their Annual Dues payments.  DVC owners will soon be able to pay set up their annual dues to auto pay from a credit card.  While multiple options have always existed for paying the yearly obligation, pre-scheduling credit card payments is one alternative not previously offered. Owners will be able to enter their credit card information on the members-only website, and the fees will be charged in one lump sum on the due date.  Monthly payment options are also available. However, the payment must be debited from a US-based checking or savings account. The monthly bank debit option spreads the total year's dues over 12 equal installments with no additional fees. Disney Gift Cards and Chase Disney Visa Reward Points can also be used to pay member dues.  The new payment setup is expected to launch in November.

Aulani Points Extension

As Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas approaches its November 1, 2020 reopening, Disney Vacation Club has announced some flexibility for owners whose points were impacted by COVID-19.  Under the new guidelines revealed this week, previously banked Aulani points which are still available for use will be automatically extended through February 28, 2021. This provides owners with a 4-month window to use their points, during which rooms are likely to be available due to the continuing health crisis. 

Other points remain subject to normal usage guidelines, although DVC will reportely allow points to be banked beyond the normal deadline. Under standard rules, members must bank their points within the first 8 months of the Use Year. 

California Health Secretary States Disneyland Reopening Guidelines Will Be Released “When We’re Ready”, Orange County Still in Red Tier

Today, the California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly issued another COVID-19 update, reiterating that Orange County, which includes Anaheim and the Disneyland Resort, is still under a Red “Substantial” tier code. While not present at the update, Governor Gavin Newsom works directly with Dr. Ghaly in establishing reopening procedures for businesses across the state. Counties are assigned a color code based on case rates and positivity rates.

Dr. Ghaly reiterated that reopening dates and guidelines for theme parks “will come out when we’re ready.” “We will continue to lead with public health and look at our data …slow and stringent, moving forward,” the health secretary stated.

Creepy Clown Removed as Refurbishment Continues on Keister Coaster Waterslide at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

As we discussed in the last episode, the Keister Coaster waterslide at Luna Park Pool in Disney’s BoardWalk Villas would be closing for refurbishment. The waterslide is notorious for its giant clown face, but it seems the clown face is no more. Luna Park Pool still remains accessible to Boardwalk Villas guests while the waterslide is closed. The waterslide is expected to reopen at the end of this month, though refurbishment will continue around Luna Park Pool in November.

Minnie Van S

Our new member education series continues in Episode 118. Brad and Chad discuss what makes DVC different from other timeshares. The flexibility of the point system and incredible strong demand to stay on property at Disney. This demand creates a huge resale and rental market.

Shannon and Pete cover an emotionally difficult episode. We're saying good-bye to many beloved cast members and yet some of them are coming back to work. Frozen Ever After and Aulani re-opens. Recreation cast members are brought back to work.

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 to lay off 28,000 theme park workers 

Statement from Disney Parks Chairman, Josh D’Amaro.

In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic – exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen – we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce at our Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels, having kept non-working Cast Members on furlough since April, while paying healthcare benefits. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. We are talking with impacted employees as well as to the unions on next steps for union-represented Cast Members.

Over the past several months, we’ve been forced to make a number of necessary adjustments to our business, and as difficult as this decision is today, we believe that the steps we are taking will enable us to emerge a more effective and efficient operation when we return to normal. Our Cast Members have always been key to our success, playing a valued and important role in delivering a world-class experience, and we look forward to providing opportunities where we can for them to return.

An email was sent to all cast members shortly before the statement was released to the press.

Who has been affected so far?

• The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra • Yehaa Bob Jackson• Spirit of Aloha Cast• According to Gabrielle Russon of the Orlando Sentinel, in a notice to the state, Disney has specified that 6,700 Walt Disney World non-union employees will be laid off in December. Layoffs will begin starting December 4. Breakdown• According to the WARN notice that was filed with the state of California, 2,691 non-union Cast Members will be let go beginning December 4th.• Local 11 claim 950 Cast Members will be laid off in November (Disneyland)• Workers United Local 50 claim 2,500 members are expected to be laid off by November 1 (Disneyland)• 279 jobs at Disney Vacation Club • 411 Imagineers in Glendale, CA

Walt Disney World Recreation Cast Members Getting Recalled on October 3

With many Cast Members still on furlough, yet another wave is thankfully returning to work. Recreation Cast Members have been recalled and will be returning to their posts starting October 3.

Select recreation has returned to Walt Disney World already, but this will reopen a host of other activities, like boat rentals at resorts. Many of these will likely be reinstated with new health and safety protocols. We also know that fishing is one of the activities that will be returning to the resort.

Guests can choose from 2-hour and 4-hour excursions and may possibly be able to add an extra hour in-person depending on availability. Guests can call 407-WDW-BASS (939-2277) to book an excursion.

“For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” Returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 5

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Beginning Monday, October 5, you can once again join Erik and Aria, the Royal Historians of Arendelle, for their comedic retelling of the unique story of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from Disney’s

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

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