DVC Newscast

Shannon, Pete, and Vicky discuss Disney Vacation Club's announcement of an additional Moonlight Magic event at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, four rides to remain part of the Genie+ service indefinitely, Wicked Wind Down dates extended, and the opening of the Boardwalk Deli. N086

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disney Vacation Club added a fourth day to the Moonlight Magic at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for September 9th. The registration for members with on-site reservations opened on August 11th and will open for general booking on August 16th.  There are now four dates in total: August 9th, 15th, and 23rd, as well as the new date on September 9th.  

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

Earlier this year, Disney announced that Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Space Mountain and Expedition Everest would leave Individual Lightning Lane and be added to the Genie+ service. This was originally announced as a temporary move until August 7th. However, Disney subsequently has moved these five attractions to the Genie+ list indefinitely. This move is likely to maintain the value of Genie+.

Source: Walt Disney World Website, DVCNews.com

Disney Vacation Club announced that the Wicked Wind Down at the Top of the World lounge will be extended from August 12th to September 12th. This event was originally scheduled for only a month and has now been extended to a second month. As a reminder, this is a reserved seating event at the Top of the World lounge that gives you a drink, appetizer and dessert for $55 plus tax. Call Member Services for reservations.

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

Walt Disney World's website shows Boardwalk Bakery will open on August 15th.  

Source: Walt Disney World Website, Allears

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

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

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

Shannon, Pete, and Vicky discuss Disney Vacation Club's announcement of additional Moonlight Magic events at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, more changes to Disney's Boardwalk, and the debut of MagicBand+ at Walt Disney World Resort. N085

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disney Vacation Club announced a surprise addition to Moonlight Magic at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park on August 9th, 15th, and 23rd. Registration opened to on-site guests on July 27th for all three dates.  General registration is scheduled to open August 3rd, 11th, and 16th, for the respective event dates. This is the last scheduled Moonlight Magic event for 2022. Hours for the event have not been posted.

Source:Disney Vacation Club website

The Boardwalk Bakery is currently closed for refurbishment and will be re-named the Boardwalk Deli when it re-opens.  New menus have been announced, which can be viewed at the link below.  There has not been an official announcement on a re-opening date other than Summer 2022. 

Also at the Boardwalk, Jellyrolls Piano bar announced that as of July 21st that it will be back to daily operations. This change likely coincides with the start of Food and Wine festival, which drives up the popularity of this venue among locals.   

Finally, the ESPN Club sign has been demolished at the Boardwalk as that location is renovated to bring in the new restaurant The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney's long-awaited MagicBand+ finally made its debut on July 27 at Walt Disney World Resort. This third version of the wearable tech brings new interactive features in the Disney theme parks, along with a rechargeable battery. Among the new features are a virtual bounty hunter game within Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, interactions with the 50th anniversary character statues and an interface with the theme parks' nighttime fireworks displays.

MagicBand+ is available to DVC members with resort stays as well as Annual Passholders for a $10 discount. Prices start at $34.99 for a plain band and $44.99 for a premium band.

Source: Walt Disney World website

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.

Pete, Vicky, and Sue discuss the new Wicked Wind Down at the Top of the World Lounge, the end of borrowing restrictions, and the return of early entry and package delivery for Disneyland hotel guests. N084

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Step inside the recently refreshed Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair for the Wicked Wind Down, which includes a cocktail and appetizer from the lounge's new Disney villains-themed menu—along with a sinfully sweet treat. Plus, delight in an elevated view of the Disney Enchantment fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom park from a specially reserved area of the rooftop terrace.

Wicked Wind Down is $55.00 per person, plus tax and gratuities. Reservations are available July 11, 2022 to August 11, 2022. Additional dates will be added soon. Call member services to book.

Eligible Members with access to Membership Extras—who are staying at a Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort using their Membership—can book this add-on to their Top of the World Lounge plans daily excluding holidays, and special events. Wicked Wind Down is subject to capacity.

As part of this experience Members have access to a reserved table just for them, inside the lounge the day of their reservation and should check in no later than 30 minutes before the fireworks show.

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

Announced on the Disney Vacation Club website and in an e-mail to Members:

"At Disney Vacation Club, we know that flexibility is top of mind when it comes to planning your vacations with us. From accommodation types and length of stay to planning for multiple trips per year, we know you appreciate a variety of options.

With that in mind, our team is pleased to share that you are once again able to borrow your full allotment of Vacation Points from your next Use Year to this Use Year.:

Source: Member E-mail, Disney Vacation Club Website

Theme Park Early Entry: Beginning August 8, Disney hotel guests will enjoy 30 minutes of early entry at both Disneyland theme parks.

Package Delivery: Also Beginning August 8, items purchased in the Disneyland theme parks can be queued for next-day delivery to Disneyland hotels.

Source: DVCnews.com, Disneyland Website

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

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

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

Shannon and Pete discuss the additional details announced for the retheme of Splash Mountain to Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Disney also revealed even more re-opening dates for character dining and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Halloween events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland have begun to sell out. Disney Cruise Line also shared details of the christening of the Disney Wish. N083

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

The name of the new attraction evolving from the reimagining of Splash Mountain was announced during ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The all-new adventure which will bring guests into the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “The Princess and the Frog” like never before is coming to Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland park in California in late 2024.

Currently no date has been announced for the closing of Splash Mountain but it is speculated that the rides will close sometime in early 2023. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

The Disney Parks Blog continues to give us more opening dates for attractions and other services!

The refresh of the Finding Nemo Submarine ride is nearly complete, and ride will be reopening on July 25. The attraction has been revitalized with more coral, new paint, fresh kelp and seaweed, as well as enhanced special effects and lighting. Plus, when the attraction returns guests can wave to a new friend from Pixar’s “Finding Dory,” everyone’s favorite septopus, Hank!  

Also, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be reopening August 25th on both coasts. Located in the heart of Magic Kingdom and Disneyland park, the reopening of these two iconic locations will join the slate of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques aboard Disney Cruise Line. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney Springs will reopen at a later date.  

Disney announced several re-opening dates of popular character buffets:

• The Crystal Palace: A Buffet with Characters featuring Winnie the Pooh and Friends returns for lunch and dinner on September 20.
• 'Ohana Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch returns on September 27.
• Cape May Café Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast will return on October 4.

Booking for these restaurants will be available 60 days in advance. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog - Finding Nemo, Disney Parks Blog - BBB, Disney Parks Blog - Character Dining

The Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party on October 31st at Magic Kingdom has officially sold out. To date, this is the only Halloween party that is sold out. 

Meanwhile in California, EVERY date for Oogie Boogie Bash has sold out, showing that the parties are either more popular in Disneyland or much smaller. 

Source: Walt Disney World Website, Disneyland Website

On Wednesday June 29th, in Port Canaveral, Disney hosted a celebration filled with musical performances, special guests, and the stars of the show - the Disney Wish godchildren.

During the ceremony, three Make-A-Wish ambassadors—Colby, 10; Megan, 16; and Jenna, 13—played a historic role, representing past, present and future Make-A-Wish children and reciting a time-honored blessing of the ship, which symbolically bestows good fortune on the vessel and all who sail aboard it.  

The inaugural sailing, and the DVC sailing are still on schedule to occur as planned. It does appear the ship is ready to sail and accept guests.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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

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

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

Shannon and Pete discuss the return of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party this year, the Top of the World Lounge reopening, and new and returning characters coming to Walt Disney World.

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Holiday joy will unfold at Magic Kingdom as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns this year! On 24 select nights, November 8 through December 22, 2022, this separately ticketed event will invite guests to Magic Kingdom for an evening of merriment.

Besides the usual events, Magic Kingdom attractions will get a special dose of yuletide cheer. Holiday magic will once again transform the Jungle Cruise into the Jingle Cruise. And, as an exclusive treat for event attendees, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Speedway, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor and Mad Tea Party will all receive a special holiday makeover.

Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are limited and may be purchased online beginning July 7, 2022. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing tickets as early as June 30, 2022. Ticket prices will range from $149 – $199 per person.

Event dates are:

November: 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22, 27, 29

December: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Starting July 11th Top of the World Lounge – A Villains Lair is open from 6:00 PM to midnight daily, subject to capacity restrictions and operating hours. Check-in time starts at 5:45 PM. Eligible Members must present a digital Member Card and photo ID at security to confirm accessibility.

Prior to the reopening, members staying at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels will have a chance to see the lounge with a hard-ticket event called “Bound to be Bad,” which is a fireworks party. It will take place three nights on July 8-10. Part of Membership Magic, it will feature appetizers, cocktails, and views of Disney Enchantment. Cost is $160 per person - tax and gratuity included. A member may invite up to three guests. Registration opened on June 24th.

Please be aware that the lounge may include blockout dates, such as holidays (July 4th, New Year’s Eve, etc.) and special event nights.

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

Cast Members are telling DVC Members that the new resort studios at the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are going to be equipped with microwaves and toasters in the near future. Guests are able to request them in the rooms in the interim. The indication from Disney is this was a supply issue, but that is contrary to initial announcements about the resort rooms, which indicated no amenities other than the beverage cooler and Keurig single cup coffeemaker.

Source: DVCNews.com

Disney Cruise Line cancelled the first two Preview sailings on the Disney Wish, one that would have sailed on June 21st and the other that would have sailed on July 24th. Sources indicated that the ship is facing a number of challenges and is not quite ready to set sail. The maiden voyage was previously delayed from June 9 to July 14, 2022, due to supply chain issues and the pandemic.

Source: WDWNT

Narcoossee’s closure originally scheduled for June 18th has been rescheduled to July 14th. Re-opening date is still not known, but expected to happen in late 2022.

Source: DVCNews.com, Walt Disney World Website

Disney announced some new and returning characters will begin appearing at the Walt Disney World Resort soon.

Mirabel from Encanto will appear in the “Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade” starting June 26th.

Minnie Mouse will join Mickey Mouse starting on July 6 in Town Square Theater at Magic Kingdom Park.  Both will be in their 50th anniversary EARidescent fashions.

Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will return on July 6 as well.

Peter Pan and Snow White will once again greet guests at Magic Kingdom Park beginning July 10.

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Launch Bay returns on July 17 with meet and greets with Chewbacca, BB-8 or Darth Vader himself.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Vacation Club has raised its direct prices $15-20 per point for three of its older "sold out" resorts including Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins.

• Bay Lake Tower: $265 per point (up $20 each from previous $245)
• Boulder Ridge: $205 per point (up $15 each from previous $190)
• Copper Creek: $240 (up $15 each from previous $225)

Boulder Ridge carries the earliest end date, with ownership expiring on January 31, 2042 regardless of when the points are acquired. Bay Lake Tower points are valid until January 2060 and Copper Creek runs until 2068.

Source: DVC Member website, DVCNews.com

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.

On the 2nd anniversary of the DVC Newscast, Shannon and Pete discuss the Halloween events this fall at Disneyland Resort, the 2023 DVC Member Cruise, and a new Adventures by Disney offering. Disney also announced a reopening date for Victoria and Albert's and Disney Vacation Club has officially declared all new resort studios in the expansion of the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. N081

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

Disneyland Halloween announcements

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will run Sept. 2 – Oct. 31, 2022. 

Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit will return to Downtown Disney from Sept. 9 – Oct. 31, 2022. The hotels of the Disneyland Resort will have Halloween-themed lobby displays, too.

Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party will be offered as a separate-ticket event at Disney California Adventure park on 23 select nights starting Sept. 6, through Oct. 31, 2022.  This limited-capacity event offers the opportunity to enjoy the park’s attractions, unique entertainment, character sightings and more, while dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes. Guests attending Oogie Boogie Bash will also be able to explore areas inside Disney California Adventure park that remain open during the party, including Avengers Campus. Highlights of Oogie Boogie Bash include immersive treat trails, “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” show, the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” Villains Grove at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail, and more. And new this year: members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club may purchase tickets to their own Oogie Boogie Bash night on Sept. 10 during D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.  On June 28 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), a limited amount of Oogie Boogie Bash tickets go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders, and members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club may begin to purchase tickets to their own exclusive one-night special event (scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10). Tickets to the events, except the D23 special event, go on sale to the general public beginning June 30 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) at Disneyland.com/OogieBoogieBash.

Every night from Sept. 2 – Oct. 31, 2022, guests may enjoy the return of the supernatural showcase “Halloween Screams,” a vibrant projection and light show. On weekend nights, “Halloween Screams” will take to the skies with fireworks that are sure to waken the Halloween spirits.

Both parks will have rides with Halloween theming.  The Haunted Mansion attraction will undergo its annual seasonal transformation to become Haunted Mansion Holiday.  Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will become Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters will become Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween.  Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark.

Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure park will return Sept. 2 – Nov. 2, 2022, to celebrate the spirit of Día De Los Muertos with live entertainment, delightful foods, hands-on crafts and interactive experiences.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Vacation Club has announced the 2023 Member cruise on Sept 4-8. This 4-night, round-trip Disney Cruise Line sailing from Port Canaveral aboard the Disney Wish will include stops at Disney Castaway Cay and Nassau in The Bahamas.

Disney Vacation Club member cruises are known for exclusive entertainment, special guest stars and generous stateroom gifts offered to all who sail. Exact details will not be revealed until closer to the cruise date.  

The scheduled itinerary for the 2023 Member Cruise to The Bahamas is as follows:

• Monday, September 4, 2023 – Depart from Port Canaveral, FL
• Tuesday, September 5, 2023 – Enjoy a day at sea filled with unique experiences and special shows created with Members in mind
• Wednesday, September 6, 2023 – Arrive at Disney Castaway Cay
• Thursday, September 7, 2023 – Arrive in Nassau, The Bahamas
• Friday, September 8, 2023 – Return to Port Canaveral, FL

Members can begin booking at 10:00 AM Eastern Time on Saturday, July 23, 2022.  Point charts and cash rates will be revealed closer to the booking date. 

Source:Disney Vacation Club Website

Adventures by Disney announced a bucket list adventure to visit all Disney Parks around the world for 75 ultimate Disney fans. The vacation spans 24 days and covers 6 countries that includes all 12 uniquely magical Disney theme parks worldwide, as well as 3 iconic landmarks: the Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Giza and Eiffel Tower. The trip includes world-class accommodations, including the rare opportunity to be a Guest at Summit Skywalker Ranch. Air travel will be in a private VIP-configured Boeing 757, operated by Icelandair, with long-range capabilities that allows for direct flights to maximize your time in each destination. 

Source: Adventures by Disney Website

Victoria & Albert's will reopen on July 28, 2022. Queen Victoria's Dining Room and the Chef's Table will both be available for booking at the AAA Five Diamond-award winning restaurant. Guests will find a newly-renovated dining room along with a new menu designed by Executive Chef Kevin Chong, Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers and Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer.  New offerings include Colorado Lamb with pickled blueberry and violet mustard and line-caught turbot with fennel fondue, Wagyu A-5 Miyazaki with sauce romesco and potato rösti and Spectrum of Chocolate, an ombré featuring specialty sourced chocolates with accents of buttermilk, Grand Marnier and vanilla. 

Reservations open on June 20 for reservations beginning July 28. 

Victoria & Albert's will return just days after nearby Narcoossee's closes for an extended refurbishment. Narcoossee's is said to reopen sometime in late 2022 but no date has been revealed. Citricos was renovated prior to its reopening in July 2021. 

Buffet 1900 Park Fare is currently closed with no information regarding its future. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

All 202 new Resort Studio rooms which make up the recent addition to Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have now been added to the Disney Vacation Club system. 

On June 10, 2022 the Orange County Comptroller recorded Disney Vacation Develpment's amendment to the Grand Floridian's Condominium Association, adding the remainder of the units in the Big Pine Key building. This move adds the remaining 101 villas and nearly 900,000 additional points to the program. 

The first Resort Studios are set to open on June 20. The rooms are currently available for reservations, with all Grand Floridian DVC owners able to book 11 months ahead of their desired arrival date and owners of other resorts eligible to book 7 months in advance. 

Source: DVCNews.com

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

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

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

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

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

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

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

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

Source: Walt Disney World Website

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

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

Source: Walt Disney World Website

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

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

Source: DVCNews.com, Walt Disney World Website

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

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

Source: DVC News

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

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

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

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

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

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

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

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

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

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

A couple other things to note:

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

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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

Source: Walt Disney World Website

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

Source: Disneyland website, D23

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

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

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

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

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

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

See below for pricing for new DVC members:

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

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

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

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

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

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

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

Source: Give Kids the World Website

It takes an 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.

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

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

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

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

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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

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

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

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Lead:  Peter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: DVCNews.com

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

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

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

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

Source: DVCnews.com

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

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

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

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

Ages 10 and older Ages 3 to 9

Category 1

$74 $44

Category 2

$69 $40

Category 3

$66 $39

Source: Walt Disney World website

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

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

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

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

My DVC Points is proudly sponsored by:

DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales

DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals

Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts

Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.

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

Source: DVC Member E-mail

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

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

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

Source: Disney Parks Blog, Disney Parks Blog

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

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

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

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

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

Source: Mice Chat

It takes an 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.