DVC Newscast

Get your safari gear ready because the fan-favorite restaurant, Tusker House, will be reopening soon and some other restaurants at Walt Disney World. Join the Newscast team as they discuss this Animal Kingdom dining experience returning, Cape May Cafe reopening, Chef Mickey's adding a dinner option to its daily operations, an update on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, temperature screenings being phased out of Walt Disney World, and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel reopening.

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.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser to Launch in 2022

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will be launching in 2022 for two-night adventures. In addition, the map on the My Disney Experience app has been updated to include the location of where this “Starcruiser” will be located. 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser-launches-in-2022-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Additional Walt Disney World Restaurants Reopening

The following Walt Disney World restaurants will be reopening:

Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

While it has been operating for breakfast, dinner will soon become an option for those wishing to dine here. “Starting May 16, Chef Mickey’s will offer an all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style dinner that will include “no-touch” appearances like snapping a selfie or waving hello as Mickey Mouse, and some of his favorite pals make surprising appearances in each of the dining rooms. Like other character dining locations, Guests will take home a souvenir with character signatures and colorful artwork”.

Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

This location will be reopening on May 18th. “Guests returning to Cape May Café will find old favorites and new changes, along with its signature service and quality. The restaurant will serve breakfast and dinner, but Minnie’s Beach Bash Character Breakfast and the Seafood-and-More Dinner Buffet will not return at reopening”. Reservations can be made beginning Friday, May 7th. 

Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

“The guest-favorite character dining location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant, will reopen this summer! During the modified character experience, guests will enjoy delicious family-style entrees inspired by the flavors of Africa. They can snap photos of Donald Duck and friends, dressed in their safari best as they promenade through the restaurant”. Reservation information will be available at a later date. 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/more-exciting-dining-options-to-return-to-walt-disney-world-resort/

Temperature Screenings Phasing Out at Walt Disney World

According to the WDW Website:

“As this guidance continues to evolve, and with the support of local health and government officials, we are making some additional adjustments. Following the advice of the CDC and our local health officials, we will phase out onsite temperature screenings at Walt Disney World Resort for Cast Members beginning May 8 and Guests on May 16.”

Source: Walt Disney World “Returning to a World of Magic”

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Reopening & Disneyland Dining Update

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel

Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will be reopening on June 15th, 2021, and reservations are now available for booking. “As part of the phased reopening, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will not have food and beverage offerings initially; however, hotel guests may visit any of the nearby dining outlets at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.” 

Napa Rose & Storytellers Cafe Reopening Soon

In addition, Napa Rose and Storyt

All aboard! The Disney Wish has officially released its grand reveal and is ready to sail in June 2022. Join Shannon, Peter, Vicky, & Jake as they discuss details about Disney Cruise Line's fifth ship, Disneyland memberships, and an update regarding the Disney Park Pass system.

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 Memberships Debuting This Year

On a recent D23 podcast episode, Disneyland President Ken Potrock said that Disneyland Memberships are expected to launch by the end of this year.

Source: D23 Podcast

Disney Park Pass System Booking Changes

Walt Disney World has updated its Park Pass system protocols. Now, if your plans change and your ticket is no longer valid for the date of your scheduled Park Pass, Disney will automatically cancel the reservation. This is in effort to maximize availability during, what is expected to be, a busy summer in the parks.

Source: Disney Park Pass System

Disney Wish Grand Reveal Information

The Disney Wish has been officially revealed, as of Thursday, April 29th. During a half-hour grand reveal, Disney Cruise Line shared some exciting information on what to expect when the Wish hits the high seas. 

“When the Disney Wish sets sail in summer 2022, you’ll be immersed in Disney’s rich legacy of enchanting storytelling. We’re bringing to life the stories and characters of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars adventures like never before.”

“The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage — a five-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay — on June 9, 2022, followed by an inaugural season of three- and four-night cruises to the same destinations from Port Canaveral, Florida”. The ship’s second voyage will be a DVC Member, 3-night sailing cruise to Castaway Cay. 

The following are the booking dates for Castaway Club & DVC Members:

Monday, May 17: Platinum with 25+ sailings (phone only)Tuesday, May 18: Platinum with 20+ sailings (phone only)Wednesday, May 19: Platinum with 15+ sailings (phone only)Thursday, May 20: All Platinum MembersMonday, May 24: Gold MembersTuesday, May 25: DVC Members and Adventures by Disney Insiders (phone only or Member Services for DVC Members)Wednesday, May 26: Silver MembersThursday, May 27: General Public 

Dining

There will be 3 main dining rooms on the Disney Wish, each following DCL’s rotational dining:

"Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure is Disney’s first “Frozen”-themed theatrical dining experience that will bring the world of Arendelle to life through immersive live entertainment — featuring favorite characters like Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf — and world-class cuisine infused with Nordic influences.

Worlds of Marvel is the first-ever Marvel cinematic dining adventure, where you’ll play an interactive role in an action-packed Avengers mission that unfolds around you, complete with a worldly menu inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

1923, named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, is an elegant celebration of the company’s legacy, paying homage to the golden age of animation and offering a tasteful tribute to its Californian heritage with dishes inspired by the state’s unique fusion of cultural flavors."

As for adult only dining, there will be three exclusive locations, each themed after a character from Beauty and The Beast.

Clubs for Kids of All Ages

Marvel Super Hero Academy is a high-tech Avengers headquarters where young “recruits” will train to be the next generation of Super-Heroes with the help of their own heroes, like Spider-Man, Black Panther, Ant-Man, and the Wasp.Fairytale Hall is a royal trio of activity rooms

"A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King" will be returning to the Harambe Theater in mid-May. Join Shannon, Peter, & Jake as they discuss this fan-favorite show returning to Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, updates to Mobile Order locations, Disney's BoardWalk Inn's reopening date, self-serve refillable mugs returning to Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Peoplemover resuming operations, and Moana sailing back to Aulani Resort.

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.

“A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” Update

Jeff Vahle, President of the Walt Disney World Resort, shared an update on Festival of the Lion King via Instagram: 

“Our cast is back in rehearsals for “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King,” preparing for the show’s mid-May debut as entertainment continues to return across Walt Disney World. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Vice President Sarah Riles and I stopped in to welcome them recently, and hearing that wonderful, familiar music put a lump in my throat. Thrilled to have these talented Cast Members back on our stage!”

Source: Jeff Vahle Instagram Post

Additional Restaurants Added to Mobile Order

Three new dining locations, within Magic Kingdom Park, have been added to Walt Disney World’s mobile ordering lineup:

The Friar's NookSleepy HollowSunshine Tree Terrace

Mobile ordering may be used at select Walt Disney World quick-service locations throughout the property via the My Disney Experience app. 

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/mobile-food-orders/

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Reopening Soon

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn will be reopening on July 2nd, 2021. While the DVC rooms within the resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, have been open since June 2020, this indicates that the hotel-side of the resort will be reopening. 

Here’s an updated list of the upcoming Disney Resort hotel reopenings (at the time of recording):

May 30, 2021: Disney’s Beach Club ResortJune 6, 2021: Disney’s Wilderness LodgeJuly 2, 2021: Disney’s BoardWalk InnLate July 2021: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/resorts/

Self-Serve Resort Refillable Mugs Return 

“Some self-serve beverage stations—which allow for Guests to fill and refill their own beverages—are available at select quick-service restaurants located in Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Resort hotels. Locations may vary.” -WDW Website

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/dine/

Peoplemover Operations Resume

The Peoplemover, or Tomorrowland Transit Authority, will be opening this weekend - April 24th or 25th.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-transit-authority-peoplemover/

Moana Returns to Aulani Resort

Moana will be sailing back to Aulani Resort to join Disney pals as they are showcased throughout the resort. During their phased reopening, Aulani has brought back character interactions in a modified format, similar to those at Walt Disney World. Moana will be joining “Mickey Mouse and his pals, Angel and Stitch, and ‘Olu Mel”. 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/04/moana-returns-to-aulani-resort/

Feature art photo by Loren Javier used under creative commons license.

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 conte

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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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

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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