DVC Newscast

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

shopDisney Discount for DVC Members & WDW Annual Passholders

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

Promotional Codes: DVC25 and AP25OFF

Source: Disney Vacation Club Member Website

Walt Disney World 2021 Military Promotional Tickets Now On Sale

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

5-Day Military Tickets

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

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

4-Day Military Tickets

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

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

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

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

Source: Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World 2022 Vacation Packages Now Available

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

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

Source: Walt Disney World

Disney Cruise Line News

Ground Transfers Available for 2022 & Beyond

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

Themed Cruises Returning in 2022

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

Marvel Day at Sea Sailings from Miami, Florida

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

Star Wars Day at Sea Sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida

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

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

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

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

DVC Resort Pool Refurbishments

Disney’s Polynesian Villas

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

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village

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

Stormalong Bay Slide

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

Source: DVCNews

New DCA Ticketed Experience

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

Source: Disneyland Resort

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

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

Source: Disney Vacation Club

My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club are designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Please join us to continue our Facebook Group and YouTube channel conversations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

DVC Member Lounge in Epcot Open Through 2021

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

Source: Disney Vacation Club

Additional Villas Declared at Disney’s Riviera Resort

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

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

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

Source: DVCNews

 “Scenic Selfie” Scavenger Hunt for DVC Members Announced

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

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

Source: Disney Parks Blog

30% Merchandise Discount Returns for DVC Members & Annual Passholders

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

Source: Disney Vacation Club

My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club are designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Please join us to continue our Facebook Group and YouTube channel conversations.

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

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

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

Hakuna Matata, and welcome to Episode 23 of the DVC Newscast! After nearly a year of the Harambe Theater being closed, the Festival of The Lion King officially has a reopening date. Join Shannon, Peter, & Jake as they discuss this beloved Animal Kingdom show making its return, a new Disney Cruise Line itinerary, information regarding the Jungle Cruise update in both Walt Disney World & Disneyland, updates for Blizzard Beach's reopening, and a new character experience added 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.

Festival of The Lion King Returning This Summer

“Festival of the Lion King” in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park will be returning to the Harambe Theater this summer! This fan-favorite show celebrates the spirit of both the Animal Kingdom and the Disney classic, The Lion King, with vibrant singing, dancing, and even a visit from beloved characters, such as Simba, Timon, & Pumbaa. According to an article from the Disney Parks Blog, it will be presented in a modified format to be mindful of the current environment when the show returns. There will be adjustments to the show on stage and backstage, including updates to the choreography to allow for appropriate physical distancing. The theater-style seating will also be adjusted to accommodate distancing recommendations. At the time of recording, there has been no exact date released for when this entertainment option will be returning, but with a summer timeframe, it shouldn't be too long until we’re singing along to “Hakuna Matata” with our Disney pals again!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/01/more-entertainment-returns-this-summer-with-a-celebration-of-festival-of-the-lion-king-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/

Disney Cruise Line Adds New Seattle Itinerary

Disney Cruise Line has modified its Alaska summer season with a new itinerary due to the restriction of not being able to hold voyages past 7 nights. The Disney Wonder will now offer a roundtrip 2-night sailing from Vancouver with a Port of Call stop in Seattle, which will take place on July 5th. Currently, there is a 7-night Alaska sailing beginning on June 28th, so it looks like DCL added this short sailing to fill the gap between cruises, as June 28th was originally a 9-night voyage. Guests who were previously booked on the June 28th sailing will be eligible for a 10% discount if they rebook on the Seattle sailing.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/list/DW1881/2-Night-Seattle-Cruise-from-Vancouver-(British-Columbia),-Canada/2021-07-05-Disney-Wonder/

Jungle Cruise Update Coming Soon for Magic Kingdom & Disneyland Park

The Disney Parks Blog has announced that The Jungle Cruise attraction in Magic Kingdom & Disneyland Park will be receiving an update later this year. According to the article, this will include “new adventures that stay true to the experience we know and love – more humor, wildlife, and skipper heart – and also reflect and value the diversity of the world around us.” Current Jungle Cruise skippers on both coasts will be invited to a Jungle Navigation Roll Call, where they will be the first to hear about the new adventures and wonders coming to this river attraction. 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/01/new-adventures-to-cast-off-soon-along-world-famous-jungle-cruise-at-disneyland-park-and-magic-kingdom-park/

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park Update

As of Tuesday, January 26th, tickets for Blizzard Beach are now available on the Walt Disney World website. Admission will run at $69.00 (plus tax) for adults and $63.00 (plus tax) for children ages 3 through 9. According to the website, “face coverings wi

After 37 years of the Annual Passport program in Disneyland, it has been announced that the program will be suspended and reimagined. This is historic news as these passes have been a staple of the Disneyland experience; however, new membership offerings are on their way and should be revealed in the future. Join Peter, Vicky, & Jake as they discuss this heartbreaking news for the Disney fans, DVC direct price increases, and, on the brighter side, a new Disney-Pixar Soul exhibit coming to Epcot's American Adventure.

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 Sunsetting Annual Passport Program

Disneyland has announced that they will be ending the current Annual Passport program. Due to the uncertainty during this pandemic and the extended closure of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, current Passport holders will be receiving a prorated refund based on the length of the closure. In a statement from Disneyland, they announced they would be rolling out new membership offerings that will “deliver choice, flexibility, and value” for their biggest fans. As for Disney Premier Annual Passholders, these members will have until April 30th, 2021, to renew into a Walt Disney World only Annual Pass and contact V.I.PASSHOLDER Support 407-939-7277 for assistance.

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/travel-information/#annual-passports

New “Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” Coming to Epcot World Showcase

A new exhibit will be debuting at Epcot featuring characters from the all-new, Disney-Pixar movie, Soul in the American Adventure at Epcot. This exhibit will take you on a musical tour of America to learn about this inspiring music genre. In an article from the Disney Parks Blog, this new offering is planned to begin next month, which at the time of recording, will put it at around February. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Vacation Club Direct Pricing to Increase on February 6th

Members received a notice in the mail regarding the increase in pricing for direct purchases. Beginning February 6th, 2021, Aulani Resort & Disney's Riviera Resort will both be increasing to $201 per point. Also, select sold-out resorts will be seeing increases between $5 and $15 at the following resorts: Bay Lake Tower, Disney's Polynesian Villas, The Villas at Disney Grand Californian Resort & Spa, Disney's Beach Club Villas, & Disney's BoardWalk Villas. Currently, the minimum amount of points required for new Members to receive Membership Extras is 125 points, and that requirement has not changed.

Source: Disney Vacation Club

My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club are designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Please join us to continue our Facebook Group and YouTube channel conversations.

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

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

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

Members say "aloha" this week as DVC has released a special room offer exclusive to Members. Join Shannon, Peter, Jake & Vicky as they discuss this rare room offer, Disney's Magical Express service coming to an end, early park entry for Disney Resort hotel guests, and Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom's final days in 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.

Disney’s Magical Express to Retire in 2022

Beginning with arrivals on January 1st, 2022, Disney’s Magical Express will no longer be an option for transportation to and from Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World. At that time, Disney will no longer provide an airport shuttle, and alternative options, such as ride-share services, rental cars, and other third-party transportation options will be encouraged for travelers. On-site Disney Transportation - buses, monorail, boat launch, and the Disney Skyliner - will remain complimentary options between Disney Resort hotels, all four theme parks, and Disney Springs. 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/01/a-look-ahead-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Early Park Entry Announced for Disney Resort Guests 

Coming later this year as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration, Disney Resort hotel guests and guests of other select hotels will have access to early park entry. When this occurs, all four theme parks will be open 30 minutes before scheduled park opening and will occur every day. As for Extra Magic Hours, this announcement stated that this benefit is still suspended due to health and safety restrictions. Once we receive further details and the exact date, we will provide an update to this story. 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/01/a-look-ahead-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom to End This Month

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, an interactive in-park game where guests cast magical spells in the form of cards to defeat Disney Villains, will be retiring this month. At the time of recording, the Walt Disney World website has times through January 31st, though reports have been stating January 24th as the final date. If you’re visiting the Magic Kingdom this month and are a fan of this game, be sure to pick-up your cards before it’s too late!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/sorcerers/

Aulani Special Room Offer for DVC Members

From now through February 26th, all Members can take advantage of a complimentary night when they book a 4-night stay or longer at Aulani Resort. This offer is valid most nights from January 8th through February 28th, 2021. This offer can only be booked by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800 and can only be redeemed when using Vacation Points.

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/discounts-perks-offers/events-and-experiences/aulani-winter-savings/

My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club are designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Please join us to continue our Facebook Group and YouTube channel conversations.

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

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

Facebook admins and moderators of th

We're walking in a winter wonderland as Blizzard Beach officially has a reopening date. Join Shannon, Peter, Jake, & Vicky as they close out the inaugural year of the DVC Newscast with information on the next time you can plunge down Summit Plummet, Snow White's Enchanted Wish, as well as some bonus content with the team's predictions on what 2021 will look like at the Disney Parks. Here's to a magical new year!

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 Parks Blog Provides Details for Snow White’s Enchanted Wish

According to the Disney Parks Blog, “As we’ve previously announced, Snow White’s Scary Adventures has been undergoing a magical reimagination. While Disneyland park has been closed, Walt Disney Imagineering has been putting the finishing touches on this cherished attraction, which will be ready to welcome guests when we reopen our theme parks at a later date. Vibrant new shadow projections bring to life the dwarfs as they march happily off to work in the mine singing “Heigh-Ho.” The most dazzling scene is the mine, which sparkles with shimmering lighting effects and glittering jewels all around. There are more surprises to discover and we cannot wait for you to experience the magic of this timeless fairytale, and Snow White’s enchanted wish coming true at last!”

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/12/first-look-of-snow-whites-enchanted-wish-at-disneyland-park/

Blizzard Beach Reopening Date Announced

Disney Water Parks will soon be an option for guests as Blizzard Beach is set to reopen on March 7th, 2021. While there are still details pending for specific safety protocols when visiting the water park, Disney Parks Blog released a “7 Reasons to Be Excited for the Opening of Disney’s Blizzard Beach” article in anticipation of this exciting news. It is also worth noting that no opening date has been announced for Typhoon Lagoon, but there will be no shortage of fun as Blizzard Beach is home to Summit Plummet - one of the fastest waterslides in the world with a top speed of 65 miles per hour. Once additional details are released closer to the reopening date, we will be sure to report back with an update on this story. 

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/12/7-reasons-to-be-excited-for-the-opening-of-disneys-blizzard-beach-in-march-2021/

Disney Wish Atrium Statue Revealed

During the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration on Christmas Day, Disney Cruise Line enthusiasts were surprised to see the Disney Wish's atrium statue revealed. The brand-new Disney ship, set to sail in the summer of 2022, will feature Cinderella, and she will join the cast of atrium statues in the DCL lineup. It is also the second time a Disney Princess will feature on a ship as the Disney Wonder has Ariel as its featured character.

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/12/unwrap-holiday-cheer-this-christmas-morning-with-walt-disney-world-and-abc-with-disney-parks-magical-christmas-celebration/

Predictions for 2021

When do you predict fireworks and nighttime spectaculars, such as Happily Ever After or Fantasmic, will return?

Shannon: "I predict sometime in the second half of 2021 and could see "Harmonious" being the first to begin."

Peter: "Sorry to negative on this one, but I don’t think we see any of the night-time stuff return before the 50th. They are not going to want to gather crowds. I think this includes Harmonious."

Jake: "While I anticipate abbreviated versions of these shows to return sometime in the spring, I think it will be summer to early fall until we see these spectaculars return in their full form. I could also see the brand-new "Harmonious" nighttime disp

Flowers are blooming as the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be returning to Walt Disney World. Join Shannon, Peter, & Jake as they discuss this guest-favorite event coming back for 2021, the updated Disney Resort Hotel reopening schedule, 2021 DVC Member Annual Dues statements, share details on the new boarding group distribution times for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and more.

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.

2021 DVC Member Annual Dues Statements Now Available

Mid-Friday afternoon, DVC Members began receiving their statements for the 2021 Annual Dues. During the Condo Association meeting, Members learned that the refunds to 2020’s dues would be reflected in the form of a credit to next year’s dues. Members have a few options for how they can pay for their dues: You can make a one-time Annual Dues payment using a credit card, a Disney Gift Card, or a Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Contracts enrolled in Auto-Pay can only receive partial payments by Disney Gift Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card; or,  you can request Auto-Pay for your Annual Dues through automatic monthly debits from a US checking or savings account on either the 1st or 15th of each month.

Update on Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Reopenings

Disney has released an updated Resort Hotel reopening schedule. Previously with a February 9th reopening date, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort has been pushed back to March 22nd, Disney’s Beach Club Resort will be reopening on May 30th, & Disney Wilderness Lodge is set to reopen on June 6th. While the DVC properties have been open since June 22nd, this indicates that the hotel portions of these two Deluxe Resorts will be reopening their rooms. As for the Value resorts, there are still options currently available as Disney’s Pop Century Resort & Disney’s Art of Animation are open and accepting reservations. 

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

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Returning in 2021

Back for 2021 is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This springtime event showcases several topiary displays featuring favorite Disney characters, exhibits, gardens, outdoor kitchens, and overall fun for all ages. The festival will take place from March 3rd through July 5th, following the Festival of the Arts, and a valid park ticket and Disney Park Pass reservation is required for admission. 

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/

Discounted Ticket Special for DVC Members

Beginning January 5th, 2021, DVC Members with a valid 4-night reservation can take advantage of two free days when purchasing a non-discounted 4-day ticket. This special offer is valid for arrivals through September 25th, 2021. Please note. This is a blue-card membership extras benefit. If they consider this a six-day ticket, you would have 9 days to use the tickets. However, if they consider this a four-day ticket with 2 bonus days, you would need to use the days before the 50th anniversary of WDW on October 1st.

Source: Disney Vacation Club https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/discounts-perks-offers/special-offers/member-ticket-offer/ (Sign to DVCMember.com before clicking the link).

Adjustment to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance's Boarding Group Distribution Times

Beginning December 20th, 2020, a slight adjustment to the virtual queue process for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take place. The 7:00 AM distribution will remain the same; however, the 2:00 PM time has now been changed to 1:00 PM. Boarding groups for

Buckle-up, because this was a big week for DVC News! Shannon, Peter, & Jake discuss the highlights from the annual Condo Association Meeting, 2022 Point Charts, and the Star Wars Rival Run Weekend transition to a virtual race.

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 Condo Association Meeting Recap

Members to Receive Credit for 2020 Annual Dues

Due to the extended closures of the DVC Resorts when the pandemic initially began, DVC has announced that Members will be receiving a credit towards their 2021 Annual Dues statements since the resorts collected more money than needed for operations. It is important to note that if you bought on the resale market or sold a contract in 2020, the Member who is the current owner at the time of the 2021 statement release will receive 100% of the credit. For those who bought directly through Disney, the credit will be prorated based on membership length. The following are the exact credit amounts, per point, as it varies from home resort: Aulani - $1.67​, Animal Kingdom Villas - $0.91​, Bay Lake Tower - $0.81​, Beach Club - $0.81​, BoardWalk -​ $0.70​, Boulder Ridge - $0.82​, Copper Creek - $0.87​, Grand Californian - $1.54​, Grand Floridian - $0.81,​ Hilton Head Island - $0.75​, Old Key West - $0.82,​ Polynesian - $0.68​, Riviera - $1.70​, Saratoga Springs - $0.86​, and Vero Beach - $0.25​.

Source: Disney Vacation Club Condo Association Meeting

Updated Resort Refurbishment Schedule

Also, during the meeting, an updated resort refurbishment schedule was released. In 2021, the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, & Aulani will all receive a minor refurbishment. In 2022, expect to see both Boulder Ridge & Hilton Head receive full refurbishments, as well as a minor one over at the Beach Club.

Source: Disney Vacation Club Condo Association Meeting

2022 Point Charts Released

Before the association meeting, DVC released their 2022 point charts for all resorts. Keeping up with the 2021 point charts theme, we saw increases in the fall months at Walt Disney World properties as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival & Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party have been very popular for DVC Members during the last couple of years. On the contrary, summer months decreased and will require fewer vacation points per night than in years past to encourage travel throughout the year. To view the full point charts for each resort, visit https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/vacation-planning/points-charts/ as well as the My DVC Points Resort Wiki, which has now been updated with the new point charts.

runDisney Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Virtual Transition

The 2021 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend has been transitioned to a virtual race. Registered runners will have the option of either keeping their registration and running the race virtual or receiving a full refund, similar to the Walt Disney World Marathon & Princess Half Marathon transitions. Those who decide to keep their registration will receive a partial refund as the price has been reduced. Those who did not sign-up initially will have the opportunity to register for the races and challenges on December 15th at 10 AM EST. runDisney has also announced that this will be the last year of the Rival Run, and the race weekend will be "reimagined” for 2022. More details on the re-theming and future runDisney race weekends will be announced at a later date.

Source: runDisney

https://www.rundisney.com/advisory/

Turf Club Lounge Reopens at Saratoga Springs

The Turf Club Lounge has now reopened at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. While the main dining room for Turf Club remains closed, the loun

Peter & Jake discuss the plans for a Brightline Station coming to Disney Springs, Imagineer Joe Rohde's retirement from the Walt Disney Company, and small firework bursts are added to the holiday projection show on Cinderella Castle.

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Brightline Station Coming to Walt Disney World

Brightline and Walt Disney World Resort announced that they have entered into an agreement to build a train station at Disney Springs. The Brightline station will add a new travel option between Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport. It will also connect guests from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach and planned stations in Aventura, Boca Raton and PortMiami. Brightline’s expansion from West Palm Beach to the Orlando International Airport is slated to be completed in 2022. However, no date has been announced for when the Walt Disney World station will begin construction.

https://www.gobrightline.com/press-room/walt-disney-world-and-brightline-enter-agreement-regarding-brightline-station-disney

Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Announces Retirement

After 40 years with Walt Disney Imagineering, Joe Rohde has announced that he will be retiring on January 4th, 2021. Rohde had a very impressive resume as some of his highlights include working on the team who opened Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, Pandora - The World of Avatar, Aulani, Adventurers Club, and Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island. While the Disney community will definitely miss him as an Imagineer, he will be recognized as a legend who’s projects will bring enjoyment for years to come.

Small Fireworks Return to Magic Kingdom

During Thanksgiving week, Disney fans were surprised to see small firework bursts behind Cinderella Castle during the holiday projections. While it is nowhere near our normal Happily Ever After, it was nice to see a fan-favorite return, even if it is an abbreviated version. The bursts appear to be every 15 minutes when the Castle changes holiday sweaters and is expected to continue through December 31st.

Park Hours Extended for Select Dates in December 2020

Disney has recently released a new set of park hours for select dates during the month of December. Beginning December 20th, park hours hours have been extended at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and notably New Year's Eve at Magic Kingdom has been extended to 11:00 PM. As these hours are constantly changing, be sure to check https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/calendars/five-day/ regularly to stay up-to-date on the latest times.

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