DVC Newscast

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the surprising news that Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America will close to transform into the new Cars area announced at D23. Other news include new details of the pool and restaurant at the Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Resort and a new name for the EPCOT Member lounge. N164

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Disney Parks Blog revealed more details on the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, which is scheduled to open on December 17th.

The tower's restaurant will be called the Wailulu Bar & Grill, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. Disney describes the restaurant as a casual walk-up pool bar with an all-day menu serving lunch and dinner.  Specialty coffee and on-the-go morning pastries will be available for breakfast.

The tower will also feature the Cove Pool and a splash pad called Moana’s Voyage with a sculpture of Moana and her raft. 

As seen in the blueprints, but now fully defined, the resort will have four tropical terrace gardens. Each terrace garden will feature vibrant artwork, lush foliage and uniquely themed seating areas. Disney also shared that these oases will have picturesque views, including Seven Seas Lagoon for firework viewing.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Shortly after the D23 announcement of new attractions coming to Walt Disney World, Disney Parks Blog released a concept image of the two new Cars themed attractions. The image and post confirmed Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America would be replaced to make room for the new attractions. Together, these new additions Construction is expected to start sometime next year. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog, Blog Mickey 

The Disney Vacation Club lounge at EPCOT is being rebranded by Disney as Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium - A Member Lounge. Currently the closure of the lounge has lasted longer than planned, with no re-opening date announced. Disney has shared that the lounge will receive a new paint scheme, as well as a new exhibit of archival photos. 

Source: DVC News

Disney Vacation Club sold a total of 206,000 points in the month of July, and over 109,000 of those points were for Disney's Riviera Resort. Riviera is now 68% sold and 79% of the resort is declared into inventory. 

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel came in second with 35,000 points sold, followed by Disney’s Old Key West Resort with just under 27,000 points.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort continue to lag, with only 6,500 points sold in July. This number is an increase from the last two months, but the resort is only 1.5% sold after 5 months on the market. 

Source: DVC News

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.

In this week's episode, Peter, Shannon and Sue discuss all the news to come out of the D23 Experiences Panel on August 10th, 2024. N145

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The following attractions were confirmed or announced at the D23 panel on Saturday, August 10th. Josh D’Amaro was very specific to say none of these items are “blue sky” but are all in “active development”.  However, this statement still does not necessarily mean they will all happen as announced. 

There were no announcements directly related to Disney Vacation Club, though a few new concept images of the Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows were shared at the DVC booth. 

 EPCOT

Animal Kingdom

Hollywood Studios

Magic Kingdom

Disneyland Park

DCA

Disney Cruise Line

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.

In this week's episode, Sue and Peter share the latest news, including a new Florida law that can evict timeshare owners based on behavior, Jungle Cruise closing for several months in August at Magic Kingdom, new preview centers in Florida and California, and a special open house at Disney's Wedding Pavilion open house exclusively for Members. N144

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 New Florida legislation went into effect on July 1, 2024, that allows management to remove timeshare owners and guests for a wide range of inappropriate conduct including:

Disney has had issues with being able to remove Disney Vacation Club Members engaging in inappropriate behavior in the past, and this new legislation should allow them to appropriately deal with concerning behaviors.

Source: DVC News

Walt Disney World has announced that the Jungle Cruise attraction will be closing for refurbishment on August 26th.  No reopening date has been shared, but Disney's website states that the attraction is scheduled to reopen for Guests before the winter holidays begin. Currently Jungle Cruise is not listed as part of the attractions open for either Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Source: Disney Tourist Blog, Walt Disney World website

The Gateway to Discovery preview center at Disney Springs has now opened its second floor. The expanded area allows guests to tour models of a deluxe studio and one bedroom villa for Disney's Riviera Resort. The center also offers Members and guests a place to relax with light refreshments, seating, and a balcony overlooking Disney Springs.

In addition, the Golden Vine House Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center is scheduled to open to the public in Disney’s California Adventure on July 26th. DVC Members will have access to a Members-only preview from 10:30 AM to 6 PM on July 24th and 25th. Members attending will receive a commemorative keepsake and a sweet treat. This area is not expected to be a lounge like the Star View Station Disney Vacation Club Lounge, but will be primarily a sales office. 

Source: DVC News - Gateway to Discovery, DVC News - Golden Vine House

On September 13, 2024, Disney's Wedding Pavilion will host an open house event exclusively for Disney Vacation Club Members. Attendees will be able to learn more about Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings services, including menus and entertainment. Also, attendees will have the unique opportunity to get a special photo with Cinderella's Coach. 

The event is intended for guests considering a Disney wedding or vow renewal. Capacity is limited and registration is required. DVC Members can register for themselves and up to 4 guests; however all guests must be over the age of 18.

Source: DVC News, DVC Wedding event registration

In an agreement announced earlier this month, Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC), have entered an agreement for OLC to build and operate a Disney-branded cruise business in Japan, beginning in 2029. A new Disney Cruise Line ship will be built of the same class as the Disney Wish, with certain modifications to appeal to Japanese clientele. OLC currently owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort.

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.

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass system debuting at Walt Disney World on July 24th. Walt Disney World also announced dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney's Jollywood Nights. Disney Vacation Club's direct purchase incentives remain relatively unchanged, other than new discounts at sold out resorts. N143

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On June 26th, Disney announced Genie+. As of July 24th, Genie+ will be replaced will be replaced by two Lightning Lane systems: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass.  Both products will be able to be booked in advance. Starting 7 days before the first day of their trip, Walt Disney World resort guests will be able to book passes for their entire length of stay (up to 14 days).  Non-resort guests will be able to book 3 days in advance of their ticket dates.  

Lightning Lane Single Pass will remain consistent with Individual Lightning Lane. We expect that the current rides under this system will also remain the same. 

Lightning Lane Multi Pass will basically return to the old FastPass+ system, with the ability to book three ride reservations in advance for each day you purchase the product for a single park. Guests will be able to pick from available one-hour return windows for the rides.  The initial bookings will have tier levels, with one tier one ride and two tier two rides selected each day, for all Walt Disney World parks except Animal Kingdom. 

Other than the cost, a major difference between FP+ and Lightning Lane Multi Pass is once you use one of your booked Lightning Lane Multi Passes, guests can start booking additional passes. Additional rides appear to have no tier restrictions and can be booked at a different park. 

Source: Walt Disney World website

After its problems with kickoff last year, Disney's Jollywood Nights hard ticket event at Disney’s Hollywood Studio returns this year with minor tweaks. The event will be held on 13 nights from November 9th to December 21st. The length has been extended to 5 hours instead of 4 and the Virtual Queue for Rise of the Resistance has been dropped. Pricing ranges from $159 to $179. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders can get a $10 off discount for all dates. 

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party also returns for 25 select nights from November 8th to December 20th. Prices range from $169 to $219. Tickets will go on sale July 2nd to resort guests and July 10th for general purchase. Disney Vacation Club members can receive a $10 discount for some of the early dates. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Current sales discounts for direct purchasing remain similar at the four currently on-sale resorts. 

Disney's Riviera Resort, Aulani, and The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort currently start at $225 per point. Discounts of $13 per point for new members start at 150 points and $17 per point for existing members at 100 points. In addition, a “Welcome Home” cash discount varies by the number of points purchased. The Villas at Disneyland Hotel have a similar price structure, but start at $239 per point. 

With the recent success of Disney's Old Key West Resort discounted direct sales, Disney Vacation Club has added some discounts to some other sold out resorts. Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort current price is $205 a point, but existing Members can save up to $60 per point. Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas at $210 per point and a maximum discount of $55 per point. Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort starts at the highest price of $275 but offers the largest discount of up to $65 a point. 

Source: DVC News

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.

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the confirmation that a new Disney Vacation Club Member lounge is coming to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom, replacing the shooting arcade. DVC also announced "Welcome Home Weeks" celebration during the summer, with opportunities for free treats, character close-ups, and more. Shannon and Peter also share news including the filing of permits for the upcoming Bay Lake Tower hard good refurbishments, Walt Disney World attraction openings and closures, and Disneyland Resort's Oogie Boogie Bash details. N142

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On June 13th, it was announced that the newly planned DVC lounge will be located in Magic Kingdom. The new lounge will replace the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade, which is scheduled to close on June 23rd. No details about the lounge have been released, other than that it will be a Members-only lounge similar to the one in EPCOT.  

Source: Orlando Sentinel, DVC News

Disney Vacation Club announced the first-ever "Welcome Home Weeks," a limited-time celebration from July 22 through August 24 featuring special events, free treats and exciting experiences for eligible Disney Vacation Club Members and up to 4 guests (or for some events, all guests included on the reservation, whichever is larger). Events during the five weeks are as follows:

One-Time-Use Mobile Order Discount - Receive a 20% one-time-use discount on a mobile order at select quick-service dining at Walt Disney World Resort from July 22, 2024 through August 24, 2024.

Sweet Stop - Treat yourself to a refreshing, complimentary Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar, ice cream sandwich or fruit bar at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort locations.

Welcome Home Wakeup - Mingle with fellow Members for coffee and a morning treat at select hotels

Welcome Home Wednesday Wine Mixer - Enjoy the company of fellow Members as you indulge in wine and appetizers at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort. The event will be held in the Wedding Garden on July 31 and August 14, 2024, 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

Character Close-Ups

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort - Join a pirate-themed experience that boasts some favorite Disney pals in the Resort Lobby, Thursdays, starting July 25, 2024. Times to be determined.

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort - Get ready for visits from beloved Disney friends and a pool party at the Resort, plus fireworks at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina on Tuesdays, starting July 23, 2024.

Ice Cream Parlor - Take advantage of complimentary ice cream served up at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa DVC Preview Center daily, starting July 22, 2024, from 11AM to 5 PM.

In addition, Aulani Resort will have a number of events including lei-making, hula and ukelele lessons.

Source: Disney Vacation Club website, Blog Mickey

Walt Disney World announced that the new Country Bear Jamboree will open on July 17th. The all new show will contain many of the same characters, but will feature more of the Disney songbook, with songs such as “Try Everything”, “A Whole New World” and “Bare Necessities”. 

Disney Parks Blog shared new images and some of the technology from the new Little Mermaid show at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but the only date provided was still listing it as opening in the Fall.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios is also scheduled to re-open from an extended closure on July 27th. The ride has been closed since January. 

Finally, there has been a year+ long permit filed for work on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, extending to August 2025. While unconfirmed, it is expected that the ride will be going down at the end of the summer for a lengthy refurbishment that includes replacing the entire track. We expect to hear more about this and the “beyond Big Thunder Mountain” expansion at D23 in August. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog - Country Bears, Disney Parks Blog - Little Mermaid, WDW Magic - Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, WDWNT - Big Thunder Mountain

Disney filed a permit expiring September 2025 for refurbishment at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Walt Disney World's website notes that room refurbishment work will take place from September 2024 to September 2025. This will be the first full hard goods refurbishment for Bay Lake Tower. 

Source: Blog Mickey, Walt Disney World website

Tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park go on sale on June 25th for Inspire Key holders, June 26th for all other key holders, and June 27th for the general public. Prices range from $134 for the August dates, $154-169 in September, and $169-189 in October.

Disneyland also announced that Haunted Mansion Holidays will be back in time for the holidays with a virtual queue due to the construction. 

Source: Disneyland website - Oogie Boogie Bash, Disneyland website - Haunted Mansion

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.

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter share all the news of the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, including the official opening date, room categories, and cash rates. They also discuss the temporary move of the EPCOT Member lounge this summer and DVC and Annual Passholder previews for Tiana's Bayou Adventure. N141

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On May 24th, Disney Vacation Club filed an amendment to the existing timeshare license of Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows to add the equivalent of 222 timeshare units. Other sources have indicated that the new building would have 268 rooms, but the discrepancy between the two is probably due to two bedroom lockoffs. If 46 of the rooms would be two-bedroom lock-offs, then both numbers can be correct. 

DVC has not announced when sales will begin, but this filing signals that this may be close. It also confirms that the new rooms will be part of the existing condo association, and owners of this resort will have 11-month priority across the entire resort. 

Source: DVC News

Disney Parks Blog shared an official opening date of December 17, 2024, along with photos and a video of the room designs for the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. The deluxe studios will include a small dishwasher, the first for DVC studios. 

Cash rates are now available, and room categories of standard, preferred, and theme park are listed for Duo studios, Deluxe studios, and one-bedrooms. Two bedroom villas only list theme park views, and the two bedroom penthouses list preferred and theme park views.

The deluxe studio rates for the Island Tower were comparable to the regular Polynesian resort room categories of standard, water, and theme park views.  

Source: Disney Parks Blog, Walt Disney World website

The EPCOT Disney Vacation Club Member lounge in the Imagination Pavilion will be closing for six weeks from June 2nd through July 14th. During that time, a temporary lounge will be open in the Odyssey Events Pavilion, which is typically used during the EPCOT Food and Wine Festivals. Disney has not indicated what, if any, updates will be made to lounge during the closure, but the limited time indicates no major changes. 

Source: DVC News

While we announced the official opening date of Tiana's Bayou Adventure on June 28th in our last episode, previews dates had not yet been announced. While the registration period has passed, Disney Vacation Club Member previews are taking place on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 1 pm to 4 pm and Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 9 am to noon.

Annual Passholders can still get onto the ride with virtual queues beginning at 7 am and 1 pm on June 13,14,16,17,18 and 20.

Source: Disney Parks Blog, DVC News

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.

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the official opening date of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, the newly announced details of the Polynesian Tower, Fort Wilderness policy updates, extension of the Reflections permit, DisneylandForward crossing the final hurdle, Halloween Party dates, and more! N140

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Disney announced Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will officially open on June 28th at Walt Disney World. More information regarding Cast Member, Annual Passholder, and Disney Vacation Club Member preview opportunities will be announced starting May 14. Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Park was only mentioned as opening "later this year". 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

On Friday, May 11th, Disney released the first details of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows. This 10-story tower overlooking the seven seas lagoon is scheduled to open in December 2024 and will feature a variety of room types that will sleep from two to nine guests, such as duo studios, spacious one- and two-bedroom villas and brand-new two-bedroom penthouse villas.

Cash booking for the resort will begin on June 4th for Disney Vacation Club Members, June 5th for Annual Passholders, and June 6th for the general public. On-sale dates, points charts, and the exact opening date of the property have not been released.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney has updated some of their policies around golf carts, bikes, and RV rentals at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort.

Additionally, beginning July 13, 2024, horseback riding will be temporarily unavailable Monday through Friday due to construction. Rides may be available on Saturdays and Sundays during this time.

Source: DVC News, Walt Disney World website

On May 7th, the Anaheim City Council gave final approval for DisneylandForward.

Expect announcements on the Disneyland Resort expansion at the D23 in August, though it is possible that the new parking structure work could begin even sooner. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

During the COVID pandemic in 2020, Disney Vacation Club halted construction on a proposed project, Reflections - a Disney Lakeside Lodge. On May 8th, DVC submitted a request to the South Florida Water Management District to extend its construction permits for an additional 5 years. If approved, the construction window would be extended to May 29, 2029. While this move doesn’t confirm that constructions on Reflections will resume, it does indicate that DVC is still considering a resort for that site. 

Source: DVC News

On April 3, Disney Vacation Club declared 33 more cabins for use at The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, for a total 63 cabins available for booking on points.

Source: DVC News

Disney has announced 38 dates for the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party in 2024, with dates starting as early as August 9th.  Tickets went on sale for resort guests on May 8th, and will be open to the public on May 15th. Tickets prices range from $119 to $199, and Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders can save $10 per ticket for dates in August and September. 

Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash also announced 27 dates ranging from August 25th to October 31st. Prices are listed at $134 to $189. Individual date prices, on-sale dates, and any Magic Key or Disney Vacation Club Member discounts have not yet been shared.

Source:  Walt Disney World website and Disneyland Resort 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.

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the new changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS) system, DisneylandForward passes Anaheim city council, and more! N139

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Disney is implementing changes to the Disability Access Service (DAS) registration process at Walt Disney World on May 20th and at Disneyland on June 17th. Visits prior to these dates will not be affected. Highlights are below:

The intent is to reduce abuse and overuse. DAS use has tripled over the last five years.

Source: Touring Plans

On April 16th, the Anaheim City Council voted unanimously to approve the plans for DisneylandForward, the massive $2 Billion expansion planned around Disneyland. A second council vote is needed to finalize the plan is required in May, but once that passes Disney will be able to start moving on these changes. This is expected to be the biggest change to the California parks since the opening of Disney’s California Adventure. 

Source: NBC News LA

DVC News shared their monthly data on direct DVC sales for the month of March. While The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort sales went up compared to the previous month, March was the first full month of sales for the resort. The Cabins only sold 12,326 points over 94 contracts. This brings the two month total to 19,485 points out of the 2.8 million points at the resort. If this month is any indication on the pace of sales, the cabins will take just under 20 years to sell. However, there could be a bump in sales next month due to improved incentives across the board. 

On the bright side for Disney, Disney’s Riviera Resort sales had the most sales with 72,275 points, which is well above the previous 12-month average. This is also the average pace at which the resort has sold since 2019, and if continued, the resort should sell out in the next three years.

Villas at Disneyland Hotel sales were also better than the Cabins, though only a little more than 16,000 points were sold. After almost a full year of sales, the resort is close to 20% sold. 

Source: DVC News

Disney has announced that the EPCOT International Food and Wine festival will run from August 29th to November 23rd. This period is almost seven weeks shorter than in 2023, when the festival started July 15th. It’s been a few years since the festival started as late as Labor Day weekend. No reason was given by Disney, but perhaps they have seen softening attendance in the summer for the festival while it remains extremely popular during the fall season. The usual parts of the festival -  the food booths, Eat to the Beat concerts, and Remy’s Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt - all were part of the announcement. The new festival center was also mentioned to be part of events this year. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

While not an official opening date, many outlets are sharing that media previews for Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom will occur June 8th through the 11th. Media events for attraction openings are usually done after Cast Member previews and either right before or after Disney Vacation Club and Annual Passholder previews. While the official opening date is not yet set, it seems likely that a late June or early July date will be announced soon. 

Source: Blog Mickey

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.

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the upcoming refurbishment of Test Track beginning on June 17th, new details for the planned "Tropical Americas" region of Disney's Animal Kingdom, and more! N138

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On April 5th, Disney announced that Test Track will be closing for refurbishment on June 17th. The ride will be updated with a “World of Motion” inspired make-over. There is no word on how long the closure will be, but it is expected to last at least a year.  

Source: Walt Disney World website

Many restaurants on property provide a 10% discount for Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders. Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios has now been added to that list! First opening in March 2023, this is the first time a discount for DVC members has been available at this restaurant. 

Source: DVC News, Disney Vacation Club website

Disney Vacation Club is streamlining their new member and existing member discounts. 

New members can receive a $13 per point discount on any purchase of 150 points or more on all four currently for sale resorts. In addition, a “Welcome Home” credit is also added for buyers buying 150 points or greater, starting at $2000. This usually applies to those buying points on-site. 

Similarly existing members are looking to get $17 per point discount starting at 100 points, with the additional “Welcome Home” credit added starting at 150 points. 

DVC is also offering deep discounts on points at Disney's Old Key West Resort. With a base price of $205 per point, existing members can take advantage of $40 per point discount for 150 points which is $165 per point. A 500-point contract would get an $80 per point discount down to $125 per point. This is the lowest entry point to direct purchase that we have seen in quite awhile, so if you are looking for your entry into direct membership at the lowest price, this may be the way to go. 

Source: DVC News

Disney has released a clip on Instagram with details of the "Tropical Americas" land, which is replacing DinoLand U.S.A., in Disney's Animal Kingdom. The model still indicates Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, as well as what appears to be a Coco-inspired carousel.  While there is no current timeline for in-park construction, permitting has been submitted to start prepping a backstage area with trailers and storage. 

In addition, Disney is expected to begin filing permits for the “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion will be filed within the next few weeks.  Anything beyond this should be considered rumor for now. Expectations right now are that further details will come out at the D23 event this summer.  

Source: Instagram, Blog Mickey

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

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

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This week, Sue and Peter discuss all the latest Disney news, including the Anaheim council approval of Disneyland Forward, more closures related to Tiana's Bayou Adventure, EPCOT opening the rest of their construction this summer, a 2025 DVC Member cruise, a new DCL ship announced with name and theme, and more! N137

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Starting April 20th, the character breakfast will return to Winds and Waves at Disney's Vero Beach Resort every Saturday. This breakfast was a regularly scheduled event prior to COVID, but now will return with a new menu. Goofy and Pluto will be making the rounds in their beach gear while guests enjoy tasty menu items like “Banana’s Foster French Toast” and “The Treasure Omelet”. Breakfast hours are from 8 AM to noon and are now available for booking.  

Source: Disney Parks Blog

On March 11th, the Anaheim Planning Commission voted 5-1 to approve a proposed $1.9 billion expansion plan for Disneyland Resort known as "DisneylandForward". As we’ve discussed before, the plan would expand both parks around the Disneyland hotel while also adding new parking and highway access ramps. It also includes potential for more hotel rooms as well as 150 new DVC rooms. 

Source: DVC news

Critter Country at Disneyland will be closing temporarily starting May 1st to finish the construction of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, including the addition of two new themed stores.

Among the changes, “Ray’s Berets” will replace “The Briar Patch” as a place for Disney apparel and toys and themed to Ray the firefly and his family. “Louis’ Critter Club” takes over the left half of Pooh Corner with more apparel, accessories, home decor. Disneyland’s Tigger Tails will remain. The Winnie the Pooh attraction will be closed during this time as well, but no changes to the attraction are expected. The Hungry Bear is expected to remain open. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Vacation Club announced the 2025 Member Cruise, a 5-night cruise on the Disney Dream featuring a stop at Cozumel, Mexico, a day at Castaway Cay and two days at sea. 

Booking will begin on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:00am Eastern Time. No pricing has been announced yet. In order to book a DVC cruise, members are required to qualify for Membership Extras. Only qualifying points can be used to book the member cruise and at least one member must book with points. Cash rates will also be available.

Source: Disney Vacation Club website, DVC News

Disney Cruise Line has announced the newest cruise ship to be added to its fleet, the Disney Destiny. The ship, sister to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, will have a “Heroes and Villains” theme, drawing on the legacies of beloved Disney stories, characters and theme park attractions. Onboard, guests will encounter both heroes and villains.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

The re-imagining of EPCOT will finally be complete with all the construction walls down and the full opening of the CommuniCore Hall, Mickey and Friends character greet and the new CommuniCore Plaza Stage. This area will be the home base for EPCOT's festivals, and as a celebration there will be a new limited-time show “¡Celebración Encanto!” from June 10th to September 6th. The show will run several times throughout the day and will include opportunities to sing along with favorite songs and see Mirabel and Bruno.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

My DVC Points is an awesome community of DVC members. Our positive, respectful, and authentic conversations about Disney Vacation Club designed to help people make informed and educated decisions about what's best for their families. Our content focuses on a Disney Vacation Member lifestyle. We cover everything from buying, selling, renting, picking your next resort or Disney restaurant. Our conversations start on the My DVC Points Podcast and DVC Newscast and continue on our Facebook Group and our live shows multi-streamed to Facebook and YouTube. Please download our smartphone app. Play Trivia with us every Friday night at 9 PM Eastern at Mouse Quiz!

It takes an awesome 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. We've had over 200 DVC members on our podcasts and live shows. Please consider supporting our show through our VIP Producer's Club at Patreon.com.

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