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

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

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

Credit Card Auto Pay Option For Annual Dues Coming Soon

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

Aulani Points Extension

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Minnie Van S