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

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

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

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

Event dates are:

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

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

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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

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

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

Source: Disney Vacation Club Website

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

Source: DVCNews.com

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

Source: WDWNT

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

Source: DVCNews.com, Walt Disney World Website

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Disney Parks Blog

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

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

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

Source: DVC Member website, DVCNews.com

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