In this week's episode, Peter, Sue, and Jen share their thoughts on the new animation experience announced in Disney's Hollywood Studios, a new gift card offer on Walt Disney World Annual Passes, direct purchase incentives, and more! N166

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Walt Disney World has announced that a new experience themed around “The Magic of Disney Animation” will take the place of Star Wars Launch Bay. Inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short film, “Once Upon A Studio,” the attraction will be housed in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, with a large Sorcerer’s Hat overlooking the entrance. 

Inside, guests will be able to interact and explore the Disney Animation headquarters, which will include portraits that come to life, a short film, and character sketch opportunities. Young children can explore the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. This new area is scheduled to open in 2026.

To make way for this new experience, Star Wars Launch Bay will be closing permanently on September 25th.  Disney Junior Play and Dance will close as well on that date, but it is expected to reopen with some refreshed entertainment. 

Source: Disney Parks Blog

For a limited time, Walt Disney World is offering up to a $100 Disney Gift Card eGift with purchase of a new Walt Disney World Annual Pass.

This ticket offer went up on July 22nd, but at this time Disney is not indicating an end date. Annual Pass prices are expected to increase in October or earlier. 

Source:  Walt Disney World website

The new Wailulu Bar and Grill at the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is now included on the list of restaurants that provide 10% discount to Disney Vacation Club members.  The discount is available during both lunch and dinner for the member and up to three guests. The restaurant does not currently take reservations. 

Source: DVC News

Disney Parks Blog announced two new holiday-themed dining experiences at Storyteller's Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. For breakfast and brunch, guests can enjoy "Daisy's Holiday Pajama Party." with a character lineup consisting of Donald and Daisy Duck, Chip and Dale and Pluto. Meanwhile, dinner brings the all-new "Mickey's Christmas Carol Holiday Feast." Guests will be joined by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Scrooge McDuck and others, all wearing outfits resembling those from the animated classic "Mickey's Christmas Carol." Start dates, reservation availability, and pricing have not yet been announced.

Source: Disney Parks Blog

After several months of less than spectacular direct purchase discounts, it looks like Disney Vacation Club is looking to boost sales with improved discounts.  All five currently selling resorts have some level of discounts for members. (Note starting prices are $235 for most resorts, and $245 for the Disneyland resort.) These offers will be valid through September 29th. 

Most resort discounts kick in at 150 points for new members and 100 points for current members, but the best discounts kick in at 200 points and 150 points respectively. For example, at Disney's Riviera Resort, current members see a $24 discount for as low as 150 points, while new members only receive $11 off, though it jumps to $24 at 200 points. The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort have even sharper discounts for both new and current members, with discounts of $28 or $30 respectively for only 150 points. Strong sales at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows lead to weaker discounts, with 10 or $11 off per point at 200 points. Aulani incentives are a little less than the Cabins, but new and current members can save $26 on with a 200 or 150 point contract respectively. Existing members can even save $30 a point for a 150 point contract at The Villas at the Disneyland Hotel, with the same discount for new members at 200 points. 

For sold-out resorts, the only one with a current incentive is Animal Kingdom Lodge, but discounts $10 per point at 100 points, $15 per point at 150 points, and $20 per point on contracts of 200 points or more are available.  This offer is only available to current members.

Source: DVC News

Disney Vacation Club has added a new exchange option to the Disney Collection option. While eligible Members could already participate in National Geographic Land Expeditions and River Cruises, points are now also eligible for Expedition Cruises with National Geographic! The points needed for these cruises range from 800-1000 per person.

Source: Disney Vacation Club website

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