DVC Newscast Shannon Ford, Peter Scheidle and the My DVC Points Community

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



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



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DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



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Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







Official Opening Date for Tiana's Bayou Adventure



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



New details of the Polynesian Tower



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



Policy changes at Fort Wilderness



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




Guests may only rent golf carts from directly from Disney.



Guests can provide their own golf carts, but starting June 1st, guests must provide proof of liability insurance with $100,000 individual and $300,000 overall minimum. 



Drivers must be at least 16 years old and have a valid license. Each passenger must have their own seat. (No lap sitting.)   



Bikes are allowed but must have headlights and taillights and be manually powered (no e-bikes).



RVs can only be rented from one of Disney’s featured providers. They can be delivered without the guest being present by arrangement. 




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



Disneyland Forward passes final hurdle 



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



Permit on Reflections extended 5 years



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



Disney declares additional Cabins to Fort Wilderness DVC



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



MNSSHP and Oogie Boogie Bash dates announced



Disney has announced 38 dates

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



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







Disney changes made to the DAS system on both coasts



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:




Guests who have medical conditions that are not developmental disabilities will be accommodated in different ways.



It will be beneficial (especially at Walt Disney World) to request a DAS via a virtual chat prior to a trip. Cast Members from both Florida and California will be joined by employees from Inspire Health Alliance, who will help determine the approval of a guest’s request if needed. Guest Services will not be assisting with DAS requests in person starting May 20 at Walt Disney World.  Disneyland will continue to offer an on-site DAS cast member, but it is recommended to use the pre-screen process. 



Current DAS holders will need to re-apply.



The DAS party size is limited to 4 guests with exceptions for immediate family members.



DAS needs to be renewed in 120 days; previously, it was 60.



The actual function of DAS setting return times while in the park using the My Disney Experience App will remain the same.




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



Source: Touring Plans



Disneyland Forward passes the Anaheim city council board vote unanimously 



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



March sales data indicates continued slow sales for the cabins



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



EPCOT Food and Wine festival shortened



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 remain

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



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







Test Track set to close June 17th for extended refurbishment



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



Roundup Rodeo BBQ added to DVC discount dining list with 10% discount



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



DVC Direct incentives being increased for Spring 2024



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



Imagineering details “Tropical Americas” model for Animal Kingdom



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








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

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



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







Vero Beach Character Breakfast returns 



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



$2 Billion Disneyland Forward Project passes Anaheim planning board approval



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 closing at Disneyland May 1st 



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



DVC Member Cruise announced for 2025 



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



Eighth Disney Cruise ship announced



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



EPCOT CommuniCore Plaza opens with special Encanto concert



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

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the new resort perk for complimentary water park admission on arrival day and other news. N136



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







New Resort Perk for 2025 applies to DVC stays



Disney has announced a new resort stay benefit for 2025 bookings. Disney is offering complimentary water park admissions on guests' arrival day at a Disney resort. This perk will also apply to DVC member reservations on arrival day.



There is currently no indication how this benefit would be affected by a split stay at different resorts, or even at the same resort in a different room category.



More details will be available “later in 2024” according to the Disney website. 



Note that extra parks hours were also extended through 2025, including the deluxe evening hours which will still be available to DVC guests. 



Source: Disney Parks Blog



Soarin’ Around the World returned February 28th



Soarin’ over California has now left the building! As of February 28th, Soarin’ around the World has returned to Epcot. The original show had returned as part of the 100th anniversary celebration.



Source: Plan Disney



New DVC welcome center opens at Disney Springs



Disney Vacation Club has introduced a new "Gateway to Discovery" store. The building features largely an open space with a globe dominating the center and artwork representing many of the destinations available through DVC. Plans call for additional facilities to be added on the second floor for Members and guests. The expansion will open later this spring.



This space is not expected to be the additional member lounge which was announced back in January.



Source: DVCNews.com



New Star Tours destinations coming April 5th



Starting April 5th, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will offer some all-new adventures. These new additions will feature characters and locations from some of your favorite Disney+ new series such as “Ahsoka,” “Andor,” and “The Mandalorian.” With these additions, the attraction provides the opportunity to experience one of more than 250 storyline variations aboard the attraction, including a visit to the planet Peridea from the Ahsoka series. Urgent transmissions from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor, Din Djarin and Grogu may soon be part of your next Starspeeder flight. 



Source: Disney Parks Blog



Buy a Fort Wilderness Cabin!



Some of the old log-style cabins from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground are for sale according to a recent Facebook listing, posted on February 26, 2024, by user Kyle Brooks. The 1-bedroom cabins are priced at $49,900 each and are fully furnished, including an Amazon “Hey Disney” device.



Source: Chip & Co








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.

In this week's episode, Shannon and Peter discuss the new details for the opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure at WDW this summer, the return of 1900 Park Fare character meal at Disney's Grand Floridian, and more! N135



Season 11 of the My DVC Points Podcast was brought to you by:



DVC Resale Market - Industry Leader in DVC Resales



DVC Rental Store - DVC Point Rentals



Monera Financial - Exclusively Financing DVC Contracts



Patreon supporters in the My DVC Points VIP Producer Club.







The return of 1900 Park Fare



Disney announces that 1900 Park Fare is re-opening at Disney's Grand Floridian on April 10th after being closed for more than four years.



Characters will now include an eclectic mix of Cinderella, Aladdin, Tiana (in her new look from Tiana's Bayou Adventure), and Mirabelle from Encanto as they celebrate the “power of a wish.” The artwork throughout the restaurant has also been updated, with a continued theme of a Merry-Go-Round.



Breakfast and dinner will both be available, and special favorites including the Strawberry Soup will still be on the menu. 



Reservations are expected to Open March 5th. 



Source: Disney Parks Blog



DVC Meet & Treat Event for Valentine’s Day



Disney Vacation Club announced another “Meet and Treat” Member event at the Atlantic Dancehall, similar to the event offered for Halloween. The event will be held on four dates in February, the 13th and 14th, as well as the 20th and 21st, from 2PM to 4PM. 



These events involve meet and greets with two or three special characters and treats for members. There is no advanced reservations required, but each member is only allowed to attend the event once. 



Source: Disney Vacation Club website, DVC News



Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening Summer 2024



Disney Parks Blog has a post announcing the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in “Summer of 2024”. While no specific date was given, the previous opening timeframe was "2024". Disney also shared an impressive video of one of the new Tiana audio-animatronic figure and other details of the ride.  



Source: Disney Parks Blog



Free collectible pin from DVC 



Disney Vacation Club is offering members a new bonus, a pin that says “Membership Magic.” This pin is currently available at most DVC kiosks in the parks and resorts. It will be available to all owners, and owners will need to present identification and electronic membership card. Pins may be limited to one per family. 



Source: DVC News








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.