Welcome Home: A Disney Parks & DVC Podcast

In episode 62, the guys discuss recently leaked concept art of the upcoming DVC Resort, Reflections. Galaxy's Edge is currently in Passholder Previews, but reservations for the experiences in the land are now available. Disney is now offering a discounted mid-day entrance ticket and the guys discuss their thoughts on this new ticket option. For this year's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, Disney is offering a "Party Pass", which gives guests the ability to attend almost every party this season. The guys debate the appeal of this new party option. D23 is coming up and the guys will cover all the announcements on the next episode. Until then, the guys give a preview of what they expect to see announced and what they hope will be announced.

In episode 61, the guys discuss a survey of DVC members asking about possible new resort locations. Reflections is the next DVC resort and part of the plans call for an over the water restaurant on Bay Lake. The guys debate what this restaurant experience could look like. A recent article asked if DVC should expand to Moderate resorts and the guys give thoughts on this idea. Disney has announced a ton of new limited time benefits for Passholders over the next month, including secret menu items, PhotoPass opportunities, and special character meetings. New Holiday overlays are coming to WDW this year and the guys give their thoughts on these new additions. Marvel Land is under construction at Disneyland and concept art for the Spider Man ride and Ant Man microbrewery have been revealed. Disney files a patent for Augmented Reality glasses and the guys debate how this technology could be used. Disney will announce a secret parks project at D23 this year and the guys give their thoughts on what it could be.

In episode 60, Chad from the My DVC Points podcast joins Tom and Damon to discuss the recently announced New Year's Eve event at Topolino's Terrace. Disney has confirmed they are completing a pathway that goes from the Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom. The guys discuss how this could change transportation for Magic Kingdom. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is getting many upgrades this year including a new fireworks show and attraction overlays. The iconic Tomorrowland sign has been removed and will be replaced this summer. The guys discuss their thoughts on the possible replacement for this sign. Disney has announced when Rise of the Resistance will be opening at Disneyland and WDW with the Hollywood Studios attraction surprisingly opening first. One thing that won't be ready for Galaxy's Edge is the Disney Skyliner, which received a September opening date. Ahead of the closure of Club Cool in September, fan favorite (or least favorite) flavor Beverly has seemingly gone out of stock. This weeks rumor is that Citrico's will be closing for a re-imagining and will reopen as Victoria and Albert's Bistro. The guys give their thoughts on the possibility of this restaurant closing.

In episode 59, the guys get an update on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and debate why the crowds are so low. Epcot is going through major changes and Disney just announced many closures coming in September. The guys discuss these changes and what they mean for the future of Epcot. Takumi-Tei, the new Signature dining experience at Epcot's Japan pavilion, has opened with a very expensive menu. The guys give their thoughts on this new experience. Damon has returned from his trip to Silver Dollar City and gives a trip report. The Liberty Inn will be closing at Epcot and will be replaced by a modern BBQ restaurant called the Regal Eagle. Water bottle refilling stations are popping up around WDW and the guys discuss their thoughts on these additions. Newly refurbished buses featuring the Sensational Six, USB phone charging and possibly WiFi are debuting at WDW. Monorail Silver has been updated with a new paint job and new interior. Does this mean that the trains aren't being replaced any time soon? The guys debate what this new look means for the future of the monorail. The Gran Destino tower at Coronado Springs will open with Smart TVs in the room. The guys give their thoughts on how this technology could change the guest experience.

In episode 58, the guys interview Derek and Marissa from DVC Resale Market. They answer questions about DVC Resale basics, Right of First Refusal, Closing Costs, and buy backs. Topolino’s Terrace reservations are now open and the guys discuss their excitement for this resort. DVC is hosting a special 4th of July part in the Top of the World lounge, closing it off to members. The guys give their thoughts on this event and why some members are upset about it. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland is no longer using reservations and is moving to a Virtual Queue. The guys discuss the details of this system and whether they think it should be used at WDW. Select WDW Passholders will get an early preview of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. There is a rumor that the ImageWorks Rainbow tunnel will return at the Epcot Experience Center currently under construction. The guys give their thoughts on the return of this classic attraction feature. A rumor is circulating that the closure of Country Bear Jamboree at WDW is imminent with a Toy Story show replacing it. The guys discuss their thoughts on this possible change.

In episode 57, listener Andres joins the guys to give his review of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. Tom is back from his WDW trip and discusses his thoughts on Old Key West, character experiences and his daughter’s first time at WDW. Andres gives a review of Galaxy’s Edge including a spoiler free review of Oga’s Cantina and Smuggler’s Run. FastPass tier changes are coming to Hollywood Studios with the arrival of Galaxy’s Edge. The guys debate the reasoning behind these changes and how permanent they may be. The guys discover that there is a Photopass studio at Disney Springs which allows for pictures in different Disney Parks locations. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is reopening on July 11th with a new Animation Experience which will teach guests to draw some of Disney’s most famous characters. Rumors of a new Epcot World Showcase pavilion are starting to come up again. This time the rumor is that Disney will immediately start building a Brazil themed pavilion which will include a store and a restaurant, but no attraction to start. The guys discuss their thoughts on this rumor. Another rumor that made big headlines recently was that Disney is planning on demolishing both the Land and Living Seas pavilions at Epcot. The guys debate the merits of this rumor.

In episode 56, the guys discuss the different ways they have brought Disney into their homes. Tom goes over his plans for his upcoming Disney vacation and the guys get into a debate on when to introduce certain rides to kids. As Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge approaches it's opening date at Disneyland, more and more new information is coming out including the cost of the merchandise and some hidden features of the land. The guys discuss these new details and their thoughts on it's upcoming opening. A new restaurant is coming to Epcot's Japan pavilion this summer. Disney announced new holiday decorations for Animal Kingdom coming this holiday season. The guys discuss the new PhotoPass opportunity in front of Cinderella Castle. Soarin' over California is coming back to California Adventure for June only and the guys discuss what they think of this limited return. There is a rumor that a Wreck It Ralph experience is going to replace the former Stitch's Great Escape attraction with a interactive show that will feature video game controllers at every seat. The guys speculate on what an attraction like this could look like.

In episode 55, the guys catch up on some listener emails about DVC changing use years, owning at different DVC resorts, favorite dining locations and traveling with large groups. New permits for the new DVC resort, Reflections, reveal details about the location of the resort and the relocation of several buildings at Ft. Wilderness. Even more new Star Wars Land information has been released and the guys discuss their thoughts on the wristband policy and storm troopers kicking guests out of the land. Disneyland will also use a Virtual Queue for Star Wars Land after the initial reservation period. Disney World will have extra, extra magic hours during the first few months of Star Wars Land being open. The guys debate how may people will really show up at Hollywood Studios at 6am. Damon is taking a trip to Silver Dollar City and he gives the guys all the details on his upcoming trip. In the resort speed round, the guys quickly give their thoughts on Hollywood Studios new logo, the new BBQ restaurant in Toy Story Land, Play Pavilion at Epcot and MagicBand upgrades. The guys discuss a rumor about a new ride being developed for Hollywood Studios called a 'black box'. This ride would be able to be completely changed overnight. The guys debate their feelings about this rumor.

In episode 54, Trevor and Tom discuss a recent rule change by DVC that gives them more flexibility with Use Years. There are a bunch of Galaxy's Edge updates that the guys talk about including new toys, the reservation system at Disneyland, rumors about roaming droids and the potential name of the Star Wars hotel. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway is coming to Disneyland, but will be delayed at WDW. The guys discuss their thoughts on this announcement. Rivers of Light is getting an upgrade even though it just opened a few years ago. HalloWishes will be replaced with a new nighttime show and there is a rumor that WDW will not debut a new nighttime show for it's 50th Anniversary.

In episode 53, Tom and Trevor catch up on some listener email about buying resale or direct and what the resale market will look like for the Riviera. Disney recently changed their Bell Service fees to include a $6 charge for groceries delivered to your hotel room. The guys discuss their thoughts on this change for DVC Members. The Star Wars DVC Galactic Gathering was cancelled after possible lack of interest. On ride PhotoPass is now available for the Haunted Mansion and the guys discuss other rides they wish had PhotoPass. This summer, Disney will offer Villain themed After Hours events which include special food, merchandise and a stage show. The guys debate whether this special event is worth the cost. There are several new nighttime shows coming to Disney parks over the next few months and the guys give their thoughts on recent updates given about these shows. There is a rumor that Epcot will be replacing the Agent P attraction in the World Showcase with a DuckTales themed game. In other Epcot rumors, the guys discuss some new rumors about the upcoming re-imagining taking place at Epcot over the next several years.

In episode 52, the guys welcome special guest Drew from DVC Rental Store. Drew answers all the questions sent in by listeners about renting DVC points and renting out points as a DVC member. The Riviera resort finally has an opening date, price, point charts and model rooms. The guys discuss their thoughts on this recently announced news. DVC is hosting a special Star Wars party that is controversial among some members. The guys debate if this party is worth the high cost. Disney announced that there will be new restrictions on strollers, smoking in the parks and ice in coolers. The guys discuss what they think of these new rules. The personalized bricks around the entrance of Magic Kingdom and the TTC are being removed and the guys give their thoughts on their removal. There is a rumor that a Frozen 2 VR experience will be coming to the Void when the new movie is released.

In Episode 51, the guys answer a bunch of questions from the listeners about DVC and Disney trip planning. Mike asks the guys what they think about his plan to pay for a newly purchased DVC contract and Annual Dues by renting excess points. Lori asks the guys how they structure their Disney trips on a daily basis. Caitlin writes in looking for opinions on how to manage a large group joining her on vacation at Disney. Brian asks the guys their thoughts on what contracts he should buy to get started with DVC. Opening dates have been announced for both Star Wars: Galaxy Edge lands and they are WAY earlier than anyone thought. The guys discuss their feelings on the early opening and all the other interesting details about the opening of these lands. Demolition permits have been filed at Epcot and among the casualties are Club Cool, Starbucks and Innoventions West. The guys lament the loss of these buildings, but mostly Club Cool (#SaveBeverly). A new rumor says that the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular will see some major upgrades before 2021 and the guys debate what could change with the show.

The guys celebrate the return of Damon to the show and the 50th Welcome Home Podcast Episode! A listener writes in to ask if DVC Perks are worth the extra cost of buying direct. The Riviera has finally declared some DVC points and should be on sale soon. The guys discuss their thoughts on the potential point values of the rooms and whether they would buy in. Disney recently announced that the Wonders of Life pavilion will soon transform into an interactive play 'city' and that the park entrance will be getting a makeover. The guys discuss what they think of these upcoming changes at Epcot. The guys speculate about a mysterious structure on a Dinosaur ride vehicle and debate what new construction walls at the International Gateway could be. Disney recently released tons of new information about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge including food, merchandise, ride walk throughs and more. The guys give their thoughts on these new details and what they are excited about. There is a rumor that Disney is considering selling FastPasses for Galaxy's Edge and the guys debate if Disney should sell them and what the price point should be.

Trevor and Tom revisit their conversation about the 2020 point reallocation from last episode after listener feedback. While revisiting this topic, the guys also discuss the "Lock off Premium" that was part of the 2020 point reallocation. Copper Creek declares more units and is heading towards selling out. Disney has filed permits for a permanent security checkpoint between Bay Lake Tower and Magic Kingdom. The guys discuss their thoughts on this permit and how it effects members stay at Bay Lake. Disney is currently testing utilizing smart speakers in guest rooms and the guys discuss how they'd like to see this technology used. Another piece of the Riviera has been revealed by Disney, this time it's an area called the Voyageur's Lounge. A Coco show is coming to the Mexican pavilion at Epcot and a Lion King show is debuting at California Adventure. Kevin from Up is now roaming around Animal Kingdom and the guys talk about their thoughts on roaming characters making a comeback. World of Color is set to return to Disneyland after a lengthy refurbishment. IllumiNations replacement at Epcot is starting with a mysterious structure in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon and the guys debate what it could be.

Trevor is back from his Disney World trip and gives us a trip report including reviews of the Wreck It Ralph VR experience, Magic Kingdom Dessert party and Disney After Hours. Disney released even more details about the upcoming Riviera resort including the rooftop restaurant, new renderings and a new room category, Tower Studio! The guys discuss their thoughts on this 2 person, compact room and the other amenities of this resort. Booking is now available for cash stays, with points reservations coming soon. After overwhelming negative guest feedback, DVC has walked back it's decision to reallocate 2020 points. They guys give their thoughts on this back track from DVC. Disney announced a new VIP tour that costs $12,000 and includes a tour of suite in Cinderella Castle. Initial testing is underway on the Disney Skyliner and new characters have been added to the Gondola lineup! ShopDisney is now offering the ability to customize official Disney apparel. Project Stardust in underway at Disneyland in preparation for Star Wars Land and the guys discuss their thoughts on these updates. Disney is rumored to be closing a loophole in the FastPass system and the guys discuss the impact of this change.