Welcome Home: A Disney Parks & DVC Podcast

In episode 34, Damon returns to the show and gives the guys a report on his latest WDW trip. The guys answer another listener question, this time about taking a baby to WDW and rider switch. DVC Members lose the recently gained ability to modify existing reservations shortly after it rolled out. The guys discuss the news that the controversial pet policy at WDW may be ending in October. The guys have a WDW Speed Round and discuss Toy Story Land opening, Magical Express, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, New Cars Stage Show, more Star Wars Hotel news, and the Play Disney Parks app. Disney recently filed a patent that will allow them to create interactive "Force Ghosts" and the guys discuss possible uses for this technology.

In Episode 33, the guys welcome special guest Russ from DVCinfo.com. The guys answer a listener question about a first trip to WDW and whether DVC will extend contracts at resorts. The DVC Member site has been updated with new features, including the ability to modify existing reservations and combining the Resort Availability tool with the booking tool. The guys discuss their thoughts on this change. Tom and Trevor ask Russ questions about the possible new DVC resort on the old River Country site, the Riviera, and his thoughts on buying where you want to stay. Disneyland offered guests the chance to preview the land a day early, but access came at a hefty fee. This paid preview event could be a test and the guys talk about where this test could lead. Disney is offering the chance to "glamp" at Pandora and the guys aren't sure what to think. The guys discuss a few new patents filed by Disney and what they could mean for the parks.

In Episode 32, the guys answer DVC questions sent in by listeners. We finally know what Project 89 is and as we predicted, it's a DVC resort! The guys discuss their thoughts on this potential new DVC resort. Disney announces new information about Star Wars: Galaxy Edge including free roaming robots, new information on the Battle Escape attraction and the name of the outpost the land is set in. The guys also discuss the recently confirmed location of the Star Wars Hotel. Annual Passholders at WDW are getting their own special event at Toy Story Land after the land opens. Damon is leaving for WDW in a week, so he tells us all about his upcoming trip. There is a rumor that Disney will employ a new patent for a long range wireless charging system at Star Wars Land. The guys discuss their thoughts on this technology.

In episode 31, Trevor returns to tell the guys all about his recent WDW vacation including a review of the Star Wars virtual reality experience and his first DVC stay. DVC Member Cruise dates have been announced and the guys discuss whether they are interested in booking it. Whispering Canyon Cafe cast members have been asked to tone down the shenanigans and the guys discuss their thoughts on this change. The annual report on Theme Park attendance for 2017 has been released and includes some surprises for Disney Parks. The guys discuss two recent patents filed by Disney that include augmented reality light sabers and an automated narrative builder. Star Wars Land at WDW and Disneyland have general opening seasons announced and the guys discuss how that might change their plans for 2019.

In episode 30, Tom and Damon welcome special guest Chad to talk about Reunion Station opening at Copper Creek Villas. DVC has released a limited time benefit to save points when booking a cruise using points and the guys discuss whether it's worth it. More information emerges about the mysterious "Project 89" by way of permit filings. The guys discuss what this mystery project could end up being. Disney has confirmed that the space themed restaurant at Epcot is still happening and will not take over the space where the Wonders of Life pavilion currently stands. The guys discuss what they think this restaurant will look like. Toy Story Land is opening next month and with it comes a closure of Toy Story Mania. Disney also recently announced that Slinky Dog coaster will end with a serenade from the one and only Wheezy. Disney World is now offering one day tickets with pre-booked fast passes. The guys discuss their thoughts on this new offering. Damon gives the guys a review of his recent visit to Busch Gardens.

In Episode 29, the guys revisit last episodes topic of the "First Welcome Home" benefit with poll results from Facebook. Copper Creek Villas are 50% declared and the guys try to tell you what that means (they may be totally wrong). Donald's Dino Bash is premiering next month at Animal Kingdom and the guys discuss what they'd like to see with this new offering. Woody appears in giant form at the Toy Story Land entrance. In a new segment called DisTech, the guys discuss Disney technology breakthroughs and what they could mean for the parks. This week, they discuss Magic Band Tech, the new Play Disney Parks app, WDW's new Solar Farm, a patent for interactive hotel rooms, new VR tech, and a patent for automatically adjusting a guests ride based on fear levels. The guys also discuss the rumored addition of bus wait times to the My Disney Experience app and the possibility of a new monorail fleet.

In episode 28, the guys discuss the 'First Welcome Home' offered by DVC to first time buyers. Disney will soon allow guests to open their hotel rooms with the My Disney Experience app and the guys aren't sure why. At Pandora, a man in a large robotic utility suit debuts and Damon is less than impressed. Early ride footage from the upcoming Millennium Falcon is released and the guys discuss their thoughts on it. We are just a few months away from Toy Story Land opening and we are just learning how FastPass tiers will change at Hollywood Studios. The guys discuss how this could impact their trips. Is a new permit filed for behind Star Wars Land the location of the Star Wars hotel? The guys talk about what they think the hotel will look like.

In episode 27, the guys celebrate the 1 Year Anniversary of Welcome Home Podcast! They discuss the newly reported details about WDW Club 33 pricing and whether it's worth the cost. New on-ride footage of the Millennium Falcon ride at Galaxy's Edge (aka Star Wars Land) is released as well as some technical details of the technology being used to bring this experience to life. The guys discuss how this technology could make or break the ride. Staying in Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks Blog announced that Woody, Buzz and Jessie will be greeting guests around Toy Story Land. The guys discuss this announcement and imagine what other characters could show up in this land. Could the ride system for the new Guardians of the Galaxy coaster have been leaked? The guys discussed the latest pictures of what might be the new coaster at Epcot.

In Episode 26, Trevor and Tom discuss the mysterious "Project 89" that is currently happening on the former site of River Country. Could it be a new DVC resort that was announced, but never built? The guys also discuss the controversial announcement that Disney will start charging fees for overnight parking at their resorts (but not for DVC Members). More details are released about the Club Level type experience at the soon to open Reunion Station and new details emerge about Disney's replacement for the recently shuttered Child Activity Centers. Club 33 gets another doorbell at Hollywood Studios and Wonders of Life is looking for an interior designer. The guys also discuss the removal of the Citrus Swirl at Magic Kingdom and it's quick return.

In Episode 25, Damon is back and the guys discuss the new DVC Member benefit of booking Disney Cruises earlier than the general public. A recent ranking came out of WDW area hotels and 6 DVC hotels made the list. Flight of Passage Cast Members are now handing out cards warning guests of the intensity of the ride due to guest complaints. The guys discuss their thoughts on this change at Pandora. Trevor and Damon give updates about their upcoming trips to WDW. Is IllumiNations ending soon? The guys discuss the possible loss of this show. Strange things are going on at the Wonders of Life pavilion and the guys discuss what this could mean for the long closed Epcot pavilion.

In episode 24, Tom and Trevor give a shout out to all the Welcome Home listeners who completed their "How DVC Are You?" quiz and named those who reached the Master level! The guys also discuss DVC making it more difficult for resale buyers to get Membership Extras. The annual Disney price increase has arrived in the form of higher prices for Annual Passes and regular park tickets. The guys discuss the impact of the increases. D23 Japan was full of updates for WDW and Disney Parks around the world. The guys share their thoughts on these updates. Trevor gives his tips on luggage choices while traveling internationally. Is a new hotel being planned for Epcot? The guys discuss some new information about this rumor.

In Episode 23, the guys talk about a recent DVC member survey and do a quiz to show how many DVC related activities they've completed. Go to Welcome Home on Facebook to take the quiz for yourself! More details are coming out about Walt Disney World's version of Club 33 and the guys discuss their interest in joining. The guys talk about some new rumors about a new name for Hollywood Studios and possible operational changes at Be Our Guest. The guys also discuss the new Minnie Van service now taking some guests to the airport.

In Episode 22, Tom is back from visiting DVC's Hilton Head Island resort and talks about his experience. Disney has filed additional patents for real life light sabers and the guys discuss how they think they'll be used. At WDW, Disney is running several pilots including going completely cashless at Animal Kingdom Lodge and opening your room door from your phone. The guys also discuss the new club level up charge now available to guests. A listener writes in asking how to sell the idea of DVC to her husband and the guys discuss they best way to present it. Trevor discusses his tips for traveling to Disney from international locations. And of course, the guys talk WDW rumors!

In episode 21, the guys are joined by Nick Cotton from www.DVCResaleMarket.com to talk about the upcoming price increases to Direct DVC Purchases and how that will effect DVC members. They also discuss the new security procedures at WDW resorts and daily trash pick up! To get ready for Toy Story Land, Midway Mania will be periodically closing parts of the ride and the guys discuss the impact on wait times. Plus, Annual Passholders are having a benefit modified and a long running Epcot show is ending.

The guys discuss their Disney Holiday traditions and read listener submissions. The guys also discuss the recent updates to Star Wars Land, the theater in Magic Kingdom, and a few attraction closures. Happy Holidays everyone!