Dave Wants his DVC - 167 of The Disney Exchange Podcast

The Disney Exchange is Lisa, Dave, and me Nick 

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We start off talking about changes coming to Be Our Guest restaurant at Walt Disney World.

Our main topic is a discussion of Disney's Vacation Club, aka DVC, The 3 of us talk about price changes, resale pros and cons, value vs. cost, etc.

The Wheel of Distiny topic was contributed by from listener Christine: If you were a pet friendly theme park what pet friendly attractions would you open? 
 
As this week's episode proves, we love Wheel of Distiny topics from our listeners, and would most certainly appreciate Show Suggestions so please check us out and make requests on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedisneyexchange  or Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyexchange   

If you would be so kind as to leave us a 5 star review on any of the social media sites, such as Facebook or iTunes, we’d really appreciate it. Thank you!

Walt Disney World's 20th Anniversary Press Kit

By: Nick   

I don't know where I got this Walt Disney World 20th Anniversary Press Kit. I also don't remember what I paid for it.
What I do know is, it's a fascinating look at a very exciting time in Walt Disney World history.

Let's turn the handle and see what pops up.

Roger Rabbit! A character now sadly absent at Walt Disney World.


Inside is a packet of information, and a small calendar covering park hours for the 3 gates at that time, The Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, and Disney-MGM Studio from October 1991 to January 1992.



The information included would make anyone interested in Disney park history, drool.

• An overview of some of the new surprises awaiting guests, such as "Spectromagic" and "Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3-D".
• 20 reasons to visit Walt Disney World, such as "Surprise in the Skies" a daytime extravaganza above and around Epcot's World Showcase, and "Sorcery in the Sky", a fireworks display at Disney-MGM Studios.
• 2 pages of Milestones, Attendance Marks, and Attraction Opening dates.
• Park statistics and employment info. 33,000 employees at that time!
• Pricing. A one day ticket? $33. 4 day pass? $111. Annual Pass? $190!
• Personalities available for interviews, such as Michael Eisner, Frank Wells, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Roy E. Disney.
• A list of the celebrities that would be in the "Parade of Stars" in the 20 Year Homecoming Celebration at Disney-MGM Studios. Stars such as, Sally Struthers, Art Linkletter, and Eva Gabor!
• Golf Course info
• Information about a new concept in family vacationing called the Disney Vacation Club.

And if that wasn't enough, there is a plethora of 8x10 glossy photographs, with information on the back.

The 20th Anniversary "Surprise" Celebration Parade.



Dinosaurs, I confess, I never ever watched.



Before it was Old Key West, it was the Disney Vacation Club Resort.



Muppets!



I miss Spectromagic!



I had the great fortune to see most of the attractions described and shown here, and I must say, a lot of it is missed. The "Surprise" parade in the Magic Kingdom was amazing, and "Surprise in the Skies" at Epcot was also spectacular. And while I know "Fantasmic" is incredibly popular, I am not a fan of the crowds, and preferred "Sorcery in the Sky" at the Studios.

Also included is a Vacation Guide.



The back cover of the folder.




I hope you enjoyed this trip with me down memory lane.

Throwback Thursday: Walt Disney World-September/October 2008 - Part 1

By Nick

Back before I got on Facebook, which led to blogging, which led to Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and now Podcasting, my only form of socializing via the internet was a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) forum called Mouseowners and then The DVC News Forums.

I met a lot of wonderful people through these forums, many of whom I am still friends with, and many I wish I had met and never got an opportunity to.

While going through the DVC News Forums WDW Planning and Trip Reports page to find some information for a blog article, it was a real trip back in a time machine to see my posts, and to see friends and acquaintances comments.

I thought I'd attempt to share my reports here. Some are very lengthy, so I'll be breaking them up into multiple parts, as I did when I initially posted them.

I hope you enjoy! I was newjerseynick on the forums by the way, if you were ever on these forums.

We begin with a trip on September 27, 2008 at 1:45 AM!  I couldn't sleep and got a grand total of 3 hours. Our flight left at 710am.

We used Magical Express and got to Pop Century by 10:20am. Our room wasn't ready so we checked our bags, and headed to Animal Kingdom.



We got FPs for Everest, and went to the 11:30am Finding Nemo the Musical.

Rode Everest. Even then, motion sickness made it a once a day event for me. The backwards part is a killer.

We had ADRs at Yak and Yeti for 1:PM, but we showed up about at 12:30, and were promptly seated.

We started off with the pot stickers, which were very tasty. For our entrees, Barbie ordered the Crispy Mahi Mahi, I had 2 appetizers, the Mussels, and the Sesame Ahi Tuna. The mussels were good, but the broth they came in was phenomenal.





After lunch we rode Dinosaur twice, with no wait.
After Dinosaur, we went on Kilimanjaro Safaris. I always enjoy the safari, but on this trip we wound up being held up for about 15 minutes, in an area that had no wildlife, because a pelican was blocking the road and another vehicle up ahead. And it was in the sun. And hot.

After that ride, we decided it was time to head back to Pop and take a swim.

I called ahead on the bus ride back, and our room was ready. We got back to the hotel about 4, and we were put in the 1990s section.



We swam and relaxed till about 6, then headed to the food court for dinner. I had the Fried Chicken Special, and a couple Coronas. I had not discovered "craft beer" at that point.

Barbie had the Greek Salad and OJ.

We were in bed by 9PM, party animals that we are. 

Please stop back next Thursday for Part 2!

Disney Vacation Club Merchandise From the Disney Cruise Line

By Nick

Back at the end of May of 2012, my wife and I took cruise to Alaska on the Disney Wonder, and we received several nice giveaway items, and even won a couple of prizes, from the Disney Vacation Club!

On our first evening, after enjoying the “Welcome Aboard” show in the Walt Disney Theater, we returned to our room to find this magnet on our door…

 
… and this package on our bed.

 

Inside were lanyards and buttons.

 

 

The next morning we attended the Welcome Home Membership Celebration at WaveBands.

Upon entering, we were each given a hat, a pin, and a portfolio. There was a drawing, and my wife won a passport holder.

 

 

 

 

 

There were also free Mimosas!

There was a little contest for prizes. The facilitators divided the room into 4 teams representing the 4 Disney Cruise Line ships. We were in the Dream team.
Then they asked each group to nominate a representative.
Guess who got picked.
The contest?
Who could be the best hula dancer.
The team had 2 minutes to dress their reps and make them (me) look as much like a hula dancer as possible.
I had a beret put in my hair, a scarf for long hair, and I had a sweatshirt wrapped around my waist, and the topper, I had a few hats stuffed in my sweater.
I looked awful.
Or awesome.
You decide.

The 4 contestants were all declared winners, but really, I should’ve won! Each hula dancer got a DVC backpack, which came in handy during this trip, used to carry around layers of clothes and rain gear, and in fact, I still use it till this day.

On the way out, everyone was given a DVC bag, with the old logo.

Please stop back Thursday from more items from that cruise.

Disney World, Reasons to Smile: Story Behind the Photo

by Nick

There are several reasons why I'm smiling in this photo from nearly 8 years ago, January of 2007.

For one thing, it's sunny and warm. We had just flown in from the very dreary and cold Northeast United States. I'm smiling at the sun! It's also our first stay at a Disney Vacation Club resort, Old Key West. I'd rented points, and we loved it so much, we bought in a couple of months later. And finally, we're in Walt Disney World! How could I not smile?!

The Disney Exchange -Episode 003 Show Notes

by Nick

Podcast: Play in new window | Download 

-This weeks topic, the difference between DVC and Deluxe Resorts

-Dave talks about renting DVC points, and I refer to our first and only rental experience at Old Key West.

-Lisa and I explain that DVC Rooms have trash and towel service on the 4th day. Full service is on day 8.

-We talk about room sizes at DVC resorts, and the fact that a kitchenette/ kitchen is a great way to save if you like to cook.

-I explain that we never have need to use a microwave because of my immense stature.
I'm not fat, I'm big boned.

-Lisa immediately breaks one of her New Year resolutions which is to actually pay attention to Dave and me, and goes on to explain that she uses her kitchenette often.

-I give room square footage for DVC and we somehow find ourselves (okay, it was MY fault) discussing LAST week's show topic, transportation, again.

-Dave brings up the fact that some resorts are 100% DVC, such as Saratoga Springs and Old Key West, and I contemplate the next step after all the Deluxe resorts have a DVC Resort.

-Lisa and I disagree on which resort has the best location in relation to a theme park. It's Beach Club, and since I'm typing this, I'm right.

-Old Key West's, Saratoga Spring's, and Animal Kingdom Lodge's remoteness is discussed, and we all agree Animal Kingdom Lodge is AWESOME, especially during longer stays.

-Marathon Weekend (1/9-1/11) and the fact that there is no room availability on Disney property is discussed.

-I talk about why I feel having a higher floor at the Boardwalk Villas, and a Boardwalk View is important.

-Lisa rubs in tells about her Grand Floridian Villas point purchase and we discuss 11 month and 7 month booking windows.

-We talk about split stays, and the downside of changing resorts frequently during one trip.

-Lisa brings up the sizes of DVC Grand Villas and I get free and loose with Dave's money.

-We revisit the location of certain resorts to theme parks and, yep, I'm right, Beach Club is closer to Epcot than Bay Lake Towers is to the Magic Kingdom. I have no hard facts to back this up, but, again, my show notes, my rules.

-How cool are those Tree House Villas at Saratoga Springs?! Have an extra bed for me for free? Contact me on Facebook! :)

-Dave asks what our favorite DVC resorts are, and Lisa defers to me after accusing us of being snarky. My choice: The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian and I explain the many reasons why.
Lisa's is Bay Lake Tower, and Lisa gives her reasons, which apparently includes strange men handing her towels. We reiterate the greatness of Animal Kingdom Lodge.

-We spin the Wheel of Distany, and land on the Worst Counter Service Restauarant:
Dave's - Pecos Bills
Nick's - ABC Commissary
Lisa's - Pizza Planet

Choosing your Resort By Room Picture – the Deluxe Villas

By Shendl

If money was no object, or if you are a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Member,  and you could only choose your Disney Villa by a picture of the bedroom, which one would you choose?

The names are at the bottom of the article – No peeking!

Your choice may surprise you!

1.

2.

3.

4.

 5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Of all the Deluxe Villa Bedrooms, my #1 choice would be No10!
Which one will you choose?

1. Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House
2. Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village
3. Contemporary Resort - Bay Lake Tower
4. Beach Club Villa’s
5. Boardwalk Villa’s
6. Old Key West Resort
7. Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Treehouse Villa’s
8. Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
9. Villa’s at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
10. Villa’s at Wilderness Lodge Resort & Spa

Room photographs are from the Walt Disney World website.