Welcome Home: A Disney Parks & DVC Podcast

The guys answer listener questions on topics including best nighttime show soundtrack, D23 speculation, the best time to be a DVC owner, a Snakes on a Plane attraction, and a Carousel of Progress redesign. Disney announced that a new DVC lounge will open at Disneyland in 2023. Cultural Representatives are beginning to return to the World Showcase at EPCOT. Disney is exploring offering a subscription membership service similar to Amazon Prime. Disney announced that cast rehearsals have begun for “Fantasmic!”, signaling an imminent return. Disney adds Haunted Mansion and Pirate Voices to TikTok’s Text-To-Speech feature. Fall celebrations have returned to Disneyland including the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay at the Haunted Mansion. The guys discuss Halloween themed food at Disneyland.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including designing the next trackless ride, family Disney trips, and night time shows. Disney Cruise Line is offering a discount on select cruises for DVC members at the end of the year. Disney’s official skincare sponsor and guest favorite company, H2O+, announced they are closing their business. More details and photos of the upcoming Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana Attraction at EPCOT were released by Disney. Changes to the park reservation system have rolled out including the ability to modify reservations instead of canceling. WDW Annual Passholder’s merchandise discount will increase for a limited time in late September. The Disneyland app has added the ability to complement cast members within the app.

The guys welcome Derek & Marissa from DVC Resale Market back to the show to cover topics including trends in the resale market, Top of the World, the point swap program, best resort to buy or sell, and coffee. A timeshare license has been issued to DVC for the new Disneyland DVC Tower giving more details about the size and timeline of the project. Several popular tours are returning to EPCOT in October including Behind the Seeds and DiveQuest. Imagineer Zach Riddley shared a behind the scenes look at the construction of the upcoming Journey of Water attraction at EPCOT. Disney debuted new themed magic shots for Disney PhotoPass users at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Disneyland is now allowing current Magic Key members to renew their passes.

Damon returns to the show and gives a report on his recent WDW trip including Moonlight Magic at Typhoon Lagoon, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, new rides, and staying at Old Key West. Disney announced that Max Goof will appear as Powerline in the Boo to You Parade during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. At their recent earnings call, Disney gave some insight into park demand, park reservations and future investments in the parks. Soarin’ at EPCOT is testing a single ride line. With D23 just a few weeks away, the guys discuss rumors that a return date for “Fantasmic!” will be announced at the event along with a long rumored Wreck-It Ralph themed attraction.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including what’s missing at WDW, MagicBand+, favorite Disney coaster, WDW with a one year old, a Welcome Home cruise, hosting a D23 panel and visiting all 4 parks in one day. DVC announced another last minute Moonlight Magic event at Typhoon Lagoon. Disney revealed pricing for this year's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party. With school starting again soon, Disney released a list of their best back to school essentials. The Halloween season is starting at WDW and Disney released a foodie guide to all the Halloween themed food coming to the parks. Disneyland Resort announced all of the activities returning for the holidays this year.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including DVC for value resorts, Disney Parks time travel, split stays with young children, favorite park merchandise, and Disney+ passwords. Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro will present the latest updates on projects in development at parks around the world at the upcoming D23 Expo in September in a presentation called “A Boundless Future: Disney Parks, Experiences and Products”. Imagineer Zach Riddley posted a photo that represents the graphic style that will be used for the upcoming Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana attraction coming to EPCOT. Disney revealed menu items for the upcoming BoardWalk Deli.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including show crossovers, what’s missing from the parks, working at a DVC resort, fireworks with kids, live action remakes, and Disney Wish impressions. Disney announced that MagicBand+ is launching at the end of July. Victoria & Albert’s is opening soon and Disney released a first look at the newly refurbished restaurant. With the debut of the Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line announced new holiday events coming this fall.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including eating only one color of food for a day, favorite rare characters, new attractions, a role in a Disney production, food on a budget, dealing with line cutters and workplace pet peeves. DVC announced that it reinstated 100% point borrowing and new Moonlight Magic events this August at Typhoon Lagoon. A New York style deli is coming to Disney’s BoardWalk this summer. Disney is launching a service within My Disney Experience called “Where’s My Car?” to help locate your car in the parking lot. Dole Whip day is coming up and Disney previewed some special Dole Whip dishes to celebrate. Disneyland announced the end dates for ‘Disneyland Forever’ Fireworks and the ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’. The guys discuss rumors that the PeopleMover will reopen at Disneyland and that Star Wars Launch Bay will be demolished.

Damon is back from his trip to Tennessee and gives a trip report. The guys answer listener questions on topics including Top of the World advice, rating mini golf holes, preferred seating, and family dinner habits. Top of the World lounge is offering a nightly paid event through August that offers a cocktail, appetizer, dessert and a reserved table inside and outside the lounge for the fireworks show. The Carousel of Progress family now has updated clothing in the last scene. Disney announced that Splash Mountain will become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in 2024. More character dining is coming back to WDW later this year, causing a trip planning issue for Tom. Disney released a foodie guide for the Disney Springs Flavors of Florida event.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including best WDW tips, favorite food item, DVC maintenance fees, a ride about Walt, and WDW’s 100th Anniversary. The previously announced Disney Parks Around The World – A Private Jet Adventure sold out before becoming available to the public. The Brightline high-speed rail station planned for Disney Springs has been canceled. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique returns in August with new costume options and accessories. Disney released a preview of the food booths at the upcoming EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Disneyland announced some new benefits for guests staying on property.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including a WDW ‘Would you rather?’ and Disney shirts. A rumor claims that DVC is considering creating a paid member perks program called ‘Membership Magic Diamond Level’. Top of the World lounge returns in July with a pricey re-opening party, a new theme, and new rules for access. Disney patented technology for a 'robot sherpa' that could transport theme park guests' items. The guys discuss exclusive food items to celebrate the 4th of July. It’s halfway to Christmas, so Disney announced all the holiday festivities coming to the parks including a holiday overlay at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the return of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and many other holiday favorites. Disney also announced that holiday spectaculars are returning to Disneyland.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including ways to ruin a day at Disney, bragging about DVC and favorite Disney dads. Damon talks about his recent conversations with listeners about Hilton Head, his upcoming Dollywood trip, and mini golf. Adventures by Disney announces Disney Parks Around The World – A Private Jet Adventure, which takes guests to every Disney park around the world. Walt Disney Imagineering shares a look inside TRON Lightcycle Run’s ‘Upload Conduit’ canopy. To celebrate the recent release of ‘Lightyear’ Disney announced new experiences and merchandise. A rumor indicates that Space Mountain in Disneyland will be re-themed as ‘Lightyear Mountain’ as part of the upcoming Tomorrowland overhaul. The guys discuss exclusive Father’s Day food and new dishes coming to the parks this summer. Disneyland announced all of the fall favorite events returning to the parks this year.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including unlimited Lightning Lane for a day, the Brightline Train to WDW, getting Damon back to Disney, DVC staycations, food to bring to the parks and best mac and cheese on property. The remaining DVC Rooms at the new Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa were declared into the Grand Floridian Condo Association. Disney announced that the popular Minnie Van service is returning at the end of June. The Pirate themed rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will be discontinued in 2023. Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is reopening in July. Disney revealed the menu for Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, which is reopening in a few weeks. Imagineers are exploring ways to use aerial drones in nighttime spectaculars.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including owning DVC until it expires, Disney Parks book recommendations, activities outside of WDW, DVC add on advice, things that make the guys happy, and annual pass changes. The guys talk about games and tv shows they have been enjoying recently. A new restaurant called “Summer House on the Lake” will debut at Disney Springs in 2023. The actress who plays Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog” announced during an interview that the upcoming re-theming of Splash Mountain would be completed by 2024. The guys discuss new menu items at Sci-Fi Dine-in and 50’s Prime Time Café. Disney announced that “Finding Nemo: The Big, Blue and Beyond” will debut on June 13th. Disneyland has stopped selling all levels of Magic Key and is now offering a limited-time summer discount for California Residents.

The guys answer listener questions on topics including getting married at Disney, Damon’s future vacation plans, favorite ramen flavors, Tron opening date speculation, travel entertainment, DVC member cruise benefits, and Genie+. Top of the World Lounge will reopen this summer and the guys speculate on what changes are being made. The guys talk about cartoons including the new Chip 'n' Dale: Rescue Rangers movie. An Imagineer revealed in an interview that Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was originally themed to the ‘big bang’. Damon and Trevor discuss their love for the old paper FastPass. New Star Wars characters including the Mandalorian, Grogu, and Boba Fett are making appearances in Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland. Disney is asking guests to vote on their favorite churro flavor to celebrate National Churro Day. The guys review exclusive food coming to H2O Glow After Hours.