Are you thinking about spending the Christmas Holidays at Walt Disney World?  Great! Do you have your reservation at a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort?  No?  As the little White Rabbit Christmas Ornament suggests,  “Oh my fur and whiskers!  You are late, you are late, you are late!!!”

Wait–what IS the Disney Vacation Club?  DVC (as it is known to members) is Disney’s version of a time-share program.  Rather than purchasing specific use weeks (like many time-share programs), within Disney’s program, members purchase “points” that can be traded in to stay in different resorts at different times of the year.  The December holidays are among the most popular to stay in a DVC resort.  DVC members can make reservations as early as eleven months in advance of their travels, so planning is always the key!

Yes, I know that it is only July, but the week of Christmas is a very busy one at the Walt Disney World resort.  Crowds are usually the heaviest at this time, and as a result, rooms at the DVC resorts are at a premium (and premium price as well). But don’t worry, I have some suggestions for you that may help.

Let’s assume that you are planning on staying from Dec 23, Sunday through Saturday Dec 29, departing on 30 Dec Sunday, a total of 7 nights. Let’s assume also that your family is composed of Mom, Dad and two kids.

Alright, you ask, when should I have made my reservations? In general, you should always make them as soon as your reservation window opens up. For your “home resort” that would be 11 months in advance; in our example you could have made the reservation on Jan 23. At that time, you are only competing with other members with that home resort. For a non-home resort, the window opens up 7 months prior or on May 23. At that time however, you are competing with all DVC members who are planning a stay at that time.

Making a reservation at your home resort will ensure that you have accommodations at WDW for the Christmas season. You can always try to change them in the event you wish to stay at another DVC resort other than your home resort, but at least you will be assured of a place to stay.

Let’s take the example of staying in a Studio at the Saratoga Springs Resort; the cost would be 152 vacation points. For the Wilderness Lodge, the studio cost would be 167 vacation points.

What to do if all the studio rooms are no longer available? There are several alternatives. First, you could choose to stay in a larger 1 or 2 bedroom villa instead, assuming one is available. The cost is much higher and you may not need the space nor perhaps want to spend the extra points.

The second alternative is to transfer some of your vacation points to reservation points at a non-DVC Disney resort. At Disney’s Port Orleans resort for example, you could stay in a standard view room for 183 reservation points. Although the cost is slightly higher since you are staying in a hotel serviced room rather than a resort villa, it opens up a wider range of possible places to stay. There are some caveats to choosing this option however.

There is a fee of $95 associated with moving “Vacation Points” to “Reservation Points”–the distinction being between DVC and non-DVC resorts. Also, once moved, the points cannot be moved back in the event you change your vacation plans. You can still make changes to your reservation though. There are a lot of considerations so check with DVC Member Services for details. There is one additional benefit for booking one of these resorts: they can be booked 11 months in advance–the same as a home resort.

If you have studied the DVC Vacation Points Charts you have probably noticed that staying over Christmas week is much more expensive than at any other time. But, you say, “I really want to experience Christmas at WDW.”  I have another suggestion for you.

Disney starts decorating for the Christmas season literally the day after Halloween. If you plan your vacation during the period starting after Thanksgiving until just before Christmas, you will find a lot of benefits. All the Christmas decorations will be up, you can still attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and parade, see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at the Studios, see Christmas Wishes fireworks display, attend the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT,  the crowds will be much lower and you’ll save Vacation Points.

If we take the same three examples as before, for a 7 night stay from Sunday 2 Dec through Saturday 8 Dec, the costs would be as follows: for Saratoga Springs, 95 points; for Wilderness Lodge, 107 points; and for Port Orleans, 146 points. Quite a savings of those precious Vacation Points.

The Christmas season seems to make Walt Disney World even more Magical than at other times. So, make your plans, get your reservations in place and make your ADRs (advanced dining reservations) and expect a wonderful, fun-filled Christmas experience at the place “Where (Christmas ) Dreams come True.” After all, you’re late, you’re late, you’re late !!!

Have you ever spent the holidays in a DVC resort?  Which do you think offers the best holiday experience?  Post your thoughts in the comments below!

Also known as DisneyDragons, Ron Thompson is a passionate Disney fan. He is a D23 Charter Member and a DVC member since 1998.  He has enjoyed 35 vacations to Walt Disney World, 26 to Disneyland, once to Tokyo Disneyland!

The post Spending the Holidays in a DVC Resort appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #131 for the week of August 9, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again.

While the introduction of new attractions, shows or promotions gets many people excited about Walt Disney World, hearing about a new dining experience for many is equally as thrilling. And when a new restaurant is being introduced that comes from the first and only female Iron Chef, the excitement grows into anticipation. This week, I am pleased to be joined by Chef Cat Cora, whose Kouzzina restaurant is set to open soon on Disney’s Boardwalk. We’ll talk about her background and career, as well as what this new dining experience will bring to Walt Disney World Guests.

With the recent introduction of new Disney Vacation Club properties at Kidani Village, The Treehouses at Saratoga Springs and the spectacular new Bay Lake Towers, I wanted to talk about not just the DVC in general, but about each of these new resorts. With three new, very unique experiences to offer Guests and DVC Members, I also wanted to look at some frequently asked questions about the DVC and how these new properties may or may not affect buying and selling DVC points. Shontell Crawford form DVCbyResale.com joins me to discuss these topics and more.

I’ll play more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

INFORMATION AND LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW

Click Here to Talk About This Week’s Show in the Forums

Come join the WDW Radio Show Fan Page on Facebook!

Be sure to watch the latest WDW Radio Videos from Walt Disney World!

Cat Cora – Visit her web site at CatCoraCooks.com and watch her “What’s Cooking With Cat Cora” videos on Demand at Disney.com. Get Cat’s recipies

Watch my video with Shontell Crawford of DVCbyResale.com about Bay Lake Tower

The Fantasyland Audio Guide to Walt Disney World
is NOW AVAILABLE for download and CD Pre-Order!

Visit the WDW Radio Shop for more information or to order!

————————–

————————–

From Glenn (Passamaquoddy)Whelan – The Pretty Good Movie Ride

Purchase siged copies of Lou’s Walt Disney World Trivia Books and Audio Guides to Walt Disney World in the WDW Radio Store

Please come and join us for an upcoming

WDW Radio Show Meet of the Month!

TENTATIVE Upcoming Dates:

The post Show #131 – August 9, 2009 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Hello my friends and welcome to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #116 for the week of April 26, 2009. Thank you for tuning in once again.

With the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios coming up on May 1, I am planning a number of segments looking back on its history, trivia, changes and hidden treasures, and this week, we’re going to start at the very beginning. I am pleased to be joined at the Studios by Disney Legend and former Walt Disney World press agent Charlie Ridgway, who recounts what it was like planning for the opening of a park whose original concept changed dramatically, and showcased the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood that was both real and imaged. He tells us about planning for the opening ceremonies, the many celebrities that visited and worked at the park and so much more.

I’ll answer many of your listener emails and questions this week, including vacation planning and Walt Disney World history and trivia questions. Some topics include Disney honeymoons, Disney dining, World Showcase music, DVC versus a Deluxe Resort, the Empress Lilly and so much more.

I’ll play some more of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171.

Visit the ALL NEW web site at wdwradio.com and talk about the show by visiting and posting in the WDW Radio Show message forums

Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

INFORMATION AND LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW

Talk About This Week’s Show in the Forums

Charles Ridgway’s web site – TravelPhotoRidgway.com

Be sure to watch Lou’s new Daily Disney Diary videos from his recent trip to Walt Disney World!

SOLD OUT!!

If you would like to be added to the wait list please send an email
with your name and number of attendees to adventurers@mei-travel.com. You
will be notified if tickets become available.

Please come and join us for an upcoming

WDW Radio Show Meet of the Month!

DATE: Sunday, May 3
TIME: 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Magic Kingdom at the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland
RSVP: Not necessary, but if you want to let us know you’re coming, post in the FORUMS or on Facebook

The post Show #116 – April 26, 2009 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show – your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week. This is show #61 for the week of April 6, 2008.

In this week’s Walt Disney World News, there is some important information coming from the Walt Disney World Resort about what the future holds for Guests looking to stay on property, as well as more from the resorts and the Magic Kingdom. The Walt Disney World Rumor Mill was quiet this week, but stay tuned next week for more rumors from the parks.

I also want to bring you what I can best describe as the Ultimate Guide to the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). I am pleased to be joined by Michael Collier, Quality Assurance Manager for Disney’s Vacation Club, who spends some time with me not only answering some frequently asked questions, but explains the process, cost, point system and benefits. He will also help clear up some of the misconceptions and concerns, explains what happens once you step inside one of the kiosks located around property, and so much more. It is an in-depth look at all aspects of the DVC, and why the Disney Vacation Club might be right for you and your family.

In my continuing tribute to Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 10th Anniversary, which is being celebrated in the parks this coming Earth Day, April 22, I want to once again welcome one of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Cast Members that works backstage to help make the magic happen for us onstage. He is a Zoological Manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Animal Nutrition Center, who gives us a unique look at just how the thousands of animals at the parks and resorts get their share of the exceptional dining options at Walt Disney World.

I’ll answer more of your emails about half-day tickets, the International Gateway, Darkwing Duck in Walt Disney World and more. I’ll also play some of your voicemails at the end of the show, so sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail at 206-202-4WDW (4939). Visit the web site at wdwradio.com.

Walt Disney World Spring Room Offer

More information about the 15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is available by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or by visiting disneyworld.com/flower. The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

Disney Vacation Club – Family Vacations At Disney & Around the World

Disney’s Conservation Initiatives

Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund

The post Show #61 – April 6, 2008 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #7 for the week of March 25, 2007.

This week, Lou is joined by Shontell Crawford, former Cast Member and owner of DVCbyResale.com, where they talk about the new DVC suites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, answer some frequently asked questions about the DVC in general, and how the new announcement affects DVC resales. She also offers some “insider” information about the rumored DVC resort at the Contemporary and future DVC properties! Cara Goldsbury also chimes in on her opinions of this new property, having been able to visit models of what the new suites will look like. Jonathan Dichter provides another great Voices Behind the Magic segment, and Lou features another Best of the Best at Walt Disney World with Shontell. Stay tuned for the first “Where in the World Have You Heard This?” contest, which should be a lot of fun, and where you can possibly win some great Disney prizes! So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show!

Jack Wagner, the Voice of the Monorail

Disney Vacation Club and the new DVC Resort at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Visit the official DVC site: Disney Vacation Club – The Worlds Best Family Vacation Club Membership

BEST OF THE BEST – Best “perk” of being a DVC Member? – Saving money thanks to the available discounts, especially up to $100 on your Annual Pass.

Cruise with Lou Mongello and Margaret Kerry (yes, the same Tinker Bell that you just saw on your new Peter Pan Special Edition DVD) on the Disney Magic! Join us for special events, Pirate costume contests, tons of free giveaways, private dining, extra fun things to do Castaway Cay, treasure hunts, trivia games, live podcasting from the ship, where you can help be a part of the show, charity fundraising events to benefit the DWT Dream Team and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and so much more! Everyone who books as part of our group will get special pixie-dusted items in cabins.

One of the things I’m happy to finally be able to announce is that at many of these events, you can participate and earn KEYS, end of cruise, one of your keys could open a huge treasure chest filled with incredible Disney Surprises and Merchandise!

There will be LOTS of things we have planned just for kids, too, including a special treat from Captain Jack Sparrow, treasure hunts, and more!

Everyone who books by June 1, 2007 will receive a very unique surprise before the cruise. During a wonderful, private event we have planned as we set sail, we will have a very special, very fun-filled drawing at a private event where one person will win a $500 Disney Gift Card that you can use on board! Of course, if you have already booked on the cruise, you will also receive the surprise and be eligible to win, so no worries!

For more information and a free, no-obligation quote

visit the Cruise information page

Thanks to Cara Goldsbury, author of the Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World for her insights into the new Disney’s Animal Kingdom DVC Villas and the new rooms to be built there.

 

Don’t forget that our first “Where in the World have You Heard This?” Contest is now going on! Submit your entries to the 10 sounds clips your heard to lou@wdwradio.com by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 8, 2007! Good Luck!!

New DisneyWorldTrivia.com server and forums upgrade!

During the week of March 19, the DisneyWorldTrivia.com site and forums moved to new digs! A bigger, better and faster dedicated server! Not only that, but we’ve redesigned the look and feel of the forums with a new color scheme, icons and layout – making them easier to read and navigate! Come by and join our fun, friendly, and welcoming Disney community, and be sure to take a look around the rest of the site (and look for more upgrades and new features coming soon!)

The post Show #7 – March 25, 2007 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.