Disney Trip Membership has been on a roll recently, bettering its Membership Extras perks at Walt Disney World and Disneyland to a level that we haven’t seen in a very long time. (Perhaps ever? It actually relies upon upon what you worth and have been in a position to make the most of.) This submit particulars the newest freebies which might be coming later in 2024 together with our commentary about this information and why it has us eager for the longer term.
Simply final week, DVC introduced the brand new lounge coming to Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. Whereas that’s been controversial amongst non-members as a result of it’ll exchange the opening day Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, it’s largely been met favorably with DVC house owners. Earlier than that, DVC launched a brand new Mates & Household Low cost of 40% Off Choose Deluxe Villas at Walt Disney World.
That is along with the rising record of Disney Trip Membership Membership Extras, which at the moment lists 305 Member Advantages based on Disney. Don’t get too excited–at the very least half of that record is both nothing particular or not even actual proper now (“briefly unavailable”)–however there are numerous worthwhile perks. See our Checklist of the Prime 10 Disney Trip Membership Member Perks for those that are worthwhile.
The most recent information is that Disney Trip Membership is introducing the first-ever Welcome House Weeks—a limited-time celebration from July 22 by August 24, 2024 that includes particular occasions, tasty treats and thrilling experiences only for eligible Disney Trip Membership Members.
First up is FREE ICE CREAM! This isn’t a drill!!! Deal with your self to a refreshing, complimentary Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar, ice cream sandwich or fruit bar at choose Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort areas.
Walt Disney World Resort:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Location: Tower of Terror Courtyard
- Dates: Mondays and Tuesdays, beginning July 22, 2024
- Instances: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Location: Higher Bradley Falls
- Dates: Thursdays and Fridays, beginning July 25, 2024
- Instances: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Disneyland Resort:
- Disneyland
- Location: Star View Station – a Member Lounge
- Dates: July 23, August 6 and August 20, 2024
- Instances: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Disney California Journey
- Location: Golden Vine Home, a Disney Trip Membership Welcome House Middle (Blue Sky Cellar)
- Dates: July 30 and August 13, 2024
- Instances: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Members who’re eligible for Membership Extras, plus 4 Visitors, might take pleasure in this profit. Legitimate park admission and park reservation required. Restrict of 1 ice cream bar, ice cream sandwich or fruit bar per particular person per week, per location. A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Welcome House Wakeup
Mingle with fellow Members for espresso and a morning deal with at choose accommodations at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Walt Disney World Resort:
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Up to date Resort
- Location: Prime of the World Lounge
- Dates & Instances: Coming quickly!
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with a Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Up to date Resort reservation, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required at occasion check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Location: Reunion Station
- Dates & Instances: Coming quickly!
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with a Resort reservation at Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required at occasion check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Disneyland Resort:
- The Villas at Disneyland Resort
- Location: Discovery Den
- Dates: July 25, August 8 and August 22, 2024
- Instances: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with a Disneyland Resort resort reservation, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required at occasion check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Restrict of 1 Welcome House Wakeup per week, per Membership; whereas provides final.
Welcome House Wednesday Wine Mixer
Benefit from the firm of fellow Members as you take pleasure in wine and appetizers at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa on the Disneyland Resort.
- Location: Wedding ceremony Backyard
- Dates: July 31 and August 14, 2024
- Instances: 4:30 PM to five:30 PM
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with a Disneyland Resort resort reservation, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required at occasion check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Disney Character Closeups
Meet beloved Disney Characters at enjoyable occasions at Walt Disney World Resort, the Disneyland Resort and past
Walt Disney World Resort – Enjoyment of an immersive Character meet & greet expertise, themed to the beloved story from the fan-favorite movie, Frozen.
- Location: Disney’s Up to date Resort (Ballroom Fantasia J)
- Dates: July 22, July 23, July 29, July 30, August 12 and August 13, 2024
- Instances: Coming quickly!
- Parking: There is no such thing as a Resort parking for this occasion. Members are strongly inspired to make use of Walt Disney World Resort transportation.
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with a Walt Disney World Resort resort reservation, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required at occasion check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Disneyland Resort – Don’t miss a Character expertise that includes a sketch artist and a rockin’ dance celebration!
- Location: Sleeping Magnificence Pavilion within the Disneyland Resort
- Dates: July 22 and August 19, 2024
- Instances: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Parking: There is no such thing as a Resort parking for this occasion.
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with a Disneyland Resort resort reservation, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required at occasion check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Disney’s Vero Seashore Resort – Be a part of a pirate-themed expertise that boasts some favourite Disney friends.
- Location: Resort Foyer
- Dates: Thursdays, beginning July 25, 2024
- Instances: Coming quickly!
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with a Disney’s Vero Seashore Resort reservation, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required at occasion check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort – Prepare for visits from beloved Disney mates and a pool celebration on the Resort, plus fireworks at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina.
- Location: Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort and Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina (situated throughout from the Resort)
- Dates: Tuesdays, beginning July 23, 2024
- Instances: Coming quickly!
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with a Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort reservation, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required at occasion check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Ice Cream Parlor
Benefit from complimentary ice cream served up at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World Resort.
- Location: Disney Trip Membership Preview Middle
- Dates: Coming quickly!
- Instances: Coming quickly!
- Parking: There is no such thing as a Resort parking for this occasion. Members are strongly inspired to make use of Walt Disney World Resort transportation.
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with a Walt Disney World Resort resort reservation, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Restrict of 1 ice cream serving per particular person, per week.
WDW Cellular Order Low cost
Obtain a 20% one-time-use low cost on a cellular order
- Location: Choose quick-service eating at Walt Disney World Resort
- Dates: From July 22, 2024 by August 24, 2024. Please verify again right here for the supply code and directions
- Instances: Eating Working Hours
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras (one low cost per eligible Member)
Lastly, a few free issues to do at Aulani Resort in Hawaii. First, you possibly can discover Hawaiʻian traditions with complimentary lei-making and hula classes.
- Location: Hālāwai Garden
- Dates: July 25, August 1 and August 15, 2024
- Instances: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to midday
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with an Aulani Resort reservation, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- Pre-registration for this complimentary occasion is inspired and out there at Hoku Hideaway upon arrival.
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required at occasion check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Second, strive your hand at a complimentary tote stamping and ʻukulele classes at Aulani Resort in Hawaiʻi.
- Location: Kīpuka Garden and Kaiona Ballroom
- Dates: July 23, July 30, August 13, August 20, 2024 (at Kīpuka Garden) and August 8, 2024 (in Kaiona Ballroom)
- Instances: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to midday
- Eligibility: Members eligible for Membership Extras with an Aulani Resort reservation, plus 4 Visitors (or the variety of further Visitors on the reservation)
- Pre-registration for this complimentary occasion is inspired and out there at Hoku Hideaway upon arrival.
- A sound Disney Trip Membership Digital Membership Card and photograph ID are required at occasion check-in. The Member listed on the Digital Membership Card have to be in attendance.
Turning to commentary, what’s most fascinating to me about that is that there’s no clear motivation on the a part of the respective resorts or Disney Trip Membership. Take the V.I.PASSHOLDER Days at Walt Disney World, for instance. Though it is a play to generate visitor goodwill, it very clearly serves the twin function of being supplied as a “perk” to entice individuals to go to the parks throughout a slower and warmer time of 12 months. It provides friends one thing, however it’s pretty minimal and certain doesn’t price a lot, whereas additionally growing the chance that they’ll spend cash on souvenirs, meals, and so forth.
The motive right here is much less clear. Welcome House Weeks are being supplied from late July by late August 2024. Positive, just about the entire dates in August are among the many slowest of the 12 months for the parks. Nonetheless, that’s not likely true for Disney Trip Membership, which operates across the similar sky-high occupancy ranges (give or take) whatever the week or month. By its very nature, DVC is mainly insulated from the occupancy curler coaster that ‘plagues’ the remainder of the resorts. (Effectively, barring a worldwide pandemic.)
Which means that this isn’t actually a transfer to extend bookings–and it wouldn’t work even when it had been. Nobody is making a call to e-book throughout this time of 12 months for a restricted quantity of ice cream. It’s the identical story with getting individuals to the parks. Whereas some individuals will journey for the Annual Passholder Days, they’re primarily aimed toward locals. Though there’s undoubtedly some overlap, Disney Trip Membership Members are a distinct demo–they’re extra out of state and, once more, aren’t going to get on a airplane for Welcome House Weeks.
So why is Disney Trip Membership doing this? My greatest guess is generalized goodwill is cause primary. Disney used to do much more little issues that they name “shock and delight,” that are little sudden issues that each shock friends and delight them. Many of those had been on a person stage, and have largely vanished through the years (you possibly can thank social media and other people discovering methods to hack or exploit these moments). Some additionally occurred at a bigger scale. Welcome House Weeks are arguably an occasion of that. Members visiting throughout these dates didn’t anticipate free ice cream or espresso, however it delights them in a method that’s disproportionate to the price for Disney.
The advantages of completely satisfied DVC Members needs to be pretty apparent, however however, it’s one thing that Disney “forgot” to an extent from mid-2020 to early 2023 (roughly). Within the couple of years since, we’ve seen the pendulum begin to swing again within the different route, with Disney Trip Membership “realizing” {that a} completely satisfied membership base is essential.
Maybe they’d this epiphany when deciding that they needed to concurrently promote like 5 resorts or no matter, and that possibly it might be helpful to that endeavour if present house owners felt good about their membership and had a want to purchase extra factors. So yeah, this too is definitely a mutually advantageous kinda situation and possibly advantages Disney Trip Membership greater than the person members within the greater image. Particularly given the cash at stake in the case of add-ons.
One other profit for Disney Trip Membership in the case of stuff like this, and even Moonlight Magic or the Member Lounges, is that it creates FOMO. That’s one other driver for gross sales. When non-Members see a few of the issues they might have in the event that they “simply” joined DVC, it helps push them off the fence. Particularly in the event that they’re diehard followers or regulars who would possibly as nicely make the leap.
Likewise, Membership Extras are a great way of shifting the needle on resales vs. direct gross sales, and will incentivize these on the fence to pay extra to purchase direct so that they don’t miss out on any perks. Suffice to say, it’s a strong gross sales technique from a holistic perspective–even when nobody goes to purchase extra DVC due to free ice cream or no matter they get from Welcome House Weeks, particularly.
To be abundantly clear, this isn’t tinged with even the slightest little bit of cynicism or criticism on my half. After all Disney has ulterior motives (loaded time period, however not meant within the derogatory sense) with “shock and delight” choices. That’s nothing new! They weren’t performing as a charity again within the Seventies by mid-aughts when this kind of factor was accomplished frequently. It was at all times accomplished with enterprise motivations in thoughts.
The corporate was simply so a lot better at not making itself really feel like, nicely, an organization again within the day. This can be a huge cause so many old-timers fell in love with Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Trip Membership, and many others., within the first place. As a result of it felt like Disney actually cared. And that was largely as a result of higher-ups felt like they had been upholding Walt’s legacy. Which additionally made them deal with frontline Forged Members nicely, who felt cared about in flip cared about friends. It was a “vicious cycle” of caring. It was nice. However I digress.
Actually, I like that Disney Trip Membership is doing Welcome House Weeks and assume it bodes nicely for the longer term. It may imply an enlargement and restoration of different perks, as Disney goals to each promote a ton extra factors and likewise entice followers to go to now that pent-up demand has pale.
The corporate recognizing that going above and past and making friends really feel heat and fuzzy about their visits is an effective factor that’s mutually advantageous and, hopefully, can be a philosophy that’s prolonged past simply Annual Passholders and Disney Trip Membership Members. If there are any doubts about this internally, maybe management ought to learn one of many many books written about delivering exemplary Disney visitor service and observe their very own recommendation.
Should you’re fascinated with becoming a member of DVC, remember to learn our Final Information to Disney Trip Membership. This covers the professionals & cons, resale v. direct, how a lot cash you’ll save, and different essential issues to know earlier than taking the plunge. Should you nonetheless can’t resolve whether or not membership is best for you, “strive before you purchase” with the suggestions in Tips on how to Save BIG on Deluxe Disney Lodging Renting DVC Factors.
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider the brand new Welcome House Weeks? Excited this can be taking place throughout your journey, disenchanted that you just’ll miss it, or do you not likely care? Long run, are you optimistic that this bodes nicely for Disney on target with extra “shock and delight” choices and attempting to exceed expectations, or assume that is only a one-off? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Share any questions, ideas, or further ideas you’ve got within the feedback!
