In Case You Missed It: Summer Updates from the Disney parks!

One of the great benefits of being a Disney Vacation Club member is that you get to spend year after year creating fabulous memories at the Disney parks! Plus, when you purchase a DVC resale membership, you get the reward of knowing you saved thousands of dollars off direct Disney pricing! Things are updating and changing daily with so much in the works, so it can be hard to keep track of it all. Here are all the highlights from around the (Disney)' world' this summer.

Walt Disney World 50th anniversary update

Preparations are in high gear to get the parks ready for WDW's 50th-anniversary celebration, which kicks off on October 1st. Cinderella's Castle is all decked out with shining, shimmering, splendid turrets, golden ribbons, bunting, and "EAR-idescent" gemstones. Also, the golden 50th-anniversary medallion was just installed over the front of the Castle. It's the perfect time to update that profile picture with a family portrait in front of the new castle decor! In addition, two new fireworks shows will premiere for the 50th anniversary. Disney Enchantment will delight guests at the Magic Kingdom and will be the first time Main Street, U.S.A., will experience immersive effects. The highly anticipated HarmoniUS show will also debut at Epcot.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

This DVC fan-favorite Epcot festival runs longer than ever before in 2021! The festival began on July 15th and will continue through November 20th. There are several new global marketplaces, including Brew-Wing at Epcot (featuring chicken wings and local beers), The Tangierine Cafe: Flavors of the Medina (a Moroccan-themed cafe), and The Noodle Exchange (with menu items like Spicy Vietnamese Beef Pho). Live entertainment includes Central Florida bands on the weekends at the American Gardens Bandstand. Check out our DVC resale listings for BoardWalk or Beach Club Villas and enjoy a short walk to Epcot for the festival!

Shows and live entertainment return

No summer at Disney is complete without the return of spectacular entertainment. Don’t miss the new “Happily Ever After” fireworks at Magic Kingdom or the “Festival of the Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests are also raving about updated cavalcades, live shows, and special appearances that are back in the parks after a long hiatus. Stay updated with the latest entertainment schedules by checking Disney’s official show listings.

Restaurant openings and renovations

There are new updates to old favorites and reopenings of dining locations across the property. Ohana, a popular spot at Disney's Polynesian Resort, updated its dinner menu. Citricos, a signature dining location at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, recently refreshed its menu and decor to reflect motifs from Mary Poppins Returns. In addition, The Wave inside Disney's Contemporary Resort will close permanently and be "reimagined" as part of resort-wide renovations.

Buy a DVC resale with DVC Sales and become a DVC member today!

There's never been a better time to call the magic "home." As direct DVC pricing increases (one resort has reached over $300 per point) and membership benefits for direct purchasers fade, buying a DVC resale contract is the most affordable way to become a DVC member. See the price differences when you use our DVC retail vs. resale calculator. Our team at DVC Sales has over 25 years of experience selling DVC memberships directly for Disney, so we know Disney Vacation Club inside and out. Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What were some of the biggest summer updates across Disney Parks?
This summer brought exciting enhancements like refreshed parades, character meet-and-greets, and new dining options. Many updates tied into resort expansions such as the Polynesian Village Tower announcement, making it an especially magical season for DVC fans.

Q2: Did DVC members get early access to any new summer experiences?
Yes, Disney Vacation Club members often enjoy priority booking and exclusive previews for new attractions. To see more of these privileges, check out Top Benefits of Joining the Disney Vacation Club.

Q3: How do seasonal park updates affect DVC vacation planning?
Summer updates can make certain resorts or parks more popular, so early booking is key. Planning with your DVC Use Year in mind ensures you can take advantage of limited-time experiences while managing your points efficiently.

Q4: Where can I find more Disney news and resort updates like these?
You can stay up to date by following the DVC Sales Blog, which regularly shares insights on new Disney park announcements, resort changes, and member tips for better vacation planning.