As I reported on at the start of the year, the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is celebrating its Silver Anniversary – 25 years since the first Disney Vacation Club started at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. As part of the anniversary celebration, DVC planned a series of Member-only events that were scheduled to take place throughout the year. The first of those events was the Disney Vacation Club 25 and Beyond Bash in the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida.

The Program for the DVC 25 and Beyond Bash

Held on two evenings, February 25 and March 3, 2016, the Disney Vacation Club 25 and Beyond Bash was open to Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests from 9:30 PM to midnight, though guests could enter the park as early as 7:00 PM. The event was complimentary to DVC Member and their guests, so long as they were staying at a DVC Resort.

The Attractions for the DVC 25 and Beyond Bash

On March 3^rd, I was lucky enough to attend the Disney Vacation Club 25 and Beyond Bash with my family and friends while we were spending the evening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas. After checking in at the Guest Services desk, we received our arm bands and headed over to the Magic Kingdom via the Disney transportation system. We arrived at the party at around to 8:30 PM, prior to the event’s official start, and were provided a guide with the list of open attractions and special events. Most all the attractions in Tomorrowland and Fantasyland were open to enjoy, as well as a number of special happenings in the park. The highlights of the evening included a the “Timeless Tunes” character dance party in Tomorrowland, a unique firework display at 11:30 PM, a meet and greet with Disney Vacation Club executives, and the coup-de-gras, free Mickey ice cream and other sweet treats.

The DJ Booth at the Dance Party for the DVC 25 and Beyond Bash

Once we entered the park, we headed toward Tomorrowland and rode Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Space Mountain before joining Mickey and Chip and Dale at the Timeless Tunes dance party. After grooving to a medley of hits from the last 25 years, we were hungry for our free sweet treats, so we located the nearest food cart and grabbed some Mickey bars, a few cookies and some lemonade to wash it all down. Needless to say, the kids were full of energy and ready to roll after our snack.

On our way to Fantasyland, we saw DVC’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, Ken Potrock, who was meeting and chatting with guests in front of the Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant. The DVC executives are rarely available in such a casual environment, so it was great to see them out meeting Members. Since we had three kids under 5 in our group, we opted to skip the adult conversation and headed to more attractions. After riding the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, It’s a Small World and the Prince Charming Regal Carousel, we decided it was time to call it a night, so we headed toward the entrance as the fireworks began. They were quite a sight to see, though sleepy kids forced us to head home before the end of the party.

The DVC 25th Anniversary Logo

Overall, this was an amazing event, with crowds limited to a bare minimum, which was appreciated by our impatient little Disney fans. Also, by allowing DVC Members to get a little “extra” out of membership, I think everyone appreciated their DVC membership a bit more, and also allowed Members to feel extra special. After this event, I am really looking forward to attending the next event in the 25^th Anniversary series, the DVC Neighborhood Beach Bash, to be held on select nights in June and July at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon! Keep an eye out for that review in the coming months.

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