As you begin your Walt Disney World vacation inevitably you will check-in to your Disney resort hotel.  Often times during your check-in process you will hear a Disney Cast Member say “Welcome Home!”  One of Disney World’s core values is making sure all of their guests feel welcome.  A simple “Welcome Home” gives resort guests a feeling of comfort and that Disney World is their home during their stay. 

For Disney Vacation Club members the phrase “Welcome Home” has a somewhat different meaning.  It’s true that DVC members do own a small part of their resort, so in essence it is home.  However, something special happens each Wednesday at the Atlantic Dance Hall on Disney’s Boardwalk giving DVC members a more welcome feeling.   

DVC holds a weekly event for its members called ‘Welcome Home Wednesdays.’  The event starts promptly at 4:00PM and is free; however, you will need to show your DVC membership card to enter.  Once inside you will be given a name tag and a raffle ticket for a chance to win some nice DVC door prizes.  

So, what is this event all about and why should you attend it?  The first reason is so DVC members have an opportunity to join together and meet each other.  It gives members a sense of community and an opportunity to discuss their membership experiences.  Secondly, it allows DVC to provide members with updates on new information and current happenings with the Disney Vacation Club.  Who knows, you may find yourself leaving this event deciding to add more DVC points at the newest DVC resort, or excited about the announcement of a new pool addition to a current vacation club resort.  Lastly, there is more fun to this event.  DVC does raffle and give-a-way some nice DVC merchandise.  Additionally, everyone leaves with a free DVC gift.  Be sure to pick yours up before you leave the event. 

The main event during this gathering is a game show hosted by the First Lady of the Disney Vacation Club; Ms. Deevy See.  It’s a ‘Jeopardy’ style game show with contestants who are selected from the audience.  It includes answers and questions about various DVC trivia.  Winners of the game show also receive some nice DVC merchandise. 

There are a few more tidbits of information you should know.  There is free food and beverage during the event.  This would include various snacks like potato chips, cookies, and popcorn.  Beverages range from soft drinks to tea and lemonade.  The food and beverage offerings will vary from week to week.

‘Welcome Home Wednesdays’ lasts a little more than an hour.  It’s a great way to take an afternoon break from the parks.  In fact, a good touring strategy would be to visit EPCOT or Hollywood Studios in the morning, go back to your resort, attend ‘Welcome Home Wednesdays’ at Disney’s Boardwalk at 4:00PM, then visit EPCOT or Hollywood Studios in the evening.  Since EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and the Atlantic Dance Hall are in close proximity, and they all share boat service transportation you’ll find everything very convenient. 

‘Welcome Home Wednesdays’ is a fun event and does provide a nice, relaxing break from the parks.  If you’ve never attended this event make sure to give it a try.  It’s worth attending at least once; however, I would not go every Wednesday during every trip to Disney World.  Attending this event every once in a while when it fits into your family’s touring schedule is much more appealing.  After all you are home, and in case you forgot, you’ll be reminded every time you hear a resort Cast Member say “Welcome Home!” 

Next Up:  A pageantry of lights outside the Magic Kingdom, and they float….