We printed out our free birthday passes Thursday. DVC sent us an email to sign up and we also found links at http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-disney-free-tickets-birthday-091808,0,3040162.story and at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index  [click on 'What will you celebrate?'].  We think it’s a nice gesture not just another advertising gimmick. Annual passholders will get a gift card. It’s never been done before and is a definite perk.

We also watched the Travel Channel Thursday night as they talked up the new and old of the Disney Vacation Club.  Finally got to see the Bay Lake Tower rooms which are sure to sell out quickly. We have been watching the construction carefully and will have pictures up by 9/30 as we are doing DW for Michael’s birthday September 26th. So DVC will have the Bay Lake Tower, Animal Kingdom’s Kidani Village, Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas, and the new wing of the Grand Californian at Disneyland all for sale at the same time. 2009 will be quite a year! We know the new cruise ships will go into service in 2011 and 2012, plus the Hawaii resort hopefully will be open in 2011. Am sure DVC has plans for something to open in 2010 as there is never a dull year. Good reason to watch my cholesterol and exercise. Oh the e-word! Will keep our Disney ears and eyes open for anything new to share.