Walt Disney World vacation planning DVDs

[gaysnappercarr]

I'm a big fan of the DVDs that Disney will send to you when you're planning a trip to WDW (or Disneyland). I think they are a great way to get footage of the parks and the resorts, and are a fantastic way to relive a trip - or dream about the next trip that you're taking.

I actually have a few (but not all) of the VHS's that they produced and was very happy when they made the switch to DVD.

I was wondering if I have all of the DVDs?
Are there any websites that even make mention of them?

I've done a bit of searching - but have found NOTHING about them at all - other than possible mention that you can get them.

These are the 4 that I have -









I check ebay every now and then - but have never found any other ones than the ones that I have - which might be a good sign that I haven't missed any.

Thanks for any information that anyone can pass along - and I suppose if I can't get any information I'll just have to make site of my own!

[Luke]

I've got three of those four. The last one, I don't have - when is it from? I believe there are different variations within at least some of these, as well. For instance, there may be one which emphasizes thrill rides for hip 20somethings but a different one for families with young kids, and still a different one emphasizing the relaxing aspects for adults without kids.

[gaysnappercarr]

Luke,
The last DVD pictured is the most recent one. The first place I saw it advertised was in the True Life Adventure releases. I just got it about a week ago.

[Disneykid]

I'm pretty sure that's all of them. I only own the last two, but I remember seeing the second one advertised in magazines around 2003 or so. I can't imagine Disney releasing Vacation Planning Kit DVDs before 2000 since they didn't really take the DVD plunge until that year. Because of that, I doubt they released another DVD before the first one (which is from 2001 I believe? That was around the time Disney did their "Where Magic Lives" campaign).

I'm really curious as to what the first two are like content-wise. The Happiest Celebration on Earth edition did a good job going through most of the attractions and sights, but the ADD editing mixed with the corniness of the hosts kind of hampered it. The Year of A Million Dreams edition captured the feeling of Disney parks excellently, but its focus was too general, making it feel like a really long-but-nicely-done commercial.

[gardener14]

There was also a dvd specifically aimed at the Disneyland 50th celebration that came in a cardboard folder (not a plastic case), and it had a retro design. The dvd itself also included WDW as a menu choice, but the packaging was all Disneyland. I don't know if the actual content of the disc was the same as one of the ones mentioned above or not.

[AwallaceUNC]

I've got the first three of the four that are pictured (have yet to order the new one). Luke is correct that there are variations within each of those -- I'm not entirely sure how to tell which one you have but I think that Maerj might, so perhaps he'll see this and post.

I also have the one that gardener14 just mentioned, and I think there might be one other Disneyland DVD that I have as well.

I'm pretty sure the "Where Magic Lives" DVD is their first. I remember there being a lot of buzz about them finally crossing over to DVD at the time. Before then, they sent out VHS, at least one of which is also in my collection.

There are also free DVDs sent out for the Cruise Line and for Disney Weddings. I have the latter and two or three of the former as well.

-Aaron

[Maerj]

Okay, I love free promotional DVDs, Disney World ones especially. I did post some of these before, but I'll do it again and update it here for ya.

"Make a Wish! Your Magical Disney Vacation" This is an interactive CD-ROM with WDW and the Disney Cruise Line.

"Where Magic Lives" This is the first DVD you have pictured. There were three different versions of this:

DVD-MLR-PRE This is the Pre-Family version, in other words single adults.

DVD-MLR-FAM This one is geared toward families with young children.

DVD-MLR-PST This one is for Post-Family, or 'older folks.'

"WDW Planning Kit" This is the second one you have pictured that was made for the Magical Gatherings celebration. I didn't find any variations on this one. Its a very long video that covers everything for all age groups, so the varations weren't needed.

"Happiest Celebration on Earth" This is the third DVD you have pictured. This is the one that has a DVD and a CD-ROM. There is one varation, AAA had one that has a minute intro on the DVD that wasn't on the regular version. It didn't come with the CD-ROM.

"Disney Park Where Dreams Come True" This is the last DVD you have pictured and is for the Year of a Million Dreams. No variations as far as I know.

"2008 Vacation Planning DVD" Ah a new DVD for 2008 with a VERY creative name! Lol, okay maybe not. But here is the new DVD anyway. This is pretty much the same as last year's DVD only there is a new section called "Recent Additions." So its a little bit of an update and it has some cool extras. It comes in a little cardboard package which comes with your family name printed in it and it will also say when you are coming. Kinda cool... hey its free!

"2009 Vacation Planning DVD 'What will you celebrate?" Here we go again, another year and another travel planning DVD! If you are a fan of these like I am you'll probably be a little disappointed with this one. It does seem to have a little more park footage than the last one and a little less of people walking on clouds. It features the updates around the 4 parks and the new attractions. It also has a nice section on special events. The packaging is pretty basic this time around. It comes in a small envelope with an insert with your family's name on it inviting you to visit WDW. The DVD itself is on a tiny hub which is glued on the inside of the envelope. If you don't have any of the other ones you should get this one, especially if you really are considering a WDW. This disc serves its purpose even though it doesn't have the entertainment value or nice packaging that some of the other DVDs have had.

"Disneyland Your Guide to the Happiest Place on Earth" This was for the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Disneyland. The DVD is only about 7 minutes long.

"Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings" Thinking about a WDW wedding? This is the DVD for you!

"Discover Disney's Best Kept Secret" This is the Disney Vacation Club DVD.

"Disney Cruise Line Vacations 2005-2006" Yup, you guessed it, a Disney Cruise Line DVD.

"Destinations Adventures by Disney 2007" The Adventures by Disney DVD, comes with softback booklet highlighting different vacation destinations.

Disney Vacation Secrets Revealed The all-new 2007 DVD for the Disney Vacation Club featuring all new material and even extras and Easter eggs! The highlight of this one though is a large hardback book called "Dream: Disney Vacation Club." Really impressive set! This DVD also comes in pop-up book packaging.

[Disneykid]

From what I've read, Disneyland's Happiest Celebration on Earth DVD is featured in its entirety on Walt Disney World's vacation planning kit for the same celebration (the third DVD shown in the first post).

[slave2moonlight]

I think I have those four selected and maybe some of the other stuff that has been mentioned. I probably won't ever take a Disney Cruise, but I wouldn't mind getting that Disney Weddings DVD, even though I have nothing resembling a love-life at the moment, ha. I have some of the vacation planning VHS videos from before the DVDs also.

I wish I had some of the DVDs and tapes sold in parks over the years, especially from when I was a kid in the 80s and early 90s, when the parks were in their prime. I did find a great EPCOT one from that time though at a Flea Market, practically brand new. I'd like to transfer it to DVD someday.

[QueenRahel]

i always wanted a disney wedding and have the DVD cause i WILL be having one soon (and i know my fiance/bf will be reading this post) it is a great dvd and i advise anyone who loves romance to see it cause it is magical romance in my book for anyone who loves disney......cant wait till its time in like a year and a half to have my dream come true!!! i have EVERYTHING picked out already!!!!! very expensive by the way! but definitely worth it for me!

[memnv]

who is your bf

[gaysnappercarr]

Maerj - Thanks for your list. It's good to know that I have 'all' of the DVD's that have been made available.

Even I don't have to own every variation (toddlers, single person, senior citizen, left handed, stocky, curly permed, glasses wearing, etc..... lol), and I'm one of THOSE people who 'need' to collect every disc!

I also have the DVC disc and the Cruise Line disc, but wanted to keep my post Park - specific.
From what I have read so far - it seems like I'm the only one who likes the Happiest Celebration On Earth disc (#3 pictured). I enjoy all of the hosts, and adopt their different personalities at least once during my trips.
It also has a GREAT, humorous trivia game that is fun to play!

[gardener14]

I want to add that I rewatched the newest disc, Where Dreams Come True, and it's my favorite. It's the only one I can watch repeatedly like a movie, and it brings back memories of the parks and makes me feel good every time. It's actually the only one I've watched many times and still enjoy. I especially like the way The Disneyland Resort is presented as compared to the brief treatment it received on previous discs, and I like the less hurried way WDW is presented. It's still fast, but not as dizzying as in previous discs. I also like the snapshots of guests' and cast members' dreams. Even if they are actors, I like them better than the overly chipper hosts on other discs...and the diversity presented among the people on the new disc is welcoming too. I know this isn't a thread about which disc is your favorite, but I felt I had to share after reliving it again last night and enjoying it so much.

[gaysnappercarr]

Although 'Happiest Celebration On Earth' is my favorite, I do agree 100% with gardener14 about the diversity of the people who are featured on the transitional segments on the new disc. I love to see that.

Maybe there will even be a day when there are more 'blended' families of different ethnicities represented.

And as far as this not being a thread about which disc is your favorite - - - as far as I'm concered ANY discussion about the vacation discs is welcomed here.
I think that they are majorly overlooked when it comes to Disney DVD discussion.

[slave2moonlight]

I just signed up for the Cruise Line and the Wedding DVDs. Ha, they make you put down the bride and groom names for the wedding DVD, which was tricky for me, since I have no bride. Hope the DVD doesn't make me too depressed, but it probably will. I wonder if they have a Disney Singles Cruise.

I don't really like that there are different versions of the DVDs. Wish it was one long and thorough DVD instead. So, are there any other free Disney DVDs out there? They have that new Adventure Club thing now. I wonder if there's a DVD for that... They ought to make a Disney Holidays DVD for the theme parks, covering Halloween and Christmas, etc...

[slave2moonlight]

I just signed up for the "Adventures by Disney" brochure, which does show a disc in one of the pictures! Adventures by Disney is a new program where you take vacations (all over the world) with Disney trained guides!

[Maerj]

How could I forget the Adventures by Disney!?! Yes, it does come with a free DVD inside of a pretty large booklet.

Also, they did make a DVD called "The Magic of Christmas at Walt Disney World" that shows the parks at the holidays, but that wasn't a free one.

[slave2moonlight]

How could I forget the Adventures by Disney!?! Yes, it does come with a free DVD inside of a pretty large booklet.

Also, they did make a DVD called "The Magic of Christmas at Walt Disney World" that shows the parks at the holidays, but that wasn't a free one.

I'd love to get that Christmas one sometime!

[Maerj]

Hello all of you Promo Disney DVD fans! Just wanted to chime in here with a new disc, the 2007 Disney Vacation Club DVD!

This a a great set! Its all an new disc from last year that even has some special features like a visit to the Disney Archive. What really makes this onee special though is that it comes with a large hardback book about the DVC. They really went all out for this promotional release, even though its just to get you to buy into the DVC, its a nice disc/book combo for collectors as well.

Also, I just updated the list in my post above with this release and and the Adventures by Disney DVD.

[Maerj]

Well, another update already!

Just got another Disney Vacation Club DVD in the mail today, but this one was in a different package. It came through the regular mail, not FedEx like the hardcover book edition. It looks like the same DVD but the packaging is in a small pop up book! When you pull the tab to get the DVD out, it turns the pages of the book. Some of the pages feature some pop up features, all in all, really cool! I think that if you just order one off of the website you get this one but if you talk to a rep on the phone you get the book. Either way, they have really gone all out on these. Both are highly recomended for the Disney DVD fan who has to have everything.