This week's Disneyland Park Update at MousePlanet.com has some information related to future member meetings and special events at the left coast resort.

"Live with Regis and Kelly" is running a new contest with a grand prize that may be of interest to DVC members and member wanna-be's--49 years worth of Disney Vacation Club ownership.

DVC is in the midst of a long weekend of special gatherings at its suburban Chicago "Doorway to Dreams" sales center.  As promised, some special purchase incentives are being offered to attendees.

Last week several investors lashed-out at Disney, painting a less-than-flattering image of the immediate future of its theme parks division should the US economy continue moving toward recession.  On Tuesday Disney issued a report on its first quarter 2008 performance, and cited DVC as just one reason that the theme parks are in better condition than they were back in 2001.

To some the term "branding" is regarded as a four-letter word.  One of the byproducts of the homogenization of products under well-known brand names is consumer acceptance of sub-standard products largely due to name recognition.  But to Disney's Jay Rasulo, branding is a key element to their entire marketing strategy.