10 days to go - Any Bargains for new DVCer?

[DVC_Dreamer]

Wow! Nice even number of 10 days to go before our first trip home to BLT. (7 working days)

With just 10 days left before we leave, we still not decided on a couple things. DDP vs. TIW card - I've read many postings and found a nice analytical spreadsheet. Need a bit more research before we decide. We are 5 adults planning on 8 evening sit down dinners. Do not plan on cooking on vacation this trip.
Rent a car or not - We've decided to take Magical Express from airport and if we rent a car, it will be if we get a late deal and it will be midway through our trip.
Annual Passes and how many? We have a nice chunk of change from Disney Visa and it will go for park passes. I believe we'll definitely do 2 annual passes and at least DW and I will do a return trip within a year. What's the cost with DVC discount?
To be honest, other than the annual pass discount, sort of underwhelmed with the other DVC discounts. Any other bargains or good deals anyone could share at this juncture would be great. Thanks all !

 

[dianeschlicht]

Annual pass discount is the best one offered by DVC, and with 5 adults, I'm quite sure the TIW card will be a better deal for you as well over doing DDP. We have found DDP only works for the convenience...not for any savings.

 

[gray52]

Wow! Nice even number of 10 days to go before our first trip home to BLT. (7 working days)

With just 10 days left before we leave, we still not decided on a couple things. DDP vs. TIW card - I've read many postings and found a nice analytical spreadsheet. Need a bit more research before we decide. We are 5 adults planning on 8 evening sit down dinners. Do not plan on cooking on vacation this trip.
Rent a car or not - We've decided to take Magical Express from airport and if we rent a car, it will be if we get a late deal and it will be midway through our trip.
Annual Passes and how many? We have a nice chunk of change from Disney Visa and it will go for park passes. I believe we'll definitely do 2 annual passes and at least DW and I will do a return trip within a year. What's the cost with DVC discount?
To be honest, other than the annual pass discount, sort of underwhelmed with the other DVC discounts. Any other bargains or good deals anyone could share at this juncture would be great. Thanks all !

Remember... you're pre-paying for your hotel for the next "X" number of years... nothing more is guaranteed.

Annual pass savings is $106.50

DDP vs TIW... the DDP all depends on your eating habits... and the TIW card depends on if you can limit yourself to the participating restaurants. We never eat desserts, so the DDP doesn't really work for us. Also remember... Disney wouldn't offer either of these if, on average, they didn't make a profit off them.

 

[Lynne M]

Be sure to check out the full list of current discounts on dvcmember.com.

Mousesavers lists loads of discounts for AP holders and the general public.

Regarding the discounts from DVC....remember, they're not part of your membership. Don't assume you'll get any discounts as a member. They're offered by related Disney businesses (Disney Parks, etc) and other companies (restaurants, stores, etc.), not DVC.

 

[Sandisw]

We have opted for a mix of the TIW card and the DxDDP plan. Since we are switching resorts mid trip anyway, I segmented my first night at BLT from the other two.

I got the DxDDP for that one night. Our plans are to use it for CRT (2 credits) and 1900 Park Fare (1 credit). Given the cost of the plan and the cost of those meals, it works out better, especially for my cousin who is 6.

The rest of the time, though, it is better to use TIW since the meals are not that much, plus I will be visiting again in February and will be going next year before my TIW will expire.

We also have a car rented right now for a few days and are doing exactly what you are thinking about. We will take ME to/from airport and then currently will be picking it up/returning from the Dolphin but are wondering if it would make more sense to just take taxis since we only plan to use it to go to DTD, on the move day from BWV to BLT, and then to AK.

Good luck with your decisions!!!

 

[superteachnj]

What does TIW stand for? Thanks!

 

[Disneypubgal]

What does TIW stand for? Thanks!

Tables in Wonderland

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

We have opted for a mix of the TIW card and the DxDDP plan. Since we are switching resorts mid trip anyway, I segmented my first night at BLT from the other two.

I got the DxDDP for that one night. Our plans are to use it for CRT (2 credits) and 1900 Park Fare (1 credit). Given the cost of the plan and the cost of those meals, it works out better, especially for my cousin who is 6.

The rest of the time, though, it is better to use TIW since the meals are not that much, plus I will be visiting again in February and will be going next year before my TIW will expire.

We also have a car rented right now for a few days and are doing exactly what you are thinking about. We will take ME to/from airport and then currently will be picking it up/returning from the Dolphin but are wondering if it would make more sense to just take taxis since we only plan to use it to go to DTD, on the move day from BWV to BLT, and then to AK.

Good luck with your decisions!!!

when I just did my first stay at the BLT's in June, I was doing 3 moves with my DVC points. I just asked, well, I was told first and found out, that if I just ask the DVC person in the lobby of the BLT, they arranged for me to be moved! Each time I left, I never paid for transportation. They took my bags and bought me when I wanted to go!
I just tipped! maybe that is an option for you?