A few various questions

[cobbler]

I have a few questions of different variety. If anyone can answer it would really help me.

1 - If staying on points using one of the Disney collections, do you get daily housekeeping?

2 - If staying on points at one of the Disney collections, do you get the same perks as if you were staying at a DVC resort?

3 - If staying on points at one of the Disney collections, can you take advantage of the dining plan?

4 - I assume no but if staying on points at one of the Disney collections, can you take advantage of grand gathering type things if traveling with family who are not DVC members and won't be using your points?

5 - How far in advance can you book one of the Disney collections?

 

[spiceycat]

1 - NO! but most people find that they don't need daily housekeeping.

2 - you don't get all the perks - I don't you can do pool hopping.

3 - I have been told that even when staying offsite some restuarants will allow you the discounts if you have your blue membership card with you.

4 - I think you can but not through DVC.

5 - same rules apply 11 months before hand.

stay first at a one bedroom at any of the DVC resorts - before you start using up a ton of points for the WDW resorts.

you might not want to stay at just a hotel room after that. but give a DVC resort try first. if you like the MK then VWL.

if you like Epcot or Studios then BWV or BCV.

 

[RobDoc]

1)-- YES- you will get daily housekeeping when staying at non-DVC onsite resorts/ That is one of the reasons the points are higher for those options.

2)- You will get all perks available to DVC members (Free Valet parking at DVC resorts, dining discounts, PI/Water Park discounts, etc.) be sure to bring your blue membership card. In some cases, you may even have "DVC Member" printed on your room id and in that case can even pool hop.

3)- Currently, the dining plan is NOT available when using DVC points. Trips after April 1, 2006 may apply the plan. No word yet if it can be added to non-DVC resort stays thru MS (but, I'd guess it may be available for any onsite point stays).

4)- As long as everyone is staying onsite in Disney resorts, you can plan Grand Gathering events.

5)- All non-DVC options may be reserved 11 months in advance. Only non-home resorts need to wait until 7 months prior.

Enjoy!

 

[spiceycat]

oh boy I got to learn to read more carefully.

thank Doc for straightening me out!!!!

 

[1000th happy haunt]

4)- As long as everyone is staying onsite in Disney resorts, you can plan Grand Gathering events.

When I booked the pirate/fireworks cruise, Grand Gatherings had an 80-20 rule. A minimum of 80% of the people in your group had to be staying on site. The other 20% could be locals or staying off-site.

 

[cobbler]

Great this really helps alot.

I have stayed in a one bdrm villa and want to stay at a few of the deluxe non-DVC resorts before I really spoil myself and don't want to go back to a regular hotel room.
I know not the best use of points (believe me I know) but that was one of the nice things we bought for. I only plan on using points at non-DVC resorts 4 times - period!

Thanks for all the answers