Any DVC discounts if you're not staying onsite?

[JudyS]

I'm heading down to Orlando next week. This trip was planned at the last minute, since Dh became ill during our most recent trip to WDW in October and wasn't able to do much. (He spent part of the trip in Celebration Hospital.) Luckily, he recovered quickly, and now we'll try again!

Because this was planned so late, we are staying offsite. Are we entitled to any of the DVC discounts at restaurants, etc? If we go to the Boardwalk (there is a party for members on December 28th), do we qualify for free valet parking? And, do we qualify for free parking at the parks, like AP holders do?

I've read the "Member Perks Pages" but they seem ambiguous. In some places it says that you just need to show your DVC member card for discounts and free parking; other times it says that you need a room key, too. Anyone know?

Thanks in advance!

 

[crcormier]

The dining discounts are still applicable, and I think the valet should be as well, but I'm not positive.

I think the reason we get free parking in the park is from staying at a Disney resort. (Anyone who has a valid parking pass from a Disney resort gets free parking at the parks, it doesn't matter which resort.)

 

[DebbieB]

You could use all the benefits except pool hopping & UPH pass discount. You could get free valet parking at the DVC resorts. DVC membership itself does not include free theme park parking (it is included when you stay onsite), so you would have to pay to park at the theme parks (unless you have an AP).

 

[bwvBound]

We just returned from an off-site visit. We were armed with both DVC member card and brand-new Annual Passes. We found that waving the DVC Member card did provide free parking at the theme parks (and can be spotted/approved faster than waving the APs), cleared us at the resort gates when we wanted to tour SSR, provided a discount for our Segway tour, and discounts at some restaurants. (Although the AP did better on restaurant perks.)

We were quite surprised when the SSR Spa offered discounted services based on the DVC Member card even after we reminded them that we were staying offsite. Maybe it was a slow week.... ?

 

[JudyS]

This sounds good! Thanks!