Disney Club - How much use BEFORE your trip?

[mm6mm6]

When I first researched our trip this past June 2002, I found the only real deal to be joining the Disney Club for $29.99 since we needed to go during peak summer time. There didn't seem to be many other deals out there anyway. So we joined and booked our trip. But I was amazed that I saved around $150 in restaurant 20% discounts from the Entertainment part of the card before we even left for WDW. And we bought stuff at our two local Disney Stores before we went so we would have some Disney clothes to wear (matching tshirts and even the matching Mickey/Minnie dresses and button down shirt for DW, DD and me (DH). After the trip, we decorated our daughter's bedroom in Jesse from Toy Story 2. The rug, the throw pillow, shams, sheets, bed spread, mirror, wall pegs...the whole shebang! Along with our $50 package and our $300 resort stay savings, I'd estimate $700 in savings since enrolling. We used it at WDW too. We re-joined again for the last year (2003) and already we are planning to try two new restaurants 5 minutes from our house that give the 20% discount here in the Chicago area. I am going to total up my savings this time for calendar year 2003 and see how much I save. How much have you saved? And where do you like using your Disney/Entertainment card?

 

[TreeOfLife]

I've been a member for two years and renewed recently. But in all honesty, I see my savings only at the DS. I never book packages and even with Disney's new options I would never book a room without ensuring it is the best price I can get. That means I scour all over the Internet and use every resource available to save me a couple of thou..

So before I use my DC card I make sure that nothing else will give me a heftier discount. Most times, however, something else offers a better deal. The restaurants in my area that will take the DC card are limited, and car shops and stores often issue coupons in promos with greater savings. I do not stay in nearby hotels. So, I don't get to use it that often in my area.

I get my money's worth with the purchase of APs, and the occasional purchase at the DS.

But definitely it is a must to check out membership benefits and when it may offer the best deal!

 

[kayeandjim00]

I totally agree with you, just with the discounts at the Disney Store we pay for the Disney Club membership. I haven't tried using it at any restaurants really but did use one of the coupons that they sent in their mailings for our local Buca's and got a nice discount. The savings at WDW more than pay for the membership as well. I just renewed (too bad it's the last year) and already saved 125 on our reservation for our room so it paid for itself many times over! It's definitely a great deal if you really use it! By the way I noticed in your signature that you stayed at CBR last year.. we are staying there in May, what did you think of it?!

 

[mm6mm6]

We absolutely loved the CBR! We are going to CSR only to change for the sake of change and because it is supposed to be very similar. My daughter loved the lake to putter in (you're not allowed to "swim" but she sure splashed alot!) and the pools and white sand beach and hammocks were outstanding. We had a waterview room which could not have been cleaner! It was just perfect! We stayed in room 4251 in Jamaica. The walk to the dining area wasn't bad and you can see the Epcot fireworks from the island. You'll like it I'm sure!