Do you ever stay at a non DVC resort?

[twinboysmom]

Nope. Never did, never will. Since we're DVC members we'll always stay at a DVC resort. Belive me, it's much easier. This really isn't about DVC but I want to share this story with you: This July, we stayed off site for one night (the next morning we transfered hotels to Bordwalk Villas) we went to MK and we went on all of the good rides and then we went to catch a bus. We waited an hour for this bus to come. I was (and still am) pregnant at the time. So everyone was letting us get to the front of the line (beacause I was pregnant. But I was very tired and hubby was also tired. He He stood behind me to catch me if I fell. So an hour later our bus came. People were shoving right in front of us. We finally got on but there were no seats. This couple finally stood up for us. I fell asleep right into hubby's arms. I was sure that the baby wasn't happy about this. So we finally got to our hotel and I fell right asleep. We will never stay offsite again. I'm very dissapointed about this.

Can I just say this can happen while staying at a DVC resort. In May 2009 we stayed at Ak kidani and I was pregnant with twins, quite large and very obviously big pregnant. Had several experiences with pushy people, people allowing their fairly large kids push and almost trip me while I got off the bus, and during the stay not one person offered up a seat on a full bus. People can just be insensitive and rude.

In answer to the question, if we get in late we stay at a value instead of burning up points and before BLT we used to occasionally stay at CR for a MK view. Loved it, was quite the treat.

 

[El&Asmom]

Hmm. Trip to WDW at POFQ or no trip until 2012? To me that's an easy decision. (A stay at a value would be a tougher question).

We stayed at POFQ for a night before our OKW stay two years ago. It's a lovely resort, and I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again. We prefer CBR, but the mods in general are nice hotels with wonderful theming.

 

[photobob]

If it were the difference between going and not going, I would always pick going. Moderates are a significant upgrade from a value, I would say go for it and enjoy POFQ. I've never stayed there but have always wanted to!

 

[experiment818]

Before we bought into DVC we always stayed at a value, except for our last trip before buying in, which was at a moderate (POFQ). Since 2007 all of our trips have been to a DVC resort. We already have our next three trips planned which uses all of our points. In early August we figured we would try to get down there for Labor Day weekend and take the Tuesday off. Since all of our points have been allocated, we decided to try a value again (All Star Sports).

We usually like to go back to the resort in the middle of the day to relax by the pool and then head back out for the evening. This is where I missed my DVC accomodations. I really wasn't looking forward to going back to the resort in the middle of the day. Other than that we were able to "suffer" through four days at Disney.

 

[Swayhoover90]

Before we bought into DVC we always stayed at a value, except for our last trip before buying in, which was at a moderate (POFQ). Since 2007 all of our trips have been to a DVC resort. We already have our next three trips planned which uses all of our points. In early August we figured we would try to get down there for Labor Day weekend and take the Tuesday off. Since all of our points have been allocated, we decided to try a value again (All Star Sports).

We usually like to go back to the resort in the middle of the day to relax by the pool and then head back out for the evening. This is where I missed my DVC accommodations. I really wasn't looking forward to going back to the resort in the middle of the day. Other than that we were able to "suffer" through four days at Disney.

I understand the "suffer" part. Before joining DVC we had always stayed at moderate and deluxe resorts. We decided one year to take a "cheap" trip where we would go to WDW for a week and not spend the money that we would usually spend. We were still on the DDP and still went to all the parks but decided we'd cut back on souvenirs and hotel costs. We stayed at ASM.

To this day I joke with DW, DD19 and DS10 by saying "We are going to WDW but can only afford to say at a value resort. Who's with me?" They all look at me and say 'No way!" We hate the value resorts. Everything about them. The rooms are too small. The beds are too small. The food courts are too big and too noisy. Thank goodness for DVC!

 

[spiceycat]

well glad it worked for you.

one time when SSR was opening - the notice came out too late for me - all my points were gone. but still wanted to do it.

so make a reservation at Pop. Did not tell DVC and expected to go to SSR for all my stuff. got in the resort and dvc knew I was there.

Now lots of my trips are just me - so solo at a value was fine.

have done Pop several times since but generally when staying offsite (other timeshares)

 

[bobbiwoz]

I wouldn't think to ask my family members to stay off site or at other than a DVC resort with us. When it's "just" the 2 of us, we have gone off site once or twice when we were lured by a free or higly discounted special with Marriott points, for instance, or a time share presentations. Those weekends are the exception. I try to do other Orlando/Florida things when we're on that sort of trip, but because we have AP's we usually find ourselves doing something at one of the WDW theme parks. Our last off site stay was in May before our RCCL 3 night cruise. We stayed at the JW Marriott in Orlando, and that was fine, but yes, we went to DHS for the evening! I've done a night or two at POP, a resort that I do actually like when I've been unable to get a DVC room. These "other than DVC" nights are truly the exception for us.

Bobbi

 

[kimberh]

Before DVC I stayed Value and thought it was great. Then stayed at CBR and really didn't care for it. We stayed at CSR and I liked most of it. The beds are small. Love WL and AK hotel. These are all before DVC. We have stayed at some timeshares off property and used our car. Never took their buses. If I had a choice to go or not to go, then the choice for me would be GO!!

 

[kathyell]

I got the idea last year to take my daughter for a mother/daughter trip for her birthday, but the idea came too late for there to be any availability for me to use our DVC points. (I did do a wait list, it never came through.)

I ended up booking a cash stay with an AP discount at Port Orleans Riverside, just a regular room for the two of us. We had a great time.

I'm not going to say I didn't miss the washer/dryer or the full kitchen, but the resort itself was perfectly nice, our room was different from a DVC room but still more than sufficient, and we had a lovely time. I didn't notice a whole lot of noise and the differences in the room furniture/layout weren't enough to really bother me.

As that was really my only option to go at all (it wasn't a matter of not having points or not wanting to borrow, there literally were no DVC rooms available without us having to move resorts four times and pay one night on cash) that may have influenced my ability to just go with the flow. I didn't love having to take the buses to every park instead of just two of the four (we usually stay at BLT) but even that was fine because it was either this resort and a cash stay or stay at home.

I will say that I liked Port Orleans a lot, and I wouldn't have minded if we'd ended up at POFQ or POR, after I got a chance to see both on that trip. If you do end up going for a cash stay, I would definitely recommend Port Orleans, either side.

 

[sweetdana]

I am staying on points in Nov in dec and in May .. In aug I am doing 10 days FD at the FQ. I may get looks for this (I am prepared) but I like FQ MORE than SSR and AKV (comparing a studio). If they were identical in price I would pick FQ if using a studio over both. Adding in free MK, Mickey soaps/towels shapes every day.

The 1 bus stop at FQ, the close location to everything. The pool is fun. The mug refill is on the way to the bus and on the way to the room.
I LOVEEEEE the FQ.

I feel SSR is nearly identical in location ect but longer busses. And for us, AKV is too far (we don't rent a car), and go to parks every day. I realize these are both bigger, but I don't notice it.
I am not giving up my DVC as the BC 1 bedroom is heaven, but I don't have enough points to do all of that either. I also don't always plan 11 months in adv (or even 7). The mix is perfect for us.