Dude Ranch trade?

[chrissyk]

I have been obsessed with going to a dude ranch for about 2 years now, LOL! Has anyone here traded DVC points to go to the Dude Ranch in Arizona? If so, how was it? Are there any trip reports about this place that I can read? When is the best time of year to go, weather-wise? Can a person who has never been on a horse (and who is sort-of afraid of horses) fully enjoy a vacation at a dude ranch?

How old do your kids have to be to really enjoy this place? Is there a minimum age for kids allowed there? Do they have activities even for young kids? I'm hoping to do this trade someday and take my future kids. I don't think that my husband is too interested in this sort of a vacation, so hopefully my kids will be

One other question...cash rates at dude ranches seem VERY high. That's why I'm considering the trade. If you did this trade, did you feel that you got a good value for your points?

 

[MargaretIllinois]

I have not been but a friend of mine went on points with her family. They like myself are horse people and absolutely loved it. There website is www.tvgr.com. They have a ton of info on there about the activities and all that will answer alot of your questions.
Margaret

 

[chrissyk]

Wow, that place looks awesome! I've never been on a horse in my life, but I'm absolutely obsessed with going to a dude ranch. Go figure!

The only thing that I can't figure out is if they charge extra per child. Everything seems to be "single" or "double" occupancy on the webpage. I think that this place would be a once-in-a-lifetime type vacation if I couldn't trade points for it.

 

[Dean]

Email me and I'll give you the name of a prominent DVC resaler who has apparently been banned from this board.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Haven't been, but, like Margaret, have a DVC friend who just got back from Tanque Verde. She said, quote, "It was the best vacation of our lives."

Sorta got my attention.

 

[Conniesaurus]

I have never stayed there, but I went to see my sister who lives in Tucson in February, she took me there and we went into the lobby got some information and walked around the resort. It is very pretty great views of the mountains. I think you will have a great time.

 

[Daffydee]

We used our points and went to Tanque Verde last July. It was fabulous. My boys both aged 12 fell in love with the place. We had never been on horses before but the ranch hands are there to help. Your have to take a test before you can go out onto the trails. The trails were great up into the mountains. I don't know what the age limit for the kids clubs but we met someone whose son was 3 and they let him go to the clubs sometimes. It was way off season and was great. Hot, yes but I'm from Philadelphia and it gets that hot here. The crowds were very low which was great because you only had about 10 riders out on the trails with you. We met quite a few other DVC members, mostly from Great Britain. They also agreed that this was the best time to go. The ranch hands told us that from Thanksgiving through to Easter you can have up to 100 riders on the trails. They had tennis courts, inside and outside pools and they now have a spa. All of your meals are included. By the way, the food was good. When we had to leave my son cried halfway to Phoenix. It is on our list of places to go back to.

 

[Dodie]

We visited the Tanque Verde Ranch (not on points - we don't own DVC) in April. It was the most amazing vacation we have had in a long time. I would highly recommend it.

The horse programs are great fun. The scenery is downright beautiful. The food is AMAZING (think cruise food on dry land).

It is rather costly, but remember that it is inclusive. All of your entertainment (horseback riding, mountain biking, guided hikes, evening entertainment like cowboy singers and ropers), classes and workshops (watercolor, sketching, crafts), meals, and basic drinks (iced tea, lemonade, coffee) are included. There is lemonade and tea available all day, along with snacks.

There is a beautiful pool, tennis courts, a basketball court, an exercise room, and two whirlpools (very useful after horseback riding, by the way). I'm sure I've forgotten something.

This is a definite thumbs up.

 

[LakeAriel]

I would recommend a local dude ranch first, to see if you like it. I take annual trips to Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, NY and love it. It is gorgeous! I love horses though, so knew I wouldn't be disappointed. They are expensive because everything is all- inclusive.The ranch in Arizona is top rated. They did have a sad occurence there recently. Several horses were found dead and they were looking for a "sicko" that was slitting their throats. I noticed it was a DVC ranch. After putting in a hidden camera they discovered another horse was biting their necks and killing them. That horse was transferred. How sad for all the horses. It was a relief to read in the news it wasn't a human though!!

 

[mbw12]

Originally posted by LakeAriel
I would recommend a local dude ranch first, to see if you like it. I take annual trips to Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, NY and love it. It is gorgeous! I love horses though, so knew I wouldn't be disappointed. They are expensive because everything is all- inclusive.The ranch in Arizona is top rated. They did have a sad occurence there recently. Several horses were found dead and they were looking for a "sicko" that was slitting their throats. I noticed it was a DVC ranch. After putting in a hidden camera they discovered another horse was biting their necks and killing them. That horse was transferred. How sad for all the horses. It was a relief to read in the news it wasn't a human though!!

Lake Ariel,

I am going to send you a PM about RHR....we are going there in two weeks and I would love some feedback from you!!!!
Please check your PM box!!!

Bobbi

 

[AnnaS]

Lake Ariel - we also went to RHR a few years ago - we still talk about it today and would love to go back. Since we bought DVC and having a very limited vacation time, it is very hard to get back there. Will have to consider a short trip someday - even in the fall.

 

[LakeAriel]

I know it's hard to do everything! So little time! I haven't been there in a while and miss it terribly. My daughter always says, when are we going back?"Isn't it beautiful? I'm nursing a broken wrist but when it's healed, these posts are pushing me to go back. I'll have to go even if for a long weekend. Halloween (Autumn) weekends are phenomenal!

 

[The Great Baboo]

We own at the BCV & the BW ...take about 3 Disney trips a year and our in-between trips (Columbus Day weekend and during President's Week) we go the RHR .....we love the place... it's funny how we unknowingly are probably running into DVC'ers and RHR'ers during our trips and we never know it.....
definitely a great place ....but I'm going to check our Tanque Verde for a change of pace....

 

[momtofour]

Anyone know if the DVC trade includes the 7.5% tax and 15% service charge?

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by momtofour
Anyone know if the DVC trade includes the 7.5% tax and 15% service charge?

Not specifically. Here's the quote from the legal paperwork.

Concierge Collection destinations may have additional charges for some amenities and activities. Certain destinations may also have block-out dates when the accommodations will be unavailable. Contact Member Services for full details and up-to-date information on the specific destination of interest.

My guess is it covers the taxes but not the gratuities. But you should ask MS to be certain. I'd do so by email so you have a record of the answer.