DVC Chit Chat Thread

[tx911]

I had to google what that is - that looks like an amazing space! I am quite close, but just in a villa room.

Me too! Cool spot!

 

[PrincessGidget]

Good morning!

 

[Judique]

We’ve got 12 nights in a BWV studio in October. Any got any tips/tricks for longer dvc stays?

I know we don’t get maid service every day. What do people do about towels etc

We’re debating whether to hire a car to enable us to eat offsite more. Not sure if the cost of car hire outweighs the savings from not eating/drinking in Disney.

They will give you all the towels you need. Just call when you are short. If etc means sheets they will change on your full service day. Or if you happen to spill a glass of wine or cup of coffee they will supply clean. They will also replenish all coffee and paper towels and whatever disposables (paper cups, plates and bowls, and plastic knives, forks and spoons plus dish soap) you find in the kitchenette. I prefer to pick up a carton of half and half as those little tubs of creamer are annoying. And I also bring my own coffee as well as I drink their decaf when it's later in the day. The Keurig Duo can make cups or a pot. They supply some pods and some filter packs. Flat bottom filters if you bring your own and if you use disney's coffee it comes in a filter but anything over 5 or 6 cups of water per packet is really weak and watery - to me. I like strong morning coffee. They do not supply teabags but I usually buy a little box in the UK tea shop, not because I can't get the same one at home but because I just like to browse in there and buy something. There is also a toaster and you may be able to request a kettle. I haven't done it in years as I have a small one I bring.

Car - it depends where you want to eat in Disney and how many people are going to be eating. I always have a car and sometimes eat offsite but I rarely make a point of going offsite to eat. If I want a sit down meal one night I usually won't want to do anything heavy the next night but my age has slowed my eating a lot as well as I'm very conscious of carbs and high fat food so I avoid a lot of what's available to dine on while at Disney. There are lighter options around the Crescent Lake area such as the bars - Martha's Vineyard and Crew's Cup which serve smaller stuff such as sliders. Check menu's under dining in the Disney site. No food in the Boardwalk Bar on the second floor Inn side.

You can have a grocery order delivered but only what can fit in the mini fridge - and no frozen stuff as you could end up with a cooler type mini fridge. There are two types being used - 1 with a tiny top freezer shelf and one that's called a cooler but it's still about the same size and it keeps things cold. Lighter breakfasts can happen this way - some fruit, snacks, drinks, yoghurt, cereals, hot or cold, even eggs can be made in the microwave with a small microwave egg dish.

Some people (not me) have been known to walk across to the gas station (across from the entrance) for packs of beers, I guess for a cheaper price. These items are available including wine by the bottle at the Screen Door shop but the variety is somewhat small and a bit pricey (I'm more used to Costco prices.)

Partial stay car rentals can be returned to the onsite car center rental area depending on who you rent from, but one ways are usually more expensive. I 'think' you can also rent right at the car center - you would have to check that out as I'm no expert on rentals, although I have rented an extra car recently at the airport for Disney through Costco as mine doesn't hold enough people and luggage.

As far as nearby food, check out the Swan Reserve, Swan Hotel and Dolphin. All easy walk or take the boat. They have a whole range of options, in addition to what's available at Yacht, and Beach and on the Boardwalk. And in Epcot you can get fairly decent quick service at Sunshine Seasons for breakfast and lunch, plus lots of other places. Check out all the dining options and price them out if you want to add the car or use what's available. Then there is Disney's HS but my usual go to there is pretty much limited to Cobb Salad and a glass of wine at Brown Derby for lunch. My next 'long' trip is January into February when I have a 14 night 'Escape Winter' trip. As of this morning I'll be at BCV for 3 nights end of October and then over to Swan Reserve for 2 more nights. Booked this morning mostly on impulse after seeing 1 night available and I had points to be used up. I need to update my signature so I can keep track of myself.

 

[AstroBlasters]

We’ve got 12 nights in a BWV studio in October. Any got any tips/tricks for longer dvc stays?

I know we don’t get maid service every day. What do people do about towels etc

We’re debating whether to hire a car to enable us to eat offsite more. Not sure if the cost of car hire outweighs the savings from not eating/drinking in Disney.

With all of the dining options at Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, World Showcase, Swan/Dolphin Resorts, and Hollywood Studios…. Plus groceries being delivered and Uber Eats.. I’m not sure why anyone would ever drive to eat offsite….

 

[Judique]

With all of the dining options at Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, World Showcase, Swan/Dolphin Resorts, and Hollywood Studios…. Plus groceries being delivered and Uber Eats.. I’m not sure why anyone would ever drive to eat offsite….

I agree with a couple of exceptions, first to meet friends from the area and maybe have a meal at Charlie's and second to get my favorite slice of pizza. Not advertising that one or it might get mobbed next time I want to drive up and get it.

 

[Choppers]

With all of the dining options at Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, World Showcase, Swan/Dolphin Resorts, and Hollywood Studios…. Plus groceries being delivered and Uber Eats.. I’m not sure why anyone would ever drive to eat offsite….

Steak was the main one. When pretty average steak is $60 on site, there’s options a short drive for much better and half the price.

Our travelling party haven’t decided if they want to do universal yet too, which may sway getting a car.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Steak was the main one. When pretty average steak is $60 on site, there’s options a short drive for much better and half the price.

Our travelling party haven’t decided if they want to do universal yet too, which may sway getting a car.

I would not call the steaks at Bourbon Steak or Flying Fish average…. but I also would not ever want to drive myself somewhere for a meal when I could just walk or take a boat. It just sounds like an average Thursday night at home and not being on “vacation”.

 

[Shadeaux]

Hate to say it but I’m out of here then. I get the need for ads but having so many that the site is barely functional on a mobile device is ridiculous.

I've been a member on here since 1999. I don't post much but I do log on almost daily. I'm probably out of here too. I use an adblocker because even on a PC with a fast connection the ads are extremely annoying and slow everything to a crawl at times. I'll turn off the adblocker to see how it goes, but I'm not holding much hope that the site will be useable enough to bother with.

 

[Choppers]

I would not call the steaks at Bourbon Steak or Flying Fish average…. but I also would not ever want to drive myself somewhere for a meal when I could just walk or take a boat. It just sounds like an average Thursday night at home and not being on “vacation”.

Not eaten at either so good to hear you like them. This is why I’m after opinions and insights. As we’re from the uk we’ve not had a WDW holiday without the dining plan being included so having to pay for food is a bit alien to us at WDW

 

[Brian Noble]

The car is going to cost hundreds of dollars. That's quite a few $60-instead-of-$30 steaks, even after tax and tip.

I am not sure Disney's prices are all that out of line with most of the outside world here in the US. Our local family-owned steakhouse will sell you an 8-9oz NY Strip for $36. The Turf Club at SSR charges $39 for something pretty similar. Now our local place includes a choice of soup or salad, and they make some very good soups. They also have more interesting sides than fries. But still.

Also, if you have not done it before, getting off and back onto property is not that easy. Things here are just far apart---and especially so if your frame of rerence is the UK or EU.

 

[Choppers]

They will give you all the towels you need. Just call when you are short. If etc means sheets they will change on your full service day. Or if you happen to spill a glass of wine or cup of coffee they will supply clean. They will also replenish all coffee and paper towels and whatever disposables (paper cups, plates and bowls, and plastic knives, forks and spoons plus dish soap) you find in the kitchenette. I prefer to pick up a carton of half and half as those little tubs of creamer are annoying. And I also bring my own coffee as well as I drink their decaf when it's later in the day. The Keurig Duo can make cups or a pot. They supply some pods and some filter packs. Flat bottom filters if you bring your own and if you use disney's coffee it comes in a filter but anything over 5 or 6 cups of water per packet is really weak and watery - to me. I like strong morning coffee. They do not supply teabags but I usually buy a little box in the UK tea shop, not because I can't get the same one at home but because I just like to browse in there and buy something. There is also a toaster and you may be able to request a kettle. I haven't done it in years as I have a small one I bring.

Car - it depends where you want to eat in Disney and how many people are going to be eating. I always have a car and sometimes eat offsite but I rarely make a point of going offsite to eat. If I want a sit down meal one night I usually won't want to do anything heavy the next night but my age has slowed my eating a lot as well as I'm very conscious of carbs and high fat food so I avoid a lot of what's available to dine on while at Disney. There are lighter options around the Crescent Lake area such as the bars - Martha's Vineyard and Crew's Cup which serve smaller stuff such as sliders. Check menu's under dining in the Disney site. No food in the Boardwalk Bar on the second floor Inn side.

You can have a grocery order delivered but only what can fit in the mini fridge - and no frozen stuff as you could end up with a cooler type mini fridge. There are two types being used - 1 with a tiny top freezer shelf and one that's called a cooler but it's still about the same size and it keeps things cold. Lighter breakfasts can happen this way - some fruit, snacks, drinks, yoghurt, cereals, hot or cold, even eggs can be made in the microwave with a small microwave egg dish.

Some people (not me) have been known to walk across to the gas station (across from the entrance) for packs of beers, I guess for a cheaper price. These items are available including wine by the bottle at the Screen Door shop but the variety is somewhat small and a bit pricey (I'm more used to Costco prices.)

Partial stay car rentals can be returned to the onsite car center rental area depending on who you rent from, but one ways are usually more expensive. I 'think' you can also rent right at the car center - you would have to check that out as I'm no expert on rentals, although I have rented an extra car recently at the airport for Disney through Costco as mine doesn't hold enough people and luggage.

As far as nearby food, check out the Swan Reserve, Swan Hotel and Dolphin. All easy walk or take the boat. They have a whole range of options, in addition to what's available at Yacht, and Beach and on the Boardwalk. And in Epcot you can get fairly decent quick service at Sunshine Seasons for breakfast and lunch, plus lots of other places. Check out all the dining options and price them out if you want to add the car or use what's available. Then there is Disney's HS but my usual go to there is pretty much limited to Cobb Salad and a glass of wine at Brown Derby for lunch. My next 'long' trip is January into February when I have a 14 night 'Escape Winter' trip. As of this morning I'll be at BCV for 3 nights end of October and then over to Swan Reserve for 2 more nights. Booked this morning mostly on impulse after seeing 1 night available and I had points to be used up. I need to update my signature so I can keep track of myself.

Thank you for this, very thorough and lots to think about.

 

[Brian Noble]

If you want to, you can get the dining plan. You do not need to be on a hotel package to buy it. I will warn you that it is not necessarily a way to save money for most people.

 

[Choppers]

If you want to, you can get the dining plan. You do not need to be on a hotel package to buy it. I will warn you that it is not necessarily a way to save money for most people.

Oh yeah we’d never buy it, it’s just always been ‘free’ for uk bookings.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

We’ve got 12 nights in a BWV studio in October. Any got any tips/tricks for longer dvc stays?

I know we don’t get maid service every day. What do people do about towels etc

We’re debating whether to hire a car to enable us to eat offsite more. Not sure if the cost of car hire outweighs the savings from not eating/drinking in Disney.

We do 14 night stays each year, and are booked for BWV (one of our home resorts) in January (tho that may change).

We just kind of locate the maid cart and ask for towels or call down for more of whatever we need. They’re happy to supply it.

As for saving money on food, we never leave the Disney bubble but we order groceries so we can do breakfast each day in the room, and have late night snacks. The studios have microwaves and toasters. We do one quick service and one table service, plus 1-2 snacks per person a day. We budget $100 per person per day for food and we usually come in under that. There are lots of food options nearby the boardwalk, and many aren’t that unreasonable price wise. Just research menus ahead of time.

We do one fully “off” day, but you may want more depending on how you tour the parks. Be sure to take advantage of the extended evening hours, they’re great. Request near an elevator, the hallways are long. Have fun!

 

[Brian Noble]

Another thought about the car and going offsite: I often rent a car. I almost never go offsite unless I need e.g. something from a pharmacy that is not easily obtained in the resort store.

The one place I do not rent a car? The Crescent Lake/Skyliner resorts. I don't need to drive to either Studios or Epcot from there, I almost never drive to MK (avoid the TTC) or Disney Springs (parking is IMO a pain), and that leaves just Animal Kingdom.

 

[Choppers]

Another thought about the car and going offsite: I often rent a car. I almost never go offsite unless I need e.g. something from a pharmacy that is not easily obtained in the resort store.

The one place I do not rent a car? The Crescent Lake/Skyliner resorts. I don't need to drive to either Studios or Epcot from there, I almost never drive to MK (avoid the TTC) or Disney Springs (parking is IMO a pain), and that leaves just Animal Kingdom.

Yeah I think the location has me leaning no car. We do need to 6 of us to and from the airport so will need to look at a transfer of some sort. Even with that and the possible universal trip(s) I imagine a car still won’t be ‘needed’. I don’t think anyone is desperate to drive so it’s really just if it makes sense.

 

[Brian Noble]

I would 100% skip it in that case. If you need to get offsite for any reason, booking a towncar and/or a couple of ride shares will end up being simpler and probably quite a bit less expensive.

A party of four staying at e.g. SSR? A car starts to make a lot more sense.

 

[Cfabar1]

I would 100% skip it in that case. If you need to get offsite for any reason, booking a towncar and/or a couple of ride shares will end up being simpler and probably quite a bit less expensive.

A party of four staying at e.g. SSR? A car starts to make a lot more sense.

especially so if in a treehouse or a standard room...