DVC Lounges - some questions

[Flash_Sloth]

I'm at WDW now and visited the MK and EPCOT member lounges. Now when checking-in, they scan your magicband to know who you are and whether or not you have Membership Magic Beyond. I guess it also tells them if you're currently staying on your points for the special evening EPCOT character meet & greet; it is still Judy and Nick as of last night.

If there is a wait, they'll ask for your cell # to send you texts to let you know when it is your turn. I'm not sure how they handle things if you've booked 2 rooms to accommodate your traveling party.

 

[mickeymom629]

But OP said they were in two different rooms, so I'm not sure how that works.

OP here. The person who posted about having 8 in their party was another poster and someone responded to that situation. I am the one with 2 different room and a total of 11, including DH and me. We have 2 ppl in our villa with us. The others are in the other - 4 adults and 3 children.

 

[Tinkerbell58]

Is MMB needed to access the lounges?

 

[zackiedawg]

Is MMB needed to access the lounges?

No. At Epcot later hours are reserved for MMB for the character meet stuff, and if there are really big crowds when you're there, it's possible the wait times without MMB could get really long - but in general you should be able to get into any member lounge without MMB. I don't do MMB and have gotten into all lounges in Sep and June this year.

 

[CarolynFH]

OP here. The person who posted about having 8 in their party was another poster and someone responded to that situation. I am the one with 2 different room and a total of 11, including DH and me. We have 2 ppl in our villa with us. The others are in the other - 4 adults and 3 children.

Well, I think that as long as the second room was booked using your membership, the guests on that reservation should be allowed in, since they're your guests staying on "your" reservation. Unfortunately, I can't promise that my interpretation of the rules is correct.

 

[Cfabar1]

My question is a little different....

The website states:

• A Member can bring in up to 4 Guests per Membership Card, or the number of Guests on their Resort reservation, booked within their Membership.

So, if my wife is a member, can she bring 4 people - who let's just say might be driving over from Tampa for the day with her. She is listed on our contract.

Separately I could bring 4 people - who let's just say might be staying at the Walt Disney World All Star Movies resort. I am listed on our contract.

And we could bring 10 people total including ourselves (4 guests + 1 member x2)? Even if no one is staying in a Disney Vacation Club Resort during that visit?

That's my understanding, but I am curious what DVCs is....

 

[The Jackal]

If you were staying in a 2 bedroom with your wife who is also a member you should be able to bring up to 9 people in if the room allows 9. Then if 4 more friends/ relatives show up your wife could bring 4 of them up.

If you didn’t have any reservations aka local DVC member, you could bring 4 and your wife could bring 4 up.

This is my understanding of these rules.

 

[Genie+]

If you were staying in a 2 bedroom with your wife who is also a member you should be able to bring up to 9 people in if the room allows 9. Then if 4 more friends/ relatives show up your wife could bring 4 of them up.

If you didn’t have any reservations aka local DVC member, you could bring 4 and your wife could bring 4 up.

This is my understanding of these rules.

But if a husband and wife is on the same the membership that qualifies them, and they don’t have another qualifying membership, wouldn’t they share the same membership number? Would the lounge CM consider the 2 separately names cards just copies issued of one membership card because they share the same membership number? Or would they consider this 2 different membership cards?

 

[Judique]

My question is a little different....

The website states:

• A Member can bring in up to 4 Guests per Membership Card, or the number of Guests on their Resort reservation, booked within their Membership.

So, if my wife is a member, can she bring 4 people - who let's just say might be driving over from Tampa for the day with her. She is listed on our contract.

Separately I could bring 4 people - who let's just say might be staying at the Walt Disney World All Star Movies resort. I am listed on our contract.

And we could bring 10 people total including ourselves (4 guests + 1 member x2)? Even if no one is staying in a Disney Vacation Club Resort during that visit?

That's my understanding, but I am curious what DVCs is....

I am curious as to what the words 'on their resort reservation, booked within their membership' would mean with regard to your query.

And since no one is staying DVC for the visit, do you and your wife have separate memberships? I think that's the only way you could each bring 4 extra.

 

[D-Trick]

And we could bring 10 people total including ourselves (4 guests + 1 member x2)?

This reminds me of the verbiage for the first few years of Moonlight Magic. Back then it said each member is allowed 4 guests.

So my wife and I (both deeded, one UY) would do exactly what you're saying. Each individually register during general registration, and each bring in 4 guests. Two parties of 5. I definitely remember doing this for Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, and TL, because you're never going to forget the times you brought 8 of your friends.

However, I specifically remember learning at a MM check in that my wife's registration had overwrote mine since we used the same membership number, and technically we were only allowed a total of 5. Note that the registration system was different than the one used today, and demand was nowhere near what it is now. The verbiage was still the same as it had been up to that point, and the CM wasnt about to deny half our party of 10, so they gave us all wristbands.

The next year, they clarified the Moonlight Magic verbiage to what it is now-- 5 per membership.
________

Back to the discussion on the lounges, and yes I believe you could have (2) groups of 5, you'd just be seated separately.

 

[The Jackal]

But if a husband and wife is on the same the membership that qualifies them, and they don’t have another qualifying membership, wouldn’t they share the same membership number? Would the lounge CM consider the 2 separately names cards just copies issued of one membership card because they share the same membership number? Or would they consider this 2 different membership cards?

This is off of the DVC website:

A Member can bring in up to 4 Guests per Membership Card, or the number of Guests on their Resort reservation, booked within their Membership

The way that reads is 4 per member, not 4 per membership. Each member has a separate issued membership card. If it was 4 per membership it should be written 4 per valid membership.

 

[eticketplease]

Unfortunately, my opinion isn’t the controlling factor, I’ll admit.

Don’t admit it until I tell them @CarolynFH said we could all come in

 

[eticketplease]

But if a husband and wife is on the same the membership that qualifies them, and they don’t have another qualifying membership, wouldn’t they share the same membership number? Would the lounge CM consider the 2 separately names cards just copies issued of one membership card because they share the same membership number? Or would they consider this 2 different membership cards?

Remember magical beginnings only one person gets front of the line access so therefore I am thinking it’s two different membership cards even if it’s the same number.

 

[Sandisw]

My question is a little different....

The website states:

• A Member can bring in up to 4 Guests per Membership Card, or the number of Guests on their Resort reservation, booked within their Membership.

So, if my wife is a member, can she bring 4 people - who let's just say might be driving over from Tampa for the day with her. She is listed on our contract.

Separately I could bring 4 people - who let's just say might be staying at the Walt Disney World All Star Movies resort. I am listed on our contract.

And we could bring 10 people total including ourselves (4 guests + 1 member x2)? Even if no one is staying in a Disney Vacation Club Resort during that visit?

That's my understanding, but I am curious what DVCs is....

My understanding from the chats I have had is that your reservation must be a DVC one. You can bring up a maximum of 4 guests for that membership...unless you have a DVC reservation that has more....but they will count more than one room with the same dates to allow more.

Having said all of that, there have been several reports of people getting into, at least, the Epcot lounge without having a DVC reservation....and being allowed to bring up to 4 guests each per owner there.

If I had to speculate, I would bet that the busier it is, the more strict they are with the rules. I have had my card and band scanned to show I was a resort guest....but, I have never been an offsite or non DVC guest either!

 

[Cfabar1]

My understanding from the chats I have had is that your reservation must be a DVC one. You can bring up a maximum of 4 guests for that membership...unless you have a DVC reservation that has more....but they will count more than one room with the same dates to allow more.

Having said all of that, there have been several reports of people getting into, at least, the Epcot lounge without having a DVC reservation....and being allowed to bring up to 4 guests each per owner there.

If I had to speculate, I would bet that the busier it is, the more strict they are with the rules. I have had my card and band scanned to show I was a resort guest....but, I have never been an offsite or non DVC guest either!

As someone who frequently goes into the parks - even without a resort reservation during normal hours, We have never been refused entry. We have been told the evening hours require staying on site. And the agents seem unclear as to what that means - a DVC reservation, a reservation at a Disney Hotel, does the Swan & dolphin count, etc.

Maybe we have gotten lucky, but prior to joining I have had friends let me in who were not staying on site either. It was a day trip.

 

[Girlstar30]

I think there's less "coolness" factor than the in-park lounges. Functionally, if you're visiting MK, Epcot or Disneyland, you'll be in the area of the lounge at some point. Why not stop by for a free drink, snack and air conditioning?

The Disney Springs location has the same drinks, snacks and AC. It also has model rooms for Riviera that you can freely walk through if you wish. But I don't think it's worth going out of your way. Maybe once to satisfy your curiosity. On repeat visits to DS, I wouldn't walk from Cirque or the Christmas shop just for a free bag of Cheeze-Its.

It's also VERY small and there may be a wait to get in. Especially with a large group. Logistically that complicates things further. If you do go out of your way to visit, you may end up having to kill 30 minutes in that part of DS waiting to be called.

Is the DS lounge open to anyone?

 

[zackiedawg]

The DS 'lounge' is DVC only but the ground floor is a DVC Welcome Center - open to all - there's no seating or drink machines - just some models of DVC buildings, posters and art, and sales reps to discuss DVC. The actual Member Lounge is upstairs, accessed from an elevator around the corner - members go inside to request access and are brought to the elevator.

 

[eticketplease]

The DS 'lounge' is DVC only but the ground floor is a DVC Welcome Center - open to all - there's no seating or drink machines - just some models of DVC buildings, posters and art, and sales reps to discuss DVC. The actual Member Lounge is upstairs, accessed from an elevator around the corner - members go inside to request access and are brought to the elevator.

I think what @Girlstar30 was asking was if members that do not qualify for membership extras (blue card) could access the lounge.

 

[Best Aunt]

I think what @Girlstar30 was asking was if members that do not qualify for membership extras (blue card) could access the lounge.

From the page describing the member lounge at Magic Kingdom:

Access to the Member Lounge is part of Membership Extras.

Membership Extras—such as exchange options in the Disney Collection, options offered through hotel exchange, certain discounts, offers and special events—are incidental benefits. These incidental benefits are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Membership Extras are also subject to availability and blockout dates may apply, including high periods of demand such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid digital Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Effective June 3, 2021, to obtain a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card, Members must accumulate a total of at least 150 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC. Exchange options in the Disney Collection and options offered through hotel exchange are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC after March 21, 2011, and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who have not purchased an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC will not have access to Membership Extras.

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/membership-magic/magic-kingdom-member-lounge

From the page describing the member lounge at Epcot:

Access to the Member Lounge is part of Membership Extras.

Membership Extras—such as exchange options in the Disney Collection, options offered through hotel exchange, certain discounts, offers and special events—are incidental benefits. These incidental benefits are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Membership Extras are also subject to availability and blockout dates may apply, including high periods of demand such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid digital Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Effective June 3, 2021, to obtain a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card, Members must accumulate a total of at least 150 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC. Exchange options in the Disney Collection and options offered through hotel exchange are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC after March 21, 2011, and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who have not purchased an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC will not have access to Membership Extras.

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/membership-magic/epcot-members-lounge

 

[eticketplease]

From the page describing the member lounge at Magic Kingdom:

Access to the Member Lounge is part of Membership Extras.

Membership Extras—such as exchange options in the Disney Collection, options offered through hotel exchange, certain discounts, offers and special events—are incidental benefits. These incidental benefits are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Membership Extras are also subject to availability and blockout dates may apply, including high periods of demand such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid digital Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Effective June 3, 2021, to obtain a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card, Members must accumulate a total of at least 150 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC. Exchange options in the Disney Collection and options offered through hotel exchange are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC after March 21, 2011, and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who have not purchased an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC will not have access to Membership Extras.

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/membership-magic/magic-kingdom-member-lounge

From the page describing the member lounge at Epcot:

Access to the Member Lounge is part of Membership Extras.

Membership Extras—such as exchange options in the Disney Collection, options offered through hotel exchange, certain discounts, offers and special events—are incidental benefits. These incidental benefits are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Membership Extras are also subject to availability and blockout dates may apply, including high periods of demand such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid digital Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Effective June 3, 2021, to obtain a Disney Vacation Club Membership Card, Members must accumulate a total of at least 150 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC. Exchange options in the Disney Collection and options offered through hotel exchange are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC after March 21, 2011, and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who have not purchased an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development, LLC will not have access to Membership Extras.

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/membership-magic/epcot-members-lounge

I'm sorry I didn't specify the lounge in my reply that was mentioned earlier. They were discussing the lounge at Disney Springs and if they could visit without Membership Extras.