DVC Ownership Perks

[Kid_@_50]

Many cousins and family members own several timeshares but none of them are DVC.

I hear lots of stories about being a card carrying timeshare owner when purchased from the developer. If you purchase directly from Disney then you get incentives. However, the on-going perks, (if any) offered to DVC owners are the same regardless of how the timeshare was purchased.

For example, some timeshares have resort owners only amenities, you need to show either your timeshare ownership card or your resort key. You don't need to be staying at the resort in order to use their private beach or golf course. You buy a one week timeshare and get 52 week access to the beach.

Is there any difference in the perks, discounts, benefits, etc when a DVC owner visits WDW and
- stays at DVC using their own points/reservations
- stays at DVC renting points with a reservation from another owner
(ok, not completely clear on renting/transferring points)
- stays at DVC renting from DVC paying a hopefully discounted DVC rate
- stays at another WDW resort
- stays off-site

The only threads that I have read that might specifically apply relate to pool hopping. I couldn't tell if it is allowed, used to be allowed, etc. Taken to an extreme if I am a DVC owner, staying at a Mod resort because of some promotion, am I allowed to use the amenities at my home or any DVC resort? Just a thought, don't flame me.

 

[Sandisw]

Once you are a member of DVC, regardless if you bought from Disney or through resale, your perks are the same. Some you get regardless of where you stay, and others are benefits when staying on points.

As a DVC member, if you rent points from another member, you would still be eligible as if you were staying on your own points.

If a non-member rents points, then they would not receive all the perks. For example, DVC members get free internet when staying on points at the DVC resorts. A renter who is not a member would not get this perk.

 

[Tara]

Is there any difference in the perks, discounts, benefits, etc when a DVC owner visits WDW and
- stays at DVC using their own points/reservations
- stays at DVC renting points with a reservation from another owner
(ok, not completely clear on renting/transferring points)
- stays at DVC renting from DVC paying a hopefully discounted DVC rate
- stays at another WDW resort
- stays off-site

The only threads that I have read that might specifically apply relate to pool hopping. I couldn't tell if it is allowed, used to be allowed, etc. Taken to an extreme if I am a DVC owner, staying at a Mod resort because of some promotion, am I allowed to use the amenities at my home or any DVC resort? Just a thought, don't flame me.

You pretty much get all the benefits regardless of where you are staying. Obviously there would be some you couldn't use if you were staying offsite (like free internet access). I also don't believe you get free internet access if you stay at a non-DVC resort, but I could be wrong about that.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

There are two parts to your question, I think.

Buying Direct versus Resale
At this time, Disney does not differentiate between those who purchased direct from those who purchase resale. All perks offered to members (annual pass discounts, restaurant discounts, spa discounts, etc.) are offered to all members, regardless of where you purchased your points.

Home Resort Perks
As a DVC member, you can book at any DVC resort at the 7 month window. Most resorts allow pool hopping, but some don't. For example, you can only use Storm Along Bay at Beach Club Villas if you're staying there. So, even if I own at BCV and decide to stay at Animal Kingdom, I couldn't use SAB.

The other thing that Disney does not do is give you a membership to RCI. In other timeshares, you can join and take advantage of discounted stays they offer. With DVC, Disney holds the membership. The only thing we can really do is call and say, "I want to trade 270 of my DVC points for a 2-BR in XXXX on XXXX dates." Even with the request, there's no guarantee that there will be availability.

If you're considering buying into DVC, buy because you want to pre-pay for your Disney vacations. Perks will come and go, and so may the exchanges. The only thing you're really guaranteed is an opportunity to use the points you purchased at your home resort. That's really why most of us purchased. We made a long-term commitment to the Mouse!

 

[RobDoc]

...
For example, some timeshares have resort owners only amenities, you need to show either your timeshare ownership card or your resort key. You don't need to be staying at the resort in order to use their private beach or golf course. You buy a one week timeshare and get 52 week access to the beach.

Is there any difference in the perks, discounts, benefits, etc when a DVC owner visits WDW and
- stays at DVC using their own points/reservations
- stays at DVC renting points with a reservation from another owner
(ok, not completely clear on renting/transferring points)
- stays at DVC renting from DVC paying a hopefully discounted DVC rate
- stays at another WDW resort
- stays off-site

The only threads that I have read that might specifically apply relate to pool hopping. I couldn't tell if it is allowed, used to be allowed, etc. Taken to an extreme if I am a DVC owner, staying at a Mod resort because of some promotion, am I allowed to use the amenities at my home or any DVC resort? Just a thought, don't flame me.

Many DVC perks are available to all members at any time. Free Valet service at DVC resorts is accesible by using your DVC membership card regardles where you are staying. Most dining discounts are accessible by showing your DVC membership card.

Pool Hopping is available (except during blackout periods and high demand times) ONLY when staying at a DVC resort reserved thru MS. If you are a DVC member staying at a moderate resort, you would not be eligible to use a pool at another WDW resort - even at your Home Resort.

Since most timeshares are sold to people who live within a few hours drive (many even closer), a lot of timeshares offer amenities to owners at any time. This is not true at DVC resorts. Unless you are a current guest at the resort, you won't be able to have full use of the facilties unless you are a registered guest staying at the resort.

If you are a DVC member visiting VB or HH, you are welcome to visit the resort itself and enjoy a meal in a restaurant, but you won't likely be invited to use the pool or the Beach House (at HH) unless you are staying at the resort. This is the same at the WDW resorts.