DVC Vacation Evolution

[Brian Noble]

we almost never eat in the parks anymore… Animal Kingdom has a couple exceptions

Tiffins is fantastic, though if I am able I will often combine a visit to Sanaa with time in AK.

I will also put in a plug for the parrillada del mar at La Hacienda in Epcot.

 

[mrandmrsthomas0618]

We literally bought in 2012 for the space!! As a family of 5 we knew space would be an issue in a standard hotel room as the kids got older. Then our once every other year trips grew to every year. Having a full on kitchen was helpful, yet we never full on cook there! We bought more contracts for an Aulani trip and because we then expanded and brought extended family, my son did the Disney college program, and we bought AP. Buying AP was the turning point that allowed us to do a few hours in the park and leave with no regrets. Now my son moved to FL. So I am there almost every month (from NY).
I think the change in park visits was more because of AP. The freedom to not feel that pressure to get your money worth is huge. Having DVC helped us also do more activities out of the parks and other activities knowing we will be coming back. I relax more on my WDW trips knowing I will be back and can re-visit.
Even with my many visits I seem to always miss the Moonlight Magic events! So even though we have Direct (and resale) we only seem to take advantage of the discounted (slightly) AP purchase.

Space is a good point. Our kids are 12, 9 and 6 so being to do one bedrooms and 2 bedrooms is great. We could never stomach the cash price of those rooms.

 

[MonkeyKnifeFight]

We've been members 5 years. We went about once a year and did park focused trips every time. Rope drop every day with park hopping and hitting all 4 parks in one day each trip. The last trip, by the time we got to day 6 no one wanted to go to the parks anymore so we mostly relaxed. We've basically reached the point now that excessively grinding the rides isn't a priority.

This trip and our next trip we are only doing after hours events(AP discount is decent on HS and epcots), water park(check in days) and relaxing at the resort. We are also doing a couple character dinings because that is a great way to see characters outside the park.

However after being away almost a year we realized we really missed Disney and wanted to go more so we got more points and direct points so we can get the sorcerer pass when it makes sense. Thats why we booked the 2nd trip this year with several after hours events.

Next year we are planning on getting an annual pass and staying for an extended period in summer and doing the parks in a more relaxing fashion.

The following year we will likely do christmas week again. There is a ton to do and the changing festivals and seasonal offerings have made it so we want to rotate what we can do within our schedule which is currently school restricted.

I'm really curious how we feel after doing this relaxing trip next week which isn't park focused. I'm expecting we will be bored somewhat, but I'm also looking forward to exploring some resorts and taking it slower.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

We've been members 5 years. We went about once a year and did park focused trips every time. Rope drop every day with park hopping and hitting all 4 parks in one day each trip. The last trip, by the time we got to day 6 no one wanted to go to the parks anymore so we mostly relaxed. We've basically reached the point now that excessively grinding the rides isn't a priority.

This trip and our next trip we are only doing after hours events(AP discount is decent on HS and epcots), water park(check in days) and relaxing at the resort. We are also doing a couple character dinings because that is a great way to see characters outside the park.

However after being away almost a year we realized we really missed Disney and wanted to go more so we got more points and direct points so we can get the sorcerer pass when it makes sense. Thats why we booked the 2nd trip this year with several after hours events.

Next year we are planning on getting an annual pass and staying for an extended period in summer and doing the parks in a more relaxing fashion.

The following year we will likely do christmas week again. There is a ton to do and the changing festivals and seasonal offerings have made it so we want to rotate what we can do within our schedule which is currently school restricted.

I'm really curious how we feel after doing this relaxing trip next week which isn't park focused. I'm expecting we will be bored somewhat, but I'm also looking forward to exploring some resorts and taking it slower.

After being rope drop, park hopping every day, that switching on the 'relaxing approach mode' probably took a little effort! We were similar. We've gotten much better with it over the years, but when you're used to going going going, the adjustment is noticeable. But we have found a slower more relaxed trip is just as fun as the way we used to 'attack' our trips! I expect you're finding something similar! That doesn't mean that we won't take one day and be at the IG entrance to EP very early to jump on Remy - but we're more likely to sleep in a bit and show up later, leave earlier for a chair at the pool, or spend a bit more time just walking around the parks and visiting shops and counter services we didn't seem to notice before when we were going 100 mph!

 

[Duane]

We've been members for 19 years.. We purchased our modest contract direct while on a Disney cruise back in 2006. Since over the years prior, we had always been "neck deep" in the Mouse, and our daughter was in year round school, we thought DVC was a good alternative to traveling to our favorite destination during the winter months when she was out on break. I also need to mention, we are avid RV'rs and over the years we have alternated between stays at Saratoga Springs and Ft. Wilderness.

Over the years of "doing Disney" we have never been the "rope drop/close it down" type of people. We always have taken it easy and enjoyed doing the little things, and off the beaten path types of activities around the "World".

Probably over a span of the last 5 years or so, we find ourselves gifting our points to friends and family who want to experience Disney along with us. We take our motorhome, stay at Ft. Wilderness, and put our friends up at OKW or SSR. We meet up during the day to enjoy whatever activities us as "tour guides" suggest, then at night, retire back to our respective resorts to recharge for the next day's activities. We don't charge or rent out the points as we get as much enjoyment from having our friends and family join us at our favorite vacation spot.

 

[Disdreaming479]

Our first two trips to wdw, we started at Universal Studios for 3 nights (2 park days). Then we moved over to Beach Club for 5 nights (5 park days). Seven park days in a row, early entry with an afternoon rest and then back to continue the party in evening. 25k steps each day at US, then maybe 15-18k steps at wdw. We had so much fun but I’m so glad we alternate US and WDW now. Pool days are now scheduled. Last time we went to Universal we started the trip at Kennedy Space Center and if we go in June, we’re definitely spending at least 5 days on the gulf sitting in a chair with an umbrella or booking a boat excursion.

 

[Brandonholt94]

Is it a fair assumption to say that the majority of people bought DVC because they wanted to visit the parks more frequently in a cost effective way? I know that was my family's reason. For those who have owned DVC for a while, when did you stop making the focus of your trips about the parks? And what do your trips focus on now? How has owning DVC evolved your vacations?

My wife and I actually inherited two contracts from the in-laws, and fell in love. (we were frequent Disney goers before) but only stayed at the resorts a handful of times. We treat it as a weekend getaway or staycation in a cost effective way, and primarily hangout in the pool.

 

[Dobermanns]

Tiffins is fantastic, though if I am able I will often combine a visit to Sanaa with time in AK.

I will also put in a plug for the parrillada del mar at La Hacienda in Epcot.

+1 for Tiffins. My ritual on last day of trips is check out of resort at 11:00am, leave luggage with bell service or in trunk of friend's car, then head to AK for FOP and meal at Tiffins before heading to MCO (or back to resort to get luggage first).

 

[thanxfornoticin]

+1 for Tiffins. My ritual on last day of trips is check out of resort at 11:00am, leave luggage with bell service or in trunk of friend's car, then head to AK for FOP and meal at Tiffins before heading to MCO (or back to resort to get luggage first).

Sounds like a great way to end your trip!!

 

[VGCgroupie]

Our evolution has now become staying in larger accommodations now. Was just going over our trips for the next year and DH told me he no longer wants to stay in studios. (We have had 2 recent trips in a 2 bed and a 1 bed)

 

[RichVIII]

From toddler to teenager, our 10 year DVC run has evolved.

Ironically I had taken my wife to Disney pre-kids since she had never been and when our toddler fell in love with Mickey Mouse Club House at Day Care, we decided to strike while she was excited (and still free for park admission). We were hooked from the start. We stayed off property using many points from work travel but roped drop, not for rides but to see Anna and Elsa! We picked up annual passes (since they were like $500ish bucks at the time) and then my MIL wanted to take us and her Disney grand child for a big trip given her age (my DD still wants nana to go one more time but won’t). Because of mobility it was between BCV and BLT. We selected BLT since we were very focused on MK at the time. She paid cash (if we would have only put that towards a contract). A big 1 Bedroom and our first time on property. Mistake.

We had our first BLT contract not long after. Many contracts and three resorts later our approach has evolved. We still rope drop ironically (which my wife grumbles about but admits when we are leaving at 11 am ticking off what we have done that it was worth it). Our lunch in the room and mid-day naps have mostly been replaced by pool and resort time, so like others, the resort (and pool) has started to matter more.

We started to explore off-site DVC with Hilton Head and Aulani (which we wanted to hate since it is so far for us but have been back since). Went to WDL and checked off DGC. We are adding more unique experiences and don’t worry about rides or things we didn’t get to do this time. We make less plans to be more flexible. Want to see that performer at FOTA another night, back to Epcot again. Want to see the new baby tiger Basko again, AK one more time. Mommy/daughter trips and daddy daughter trips With no ME, it also had us visiting Universal more. We held a Universal Annual pass for a year when my DD was really into Harry Potter. Space coast visit, why not. Disney cruises (one last year and one this summer). Checked off Vero.

With a teenager, our times are getting more limited with DD busy schedule. Our trips are shorter and during breaks. My wife wants “less Disney or our trips further apart.” We moved our Holiday trip four times to work around band this fall. We are excited that her band will come to Disney in 2026 so a studio is already booked!

In a blink of an eye, we will be that commercial Disney put out a few years ago with a dad and his daughter going off to college. Our trips will change again or maybe even stop. My wife will probably enjoy less time at Disney and no need for APs any longer. I hope my DD continues her love and my wife and find a new rhythm. Since we are heavily borrowed points wise, maybe one day we will catch up. Lol.

 

[bakerworld]

Being brutally honest, we always went to Disney for me. Thru the 80's we were unable to afford Disney, between houses and kids, but the 90's hit and we were finally back. The kids would make fun of me cause from the time we entered WDW I could not stop smiling - and they got away with a lot. Then the kids outgrew Disney and we went from going every three years to every year and then twice a year. DH introduced me to the bars within Hollywood studios and I introduced DH to the IG entrance. When he realized how much room cost we could save by joining DVC he was all in. Frankly, we've gone with family and without family and our preference is without family. While the parks will always be part of our experience, even with kids, it was never an all day slog. The pandemic ended our AP access and taught us how little we needed the parks to enjoy our Disney Resort vacations.

 

[eandt]

Is it a fair assumption to say that the majority of people bought DVC because they wanted to visit the parks more frequently in a cost effective way? I know that was my family's reason. For those who have owned DVC for a while, when did you stop making the focus of your trips about the parks? And what do your trips focus on now? How has owning DVC evolved your vacations?

So far this trip we have been on one attraction in 2 days … Tough to be a Bug only because it was the last day of its run … otherwise we have had drinks and food at various bars, booths, and restaurants … it’s been fun, found a few ‘secret’ places such as the outside bar at RF cafe at AK (who knew) which also has its own entrance to the park, found secret menus, and discovered the bar tender Jim at restrauntasuarus is married to the bartender at POFQ pool bar. Didn’t even have to pay extra for the ‘behind the scenes’ experience! Tomorrow is St Patrick’s Day so Ragland Road it is … sorry MK and Skippers Canteen reservations but D3 is calling ..

 

[Judique]

So far this trip we have been on one attraction in 2 days … Tough to be a Bug only because it was the last day of its run … otherwise we have had drinks and food at various bars, booths, and restaurants … it’s been fun, found a few ‘secret’ places such as the outside bar at RF cafe at AK (who knew) which also has its own entrance to the park, found secret menus, and discovered the bar tender Jim at restrauntasuarus is married to the bartender at POFQ pool bar. Didn’t even have to pay extra for the ‘behind the scenes’ experience! Tomorrow is St Patrick’s Day so Ragland Road it is … sorry MK and Skippers Canteen reservations but D3 is calling ..

I was there on the last day of Tough to be a Bug also. Hadn't been on it in years and enjoyed it! I was actually trying to do a Safari and see the baby tiger and stopped to talk to the CM near the attraction who informed me I 'needed' to do TTBAB since it was the last day.

I have an annual pass activated and did 4 parts of park days over the course of a 17 night trip. Twice into Epcot, one day just for a reservation at Monsieur Paul (so good!) and twice into AK to see baby tiger and ride the safari. I finally did Behind the Seeds in Epcot.

I'll be back 3 more trips before the AP runs out. Possibilities of more park days on those trips as I'll be mostly alone as opposed to this trip with extended family and other priorities.

Also did a quick run into the lounge in Epcot which did not require my MMB membership, lol.

 

[Beth]

We've been members for 28 years - bought in our late 20's, no kids. Never had kids, but have had nieces/nephews. We live east of Tampa, so we've been able to make countless "short" trips, bringing along friends/family. We've given trips for graduations and honeymoons. ...DVC has been our "vacation home" for us to share. We've made so many memories with family who are no longer with us - just priceless.

Now, the trip on I-4 is just a chore, and we sorta dread it. When we *do* go to WDW - the focus has shifted to relaxation around the resort and nice meals - we rarely step foot in a park, and haven't had passes in years. For that reason, I see us spending a lot more time at Vero. The drive may take a little longer, but it's much less frustrating. We have literally parked our car at Vero and not moved it until check-out day.

We'll be back at Disney in December for a special 6-year old's first trip to the MK, and I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time - but we have no other WDW trips scheduled. Oh, and we're also now renting out some points each year to offset those dues - as opposed just to selling them, completely.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

We bought into DVC because we loved WDW, especially staying in Deluxe resorts. We wanted to visit at least once a year, so DVC was a no brainer. The parks are obviously a big part of a WDW vacation and our first couple of DVC trips weren't much different than before we purchased DVC: we rope dropped a couple of days and were in the parks late a few nights. On around our 3rd DVC trip things started changing...we didn't rope drop once that trip and built in a "no parks" day. The pace slowed down a little. And we all LOVED it. Now, a week long stay usually has 5 park hopper days and we like to take relaxation breaks mid day...maybe back to the pool (it's why we bought at BCV), maybe a cocktail at a cool bar on property, maybe going back to the room. We will usually hit a park in the morning, enjoy our break, then pop into another park for a bit before dinner. If we are at BCV, we ALWAYS finish the night in World Showcase for a nightcap. The days are so much more chill now that we are DVC members. The funny thing is that we still see/do everything we wanted to see/do before each trip. It's not like something got missed because of the slower pace. Funny how that works, isn't it. Sure, we may only get to ride our favorite ride twice instead of four times...but we don't feel like we need a vacation from our vacation like we used. And we always know the next trip isn't far away, so no need to kill ourselves to squeeze every second out of the day.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

Frankly, we've gone with family and without family and our preference is without family. While the parks will always be part of our experience, even with kids, it was never an all day slog.

My wife and I just did our first WDW trip without kids in October, a 4 day weekend for Food and Wine. It was AMAZING and opened our eyes to an entirely different WDW experience. Our kids are in college now (20 and 18), so we are able to take little escapes if we want. Only having to worry about yourself is incredible, as is the clean room (lol). I see a lot of our future trips being without kids...our next is for the Wine and Dine 10K in October. Both our girls still enjoy WDW, but their lives are so busy that they honestly don't mind "only" going every couple of years. That said, we do have a December trip planned for my oldest daughter's 21st birthday...she wants to do World Showcase as a 21 year old. It really is fun/interesting how much WDW experiences change over time. I remember visits to Bippidy Boppity Boutique 15 years ago, now it is going to be "drinking around the world". How time flies.

 

[Judique]

My wife and I just did our first WDW trip without kids in October, a 4 day weekend for Food and Wine. It was AMAZING and opened our eyes to an entirely different WDW experience. Our kids are in college now (20 and 18), so we are able to take little escapes if we want. Only having to worry about yourself is incredible, as is the clean room (lol). I see a lot of our future trips being without kids...our next is for the Wine and Dine 10K in October. Both our girls still enjoy WDW, but their lives are so busy that they honestly don't mind "only" going every couple of years. That said, we do have a December trip planned for my oldest daughter's 21st birthday...she wants to do World Showcase as a 21 year old. It really is fun/interesting how much WDW experiences change over time. I remember visits to Bippidy Boppity Boutique 15 years ago, now it is going to be "drinking around the world". How time flies.

On the first trip after my youngest turned 21 she wanted to go to the Polynesian and get the drink in the pineapple - don't remember what it was called. I ordered something different, but envied her that pineapple drink after I tasted it! Still haven't gone back to get one for me....

 

[808blessing]

We used to do a table service everyday instead of a midday break. Now we stick to mobile service, 2 table service per trip and rest day in between. We don't want to do Disney as often, less days too, as we used to because the ticket prices are high sadly & novelty is fading- so many other ways to take the big dollars. Been toying with options for some of the contracts---renting or ....???

 

[DisTravels]

My wife and I just did our first WDW trip without kids

Goals - one day..