DVC vs. AP

[dischick4778]

How does the DVC rate compare to getting an Annual Pass rate? We are seriously considering joining DVC, but we also like to try new resorts. It seems a bit troublesome once a DVCer to stay at other resorts than the one you bought into. Whereas with an AP we could stay at any resort at a discounted rate. What are your thoughts? I could be completely wrong, it happens often enough!
Thanks

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

As a former addict of waiting for AP rates to be released and calling in hope of getting one, I for one think it is far less of a hassle to go the DVC route and break the pattern of waiting for codes to be released. With DVC we plan 11 months in advance and that's it. It is easy to try the many DVC resorts but not worth the points to stay at the regular one.

But that being said, every once in a while a visit to one of the non DVC resorts is bound to happen. My family is doing that this New Year's and not using points (but good lcuk finding a code for that anyway).

HBC

 

[JimC]

We are DVC with APs and have stayed at all but two resorts on property. We use AP codes in addition to our DVC membership. But we primarily buy APs because it is the cheapest park admission for us. The discounts and resort codes are great perks that go along with the passes.

DVC has its own resorts (the best use of points) and you can use points at any DVC resort. You can book 11 months out at your home resort and 7 months out at others. You have essentially locked in lodging at one bedroom villas for the price of staying at a moderate resort.

There are also other collections. One of the collections is the Disney collection which includes certain other WDW resorts, DCL, DLP resorts/tickets and DL resorts. The value of using points for other collections is probably less than using points at DVC resorts, but it is an option.

We used points at AKL concierge level this year. It worked out that the cost of our points was less than the AP rate. In prior years when AP codes were more aggressive that would not have been true. Last year we used AP code to do a trip to the Poly as a surprise for my wife. It is a case by case decision.

 

[DrTomorrow]

And, as always, there's no guarantee that AP rates will be available for the time/resort you want; or that they'll even be offered 5 or 10 years from now.

 

[BCV23]

We use our APs to book our cash stays at nonDVC resorts over the weekend (well and usually for a few extra days too ) and our DVC points at DVC resorts during the week.

I don't mind calling for the AP rates. It's fun to follow the news here and at Mousesavers but if I'm away from the boards or don't have luck at first, I've never had trouble booking the AP rate closer to our stay. Of course, as noted the AP rates aren't available for checkin at holidays but I'm not about to spend DVC points then either.

So after that long answer, we combine both DVC stays and AP discounts.

 

[DebbieB]

There are now 5 DVC resorts onsite, so you aren't stuck staying at the same resort everytime. With advance planning, you can usually get into any one of them most times of the year (except maybe grand villas). I own at BWV but alternate between OKW and BWV. I'm really not interested in the other 3. I have supplemented my DVC stays with an AP rates on the weekend and did not have to change rooms.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by dischick4778
How does the DVC rate compare to getting an Annual Pass rate?

Huh? What's a DVC Rate?

We are seriously considering joining DVC, but we also like to try new resorts. It seems a bit troublesome once a DVCer to stay at other resorts than the one you bought into.

IMO, a lot of the mania regarding booking stays are resorts other than one's Home is just a lot of hot air. There are times of the year that are more difficult than others, but if you really know how the system works, I think there are very few dates / room types that are difficult to get.

Whereas with an AP we could stay at any resort at a discounted rate. What are your thoughts? I could be completely wrong, it happens often enough!

I agree with the other posters on the AP code issue. When codes were first released for the fall season, there were posts from people who waited on hold for HOURS the first day they could book with the code, and still didn't get the room they wanted. No thanks.

 

[queenof4hearts]

Generally, how far in advance do AP rates come out?

 

[poohj80]

Originally posted by tjkraz
Huh? What's a DVC Rate?

DVC Members get a discount on DVC rooms when paying cash. I assume this is what the OP meant.

Have there typically been AP discounts on DVC rooms or just at the regular WDW hotels?

 

[mom2rb]

We have APs and we are using the discount to add on an extra two days at AKL. We love trying new hotels but I also love knowing I have my DVC. When we get discounts we will add extra days to our trips.

 

[queenof4hearts]

How do we find out the prices on DVC discounted room rates. Does anyone know approx. how deeply (or non deeply discounted) they are?

Thanks

 

[tjkraz]

Check Mousesavers.com. They usually have price examples from the last round of AP discounts. I think it's usually in the 30% range, give or take.

Just be aware that room quantities are limited under the AP discount program, and some periods NO discounts are offered. When there is high member demand for smaller resorts like VWL, BCV and BWV, there's little reason for Disney to take its small allotment of rooms and then pile on a cash discount.

You're much more likely to get a discount on a DVC room for a weekend than a weekday.

AP discounts are normally announced about 30-45 days before the beginning of the discount period.

The DVC member discount is a flat 25% when offered. Technically the DVC member is supposed to be staying in a room obtained with the member discount. There is little they can do to police who actually sleeps in the room, but don't exepect to be able to book more than one room at a time due to this clause.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

If I am so inclined to stay at a non DVC resort, I will use points if I have them, and cash if I don't.
Contrary to popular belief, I don't find the Disney Collection to be a terrible use of points, once you figure the costs of points vs the cash rate.

In short, I don't let the fact that I am a DVC Member stand in my way of staying wherever I want.

MG

 

[dischick4778]

Thank you all so very much for the candid advice. It sounds like DVC is the way to go. I really appreciate all the details you have provided. It has helped me make a more informed decision.

Thanks again!!