DVC vs deluxe resorts

[Cee]

When I stayed in a deluxe savannah view studio at Jambo House last year I really enjoyed having the best of both worlds. Larger accommodations of DVC and all the perks of the deluxe resort hotel. LOVED IT.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I also agree that disney deluxe hotels are not exactly top of the heap in the hotel industry and think they are quite comparable to the Villa's. The last time I stayed in a Deluxe resort (hmmmm - probably GF 4 years ago) I can't say there was any significant difference in the room ammenities compared to DVC. They may have changed by now but at that time they had the same heavy bedspreads, sheets, toiletries, towels etc. as I have found at BWV, BCV, VWL, AKV etc. BLT is the exception - love the duvets!!

We haven't noticed any difference in service so far that I attribute to being a DVC member vs. hotel guest. Anything I have seen has been more due to inadequate training or just a general indifference. In fact at the CR/BLT in Dec the front desk was so helpful. But I've also had terrible service there when staying as a hotel guest.

 

[akl-fan]

I was really surprised when I did not enjoy a stay in BCV, I had wanted to stay in BC/YC for years and I knew that the location was fantastic.I would not dismiss DVC untillas a PP said you have tried more locations. I love love love AKV. Disney has something for everyone. BLT may well be for you.

 

[schoen]

Reading this thread is making me smile just a bit. When I went on my honeymoon five years ago I wanted nothing more than to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge (this was before AKV). My in laws gave us their vacation club points though, so we chose the Beach Club, kind of randomly, and without doing any real research.
We fell in LOVE with BCV. This past February we were able to spend a few nights at AKV, and we didn't really like it. I think different folks like different aspects of the resorts. It is just interesting that something that is so appealing to me, is not at all appealing to others

I too prefer the size of the room, and I LOVE having the washer and dryer. I tend to stick to the same clothes a lot of time on vacation, and it is nice to be able to just wash my favorite shirt or socks or whatever, and wear them every day if I like.

 

[GeauxYeaux]

That's good advice to check it out first - we did and were very happy with our points purchase at Saratoga. That being said - I totally goofed when we bought additional ownership at AKV. they are nice, but I'd have preferred points at BLT instead! Sometimes I guess it's better to wait We do love DVC and think its a great value for us. We go to WDW at least twice a year, and more if we can swing the time away from our business. Our experiences have been 100% positive at the resorts we've stayed at: SSR, AKV, OKW. The lack of daily housekeeping isn't a big deal to us. It's a matter of personal preference and situation. What works for one may not work for everyone. Good luck!

 

[dmoore22]

We go every year and are a family of 6, so it made a lot of $$$ sense to go DVC. We were either getting two value rooms or jamming into a family suite. We bought at AKV, and we love how different it is, the pools, the lobby, the laundry, a full size kitchen and I can not do with out my master bedroom with a king size bed and master bath. We are so spoiled now the thought of sharing the same room with our kids on vacation horrifies my husband and I. I am a bit of a hotel snob and I didn't love the values and couldn't afford two moderate rooms, this way I have the luxury of a Deluxe and my 2bedroom villa. We have also stayed at BWV, and loved it. We will be staying at BCV for a split stay. My kids want to swim at SAB! I love we can try all these resorts. When they add DVC at Poly we are adding on!

Can totally relate to this. We were a family of 8 when we first joined way back when. Now our youngest will be in college next fall and more fun for us. We do resort hop and, with the extra points we don't use since the kids have moved out, we can make multiple trips each year. We're content in our home resort, OKW, because it doesn't feel anything like home. It's a nice respite from the parks. Of course the grandkids will be old enough to enjoy the parks in a few years so I see another change in our habits soon. Deja Vu all over again.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thank you for all of the responses! I've enjoyed reading all of your comparisons! I was surprised to hear that the customer service differs between the two. And, the sheets are of lesser quality I'm off to do a search now about the customer service, but if anyone would like to share their experiences I'd love to hear them!

We stayed at the Deluxe hotels before buying into DVC, and I'm not so sure I agree with some of the previous observations. Last I checked, DVC did have a nice upgrade to the sheets. The BIG difference for us is the larger accommodations with DVC. I am talking about 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units. We never stay in studios, because they seem cramped. Even the OKW studios (which are more on a par with the Deluxe resort rooms in size) are not to our liking. We much prefer having a living room with real sofas and a dining area with a real table and chairs over an extra bed to sit on, or worse yet, straight back chairs at a small table or desk.

The other big perk to the DVC type accommodations (still talking 1,2,3 bedroom and not studios here) is that we don't have to share the bathroom with other family members, and we can have complete privacy in the bedroom.

Some feel the lack of daily maid service is a deal breaker. I tend to like the freedom of not having to worry about when the housekeeper is coming in. Again, it gives me much more privacy and freedom to come and go (or stay) as I choose.

Someone earlier in this thread made the comment that Disney Deluxe hotels are not as deluxe as many other establishments. I have to agree with that, and as such, I feel there is far less difference between the Disney "Deluxe" hotels and the DVC accommodations.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

[snip]The other big perk to the DVC type accommodations (still talking 1,2,3 bedroom and not studios here) is that we don't have to share the bathroom with other family members, and we can have complete privacy in the bedroom.

Some feel the lack of daily maid service is a deal breaker. I tend to like the freedom of not having to worry about when the housekeeper is coming in. Again, it gives me much more privacy and freedom to come and go (or stay) as I choose. [snip]

We travel as a couple and find that the the DVC type accomodations in studios (other than OKW) are better for us than a hotel room. We like a Q bed and sofa much more than 2 queens. We also love the kitchenette for breakfast, snacks and a quick meal.

I also agree that lack of daily maid service feels like a Pro and not a Con. -- Suzanne

 

[dmoore22]

We travel as a couple and find that the the DVC type accomodations in studios (other than OKW) are better for us than a hotel room. We like a Q bed and sofa much more than 2 queens. We also love the kitchenette for breakfast, snacks and a quick meal.

I also agree that lack of daily maid service feels like a Pro and not a Con. -- Suzanne

That's what makes DVC so great. There is something for every taste. If you need a villa, there's a villa! One, two, three bedrooms? We've got it. A studio with two queens? We've got it! A studio with a queen and a sofa? We've got it! A Tree House (ie Tree House Villas)? We've got it! Every visit can be an adventure. Just pick the accommodations you like for that particular trip. Just remember to book 11 months out for your home resort and 7 months out for any of the others. That being said, we've planned last minute spontaneous visits and managed to get in on rather short notice. DVC always works with us and for us!!!

 

[bmetcalf]

Why not do both? Buy enough points to stay DVC every other year, or 2 out of three years, and stay at your favorite Deluxe Resort on the off years. I think that's what we're planning to do in order to continue to take advantage of significant discounts that come along from time to time at the regular resorts. If we find we want more points, we'll buy on the resale market.

 

[laura-k]

I miss the better bedding and sheets that the deluxe resorts get.

I stayed at BLT last year and loved my bedding and this year we stayed at the Yacht Club and later at the Beach Club Villas I don't think there was a difference in the sheets -I am sure someone would let me know if I am wrong but I think they where the same

 

[sandieb]

DVC is a no brainer as far as we are concerned. We love the extra space! We enjoy the kitchen, laundry, and living area. We usually take an 8-9 night vacation, and I do not like to eat out every meal - too many calories, too much planning, so it is nice to be able to eat breakfast or lunch "at home'. It makes financial sense too.

We have 3 contracts at BCV & 1 @ HH. I also like to stay the the AKV & SSR too. It is wonderful to have so many choices!

 

[happyann79]

I agree with you about the hotel feel. I also enjoy it. I think the only thing that I miss when I stay at the villas is the fact that cant have king size bed in a studio. My husband and I love our King bed at home and really don't love to sleep in a queen. However, that is my only problem. I LOVE everything else!!!

 

[Dreaming of Main St]

Thank you for all of the great advice! DH actually just suggested that he and I take a quick weekend trip to BLT to try it out. Woohoo!

 

[mkarizona]

What about the condition of the DVC villas. I read over and over about rusty appliances, cabinets off the hinges, etc. The response is often that you can't expect a timeshare to be as nice as a hotel. How bad is the problem? I am afraid to stay anywhere but BLT or Kidani.