DVC vs. Value Resort?

[tkwaltermeyer]

We are planning a trip in late September. This is our first trip to Disney. Our children will be ages 4 and 7 when we arrive. I have been doing so much research but I can't decide whether to rent a Value Resort or rent from a DVC member. It appears that the price is the same. Everyone we have talked too says you won't spend any time in your room/condo anyway. I have also read about this free dining that Disney usually runs in September, which I understand is not available to DVC members. Can anyone help me out here?

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I can't comment on the dinning plan, but I will say there is absolutely no comparison between DVC accommodations and a value resort.

DVC is really a studio, 1br, or 2br villa at a deluxe resort.

Good luck!

MG

 

[Slakk]

We are planning a trip in late September. This is our first trip to Disney. Our children will be ages 4 and 7 when we arrive. I have been doing so much research but I can't decide whether to rent a Value Resort or rent from a DVC member. It appears that the price is the same. Everyone we have talked too says you won't spend any time in your room/condo anyway. I have also read about this free dining that Disney usually runs in September, which I understand is not available to DVC members. Can anyone help me out here?

Indications are there will be no free dining this year as it was offered to people in a Bounce Back program.

Equating a DVC room to an All Star is like comparing a Yugo to a Corvette. It is a personal choice.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

And for those who said they don't spend any time in their room... there is a good reason for that... their not staying at a DVC.

 

[dumbo71]

It appears that the price is the same.

You obviously did not rent from me. Value prices for a DVC, say it aint so.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just remember, if you are renting a DVC reservation, you are not renting from Disney. This is a private arrangement between you and an owner. They probably will set the rules for the rental, including how they need to receive payment. They fully control the reservation until the moment you check in.

 

[3DisneyKids]

With kids ages 4 and 7 and going during a great weather month like October, you very well might spend more time at the resort. People who say that you won't spend any time in the room just don't know how to do Disney, IMO.

Read here and make your decision based on what is best for your family. The people on these boards are far more knowledgeable than "regular" people who have been to Disney once or twice and think they can tell you what it is like.

 

[corpcomp]

Well now that we are DVC members we really do spend more time at the resort (BCV). With SAB and a kitchen, and walking distance to two parks, we no longer rush anywhere. We are always back by 3-4 to go to the pool and relax. And the bus service at the value resorts is going to be very very crowded from our experence.

Go for the DVC room. You will not regret it.

 

[tobidisney]

DVC are delux accomodations, the rooms are larger and you have a balcony.

Value resorts do not have a balcony, ( no fresh air in the room)

I have alos found that the value resorts are too crowded, there is no theme at the pool ........
I have to agree it is like a corvette to a kia...

 

[vakl_for_life]

there really is no comparison. you might also want to consider that some DVC's do not offer daily trash/towel replacement as a complimentary service.

 

[dtheboys]

DAY and NIGHT!!!

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

For your first trip I'd probably go with the value resort. Your friends are right, as a first timer the amount of time you'd spend at the resort is negligible. In addition your kids are young enough that if they want pool time they dont need to have a slide.

 

[bcvillastwo]

I'll add my 2 cents. I agree with everyone else from the stand point that you really can't compare a value resort to any of the DVC rooms/resorts.

However, with that said I would suggest you and the spouse think about the trip and what you want to do at WDW. My guess is that you will want to see and do as much as possible. If that's the case staying at a value resort should serve your needs pretty well. If you are planning on seeing and doing as much as possible be realistic about how much you can actually do. Talking things through and a little planning go a long way to making a trip enjoyable.

One final thought..............if you can get a DVC room for, or near, the cost of a value resort..........go for the DVC room.

 

[MrShiny]

With young kids, DVC is a big bonus. They are all closer to the parks than the Value resorts (I'd suggest VWL as they are closet to MK, which will probably be the favorite park of your kids), so jumping to the park and back is much easier. Also, even a studio has a fridge and microwave, which is great fo breakfasts and snacks before or after the parks, or a quick lunch during a mid-day break.

 

[bobbiwoz]

The majority of times that we have stayed in a value resort I get frustrated at the number of people who make noise walking past the rooms at night. In the hotels, it seems that people do try to use inside voices. The Values seem to be populated by more noisy groups.

Add that to the fact that I figured out why I like balconies! I like more natural light (and privacy) in my room than is available at the values. I would also HATE any of the rooms at the BC that are on the path to Epcot. Thank heavens, they are not in DVC.

So, my suggestion to OP is to go with DVC. It will be a much nicer vacation.

Bobbi

 

[starbox]

One consideration is that renting is a risk - often members can not change or cancel reservations without losing points. When our kids were so small, I did sleep easier knowing I had the ability to change my travel dates or cancel if somebody got sick. Also - little kids tend to love the huge, over-the-top, character themeing at AS Movies. We've got friends whoose DS prefers AS Movies to the Contemporary!!!

 

[spiceycat]

OKW point charts were done in the early 90's - when it was not even called OKW but DVC.

each resort since then has gone up a little in point costs.

Disney has not changed the points chart but once - back in 95 (94?) when there were 10,000 owners - now there are over 100,000 members and still growing.

here are pictures of all the resorts - value, moderate, DVC, deluxes - you can decide from the pictures.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=504

now the value resort do have the Disney Icon all over the place in front of your face.

dvc like the deluxes are little bit more sulley(sp) about it.

 

[shellbelle1971]

Why would anyone choose a Value resort when they had the option of DVC?? To me, that would be nuts! OP, once you stay at DVC there's no way you'd ever be willing to downgrade to a Value!

 

[Alexander]

I guess you've heard it about 15 times by now, but there is no comparing a value resort and a DVC resort. Obviously, if you haven't been to WDW before, you would not know any of this. I strongly suggest getting yourself a guidebook. The official one (Birnbaum's) has good descriptions of each resort with some color pictures. You will be able to see the difference clearly.

With all of that said, your kids will love the value resorts. They are totally themed for kids. DS loves them, but I refuse to stay in them now that we own DVC. It's not really a snotty thing, or maybe it is, but the accomodations at DVC are just so much better.

Seriously, get to the bookstore and get a guidebook. You need to do lots and lots of research before you make your decision.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

If you are planning on visiting in September chances are you will be able to get a good deal on a package or a deeply discounted room at a value resort. (Making it a good bit cheaper than renting DVC points) The promos for Sept. have been GREAT for the last several years (free dining for the past 2 years). If you rent points for a DVC now and then Disney announces a great deal for Sept. you will be stuck with your DVC rental. 99% chance- you will not be allowed to cancel unless you have a REALLY flexible owner you are dealing with. Last year the free dining announcement happened right at the start of April. Then an alternate option of a room only discount came out about a month later. Why don't you wait until mid-late April to decide. Or you can book the value resort now with a AAA discount and then switch to the better offer if it is offered - you can always cancel with 100% refund up to 45 days prior to arrival if you decide you really want to stay at DVC after all.

I love the values and they are great (espec. POP and ASMovies) for young kids.
DVC would be much more upscale.