Favorite DVC Hack?

[masupo]

Since the reopening, DVC resorts have allowed guests to use the luggage carts. This has happened at BLT, BWV, RIV. But only one if one is available. Unfortunately many guests don’t return them but leave them in the hall or park them in a corner somewhere far from the lobby. They have even been left in the parking lots. However, I’ve never asked anyone to hold my luggage on a luggage cart that I’ve borrowed. That’s pushing it a bit IMO. Not sure if this will continue, but it sure beats making a couple trips to the car. And I’m too cheap to pay someone $20 to do it for me. We bring slot of stuff.


I sure miss doing that. No word yet on when the DDP will return. We will reserve a studio the first night or two to do just what you do with the Dining plan, and then switch to a one bedroom. I wonder how much the deluxe plan will be?

I stayed at BCV in September. I asked to use a luggage cart, and they would not let me use one.

I was going to use it to bring my luggage and grocery delivery to the room myself. Since I couldn't lug it all myself by hand (solo trip) they said they would bring it all to my room, then charged me the $6.00 grocery delivery fee.

In November, I stayed at Poly. I didn't even ask about the luggage cart. We gave bell services our bags, told them about our grocery delivery. Everything was delivered to the room and no $6 charge this time LOL

 

[Chuck S]

I stayed at BCV in September. I asked to use a luggage cart, and they would not let me use one.

I was going to use it to bring my luggage and grocery delivery to the room myself. Since I couldn't lug it all myself by hand (solo trip) they said they would bring it all to my room, then charged me the $6.00 grocery delivery fee.

In November, I stayed at Poly. I didn't even ask about the luggage cart. We gave bell services our bags, told them about our grocery delivery. Everything was delivered to the room and no $6 charge this time LOL

And at a large resort, just imagine where those carts may wind up! There wouldn't be any left for Bell Services. And remember, Bell Services is a tipped position, it is how these cast members make their livings, just like skycaps at the airport.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

Most resorts do NOT provide luggage carts for guests, at most resorts the carts are for the use of Bell Services ONLY. And a greeter is not going to be able to "hold" your luggage for you, it is still bell services.

I have done this multiple times at VGF. When I have tried the rest of the resorts, I will report back. My understanding was that VGF offered this to match what DVC members enjoy at other resorts, but I may have been misinformed.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

Most resorts do NOT provide luggage carts for guests, at most resorts the carts are for the use of Bell Services ONLY. And a greeter is not going to be able to "hold" your luggage for you, it is still bell services.

This must be a resort to resort thing. When we stayed at BCV in April of 2020 we used a luggage cart to bring all of our stuff (including a decent amount of groceries) to our room. However, when I returned the cart I also tipped the bell person $10 for letting us use it. I was a valet parker and bell person in college, so I know they appreciate those gestures. I also would have zero problem if they didn't let us use the luggage cart...in that case I would have them bring our things to my room and tip them like I always do for that service.

 

[Chuck S]

I have done this multiple times at VGF. When I have tried the rest of the resorts, I will report back. My understanding was that VGF offered this to match what DVC members enjoy at other resorts, but I may have been misinformed.

VGF is a different animal, as it is a completely separate building. I doubt you'll be able to use a cart if staying at the new addition.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

This must be a resort by resort thing. When we stayed at BCV in April of 2020 we used a luggage cart to bring all of our stuff (including a decent amount of groceries) to our room. However, when I returned the cart I also tipped the bell person $10 for letting us use it. I was a valet parker and bell person in college, so I know they appreciate those gestures. I also would have zero problem is they didn't let us use the luggage cart...in that case I would have them bring the things and tip them like I always do for that service.

That's a good point. The Greeter at VGF is not a tipped position, but I decided to offer him a tip for his help wrangling the luggage cart to storage, and he gladly took it.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

To pay my DVC dues, I buy GCs at Kroger for the 4X fuel points and use my highest paying credit card to earn cashback. For example, starting in January I will buy enough GCs to cover 1/3 of my dues using my Chase Freedom which earns 5% back the first quarter. I will also download a 4X fuel points coupon to use. I’ll do the same in February and the same in March. By spreading it out over three months, I can spread out the number of fuel points I earn. When I use the fuel points I transfer that money I would have used on gas to my vacation fund. I also transfer the cashback from my credit card into my vacation fund. This allows me to save 19% on my annual dues!

 

[hetzeltj]

When it's available, book your first night as a separate reservation, & purchase the Deluxe DDP for that night only (easy if you have multiple Memberships, else make one of the guests in room have slightly different name by using initials or nickname, keeping that reservation separate).
For $119 per Adult, you get 3 Table Services with appetizer, entrée, dessert, drink (alcoholic if over 21) and 2 snacks to use over 2 days, plus a refillable mug (which is good for 14 days).
We usually have an early dinner the first day, then lunch around noon & supper around 8pm the next. Our meals usually run over $70pp with tax (e.g., Coral Reef lunch about $73, Tutto Italia about $92, Trattoria al Forno $79 - total $244 OOP) - figure the Deluxe DDP costs less than $35pp for each of those meals. On our recent trips without any DDP, we definitely spent waaaaaay more OOP for waaaaay less food .
With a fridge & microwave, you can bring some items (the snacks, apps, desserts, leftovers) back to the room for late night snacks or breakfast.
If you use discounted Disney GCs from Target or BJs to pay for the plan, you can save even more.
While I understand many are park people, who prefer running to rides over leisurely dining, for those of us who consider WDW with DVC a relaxing vacation, & who enjoy leisurely dining with friends/family, buying DDP for a night or two can be a great option. Btw, we'll have a few QS and get groceries delivered for the rest of our trip (about 2 weeks total).

This is Genius. Just might do this when the DDP is back

 

[RoseGold]

When it's available, book your first night as a separate reservation, & purchase the Deluxe DDP for that night only (easy if you have multiple Memberships, else make one of the guests in room have slightly different name by using initials or nickname, keeping that reservation separate).

WOW. Now, this is a hack. Never thought I'd wish dining plan would come back. You're totally right, I could completely use this, even if I blew two credits on a character meal.

 

[Chuck S]

WOW. Now, this is a hack. Never thought I'd wish dining plan would come back. You're totally right, I could completely use this, even if I blew two credits on a character meal.

It is an interesting idea, but since it would be a separate reservation, you'd risk having to move. Plus I seldom spend that much, even at table service, the exception may be when I dine at Tiffin's or a steak place....which is rare. One of the best values out there now, IMO, is Liberty Tree Tavern, LOTS of great food, very allergy friendly. Someone in my party had a Gluten allergy, and they even had gluten free turkey dressing, gravy and mac and cheese, for about $40 pp.

 

[RoseGold]

It is an interesting idea, but since it would be a separate reservation, you'd risk having to move.

I've done this multiple times anyway, because I have two member numbers. They put a note on it, and I've never moved. They don't want to pay to clean the room.

 

[jo-jo]

Since the reopening, DVC resorts have allowed guests to use the luggage carts. This has happened at BLT, BWV, RIV. But only one if one is available. Unfortunately many guests don’t return them but leave them in the hall or park them in a corner somewhere far from the lobby. They have even been left in the parking lots. However, I’ve never asked anyone to hold my luggage on a luggage cart that I’ve borrowed. That’s pushing it a bit IMO. Not sure if this will continue, but it sure beats making a couple trips to the car. And I’m too cheap to pay someone $20 to do it for me. We bring slot of stuff.

To your comment, I'd rather pay bell services $20 to bring luggage and a ton of groceries to my room, than tip housekeeping a couple to bucks to bring extra paper cups to my room because disney decided not to put real mugs in studios anymore. Tipping someone because the normal item (soap, TP, mugs, remote control, etc ) is missing just doesn't sit well with me. I do it, but not happily.

In the spring of 2021, we were at BLT and Bell services were giving out carts like candy. Every two mins someone was asking for one. I was asking for one along with help to bring the ton of groceries up to room (feeding 10).

 

[iheartglaciers]

Most resorts do NOT provide luggage carts for guests, at most resorts the carts are for the use of Bell Services ONLY. And a greeter is not going to be able to "hold" your luggage for you, it is still bell services.

Since the reopening, DVC resorts have allowed guests to use the luggage carts. This has happened at BLT, BWV, RIV. But only one if one is available. Unfortunately many guests don’t return them but leave them in the hall or park them in a corner somewhere far from the lobby. They have even been left in the parking lots. However, I’ve never asked anyone to hold my luggage on a luggage cart that I’ve borrowed. That’s pushing it a bit IMO. Not sure if this will continue, but it sure beats making a couple trips to the car. And I’m too cheap to pay someone $20 to do it for me. We bring slot of stuff.

Can confirm that Wilderness Lodge let us take a cart to move our luggage ourself last month, both when we arrived and when we were leaving.

 

[LSchrow]

I've done this multiple times anyway, because I have two member numbers. They put a note on it, and I've never moved. They don't want to pay to clean the room.

We've had the same experience - with 4 Memberships, our 2 week our trips are almost always comprised of reservations booked under 3-4 of them, and we've never had to move. Just once in many years, they had us slated to move (it wasn't even the part of the trip with DDP), but they were able to fix it at the Front Desk.

 

[bakerworld]

We asked at BL and were refused. I think that was the only place we asked.

 

[kboo]

This is Genius. Just might do this when the DDP is back

WOW. Now, this is a hack. Never thought I'd wish dining plan would come back. You're totally right, I could completely use this, even if I blew two credits on a character meal.

We never did DDP and when we booked cash stays pre-DVC (in DIsney hotel rooms, without full kitchens and large refrigerators) this seemed to be too much of a hassle for us. Now that we do split stays among resorts, it seems like it may be feasible again...

 

[Leight19]

When it's available, book your first night as a separate reservation, & purchase the Deluxe DDP for that night only (easy if you have multiple Memberships, else make one of the guests in room have slightly different name by using initials or nickname, keeping that reservation separate).
For $119 per Adult, you get 3 Table Services with appetizer, entrée, dessert, drink (alcoholic if over 21) and 2 snacks to use over 2 days, plus a refillable mug (which is good for 14 days).
We usually have an early dinner the first day, then lunch around noon & supper around 8pm the next. Our meals usually run over $70pp with tax (e.g., Coral Reef lunch about $73, Tutto Italia about $92, Trattoria al Forno $79 - total $244 OOP) - figure the Deluxe DDP costs less than $35pp for each of those meals. On our recent trips without any DDP, we definitely spent waaaaaay more OOP for waaaaay less food .
With a fridge & microwave, you can bring some items (the snacks, apps, desserts, leftovers) back to the room for late night snacks or breakfast.
If you use discounted Disney GCs from Target or BJs to pay for the plan, you can save even more.
While I understand many are park people, who prefer running to rides over leisurely dining, for those of us who consider WDW with DVC a relaxing vacation, & who enjoy leisurely dining with friends/family, buying DDP for a night or two can be a great option. Btw, we'll have a few QS and get groceries delivered for the rest of our trip (about 2 weeks total).

This was something I was hoping to try but never have done personally. On boards I somehow got impression there may be issues doing this splitting stay (thought I had heard it works wirh single night in separate booking category but not same). Can you confirm if it’s possible to do this with single room type booked in two bookings and just requesting to stay in same room?

 

[Dano1182]

I buy beer at the gas station by BWV
Or if we have a car at whalgreens

 

[MICKIMINI]

I'm hoping DDP comes back before May. We have a two night comp (OKW severely leaking ceiling) at BLT in a 2 BR Lake View before an eight night BWV stay and would really enjoy Steakhouse71! We ate breakfast and lunch last month and loved it. We'll happily eat QS at EPCOT!

 

[Dizzydizney]

And those snack credits can be used at the food kiosks at F&W, Holiday Kitchens, art Festival and Flower & garden.

As previously stated, we do a studio for one or two nights before switching to a 1 bedroom (usually at a different resort so we can take advantage of close proximity to a park and save some points by doing a studio stay). I’ve never done this where I try to stay in the same room. A number of years ago there was some kind of glitch in the system that enabled people to go to the front desk and do a pretend check out and in to get the dining plan for two days, than not for a day, then again for two days, etc. etc. It got to be too much....they put an end to that and would not allow it any more. But just doing one night might still work with the same type room. But be prepared they might make you move. You just never know. But as previously stated, it saves the resort time, money and energy to not have to clean the room.

Yes going to the Speedway across the street from Boardwalk is a real money saver for beer, wine, bottled water and even breakfast sandwiches (buy a few and reheat in the microwave). It’s a good idea to bring your rolling suitcase. But if you are walking.....remember it is a busy roadway with people not paying attention so cross with care and don't bring little children with you.