First DVC Trip - questions,tips,suggestions

[eporter66]

OK - we are getting ready for our first DVC trip, and I have a few questions, and if anyone has any extra tips or suggestions - please pass them on.

1. Should I buy park passes at the resort? Any DVC discount?
2. When/how do I use my DVC member card?
3. Staying in a studio - do we need to bring anything, or is everything provided at the resort

If anyone can think of any tips that might help us first timers it would be appreciated. We cant wait to go home for the first time!!!!

 

[PamOKW]

How great that you'll be leaving Saratoga to head to the "new" Saratoga (if that's where you'll be this trip).

The only discount we get with DVC is on the LOS passes. We get a 10% discount on those. However, this is rarely the best choice for DVC folks who will be returning often. You can buy tickets (except APs) at the resort but I think there may be discounts for buying on-line. Others here probably have a better understanding than I do. APs have to be bought at the park gates although you can purchase vouchers beforehand on-line or at a Disney Store.

It's a good idea to bring your DVC card along but you may not need it. Your room key will say DVC Member and is accepted for most discounts. One place they say you do need both is if you want to take advantage of the special seating at the Flower Power concerts in Epcot. A listing of current discounts is on the member web site and you will be given a list at check-in.

I'm not sure what you mean by whether everything is in the studio. They don't have real dishes here -- you get a start-up supply of paper goods (real glasses and real coffee mugs). If you'll be doing a lot of eating in the unit you may want to bring extra paper plates/bowls or buy them down there. Other than that, I can't think of anything that would be missing in the studio.

Have a wonderful time and I'll look forward to hearing about it.

 

[JimC]

Just to add to the ticket comments. Here is a link to a site that covers all of the basics. Certain media are cheaper if purchased in advance, either from Disney online or at a Disney store. UPH and AP media are excluded from those discounts. AAA offers discounts, but you must purchase at AAA. UPH media can have day of arrival and day of departure dropped if you purchase them at the resort, if purchased in advance they are for full length of stay.

http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/ticket.htm