First trip as DVC members - any advice?

[HotdogDncrs]

Hello - we are heading to BLT on Sunday for our first trip as DVC owners, and are wondering if anyone has any advice for us? Is there anything specific that we should be asking for? (ex. I've heard that you can get a copy of Portable Perks at check-in).

We won't be doing online check-in (as we used this at Wildnerness Lodge in August for a CR, and found that it took way longer to process than the people who were doing regular check-in).

We are staying in a lake view studio, and will be purchasing annual passes and a TIW card.

We were going to contact our guide while there to inquire about any new promotions (or promotions only available while on site), however are wondering if we would be better off waiting for the upcoming webcast? We would be interested in adding on if the price/incentive was right!

Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated

 

[princessfionasmom]

I don't have much advice but have a great time. We stayed at BLT in a LV studio in Oct and absolutely loved it We loved the pool even ordered lunch at the poolside bar, it was pretty good. The walk over to MK is a dream. Our kids had no problem walking back late at night after a long day in the park. There is nothing like just being able to walk over and not wait in lines for buses or the monorail. We can't wait to stay there again in June. Have a great time!

 

[dmoore22]

Just relax and enjoy yourself. No more going commando after buying into DVC. When shopping ask the CM about any discounts. When we were there at Christmas a CM told us there were unannounced discounts that CMs would give only when asked by the guest. If you have the Disney Visa that helps also. While at Mouse Gear (Epcot) we were given an AP discount in addition to a Disney Visa discount on our purchases. I finally broke down and bought a monorail set. The combined discounts knocked almost $30 off the posted price.

 

[schewy]

Being a DVC member and a annual passhholder, always ask for member/passholder discount. You may be surprised where you will find the discounts.
If you never have taken behind the scenes tour, I would recommend taking a tour one trip. You will have plenty of time now since you are a member, no need to rush. But the discounts on the tours makes them even more fun.
You will also find that some of the activities at the resorts are free becuase you are a member. Check the weekly resort activity sheet and it will tell you.
I had never made a tye dye t-shirt before until last November when we stayed at BLT.

 

[disneynutz]

That reminds me, we have checked in and out 3 times during the last 9 days at BWV (don't ask) and we never received a Portable Perks.

Bill

 

[TisBit]

Don't sweat anything or have high expectations, just plan on going and having a good time. Seems all the people that go and are looking for everything to be perfect have the most problems and disappointments. We have not received portable perks before, because they ran out, etc.

We printed the discount breakdown from Allears.net and I had that so I knew which discount was best between DVC, AP and TIW.....but you can always ask!

 

[robertdangelo]

If you have the Disney Visa Card from chase... I recommend getting your AP's ahead of time. Then you can build up reward points prior to the trip. You will get a voucher that you exchange at a Ticket sales location for your AP's. The year doesn't start until the 1st time they are used.

www.gardengrocer.com is a great service. Items will be delivered to the resort... Bell services will hold and bring to your room, if the delivery arrives prior to check in.(perishables are kept cold too!)

Purex 3 in 1 sheets are handy for Laundry. The sheet contains detergent, fabric softener & a dry sheet. I also pack Maxwell House filter packs from home.

Have Fun & welcome Home!

 

[HotdogDncrs]

Don't sweat anything or have high expectations, just plan on going and having a good time. Seems all the people that go and are looking for everything to be perfect have the most problems and disappointments. We have not received portable perks before, because they ran out, etc.

We printed the discount breakdown from Allears.net and I had that so I knew which discount was best between DVC, AP and TIW.....but you can always ask!

I totally agree - this will be our 4th trip to the world since December 2009 (hence why we finally bit the bullet and bought into DVC!). We always go with 1 expectation - to have fun. Our son is only 19 months, so this time we are not going to be running off to get on the "big" rides. I like the idea of printing off the discounts - I'm going to do this today

 

[HotdogDncrs]

If you have the Disney Visa Card from chase... I recommend getting your AP's ahead of time. Then you can build up reward points prior to the trip. You will get a voucher that you exchange at a Ticket sales location for your AP's. The year doesn't start until the 1st time they are used.

Have Fun & welcome Home!

I wish I could have a Disney Visa - unfortunately they are not available to Canadians. Maybe one day - I can dream can't I?

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Don't do like we did. Our first day of our first stay, I ended up in a wheel chair for a week.

I was walking out of the store at OKW and my knee blew out.

Stay away from wheel chairs!

 

[bmalonef45]

As others have said, enjoy Disney now, you'll be back plenty of times, if you don't get to ride something it will be there next time you come. If you've been before, look into things you've not done before because you were in such a hurry. Go up to the member lounge since your at BLT. You're in a Monorail resort so use that to your heart's content. Get your DVC button in MK. Use your DVC discount when you can, (tours are good for that!) As my kids say you are a member of WDW now so act like you own it and take it all in.

 

[Coach81]

Yes- HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!

 

[Best Aunt]

When I checked in at BWV last week, they gave me a big folder which had the Portable Perks in it, along with the activity list, resort map, etc.

As other people have said, ask about discounts every time you shop - DVC, Disney Visa, AP, whatever you've got.

Have you considered an Owner's Locker? Sounds like you're there often enough that you might want to be able to store things.

 

[dopeynme]

Coach81, you read my mind! I was going to say"Have a great time!!!!!", too!

DH and I took our first DVC trip in Feb (also BLT) after buying in Aug 09. It was magical, we loved staying so close to MK! I sipped my morning coffee in the studio, while enjoying the view.

I brought my own coffee and sugar and ordered cream cheese and bagels from Disney groceries. It worked out great!

Hope you have a magical trip!

 

[Crystal_27]

My only advice would be to enjoy the heck out of every single moment, and don't be surprised if you tear up a bit at your first "WELCOME HOME" (or maybe that's just my sappy self - LOL). Please also take a couple pictures of your view for the BLT view mega-thread. Have a great, great, great time!