First visit 'home', what to expect

[debbie in Seattle]

Early October we're taking our first trip 'home' since becoming DVC members.
What should I expect? I read about all this 'discounts' we can get, etc for meals, etc. Do we get a pamphlet with this info listed or are we on our own?
Thanks

 

[Lyndylou]

Welcome and yes you certainly do. When you check in you'll get a leaflet with all the places you get discount. It's great. I used to forget to ask about discounts but now I just ask at every place we eat.{and shop}I saved a small fortune recently while on site for 6 weeks with DH and 5 of our kids. It's not just eateries. some stores offer discount as well as recreation. We saved on our parasailing. Fantasia golf. water skiing. Boat hires Brill.If you have an annual pass it's even better. you get 1/2 off at the putting. and 10% at world of Disney [Where we spent a fortune ] While I'm on I would thoroughly recommend the Gospel Brunch on Sundays at the House of Blues. It was excellent[And there was 10%discount} As for the Cirque du Soleil. It was amazing and again 10% off. Have a terrific trip

 

[DisFlan]

When you check in you should get a "Welcome Home" folder. Inside the folder should be a small fold-out called "Portable Perks". It'll list the DVC discounts. Very handy! If it's not there, just ask at the desk.

You can also get a list of current discounts on the dvcmember.com site.


Have fun!

DisFlan

 

[byoung]

Congrats-It will be our Welcome Home trip in Oct also.

 

[JeanJoe]

Congrats! And it will be our first Welcome Home trip in Oct, too! Woohoo!

(what's with all us DVC newbies?)

If you all have any other good newbie first visit tips, I'd love to hear them.

Congrats-It will be our Welcome Home trip in Oct also.

 

[dianeschlicht]

If you all have any other good newbie first visit tips, I'd love to hear them.

My main tip to newbies is to RELAX and enjoy! You will have plenty of future trips, so no need to do the Commando thing! Take in your new surroundings at your DVC home, and get to know that well your first trip.

 

[JeanJoe]

Excellent advice -- we decided to do exactly this, especially with DD3yo and DD1yo.

They are early birds (...5 am... pain...), so we'll probably just casually wander a park each morning, and by late morning, get a bite (perhaps, when possible, at Epcot F+W booths!), and then head back to BWV.

DD3yo loved the "arts and crafts" daily at the WL, so we think a little Community Hall time before their afternoon nap would be good. Evenings will just depend on what the little ones can handle. Probably, just wandering the boardwalk itself will be enough for them the first couple evenings

As you said, great thing about DVC is we already have our next 3 trips planned, so why rush it? Lots of time, lots of future visits!

Wow, I really can't wait...

My main tip to newbies is to RELAX and enjoy! You will have plenty of future trips, so no need to do the Commando thing! Take in your new surroundings at your DVC home, and get to know that well your first trip.

 

[Man_Of_Leisure]

Don't forget the children's area at the BWI at the bottom of the outside staircase in the back of the hotel at ground level on the left hand side as you face the lake. Access is from outside. They have all sorts of toys and activities for the little ones and you can even let the cast members keep an eye on them so that you and DH can have a little alone time. I am not sure how young they take but if your youngest is walking it shouldn't be a problem. Even if you just want to take them there to let them play while you watch it should be okay.

Man of Leisure

 

[mjkaferle5]

.......children's area at the BWI at the bottom of the outside staircase in the back of the hotel at ground level on the left hand side as you face the lake. Access is from outside.........

Wow that is a mouthful!!!!!!! Might need a GPS device to find that!!!!

 

[maxsdaddy]

I am definately seeing a trend here.

Our first trip "home" is early October also.

Cant wait. Thanks for the encouraging words from everyone.

 

[JandD Mom]

Our first trip home is in 3 days !!!!

You guys are terrific! I can't stop reading everything you write. This is a problem, because I should be working!

 

[1000th happy haunt]

My first trip home will be October 3rd.

 

[JohnNJ]

Don't forget the children's area at the BWI

I think you're talking about the Harbor Club. They are only open seasonally and I think they're closed now. Better call ahead to be sure.

 

[BUDDYBEAR]

New Dvc Member
First Trip Home Dec 4-8-2005
Thanks Buddybear

 

[LYNSUE]

DH and I will be taking our first trip home 9-15 to 9-21 at SSR. Can't wait! I do appreciate any tips I can pick up before then.

 

[rocketriter]

Most of the CMs who check people into the villas are very helpful. For my family they've always taken the time to make sure that we understand what's available to us as members. Consider check-in a great time to ask your questions: it might be the one moment in your entire trip when you have a CM's complete and undivided attention.

 

[kareneast]

I'll add to the trend

First trip home Oct. 2-7 SSR

All the tips are GREAT! Thanks!

 

[Donna]

to be BLOWN AWAY!
You will know immediately that you made the right decision! Welcome Home and HAVE FUN!