Flight Advice

[J Poole]

My husband and i are thinking of becoming DVC members and would greatly appreciate any advice on flights to Florida.

We have to travel during peak season times and would like advice on any airlines or websites that offer the best flight deals.

Has anyone compared the cost of package deals in comparison to flights only?

Has anyone joined DVC and regretted their decision?

Jody

 

[Hilary]

would like advice on any airlines or websites that offer the best flight deals.

This is the biggest downside to DVC for us in the UK, IMHO. We are a family of four, tied to work / education dates and can't chance picking up a last-minute bargain on flights. So far, we've only ever bought flights / fly-drives through the main carriers or used the AirMiles and Virgin Travelstore agencies - we haven't had any amazing prices through them, though.

Has anyone compared the cost of package deals in comparison to flights only?

Yes, and sometimes the packages can work out cheaper, but they are rarely able to match the flexibility of taking flight only and arranging your own accommodation where and when you want it.

Has anyone joined DVC and regretted their decision?

We haven't regretted it yet (joined in 2001) but we've ,so far, only used our points for DVC resorts. I'm hoping we'll be able to swap out to other resorts sometime, and I have a feeling that might not be quite as successful - but that's not the main reason we bought into DVC so I still won't be complaining . Since joining, we've stayed a week in a studio at OKW, a week with extended family in a Grand Villa and 3 x studios at OKW and VWL, one night in a studio at BWV, and just returned from 5 nights in a two-bedroom at OKW - and we still think the accommodation is excellent!

 

[Pootle]

Hello Jody

We used to be tied to school holidays and always favoured Easter. My strategy then used to be to book as far in advance as possible but again, no amazing bargains. The last time we went at Easter was 1999 and some friends came with us who found that booking a cheap package (with Eclipse as I recall) was actually cheaper than booking a scheduled flight alone. Whether this is still the case I wouldn't like to say.

Sites I use to check out prices, and have booked with, are:

www.expedia.co.uk
www.ebookers.com
www.aa.com (American Airlines)


We joined the DVC in 1996 and have not regretted it for a second. If you look at the US Disboards you often get the comment of 'wish I'd done it sooner' and I fall into that camp. However, I would say that it is an advantage to be a planner and to know you love Florida enough that you are likely to continue to want to go there. I qualify on both counts and have added on 3 times since I bought my minimum of 150 points in '96.

I've stayed at OKW many times and VB but also at BWV (twice) and had a good old nosey round the others including Hilton Head. Also I gave some points to family to use at DLP and they were thrilled with their stay at Newport Bay, which included entrance to the parks. I can see the attractions of all of the DVC resorts and it boils down to different features appealing to different people.

Good luck whatever you decide

 

[daipp]

I'm in a family of four who are part of DVC and to date, a package seems to be cheaper than other options - but we continue to look!

 

[Tigger007]

No regrets since becoming D.V.C members, actually thinking about an add-on before the price increase.

Spent 2 wks at the Beach Club, flew out April 1st with B.M.I. via Washington. Cost just over £1500 for a family of four. In comparison a 2 wk vacation staying at the Yacht Club would cost us over £8000 for Easter.

 

[Ian.Whiteley]

Just like you we are tied to school holidays due to children and a wife that works in a school. Like the other posters, it seems impossible to get 'cheap' flights at these times and chancing a late booking for a family of 4 in peak summer season isn't worth it.

We always fly with Virgin and you can save 10% by booking online or if you're a 'Frequent Virgin' (which also gives a free car upgrade). Virgin & BA fly direct to Orlando International but if you don't mind taking a connection you could try some of the American carriers and fly into one of their 'hub' airports such as Miami or Charleston and then get a connection to Orlando. We don't do this as the kids would be climbing walls waiting in another airport!

We bought into DVC in 1999 and have added twice to our points. Never have regretted it and have used points to go on Disney Cruise and stay at the Disneyland Hotel in Paris. We have also used some points for August this year to stay in San Francisco at a 'Concierge Collection' hotel just to do something different.

Good luck with your decision and hope to see you in Florida someday.

 

[scousemouse36]

Did any of you guys consider a villa before you bought dvc.

Were a family of five and see the benefit of a villa in say kissimmee more flexible to cover school hols and also get the odd rent

any opinions?

 

[J Poole]

Hi

Have not thought about a villa before, but perhaps we should consider this as well, before becoming DVC member.

Jody

 

[Hilary]

A villa was never a consideration for us because the initial cost would be so much more than DVC membership, and out of our league.

However, cost aside, I think there are important differences between DVC and a villa which be relevant in coming to a decision:

1. If you want to visit Disney parks, staying on-site is the best way to do it (IMHO!), i.e. DVC
2. Owning a villa has ongoing and unknown (although hopefully, predictable) maintenance issues and costs, whereas DVC annual fees are fairly accurately predictable in the short term.
3. Owning a villa ties you to one place and size of accommodation, but with DVC you have flexibility.
4. DVC can never guarantee you the accommodation when and where you want it, whereas your own villa can be available whenever you want it.
5. Both DVC points and your own villa can be rented for revenue, but the villa has more potential.
6. A villa should be an asset to sell on, but DVC has a shelf-life.

I'm sure there are other reasons, and there are others on the boards who have experience of both camps, but that's a few thoughts to be going on with