For those of you who have ever questioned......

[gracelrm]

whether DVC is worth it? Here's how to find out. Take a totally non-DVC trip, stay off-site, go during peak times and stay in the parks from opening until closing. I just did that (DH, DD, DS's high school band marched in the MK parade) and even though I've never questioned how great DVC is for our family - this trip reminded me why DVC is exactly designed for my family. Don't get me wrong - we had a fabulous trip with 102 students, about 25 adults and memories to last a lifetime, but I sure did miss my DVC!

We stayed off property and our hotel and commute were fine, but I am certainly spoiled by Disney transportation. It wasn't terrible at DHS, AK or Epcot - but I hated parking at the MK. I'm also used to hitting the parks early then heading to the hotel around lunchtime for lunch in the room, some down time and a swim. I found myself so tired and possibly even a little grumpy in the middle of the afternoon. I've never been the week after Easter before and was certainly expecting the worse - however, having the knowledge we have of Disney - paid off and we got to do most everything we wanted to do. I really only found the MK to be super crowded - we actually did the other parks with ease.

On a side note - two interesting things happened that had never occurred in all our trips to Disney. We were offered coupons for buy one get one entree half off at DHS & MK for counter service lunch places if we ate prior to 11:30 (I think). And many of our food receipts had 20% off coupons for the main stores in the parks if used before noon. We used the lunch deal twice and the 20% off once while we were there. As usual, Disney knows what they are doing. I bought more than I usually would because it was 20% off!!!

Now, just 62 days until my DVC stay. I can't wait!

 

[culli]

I'll take your word for it

We are spoiled and KNOW IT! I love going for an evening stroll when staying at BCV or BWV thru EPCOT or on the boardwalk. The kids also love it, that is one of our favoirte parts of going.

 

[tinkerbell198530]

Still not sure cuse you can do what you said as a non DVC member all you have to do is stay on site

 

[culli]

Still not sure cuse you can do what you said as a non DVC member all you have to do is stay on site

Yes goes back to the is DVC right for us argument etc. You can you use codes, trade in etc. But for our family DVC works great, going back to a 2br and relaxing vs a hotel or offsite. Also yes many ways to get into that 2br some may be more cost effective etc. Again for us we use a few different options to get there about 3x's a year to include our DVC ownership. Regardless we love staying in the DVC owned resorts and also find it cost effective. I doubt we will stay offsite, possibly Bonnet Creek but everytime I think about doing it I find a way into a DVC resort instead.

 

[robertdangelo]

I stayed at ASM in 1999 with my Fire Dept. band as we played in the MK Parade. I prefer DVC resorts... I agree staying on property is better, but I would never do an All Star resort again. I think Pop century is better... we stayed in 2006 and were in the 70's section close to buses. That was a one time deal to check it out. I like being within walking distance, boat or a monorail ride to a park.

 

[NEMO93]

I can't agree more that the DVC resorts are the places to stay when visiting WDW. Also they have a great resort at VB for those non-disney trips.

 

[beccasmom]

We've never doubted our DVC purchase for a moment....and your posting made me feel even better (if possible!) about it! We've greatly enjoyed most of the other Disney resorts. But we love our DVC!

 

[tinkerbell198530]

Alright I am going in june I would chekc it out not sure I will be old enofe though

 

[supersuperwendy]

We did an off site trip in Oct. 2008.....we joined DVC that December!

I hated giving up all of our onsite perks! Our trip in 2007 was at POR and there just wasn't enough space for us.

DVC is perfect for us!