Golf at WDW

[EAP'sDAD]

I know that there is a golf membership for DVC memebers that saves a good amount of money when playing at WDW. I was wondering if anyone has used the program and if the have could you let me know how it worked and if you would reccommend it.

 

[goofy4dvc]

We purchased a golf membership in April for approx $85. My husband played for a week at $35 a round. I didn't golf that time because I took the kids to the parks. DH and I went back to WDW in December and we each played for $50 a round. So we figured we more than got our money's worth. You have to figure out how many rounds you plan to play, how many people will play (up to 4 players can play on one membership), the time of year (rates range from $35 to $90), and if you plan to use it on one trip or more. It's convenient because you can get free transportation to and from the golf course and the resort if you don't have a car. Disney pays a cab to transport you each way. And the courses are nice, especially Osprey Ridge.

When we went to WDW in Oct of 2001, we golfed at a course south of there (Haynes City, I think) and we also drove to World Woods (northwest of Orlando). World Woods has two great courses. If you have the money and want to drive an hour and a half north of Orlando, there's World Golf Village that has the Slammer and the Squire. It's a neat course, although we haven't played it yet. Just looked. There's lots of golf in Florida!!

 

[Rob&Jan]

We were there last week and I bought the DVC Golf Membership.
It was very simple, at the time you reserve your tee time you tell the cm that you will be joining they notate it on your reservation.
When you arrive at the course they will do the paperwork in the pro shop and issue you a card similar to a park pass. The membership is good for 1 year from that day and is valid at the 5 Disney courses. The cost is $85 plus tax, and reduces the green fees from $190 at Osprey Ridge to $50 per person for myself and 3 guests for 1 round per day. The reduced rate changes throughout the year.
Oct 1st to Jan 14th $50.00
Jan 15th to April 19th $95.00
April 16th to September 30th $35.00

We played Osprey Ridge and it was magnificent, all the courses are world class.
If your a golfer and you can find the time you should play these courses, I don't think you can go wrong.

Hit em straight

 

[EAP'sDAD]

This is the best website! I have learned so much. Thanks for the info. I have played all the courses at disney, being the chump that I am at full price. I am going in June with 3 other families and we plan to play at least twice and then going again in Dec. The money I just saved will pay for my tickets to the park. One last question do the have only selected tee times or can you reserve anytime you want. I realize it has to be after 10:00 which is not a problem.

 

[TroyWDW]

Below is the info from the DVC Members website.

Troy


<U>Disney Vacation Club Golf Membership</U>
The exclusive Disney Vacation Club Golf Membership offers Members who purchase this plan (Cardholders) and up to 3 guests special rates for one 18-hole round of golf per day at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course, Disney's Palm Golf Course, Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course or Disney's Eagle Pines Golf Course. The special rates apply for tee times after 10:00a.m. (regular Walt Disney World Resort golf rates apply prior to 10:00a.m.). For more information on any of the golf courses at the Walt Disney World Resort, click here.

To participate in this plan, Members must purchase a Disney Vacation Club Golf Membership (valid for one year from date of purchase) at the Pro Shop for $85 plus tax. Cardholders and up to 3 guests (only when they are playing with the Cardholder) receive special per round pricing. Cardholders receive a 20% discount on golf instruction at the Walt Disney World Resort golf courses. The 2002/03 dates and Disney Vacation Club Golf Membership rates per round are as follows:

Dates Per round rate(plus tax) How far in advance
to book tee times to receive special rates
October 1, 2002 - January 14, 2003 $50 90 days
January 15, 2003 - April 19, 2003 $95 14 days
April 20, 2003 - September 30, 2003 $35 90 days

Cardholders receive a 20% discount on golf instruction at the Walt Disney World Resort golf courses.

 

[MELSMICE]

Rob & Jan - do those dates & prices remain the same every year or do they change as "peak season" changes a little each year?

We will be there for 2 weeks in April from the 11th until the 26th & just thinking that if it is going to $35 the 2nd week we're there that DH may be interested in joining.

 

[Rob&Jan]

Melsmice, check out troywdw's reply he's got your answer I believe
Rob

 

[zillow]

Is the free transportation to golf only a perk for DVC members?

 

[drusba]

As far as whether there are changes from year to year, there have been some (and this is one of those perks that Disney has the option of ending). The rates, $50, $95 and $35 have been the same for several years. The general seasons have also been the same. However, that April 20 date for beginning of the low "summer" rate is a first this year as in prior years the peak rates ran to the end of April and summer rates usually began on the last couple of days of April or May 1. Also, here is some additional info:

1. The annual card actually costs close to $91 after you add tax.

2. That card can actually last longer than a year. It expires at the end of the month one year from the month you buy it. Thus, if you purchase a card say on March 1, 2003, it will be valid through March 31, 2004 and thus if you go at the same time each year it is possible to use it for two annual trips.

3. You can make tee times up to 90 days in advance except for the peak mid-Jan to April time when it is 14 days (that allowance has changed frequently for that peak time as in some years it was 60 days and then it became only 2 days in advance and now it is at 14). Play is limited to after 10 a.m. rounds all year and take that "after" 10 literally as the discount does not apply to a 10 am tee time.

4. How much you really save per round depends on season and course. Osprey is the most expensive course, followed by Eagle Pines and then Magnolia, Palm, and Lake Buena Vista are usally the same price. The savings is actually lowest during the summer. The $35 rate sounds great for after 10 times but from May through September, Disney's regular rates for after 10 a.m. rounds are usually only $45 for the Magnolia, Palm, and LBV, $50 for EP and $60 for OR. Highest savings is actually in the peak season when you pay $95 because Disney's regular rates run from $135 (for the three lower ones) to $160 for OP. The fall rates have savings in between those two. The big quirk this year is that short April 20 to end of April period where you will only pay $35 -- Disney will likely still be charging its peak regular rates till end of April and thus the savings for that brief time will be huge.

5. As you should note from the above, whether you should actually get the card depends on how often and when you will play. What you have to calculate once you estimate how many times you will play in a year is what your actual total savings per round will be to see if it exceeds the price of the annual card. For example, if you just plan to play once in a year's time it is not worth it. Moreover, if you usually go in summer, you really need to play a lot of rounds to justify the card -- for example, play 4 times at LBV and you save only $40 total for the rounds and that does not justify paying $91 for the card. Of course if you have multiple players (like you and three guests) the total savings accumulates quicker.

6. Also be aware that there are Disney Club and Annual Passholder discounts (20% off regular rate) and those can be used for before 10 a.m. times.

7. Disney provides transportation, usually a taxi, to and from the course to any guest staying at a Disney resort (DVC is irrelevant to that).

 

[inky dinky doo]

Am I (the DVC member) allowed to purchase a golf membership for my son? I am not a golfer, but my son is and I would love to treat him to this.

Pat

 

[drusba]

The DVC member must purchase the DVC golf card for himself only. They will not put someone else's name on it and you need to be there for a round for anyone to use it.

 

[kem330]

Pat- perhaps you can add your son to your contract so he can get the badge- I'd check with your guide to see if its possible (that is if you're willing to put him on the contract)

 

[inky dinky doo]

He is on my contract as an associate. That's probably not enough, though, is it?

 

[kem330]

I don't believe associates get a member card- again I would check with your guide and see what they can do.

 

[inky dinky doo]

I'll do that. And, thanks! I appreciate your help.

 

[kem330]

Good luck! Let us know how it turns out!