Some info:
1. There are 5 18 hole golf courses: Osprey Ridge, Palm, Eagle Pines, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista. Osprey is the most impressive course there but also the most difficult and most expensive. Palm has the narrowest fairways and most water. Magnolia is the longest but with widest fairways. Eagle Pines is the shortest but it is a lot of "target" golf with waste areas and water often running up a side of the fairway and lots of trouble around the greens. Lake Buena Vista is the easiest of the group (none is overly difficult or easy). Courses are kept in first rate condition and a fully stocked refresment cart comes along about every 4 to 5 holes. Prices per round range depending on season and time of day. Summer is least expensive (about $80 to $100 before 10 and then close to half that after 10 a.m.), fall to early winter is next with prices ranging from $95 to $130 (and half that after 3 or after two as season progresses); mid-Jan through April is most expensive, $145 to $160 (and half that after 2 or 3 (later as season progresses).
2. The
DVC discount is for rounds after 10. You pay for annual DVC Golf card (which you buy at any pro shop there and is good for a year) for about $91 including tax. It saves about $10 to $20 a round during summer, $40 to $50 during the fall to winter, and $50 to $65 during the peak season in Jan to April. A member with a card can bring up to 3 guests and all get the discount. Key to that discount is that you need to play enough rounds during the year to assure the discount received makes up for and exceeds the price of the DVC Golf card. You can also get a 30% discount if you are an Annual Passholder ( and bring 3 guests) -- that discount is not available for already discounted rounds like those in summer after 10 a.m.. A Disney Club member or National Emerald Aisle Club member can get a 20% discount.
3. Tee times can be made up to 90 days in advance by calling 1-407-WDW-GOLF. Usually they are easy to get even 20 days out-- weekends become a little more difficult to get prime morning times because many Orlando residents play and prime morning times in Feb to April can be more difficult to get if you wait too long.
4. There is also a 9 hole Executive course (shorter than a regular courses 9 holes), Oak Trail, which is inexpensive all the time ($35 to $45) and none of the above mentioned discounts apply there. Many beginners and kids play there (kids get lower charges there but not at other courses).
5. For those who don't play often, if you mean you usually shoot in the 120 or higher range for 18, Oak Trail is recommended. However, anyone who normally shoots 110 or lower can play the main courses without being totally embarrassed; Osprey and Palm the two most difficult may be avoided and Lake Buena Vista is kinder than others.
