How Do You Make the Most of Your DVC Membership Outside of Park Visits?

[kimkon247]

Hi everyone,
Curious how other members use their DVC points or enjoy the benefits beyond just theme park days.

• Do you plan relaxing resort-only trips?
• Have you tried using points for non-Disney locations (like RCI or cruises)?
• Any underrated DVC resorts you’d recommend for a quieter experience?

I’m looking to get more out of my membership, especially for trips that aren’t focused just on park hopping. Would love to hear how you all maximize the value of your points in creative ways!
Thanks in advance!

 

[kanerf]

I find BRV and AKL Kidani to be the most relaxing and laid back of the resorts (I own at both). Part of this is because they are adjacent to the larger resort that has most of the facilities, so far less traffic locally. Kidani is particularly nice if you are driving since the garage is under the resort and out of the hot Florida sun.

 

[AnnaS]

Have used our points for stays at Disney Vero Beach and Disney Hilton Head. Vero Beach was always a back to back stay with WDW.

One (possibly two) stays were resort only.

Have taken multiple DCL cruises (see signature). Half of them booked two cabins, once three cabins and rest one cabin. 8 cruises - but early on used a combination of points and cash, points only, cash only.

Have only traded once with II - many many years ago (before RCI/now II again). Royal Sands, Cancun (before they turned into AI).

Always thought we would try a trade again since we had an excellent stay experience (their sales pitch though was high pressure/did not want to attend/long story). We just mixed in other non-DVC/Disney vacations over the years and did not look into it again.

Like many, have invited (points on us) friends and family over the years here and there which were special for different reasons.

You can make any resort as a resort only stay - but if you like DS, OKW & SSR are more convenient and AKL is great for the animals right there. I love all the resorts we have stayed in.

(owner 25 years).

 

[Sandisw]

We have only used our points at WDW but we definitely do trips which are resort only.

Most of our time in the parks is limited even when we do.