Make use of DVC when staying off property?

[Davidr1]

Are there ways to take advantage of our DVC ownership when we're staying off property?

Will IDs get us transportation? Can we get park entry as if we are staying there? Like go to a Disney hotel for a meal then use their transportation to a park?

Anyone have any good tips?

 

[DVCLiz]

There are so many things wrong here I won't begin to be drawn in, but...

Why would stay off-property if you are a DVC member?

 

[Davidr1]

I'm considering an Interval International "getaway" for a long weekend. If a DVC resort shows up, I'll grab it, otherwise I'll probably stay at a Marriott for a very good price. I'll save my DVC points for later.

 

[DVCLiz]

I'm considering an Interval International "getaway" for a long weekend. If a DVC resort shows up, I'll grab it, otherwise I'll probably stay at a Marriott for a very good price. I'll save my DVC points for later.

Aaaahhh, I see...sorry I was a little snarky before. Some people who have asked this type of question before have seemed to expect much more than would be reasonable from Disney for an off-site stay.

I believe the official policy is that DVC privileges are only for members who are staying at a DVC property. Of course you can visit any resort for a meal, but I don't think you'd technically be allowed to use the transportation, as that is reserved for on-site Disney resort guests only. A DVC membership doesn't override this policy, I don't think.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Disney transportation around property used to be tied to admission media, so I'm sure you WOULD be able to use transportation.

 

[PamOKW]

Most perks are tied to being both a DVC member and a guest staying on points. Free valet parking at the DVC resorts only requires the member ID. Pool hopping is only allowed while staying at a DVC resort on points. Free parking in the parks would not be granted without the car ID you get at check-in.

Visiting resort restaurants and using Disney transportation are available to the general public (transportation is tied to ticket media but they don't seem to ever check ID any more).

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've used the ID card to get the discount on meals for instance at Fulton's and weren't asked for our room key.

Bobbi

 

[tjkraz]

Can we get park entry as if we are staying there?

If you're referring to the EMH benefit, the answer is no. EMH is granted only to those actually staying at a WDW resort. Guests must present a valid room keyfrom a Disney resort. Each key lists the dates of your stay.

 

[Chuck S]

A good rule of thumb...if it is a discount or "freebie" (DVC resort valet) type perk, the blue membership card will work, no on-site requirement.

Theme park car parking, and pool hopping are for on-site guests only.

 

[spiceycat]

you might also do what I do when staying offsite...

pick what theme park you really want to see - then use your DVC points to stay in a studio for that park night of EMH. then you get the next night too.

this time we are staying on a Wednesday (MK) so we get Thursday (epcot), too. Generally I pick Tuesday (studios & AK ) because you get 2 parks in one day and on wednesday still get MK.

you have to kept up with EMH dates carefully - WDW has been know to add a few or other changes.

just determine what park you really want to do.

I have other timeshares - I have even once exchanged to DVC!!!!, but most of the time it is Marriott (II), and RCI varies - HGVC, SHeraton Vistana, Celebration World Resort (Spicey can stay here with me), and this time Orange Lake.

 

[spiceycat]

I always stay at OKW - cheaper points!!!

 

[mbb]

you might also do what I do when staying offsite...

pick what theme park you really want to see - then use your DVC points to stay in a studio for that park night of EMH. then you get the next night too.

this time we are staying on a Wednesday (MK) so we get Thursday (epcot), too. Generally I pick Tuesday (studios & AK ) because you get 2 parks in one day and on wednesday still get MK.

you have to kept up with EMH dates carefully - WDW has been know to add a few or other changes.

just determine what park you really want to do.

I have other timeshares - I have even once exchanged to DVC!!!!, but most of the time it is Marriott (II), and RCI varies - HGVC, SHeraton Vistana, Celebration World Resort (Spicey can stay here with me), and this time Orange Lake.

That's what we' re doing next Feb..we're offsite, but want some onsite perks for a day or two...and for a few points, why not?

Why I love our DVC!!!

 

[packetminnie]

Pool hopping is only allowed while staying at a DVC resort on points.

What if you are staying on cash basis for the weekend?

 

[Dean]

Many of the perks are tied to membership as noted. Restaurant and other discounts along with valet parking. But things like pool use and pool hopping are tied to staying on points. Even a member staying on cash at a DVC resort is not entitled to pool hop. I do know of some who have gotten like one day in a studio here and there to get 2 days of pool use and a place to crash and the like even if not staying on property at all. DVC members do not get day use at all. Restaurants are tricky since their really open to everyone. I'm sure they don't want you to park for lunch then go to the parks but I doubt they would enforce it.