Military and DVC

[jandk95]

I was wondering if anyone can comment on whether in their opinion/experience it is worth for military (active or reserve) to join the DVC. The military has access to the Shades of Green resort that is fairly nice and has much lower rates than the average Disney Resorts but cannot compare to the accomodations at the Vacation Club Resorts. If anyone has wrestled with the same issue or has comments I would appreciate it. Thank you.

 

[Kewz1]

HI! My husband is acitve duty (Army) and we've been DVC members since December 98. We absolutely love it and consider it one of our best decisions to have ever made. We go with my family at least twice a year. We like DVC because we can all stay together and have a little more space than just 2 rooms. We move on average every two years so some sense of stability is nice and that is where DVC and Disney play a part. Besides our faith in the Lord, Disney is the only other constant in our lives!

We have points at BWV and HH -- which is a GREAT place to go to relax. We also enjoyed a few days at VB last summer which was another great place to kick back. I highly recommend taking the DVC tour. It is extremely low pressure. When the tour was over we asked a few questions and then left when we were ready. We made the decision to join a few days later.

I hope this has helped you a bit. Take care!

Kristen

 

[Granny]

I've wondered myself if we would have joined DVC if we had access to the Shades of Green resort. I guess the questions you have to ask yourself are:

1. Will you be going to WDW at least every other year for the next few decades?

2. How long are your trips? For shorter trips, the nicer accommodations might not be a big enough plus for you.

3. How many in your family? If more than 4 (now or in future), you have to plan on renting 2BR units. So you'd have to do your cost analysis on that.

4. Are you the types that are in the parks all day and just go to the room to sleep? If so, do you see that changing?

5. Do you think Shades of Green and the military low prices are a "forever" thing, or might Disney discontinue this down the road if times are booming and they know they could charge more?


I'm sure there are more questions, but I think you can see where the general decision points will be coming from.

For us, it was not about saving money. It was about enhancing our vacations.


If you feel the same way, then DVC could be good for you.

 

[dcfromva]

Originally posted by jandk95
I was wondering if anyone can comment on whether in their opinion/experience it is worth for military (active or reserve) to join the DVC. The military has access to the Shades of Green resort that is fairly nice and has much lower rates than the average Disney Resorts but cannot compare to the accomodations at the Vacation Club Resorts. If anyone has wrestled with the same issue or has comments I would appreciate it. Thank you.

jandk95,
SOG is one of the reasons we waited to buy DVC. We were happy with just having 1 room when DS was a little guy and the rates at SOG were pretty good. Plus, when DS was a little guy we didn't want to give up staying on the monorail--which we could do using SOG overflow rates which were also pretty good.
But, now as DS is older (15), we all want more privacy. Also, along with DS getting older, we find that the MK is not so much of the main focus as it was when he was little.
We like to go to WDW to enjoy F&W Festival and Flower and Garden Festival, Star Wars Weekends and the CP during Christmas as well as Osborne Family lights (too bad they are not up this year) and NYE at EPCOT. So, the BCV/BWV are much more convenient to our interests.
If we stayed at SOG, we would prefer to reserve 2 rooms or a suite (and we still wouldn't have everything we get in a 2BR at BVC)--it makes DVC much more attractive.
Sometimes we get burned out on eating out at restaraunts and it is so nice to be able to cook breakfasts and dinner, if we choose.
I don't plan to give up SOG entirely--I figure for those short weekend trips, SOG is perfect.
-DC

 

[Chim Chiminy]

We are active duty (army) on recruiting duty, remote location. We don't move around as often as most military (although right now we are anxiously awaiting our next assignment! DH's command has been taking its time now for over a year!) We generally move every 4 to 5 years.
We became DVC members last October and have stayed once at BCV. The big deciding factors for us were the accomodations, flexibility, and the ability to share our membership with family. Like most military, our families are spread out all over the country. We use WDW as a sort of "family reunion" spot. My parents, brothers, and BILs love vacationing in WDW. And we are able to have some quality family time, where our kids are able to play with their uncles and grandparents without putting a lot of pressure on my parents (i.e. is there going to be enough room at their house for everyone). Plus, it is nice being able to treat my parents. We never vacationed as kids, so giving this time (and wonderful memories) to my family is important to us.
Besides, driving to Florida sure beats the three day trip to Texas!
Looking ahead into the future, we know that we will continue to have wonderful vacations. In fact, having DVC kind of guarentees that we will take a vacation.
For our trip to BCV, we used SOG to add on a couple days before checking in to BCV. Next July, we are using SOG to add on a few days after.

 

[SimbaCub]

I am in the military and have moved 3 times since buying into DVC 6 years ago. I never stayed at SOG but know people who have and loved it. I like having the larger room/s and the options of staying at different resorts. I too use mine to meet up with friends and family as I am the one who moves more than anybody else. I try to go 2 times a year but this year will go only 1 time. I managed to stretch my points to go for 12 nights and still have enough for another trip next spring with friends. If you think your family will go often it might be the option for you. It's nice not having to save up money to pay for the SOG bill at the end of the trip too.

SimbaCub

 

[skorpie]

I know that for DH, who is in the military, staying at SOG still meant that he was "on duty". Knowing that anyone there might out rank you made him not fully able to relax. He wanted to just get away form it all. We often liked to take advantage of the overflow rates to stay at my favorite, the Polynesian, but with the new SOG, I heard that they would discontinue this perk. That meant SOG only. It was a very nice resort and extremely convenient, but the room sizes and cooking area helped us to decide to buy into DVC. We own 250 VWL points and 100 BCV points. We are very happy with our decision!

 

[Dean]

I am ex military. 6.5 years active duty and 13 years total with reserves. We bought post active duty days. I think it really depends on ones circumstances. If you are in the Mainland US and likely to be able to stay that way or getting out relatively soon, no reason not to join if it fits your plans otherwise. If you are likely to be farther away during your next few years, I'd wait and buy later. Maybe rent now. Only you can decide what's bests for your family. Good luck.