Models at DVC resorts?

[Bertie131]

On my next trip to WDW--which will be my first DVC trip--I want to go to the DVC resorts and check them out for future visits. Are there models at all the DVC resorts or just at Saratoga? Thanks!

 

[erionm]

There a model room at the BoardWalk near the Big River Grille. The Preview Center at SSR currently has models for AKV and Aulani. There are no other model rooms on property that I'm aware of.

 

[tjkraz]

As Michael said, there is a model BWV room on the BoardWalk. It's near Big River Grill.

That is about the only location which allows walk-in tours.

The Saratoga Springs Preview Center currently has replica model rooms of Animal Kingdom Villas and Aulani. Grand Floridian model will open there when sales begin. And they have access to a SSR room for touring purposes.

Tours of the model rooms at SSR are normally conducted by appointment only. They do not encourage members to stop by and wander. All guests must be escorted by a Cast Member. Whether or not they can accommodate you depends upon staff availability. If all of the on-duty sales Guides are with other customers (can easily happen), you will be asked to wait until someone is free. For that reason, it is highly recommended that you contact your Guide to set-up an appointment in advance.

A model room may be available at the Grand Floridian once it opens, but that remains to be seen.

You can certainly visit the resorts and look around public spaces. If you inquire at the front desk of a DVC resort, they may be able to briefly show you a villa room. But that depends upon the availability of a clean, unoccupied villa AND a Cast Member who can leave the front desk to escort you to the room.

 

[erionm]

Tours of the model rooms at SSR are normally conducted by appointment only. They do not encourage members to stop by and wander. All guests must be escorted by a Cast Member.

Members used to be able to stop by from 5 PM to 7 PM daily and view the models without a guide. Do they no longer allow this?

 

[tjkraz]

Members used to be able to stop by from 5 PM to 7 PM daily and view the models without a guide. Do they no longer allow this?

Haven't seen that promoted for months--perhaps years.

Would still recommend a phone call to a Guide a few days before the trip to see exactly what opportunities are available at that time.

 

[Bertie131]

Thanks for the info guys!

 

[disneynutz]

There was a model at BLT and as of a couple of months ago, Guides were assigned to work there. It may be closed now so call to verify.

Other resorts may give you access if you check at the Front Desk. If they have time, they will send a runner to open a vacant room so you can look around.

Bill

 

[erionm]

There was a model at BLT and as of a couple of months ago, Guides were assigned to work there. It may be closed now so call to verify.

It's closed and the room turned over to member inventory.

 

[wdrl]

There are no official model villas at AKV. However, in November 2012 we stayed at Jambo House and twice we saw a DVC Guide on the fifth floor (where the DVC villas are located) taking some prospects to a villa. I suspect the DVC Guides at AKV will take the opportunity to showcase a villa if one is available.

If you are at AKV and want to see an AKV villa, stop by the DVC kiosk located in the lobby and ask if a Guide can show you one. It certainly doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[Barbydoll8]

Was just at SSR in Jan. I asked to see what models were available in the DVC sales center and they got a DVC CM to escort us to the villas. We could not just walk in however. They did get us an escort with in 5 min. I barely had time to get a cup of coffee from the waiting area in the sales center.
I also just went to the BWV preview center on the BW. It's an open house type of viewing. The girl working recognized us from the Members Cruise in Jan and we ended up talking to a couple who were thinking of joining. It was fun.

I have heard of the DVC reps in Jambo showing rooms in the hotel. When we originally went to the presentation in 2010 (I'm still a newbie) we had a choice of going to SSR or viewing a room in AKL - Kidani.

Hope this helps a little.

 

[Sur]

I'd bet that having a guide show you around is going to be fraught with sales talk.

 

[hakepb]

Is there still a preview center in Disneyland with an Aulani model? And are there member hours?