Need help from someone in the know

[Loco4Disney]

I've read so many threads about DVC my eyes are crossing, but I still have a few questions that I haven't seen addressed.

1) Since I'm not aware of how the "perks and discounts" work, will I still be offered them as a resale buyer, the same as I would as a direct buyer....for example, (discounted tickets, purchases, etc.)

2) I have never been to Florida, all of my experience with Disney has been in California, so is there somewhere that I can see an overall map of the entire Disney property, so that I can see where exactly each of the resorts is located in relation to the parks. Or, does anyone have an opinion of the best resort locale for someone wanting a peaceful retreat, yet close to Magic Kingdom?

3) I've looked at the photo forum where DVC owners have posted, and it looks like Old Key West is the nicest (in my opinion). Am I crazy? I would think the oldest Club would look that way, but it doesn't seem to by the pictures. I was expecting something really tacky, and it turns out to be my favorite among the pictures. Also, I could get so many more points through that resort, than I could through another more popular, newer resort. Any opinions on this?

4) Magical Express? Does anyone know how this works for DVC owners. What the process, cost is?

5) Lastly, I would think that a resort like Old Key West or Saratoga Springs would be less crowded since it isn't attached to a "hotel" type resort like The Wilderness Lodge. Any experience with this? For example, are there separate amenities like swimming pool at VWL for DVC guests only. I would think if there wasn't, than crowding would be an issue at a resort like that in the public areas.

I would love to hear your experiences with any of these issues. It will really help solidify a final decision on if and where to purchase. Thanks so much !

 

[spiceycat]

1) all members are treated equally by DVC - no matter if you brought from DVC or a resalers

2) you sure you want to buy - if you have never even been to florida - DVC works best for people who go to WDW every year or at least every other year. If you have never gone - maybe you might be better getting another timeshare - one that you could use every year.

but here is the map
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/propertymap.htm

3) despite lately having problems - they are all little ones. OKW is still my favorite - so I understand completely. If OKW appeals to you - hey go for it.

4) DVC resorts are WDW resorts and right now DME free. Disney is paying for it.

5) all the DVC resorts that share with a WDW resort - these resorts are deluxe resorts - so they have far less people than the moderates or values in the same space. the only place I don't like because I feel like a crowd was BWV - but I think it is just the way the place is designed.

wl/vwl had so many little places - that you could hide easily while you people watch.

 

[crisi]

1. You will be offered perks as a resale owner - Disney doesn't distinguish. However, perks are subject to change - don't buy for perks.

2. I like www.allearsnet.com for a general Disney source. But if you've never been, you should probably buy a guidebook with maps. Disney is 51 square miles - people do a lot of bussing if they don't drive themselves - so its important to understand that.

3. I haven't been to OKW but it has a few great advantages - larger rooms, lower points per night, and fairly low dues. Unless you prefer a hotel situation, its a great choice. It is a little "off the beaten track" and it seems like most OKW stayers use their own car rather than use Disney transportation.

4. ME is currently free. Book through Member Services when you get your travel arrangements set.

5. DVC resorts attached to resorts have quiet pools - but they aren't restricted to members. Generally OKW and SSR are seen as quieter. BWV is probably the "busiest" feeling of the resorts. Both VWL and BCV are seperated from the main resort, making them a little quieter. But you do give up something for the quiet of the standalone resort - fewer options to eat at your resort (SSR is really close enough to DTD to walk)

 

[Loco4Disney]

Thanks so much for the great info! Nobody in Arkansas can believe we've never been to Florida before, but we plan to start! And, the DVC photos and info make it look soooo inviting! I promise to come with an open mind, and leave my "DisneyLAND Snobbery" at home! Ha Ha!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks so much for the great info! Nobody in Arkansas can believe we've never been to Florida before, but we plan to start! And, the DVC photos and info make it look soooo inviting! I promise to come with an open mind, and leave my "DisneyLAND Snobbery" at home! Ha Ha!!

LOL, I go to WDW about 20 times to each time I got to Disneyland, and believe me, they have no reason to be snobs! Once you see the sheer size of WDW and the 4 parks in comparison, you will likely faint! Both California Adventure and MK/Disneyland could fit into the MK/WDW. Then add to that two other parks that are MUCH larger (Epcot and AK) and MGM, and you can begin to see why those of us who go to WDW multiple times a year love it so.

 

[Loco4Disney]

I KNOW! It's that sheer size that absoutely frightens me!! For one, I know we'll never see it all, which seems like a waste and my children are 5 and 3, so for now, Disneyland is about all we can digest. But, I know that won't always be the case. Plus, family is in California, which kills two birds with one stone, but even though we stay on property, we have to leave so much to visit, that it just doesn't seem like a vacation.....I don't know anybody in Florida!!!....aaahhhh, serenity! Any thoughts on your fave resort?????

 

[spiceycat]

go get the passporter.

http://www.passporter.com/

it will tell you just everything you need to know about WDW.

if you would like a more negative point of view - then unofficial guide
http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Gu...ef=sr_1_1/105-2865960-2786030?ie=UTF8&s=books

 

[Boston5602]

.....I don't know anybody in Florida!!!....aaahhhh, serenity!

Now that says WHY they want to but into DVC !!!!!! <G>

 

[Granny]

Or, does anyone have an opinion of the best resort locale for someone wanting a peaceful retreat, yet close to Magic Kingdom?

You have almost perfectly described Villas at Wilderness Lodge.


If you like the theming there, it would be a great fit for this description.

 

[3DisneyKids]

I KNOW! It's that sheer size that absoutely frightens me!! For one, I know we'll never see it all, which seems like a waste and my children are 5 and 3, so for now, Disneyland is about all we can digest. But, I know that won't always be the case. Plus, family is in California, which kills two birds with one stone, but even though we stay on property, we have to leave so much to visit, that it just doesn't seem like a vacation.....I don't know anybody in Florida!!!....aaahhhh, serenity! Any thoughts on your fave resort?????

And that is why you will love it so much....you can go multiple times and have completely different trips each time. With kids so young (like mine), you can do only two parks in one trip....then go back a few months later and do the other two, etc. Or whatever. But the point is....there is SO MUCH to do that you can NEVER do it *all.* Which is why we keep going back and back and back....

Plus, then they keep adding new stuff...and you just have to check it out for yourself....and it gets dangerous!

When you do go for the first time...don't try to do it all. It isn't possible in the first place, and in the second, it will make your vacation less fun and less pleasant. Just automatically know that you will be going back.

Happy research!

 

[BroganMc]

I KNOW! It's that sheer size that absoutely frightens me!! For one, I know we'll never see it all, which seems like a waste and my children are 5 and 3, so for now, Disneyland is about all we can digest. But, I know that won't always be the case. Plus, family is in California, which kills two birds with one stone, but even though we stay on property, we have to leave so much to visit, that it just doesn't seem like a vacation.....I don't know anybody in Florida!!!....aaahhhh, serenity! Any thoughts on your fave resort?????

The main reason my family never even considers going to DisneyLand is because compared to the World it is a glorified Six Flags amusement park. We get more out of our one week Williamsburg, VA stays with a day at Busch Gardens. But DisneyWorld is like visiting a city unto itself.

There are so many things to see and do, there's just no way you can do it all. I've been going for the last 5 years, the last two for twice a year for 12-14 days at a time. I have an Annual Pass and spend almost all my time at Disney. And I've yet to do and see at least 50% of what's there.

I wouldn't worry about not knowing anyone there. I have a cousin who lives in Miami but I don't go to Florida to see her. Instead, I bring my family with me and we see the World together. You may find your family wants to hitchhike with you.

Best thing you can do is plan a couple of trips. Then when you get there, you do what you feel like and leave the rest for the next time. It removes a lot of pressure and heartbreak.

As for favorite resort, everyone has theirs. It depends what you personally fancy. (For instance, I like shopping, dining and people watching, but Ialso enjoy quiet reserves and travel by my own car. So I consider my home to be Saratoga Springs across from Downtown Disney area... and down the river from OKW.) Some swear by EPCOT and its world of nations, so they prefer Beach Club and Boardwalk. Everyone seems to drift toward Magic Kingdom like moths to a flame. It's the power of the Castle.

Before I'd buy into DVC, I'd stay there if I were you. Go rent some point reservations and book a stay. While you're on property, take the DVC tour. You'll get the ins and outs of ownership and see what the newer accommodations are like. When you own DVC, you expect to take annual or bi-annual vacations to DisneyWorld. It's important to know if that's the kind of vacation you like.

FWIW, it is true that you can have just about any vacation you want at Disney. It's not all park hopping. You can spend entire stays at your resort, go golfing, have nights on the town, go to water parks, go boating, fishing, have high tea, go to a Spa for massages, even play miniature golf or just sit on the beach and watch the fireworks over the Castle.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

The main reason my family never even considers going to DisneyLand is because compared to the World it is a glorified Six Flags amusement park. We get more out of our one week Williamsburg, VA stays with a day at Busch Gardens. But DisneyWorld is like visiting a city unto itself.

There are so many things to see and do, there's just no way you can do it all. I've been going for the last 5 years, the last two for twice a year for 12-14 days at a time. I have an Annual Pass and spend almost all my time at Disney. And I've yet to do and see at least 50% of what's there.

I wouldn't worry about not knowing anyone there. I have a cousin who lives in Miami but I don't go to Florida to see her. Instead, I bring my family with me and we see the World together. You may find your family wants to hitchhike with you.

Best thing you can do is plan a couple of trips. Then when you get there, you do what you feel like and leave the rest for the next time. It removes a lot of pressure and heartbreak.

As for favorite resort, everyone has theirs. It depends what you personally fancy. (For instance, I like shopping, dining and people watching, but Ialso enjoy quiet reserves and travel by my own car. So I consider my home to be Saratoga Springs across from Downtown Disney area... and down the river from OKW.) Some swear by EPCOT and its world of nations, so they prefer Beach Club and Boardwalk. Everyone seems to drift toward Magic Kingdom like moths to a flame. It's the power of the Castle.

Before I'd buy into DVC, I'd stay there if I were you. Go rent some point reservations and book a stay. While you're on property, take the DVC tour. You'll get the ins and outs of ownership and see what the newer accommodations are like. When you own DVC, you expect to take annual or bi-annual vacations to DisneyWorld. It's important to know if that's the kind of vacation you like.

FWIW, it is true that you can have just about any vacation you want at Disney. It's not all park hopping. You can spend entire stays at your resort, go golfing, have nights on the town, go to water parks, go boating, fishing, have high tea, go to a Spa for massages, even play miniature golf or just sit on the beach and watch the fireworks over the Castle.

While the square footage of the DL parks is smaller, virtually all of the rides are there - they just have a few different names. One example is Indiana Jones - in DL, it is the Dinosaur ride with a different theme. Actually because of the lower number of people in DL, the rides are a little longer. While there are not as many shows at DL and CA, there are some things there that are not at WDW. Don't get me wrong, I love WDW, but I wouldn't say DL is a "glorified six flags" by any means.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

2) you sure you want to buy - if you have never even been to florida - DVC works best for people who go to WDW every year or at least every other year. If you have never gone - maybe you might be better getting another timeshare - one that you could use every year.

We have stayed on points at GC - great stay - less points than WL or AKL. If you can't get to WDW, you can still enjoy your points at DL parks, and rumor is that DVC will open sometime in the foreseeable future in the West!

 

[Mtnman44]

Hey Hey, ease up on ol' Disneyland. I agree the "Disney Experience" is not even close to WDW, I do think Disneyland is great and far better than Magic Kingdom at WDW, at least after you are inside the park. For example, Classics such as Small World and Pirates of the Carribean are much better at DL. Pirates at WDW is a joke in comparison. I even like Haunted Mansion better at DL but they are real close. The river and the steam train are both better at DL as well. I guess there are probably plenty things one could bring up that are better at MK, so the best advice is to make sure you visit both. Maybe I'm biased because I grew up on DL only and that is where my Disney memories were forged, but it is the original.

By the way, Dinosaur is a copy of Indiana Jones not the reverse.

 

[salmoneous]

Hey Hey, ease up on ol' Disneyland. I agree the "Disney Experience" is not even close to WDW, I do think Disneyland is great

Not to mention the weather - much of the time it is simply better in California. That whole humidity thing - they don't have it in Anaheim (thunderstorms neither).

 

[Loco4Disney]

Not to mention the weather - much of the time it is simply better in California. That whole humidity thing - they don't have it in Anaheim (thunderstorms neither).

Yes, that has always been my argument. I like to stick with a sure thing, and the weather is a sure thing out there. But, it is time to spread my wings and expand our horizons. I'm sure I'll find just as many or more "pros" once we actually go to Florida as I do cons on my current list (of having never actually gone there). The biggest "pro" for now is that we don't have family there, so our "vacation" will actually be a vacation!

 

[wdw4life]

The main reason my family never even considers going to DisneyLand is because compared to the World it is a glorified Six Flags amusement park.

Not sure where you get the idea the DL is a "glorified Six Flags amusement park". Didn't you say you've never been there? For me in a direct comparison between DL and MK DL wins hands down.


OP, WDW and DL are completely different experiences. Don't be intimidated by the size of WDW. Just remember, you don't have to experience everything in one trip. You have many more years to back and enjoy WDW. And if the rumored DVC does come to DL you can have the best of both worlds!

 

[Loco4Disney]

Not sure where you get the idea the DL is a "glorified Six Flags amusement park". Didn't you say you've never been there? For me in a direct comparison between DL and MK DL wins hands down.


OP, WDW and DL are completely different experiences. Don't be intimidated by the size of WDW. Just remember, you don't have to experience everything in one trip. You have many more years to back and enjoy WDW. And if the rumored DVC does come to DL you can have the best of both worlds!

Wow! That would be amazing, wouldn't it!?!?! But, for now I'll just use my points every once in a while at Grand Californian....I love that place!

 

[JimMIA]

DL fans notwithstanding, there is no question that there is a LOT more to do in WDW than DL. And also a whole LOT more to do in the Orlando area than the Anaheim area. And...about 1% of the Orange County, CA traffic!

The other difference is that Orlando only has three seasons; Southern California has four.

Orlando has a longish enjoyable Fall season, no winter, a longish enjoyable Spring season, and an interminable, hellish, sweltering Summer.

Southern Cal has Riot, Earthquake, Fire, and Mudslide. But it IS dry.

 

[wdw4life]

Wow! That would be amazing, wouldn't it!?!?! But, for now I'll just use my points every once in a while at Grand Californian....I love that place!

I love the GC too! I'm crossing my fingers and toes that the GCV become reality because it's really not a good use of points to use them at the non DVC resorts. For instance, I'm staying at the GC for two days in October and it is 63 points. I'm staying at SSR for 13 days in a studio and it's 156 points. You get a lot more bang for your buck when points are used at a DVC resort.