New (almost) member - quick solo trip to check out resorts!

[GirlfromTN]

I’ve recently decided to buy a resale contract and waiting on ROFR for 220 pts at SSR. Even if this contract falls through I will try again and am not in a particular rush so not worried about timing. I’ve considered DVC for years and finally taking the plunge
My husband and son have a 4 day golf trip in June and I’m taking the opportunity for a short solo trip to WDW, with the goal of checking out the DVC resorts! I’ve been to WDW many times but haven’t been to many of the DVC properties (or DVC portion of hotel+DVC combos) at all. From what I understand most of the DVC resorts have a room available to tour (mostly the large villas, right?) and I would also just like to look around and see the pools, restaurants, common areas, etc. Has anyone done something like this, or any tips or things I should try to see?? Do I need to make
reservations to see the villas or do I just show up? I think I need a reservation for Riviera but not positive.
I’m staying at Pop so I should be able to take the Skyliner to reach a number of resorts and don’t mind bussing around to get to the others since I will be by myself with no real agenda other than checking out the DVC properties. I’m also planning to take advantage of the solo time with some shopping at Disney Springs and maybe a couple of fun meals - I am usually at Disney with my 7 yr old son so this trip will be very different!

 

[Sandisw]

Riviera is the only one they want you to reserve. They have different rooms sizes. I know at the Grand Floridian they had the Grand Villa and a 2 bedroom open.

It’s a lot of fun.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

We were there in Feb and toured Riviera (they show you all room types including the Tower Studio), Poly (nice to see the studios and Bungalows!), Grand Flo (2 bedroom and grand villa like the lovely @Sandisw mentioned), Bay Lake Tower showed the 2 bedroom dedicated and a Boardwalk 2 bedroom. Didn't have an appointment for any. If you are not driving to Riviera you should be fine w/out appointment there too. Because of reduced capacity it's a rare time that you can see just about anything - have a blast - we certainly did! Wish we had time to have seen Copper Creek Cascade Cabins / villas and the newly remodeled Saratoga Springs villas.

 

[Best Aunt]

If it were me, I would not say that I was thinking of purchasing a contract on the resale market. I would keep that piece of information to myself. I would not want to put myself in the position of having someone try to convince me that I should be buying direct from Disney.

 

[GirlfromTN]

If it were me, I would not say that I was thinking of purchasing a contract on the resale market. I would keep that piece of information to myself. I would not want to put myself in the position of having someone try to convince me that I should be buying direct from Disney.

Yes that’s my plan. I would actually consider buying a smaller contract direct from Disney in addition to my pending resale contract so am open to hearing the sales pitch

 

[GirlfromTN]

Riviera is the only one they want you to reserve. They have different rooms sizes. I know at the Grand Floridian they had the Grand Villa and a 2 bedroom open.

It’s a lot of fun.

I’m excited!!

 

[GirlfromTN]

We were there in Feb and toured Riviera (they show you all room types including the Tower Studio), Poly (nice to see the studios and Bungalows!), Grand Flo (2 bedroom and grand villa like the lovely @Sandisw mentioned), Bay Lake Tower showed the 2 bedroom dedicated and a Boardwalk 2 bedroom. Didn't have an appointment for any. If you are not driving to Riviera you should be fine w/out appointment there too. Because of reduced capacity it's a rare time that you can see just about anything - have a blast - we certainly did! Wish we had time to have seen Copper Creek Cascade Cabins / villas and the newly remodeled Saratoga Springs villas.

Thanks for the tips! It sounds like you got around to a good number of them.

 

[CraigInPA]

Keep in mind that, except for perhaps Riviera, there may be no ability to tour a room during the time you're there because all the rooms are booked. You can see virtually any type of room, however, on youtube. Just google the room type and resort and you'll see what I mean.

It's a good idea to tour the resort to get a "feel" for the resort. I personally feel that the ambiance of the resort is an important part of the experience. Doing a tour also allows you to try the various transportation options out. Take the walk from BLT to MK, or GFV to the MK, BWV to DHS/Epcot, SSR to DS, the Skyliner from Riviera to DHS/Epcot, the monorail, etc... Some times it's something small that tips the balance in favor of one resort over others.

 

[GirlfromTN]

Keep in mind that, except for perhaps Riviera, there may be no ability to tour a room during the time you're there because all the rooms are booked. You can see virtually any type of room, however, on youtube. Just google the room type and resort and you'll see what I mean.

It's a good idea to tour the resort to get a "feel" for the resort. I personally feel that the ambiance of the resort is an important part of the experience. Doing a tour also allows you to try the various transportation options out. Take the walk from BLT to MK, or GFV to the MK, BWV to DHS/Epcot, SSR to DS, the Skyliner from Riviera to DHS/Epcot, the monorail, etc... Some times it's something small that tips the balance in favor of one resort over others.

If they don’t have a room available to see I will still check out the resort since I haven’t been to several of them. And good idea to try some of the walks and transportation options! I wish more of the boats were running, hoping they do come back.