New Owners--give me your best tips

[disneymom1980]

We recently bought into DVC at Bay Lake Towers. I would love any hints and tips that you are willing to give us. I doubt we will be using any of our points until 2012, so I want to be prepared when we do.

 

[Friendofpluto]

Depends on what tips you need. So much info just be reading. Love BLT. Love BCV. Hoping to do VWL next. Bring your own router when you stay so you can have wireless. Book early. Relax in trip since you have lots more to do in future. Congrats on your new purchase. We own at BLT too and absolutely love it!

 

[MerriH807]

I always book my home resort at 11 months out to MAKE SURE we have a vacation booked. Then I wonder for 4 months whether or not I should try to book somewhere else for a change of pace.

My tip--book at 11 months (to be sure u have something)
Change at 7 months if you can or wish

Obvious advice, I guess
Interested to see what others add!!

 

[sarahk0204]

I'll play

(We've owned at BLT since Feb 2010)

Take advantage of the Community Rooms and kid activities. At BLT last summer, my kids enjoyed coloring and crafts. One rainy day when DD wasn't feeling well, she and DH napped while DS spent some time playing video games. The DVD library was also handy that day.

When you stay at BLT, visit the Top of the World Lounge and watch Wishes.

Be flexible about trying new places to stay. We tried SSR for a last minute (4 months out) holiday trip, and we're going to try AKL and VB this summer. VGC is in the works for 2012. We hope to stay at all of the DVC resorts eventually.

Beware of addonitis We liked Disney at Christmas so much, I am trying to figure out a Thanksgiving trip for 2013. Conclusion: we need more points!

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Circle your calendar with your banking deadline so if you don't need your 2011 points you bank them for 2012

 

[kristenrice]

Circle your calendar with your banking deadline so if you don't need your 2011 points you bank them for 2012

...and make sure that if you received 2010 points (which have probably been banked for you) that you use them in 2011 or you will lose them.

 

[ELKHUNTER]

My best tip for using your new DVC is to slow down and enjoy your family and not worry about which resort you are in they are all great, its Disney. DVC will allow you many trips to Disney so you can enjoy a slower pace. Time flies and before you know it your children will be grown, but you will still have the memories of those fun vacations. Then on to the grandchildren!

 

[mecllap]

Take some of your own coffee. Unless you don't mind paying several extra valet/bell service tips, take along your own folding cart (if driving and packing heavy) -- most/all DVCs at WDW don't have luggage carts for personal use. Plan resort time into your schedule (check out all the nooks and crannies) -- enjoy them. Take lots of photos in your room and around the resort(s). Allow plenty of time to be on the phone when you call Member Services (but don't be reluctant to call them when you have a question). Call housekeeping if something is missing/needs to be fixed, etc.

 

[Disney Todd]

Don't plan on going to the parks more than every other day

If you fly in like we do, have groceries delivered from Goodings. Not the cheapest prices, but huge savings over eating out all the time.

Yes, bring your own coffee. None good anywhere at WDW IMHO, and that includes Kona.

Try out most all the resorts, including HHI.

Welcome aboard!

 

[Dee77]

We booked one trip knowing that the following year we will complete at least one more long trip within 12 months from the first, so we took advantage of the annual passes to get us in and out of the parks as much as we wanted. We will use at least 15 days in the parks on our annual passes which I believe is more cost effective than buying magic your way tickets with various options.

With the annual passes we were able to buy the Tables in Wonderland card for $75 which allows us to receive a 20% discount on all of the table service meals we book (including alcohol and up to 10 people at the meal.) This was a nice change because we were not thrilled with the dining plan anymore.

I agree with another poster who recommended ordering groceries from a delivery service, we use gardengrocer.com and feel their service is excellent and prices are reasonable for most of the things we order.

Good luck with all of your planning, research etc and most of all welcome to DVC!!

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

We recently bought into DVC at Bay Lake Towers. I would love any hints and tips that you are willing to give us. I doubt we will be using any of our points until 2012, so I want to be prepared when we do.

If you have been to WDW a few times, here is what I think you should do, RELAX. You will be coming back for years to come. DW and I just got back from our first DVC trip and we spent 2 hrs the first day at a park. Who spends only 2 hrs at a park.

We slept in a few times. We spent hrs instead of all day and night at the parks. We were on vacation from the daily grind we deal with at home. Then some people go on vacation and try to do "everything" in one day.

Just remember, IT"S YOUR VACATION. Enjoy it!!

 

[DizDays]

Now that you're DVC members, make some time to resort hop to the DVC resorts. You'll see things completely differently and it will help you with your resort selection when you book the next vacation. I find this to be very relaxing and has become part of my vacation routine.

 

[mamian16]

Book early, even if you arent 100% sure you are going. You can always cancel up to 30 days before

 

[dgaston]

If you stay in a studio, consider bringing along a fabric shoe organizer with pockets. It's great for storing toiletries and keeping the vanity area workable in smaller spaces.

Learn about Owner's Locker -- we love ours, and keep lots of things in it.

Work at giving up commando style touring. You have much more time ahead of you.