now I remember why I bought DVC...

[nestlejean]

We just returned from a WDW trip. It was a spur of the moment trip (cheap airfare) and DVC was all booked up so I used the discount rate for ASM and booked there. I didn't realize it was food and wine festival at Epcot and Super Soap Weekend at MGM. After 1 night in the room, my husband and I both looked at each other and said "this is why we bought into DVC, so we wouldn't have to stay in a room like this." It was a small room with 2 double (yuk, so small) beds, a small TV and a tiny table. I guess we got spoiled with a 1BR at DVC properties (we've stayed at several). The king sized bed is the tops. I love the washer/dryer, full kitchen, living room area, 2 TV's, patio or balcony, closets, couch, need I go on? We don't ever want to take a last minute trip and not be in a DVC accomodation. It wouldn't be worth it. Even a studio is better than this! Now I remember that the reason we bought DVC was because we wanted these accomodations. We fell "in love" with the rooms. To afford to pay for these at another resort (if there is something comparable) would be too much for us. We can afford to stay in something nicer than we could if we booked it on our own and we are on the Disney grounds. How ever you crunch the numbers, I feel this is worth the money for what you get. All Star is cheaper but that is what you get, less....for your money. We want to stay in these accomodations ONLY and on the grounds!!!! We are now "spoiled". I know some other people that bought other timeshares for the same reason...the accomodations vs. a "hotel" room.
BTW, if they build a DVC on the monorails, I vote for the Polynesian vs. the Contemporary. We went resort hopping and like Poly better, it had a warmer feel to it. Just thought I'd share for those of you still trying to figure out what to do....buy using the current 15% incentive with a referral ....or not. Decide how important the accomodations you stay in are to you and your family and decide how important it is to stay on Disney grounds.

 

[byoung]

Niece

 

[Kerry Dig]

I couldnt agree with you more. We go to Disney Alot!!..Stayed in Timeshares outside the park and stayed right in Disney. Staying onsite is so much better, it makes the whole experience so much nicer. So we just signed and returned our papers. I would never stay outside of Disney again. So DH and I are going down for the first time as DVC members in Jan. for a 4 day getaway to SSR. Cant wait!! I feel kinda guilty not taking my kids but im sure this will be the first and only time we will ever get away. We arent doing any parks...just relaxing.

 

[cobbler]

Yep I know the feeling, even when I haven't been home yet. I am just ready to say goodbye to those types of accomodations.

I too would vote for a Poly DVC. I would be all over that bad boy in a second!!

 

[poohj80]

Not only has DVC spoiled us at WDW, but where ever we travel (especially work travel). We find we're always comparing our rooms to what we're used to at HOME and we're usually disappointed.

 

[spiceycat]

oh yea!

I agreed - timeshares/condo are much, much nicer than resort rooms. Even WDW resort rooms.

I do stay in studios so staying in a value resort is not that much worst. Just depends upon my mood - sometimes we have fun.

next time (if there is one) go with Pop Century. Nicer location, it has a lake, and bigger TV.

 

[lovinthemouse]

We have done CBR and AS movies and music. After seeing the DVC resorts we were sold instantly. It was just DH, DD8 and myself and we tripped over each other. Get up to go to bathroom wake everyone up. DH and I have a king bed at home and the double was just not good. We get to make our first trip home in July '06 and are sooooo very excited. I just know our Disney experiences are going to get better. We have always had fun just no room to breathe.

 

[nestlejean]

I forgot too, there is no hot tub - in the room and on the grounds - none, no where. My park walking feet and legs were aching for a hot tub-ANY hot tub. The bathtub just didn't do it! I didn't realize there wasn't a hot tub by the pool. I knew there wouldn't be one in the room. I know, I am very spoiled! I had to "rough" it.

 

[DW_Fan]

Neslejean, when I asked about a discount at the All Star resorts our DVC rep told me they didn't give any because they weren't good enough. Do DVC members get discounts at the all stars too? Perhaps she just meant we couldn't book with points?

The reason I ask is that with our December trip and May land/cruise trip, we won't have enough points by a few. So, I thought points for the Dec trip, and Points for the May cruise, and pay for the land portion at an AS resort with discount? I know the rooms are small, but we spend no time in the room unless we're sleeping and the kids LOVE the decorations.

 

[PoohD]

Neslejean, when I asked about a discount at the All Star resorts our DVC rep told me they didn't give any because they weren't good enough. Do DVC members get discounts at the all stars too? Perhaps she just meant we couldn't book with points?

I know that DVC members can book at the moderate and up resorts with points. Are you saying members can get discounts on resorts if we pay cash?

 

[poohj80]

I know that DVC members can book at the moderate and up resorts with points. Are you saying members can get discounts on resorts if we pay cash?

There is a 25% discount when booking DVC resorts for cash (subject to availability), but I don't know of any at non-DVC resorts.

 

[spiceycat]

if you have an annual pass (we do get a $100 off the ap) - then you get a discount on your rooms

using the passholder website.
www.disneyworld.com/passholder

 

[nestlejean]

I used the discount that was on Mousesavers .com for the time period I was there. Check the site out to see if there are any discounts for when you are going. I think it was "Magic your way" or something like that. The room and some park passes were cheaper than if I bought them seperately. There weren't any moderates available when i called and just a few of the All Stars available.