Questions

[Maddie2]

Hi there. We have been to WDW 3 times in the past 5 years and now it looks like there is a possibility that our on our next trip, we may be staying in a DVC place with some friends. This is actually a band trip for our son. (The band kids will be staying off-property elsewhere).

So, a few questions from a person that has stayed in Value Resorts in the past....


* The DVC is actually owned by a relative of our friend and we don't have much info yet. She mentioned it was near Animal Kingdom. Does this tell you where we'll be, or at least narrow it down? Your thoughts?

* Are ppl stayin in DVC properties considered "on property" - ie, sending pkgs back to your room, ticket pkgs, etc.

* Can ppl staying in DVC properties buy the meal plan?

* Can ppl staying in DVC use ME from the airport?

* Can ppl staying in DVC use the bus system -- do the buses come to the DVC properties?

* How many bedrooms/bathrooms do these places have? Do they vary?

My kids and I love the Values, so I am not completely sold on the idea of staying at a DVC property. What are the advantages?

Thank you all, in advance, for your replies!

 

[erionm]

If it's near the Animal Kingdom theme park, the resort would be Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas.

Yes, DVC resorts are Disney properties and you can have packages delivered. They send them to the gift shop now.

Yes you can get the dining plan. You would pay at check-in.

Yes, DME is available.

Yes, DVC resort are included in the Disney transportation system.

DVC resorts will have Studios, 1 Bedroom Villas, 2 Bedroom Villas and may have 3 Bedroom Villas.

 

[Lynne M]

* The DVC is actually owned by a relative of our friend and we don't have much info yet. She mentioned it was near Animal Kingdom. Does this tell you where we'll be, or at least narrow it down? Your thoughts?

That would be the Animal Kingdom Villas.

* Are ppl stayin in DVC properties considered "on property" - ie, sending pkgs back to your room, ticket pkgs, etc.

* Can ppl staying in DVC properties buy the meal plan?

* Can ppl staying in DVC use ME from the airport?

* Can ppl staying in DVC use the bus system -- do the buses come to the DVC properties?

DVC resorts ARE Disney resorts in every way, and you get the same perks that any Disney resort guest gets. Use of DME, EMH, the dining plan, free parking at the parks, package delivery to the room, Disney transportation - everything you had at the values.

Not sure what you mean by ticket packages. Ticket purchases have nothing to do with your resort stay, you can buy any ticket type that you'd like, wherever you stay.

* How many bedrooms/bathrooms do these places have? Do they vary?

Depends on the villa you'd be getting. AKV has studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas, of varying sizes, views and numbers of bathrooms, so you'd need to find out which size villa you'll be in before we can answer.

My kids and I love the Values, so I am not completely sold on the idea of staying at a DVC property. What are the advantages?

Well, AKV, like all DVC resorts, is a deluxe-level resort. Multiple restaurants, fancier pools, bigger, better appointed rooms with balconies. And AKV is a stunningly beautiful resort. With animals.

If you're in a studio, you'll have a queen bed, a sofa bed and a kitchenette with microwave, fridge, toaster and coffee maker.

If you're in a 1-bedroom or larger, you'll have a full kitchen, living room, separate bedrooms, washer/dryer, jacuzzi tub, multiple TVs, DVD player.

 

[Maddie2]

I knew I came to the right place. Thank you!

We are a year out from formalizing our plans, but with this information I can at least look at this possibility with interest and weigh our options.

Thank you!!

 

[Chuck S]

The biggest difference you'll notice with a DVC reservation is the lack of daily housekeeping. You may purchase additional housekeeping days if you wish ($$). Remember that one bedroom and larger villas have a washer/dryer if you'd like to launder your towels daily...we usually just reuse them a couple times like we do at home.

There will be fresh towels and the beds will be made up (except the sleeper sofas) when you check-in.

If you are staying 7 nights or less, you will receive "trash & towel" service on day 4, and the housekeepers will replace your towels and empty the trash...no vacuuming, or bed making.

If you are staying 8 nights or more, you will get a full housekeeping on day 4 and trash & towel on day 8.

 

[Sandisw]

Most have answered your questions, but just so you know, in order to get the DDP, everyone in the room has to get it. So, if you wanted it but the people you are staying with don't, you would not be able to get it for yourself.

 

[bookwormde]

One big risk is that once you do a DVC villa it will be hard to go back to standard accommodations, especially if you end up in a savanna view room, and see the lobby and facilities.

bookwormde

 

[CarolMN]

There is a lot of info on the DIS about the Animal Kingdom Villas. Have fun checking it out and don't forget to look at all the photos:

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas

How would you like to see this right outside your window?

PHOTO

 

[Maddie2]

Most have answered your questions, but just so you know, in order to get the DDP, everyone in the room has to get it. So, if you wanted it but the people you are staying with don't, you would not be able to get it for yourself.

Thank you everyone for your insight. It all looks great ... except for the above. This could pose a problem. I'm pretty sure we will want the DDP, but it is unlikely that our friends will. They have young children that are more 'take along a PB&J and a juice box for whenever the kids decide they want to eat' kind of a family. Planning meals months in advance would probably not be their thing. I know, I don't get it either.

bookwormde -- you're right ... this could ruin us.

I would love to buy into DVC, but DH says he is "done" with Disney. And, while our kids and I do love Disney, we have family all over the country that we need to take time to visit too. Darn that vacation budget and vacation time from work! Wouldn't it be loverly to be wealthy and have all of the time in the world to travel?

 

[Chuck S]

Thank you everyone for your insight. It all looks great ... except for the above. This could pose a problem. I'm pretty sure we will want the DDP, but it is unlikely that our friends will. They have young children that are more 'take along a PB&J and a juice box for whenever the kids decide they want to eat' kind of a family. Planning meals months in advance would probably not be their thing. I know, I don't get it either.

bookwormde -- you're right ... this could ruin us.

I would love to buy into DVC, but DH says he is "done" with Disney. And, while our kids and I do love Disney, we have family all over the country that we need to take time to visit too. Darn that vacation budget and vacation time from work! Wouldn't it be loverly to be wealthy and have all of the time in the world to travel?

Just to clarify, the DDP restriction applies to DVC and non-DVC reservations. If you are staying at a cash resort, like POP Century, the same it true, everyone on that room reservation would need to be on the DDP.

So, if you and your friends are staying in one unit, it'd be everyone or no one on the DDP. If each family is getting their own DVC studio, then one set of studio guests could have the DDP, and the other would not need to get it.

 

[Maddie2]

Thanks again.

From the beginning I thought that we would just get a PC room and do the DDP .... and I'll be surprised if it turns out any differently. I'll look at the options of doing this DVC thing with friends ... but sometimes it's just easier to take care of your own family and stay out of arrangements with friends.

I am very much a plan-ahead person, whereas I'm not sure about these other ppl -- that, and they could change their minds at the last minute. Yes, the more I think about it - though these villas are GORGEOUS and it would be wonderful, doing our own thing might be best for us. I can depend on us, not always sure about others.

Thanks again, all! Have great vacations!!!