Staying at Disney Resorts with DVC

[Rock'n'Roller Poster]

I can't do the math because the points calculator was down, but I assume you guys can give great input to this question.

If my family (3 people right now) plans to go to Disney deluxe resorts (7 days +) every year:

1. Would we save money doing DVC based upon our frequency of trips if we didn't use the villas much, but rather, stayed at the GF, WL, AKL, etc.?

2. Would we be able to comfortably book these resorts without much trouble? (we like to go in October).

3. Is there a better way to save money on the Deluxe accomodations? The only thing that I can think of is AP, which I have, but that is hit or miss and more difficult if you go concierge or suites.

Thanks! Aaron

 

[crisi]

No, you won't save money booking Deluxe resorts on points.

 

[lovinthemouse]

The points for those resorts are very high. It would not be very cost effective at all!!!

 

[rogerram]

It is not cost effective to use points to stay at a deluxe on points. I also think the DVC resorts are at least as nice as the deluxe resorts, with the benefit of full kitchens and your own washer/dryer, large masterbedroom with whirlpool bath. The down side is you don't get daily room cleaning unless you pay extra for it.

 

[dianeschlicht]

No definitely not a savings, and we would consider it a step down to stay in a hotel room at a deluxe resort when we are used to 1,2 and 3 bedroom villas at deluxe DVC resorts.

 

[DisFamily2006]

The real advantage of being able to book at the non-DVC resorts is flexibility. Let's say for instance, that you decided to take a last minute trip down to Orlando (as I live in NW Florida it is common that my son has a competition or something down there at least once a year). Knowing the type of frugal vacationioners DVC members are, it is very possible that there will not be any rooms available at a DVC resort at the last minute. In this case, you could get a ressie as soon as 24 hours out of your arrival at a moderate or deluxe resort. Does it cost a few more points? Yes. Would you want to do it for every trip? No. But for last minute ressies that you don't have to come out of pocket for and are able to stay at Disney (with all of the magic) it's a pretty good alternative to staying offsite... :-(

Just my opinion.

 

[cobbler]

Ok, here is the math breakdown and you can decide if it is worth it or not. Its definatly not the most cost effective (meaning you can get more for your $$) but you decide if it is worth it or not.

My points cost me 5.68 per point. (83.3 buy in price / 49 years of my contract = 1.70 + 3.98 per point for dues - this year)

So this year I am staying at the Contemporary in the Tower during value season, check in Sun, check out Friday. This is costing me 200 points or $1136. Rack rate for the room is $1979. So I saved 843 off of rack rates. AAA could give me a total of 1682, I still saved $546. AP, I can't guess because the rates are all over the place but for easy assumption we will go with 70 off per night like last year, total would = 1589, still saving 453.

But for those same 200 points, I could stay in a one bedroom villa at SSR for 7 nights, 8 nights for 204 points during the lowest point season.

And this math just shows Contemporary during value season and no weekends. It costs more on weekends and during regular season and such.

 

[Rock'n'Roller Poster]

Thanks for the info thus far. It seems safe to assume that DVC saves decent money if you plan to use the villas a huge proportion of the time (makes sense, since those are the DVC properties), correct?

Is there any DVC cash discounts for the other resorts to where I could rationalize staying half-villas w/ points and still get my fill of Deluxe resorts on a cash discount from DVC membership?

Thanks again. Very helpful. Aaron

 

[Rock'n'Roller Poster]

In reviewing the math (very helpful), I suppose you would also save the lodging tax (14%?) if going DVC route, correct?

 

[DVCLiz]

Aaron, here's how I get my "fix" at the Deluxe resorts. DVC stays are usually much cheaper "pointswise" Sunday through Thursday nights. Weekends are more points at all DVC resorts. So, I check in to a DVC unit on Sunday, stay five nights and check out on a Friday, then stay at a Deluxe Resort for the weekend. Or, sometimes I'll stay at the deluxe resort first, if I arrive on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, then I'll move to DVC. This saves me points and allows me to stay at the other deluxe resorts without feeling as though I'm wasting all my points on a night or two at the Grand Floridian. Of course, the deal is you have to be willing to move resorts. For me, it's an easy-as-pie process - but some people like to unpack and stay, and they really won't even entertain the idea of moving.

Just more food for thought!!

 

[GrimGhost]

To answer your question, No, there are no discounts at the deluxe resorts you mentioned (or any other Disney resort). However, I will say that all DVC resorts (villas as you refer to them) are Deluxe resorts, made by the Disney Company. Made with the same magic and level of comfort.In fact I noticed you mentioned the WL as one of the hotels you enjoy. Well there are villas at the Wilderness Lodge. The studios are very much like hotel rooms, so I don't know how different staying in a studio there would be from a hotel room at the WL. Hope this helps.

 

[Rock'n'Roller Poster]

Good information.

I have actually stayed at the Beach Club Villas and was very happy with it. The quiet from the main building and space in the room is 2nd to none for the price. That said, my family may want to stay places with specific views, concierge service (sometimes), and be right in the main building from time to time. We will definitely go every year, so I was curious (without the points calculator) how often we would need to do the DVC Resorts vs. the other to make DVC a clear savings vs. rack rates and occasional AP discounts.

It also would save us money on passes, lodging tax, etc., I believe.

Keep the input coming. Thanks again.

 

[GrimGhost]

Annual pass discounts..yup. Here is the info:
2005 Member Savings



Walt Disney World® Resort Ticket Product
Discount Off
Retail Price

Ages 10 +
Ages 3 - 9

Annual Pass $100.00 $85.00
Florida Resident Annual Pass $20.00 $17.00
Annual Pass Renewal $75.00 $64.00
Premium Annual Pass $125.00 $106.00
Florida Resident Premium Annual Pass $25.00 $21.00
Premium Annual Pass Renewal $95.00 $80.00

 

[newfamilyman]

Aaron, here's how I get my "fix" at the Deluxe resorts. DVC stays are usually much cheaper "pointswise" Sunday through Thursday nights. Weekends are more points at all DVC resorts. So, I check in to a DVC unit on Sunday, stay five nights and check out on a Friday, then stay at a Deluxe Resort for the weekend. Or, sometimes I'll stay at the deluxe resort first, if I arrive on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, then I'll move to DVC. This saves me points and allows me to stay at the other deluxe resorts without feeling as though I'm wasting all my points on a night or two at the Grand Floridian. Of course, the deal is you have to be willing to move resorts. For me, it's an easy-as-pie process - but some people like to unpack and stay, and they really won't even entertain the idea of moving.

Just more food for thought!!

Thanks, that's a great suggestion.

 

[spiceycat]

after the first five years - other resorts are okay....

but for those important first five years - you really need to stay in DVC resorts.

then after the five years - one trip every other year to a non-DVC resort generally won't hurt that much....

Try out all the DVC resorts. Stay in at least a 1-bedroom. Kept in mind that the DVC deluxe resorts will and can run you a 2-bedroom point price. Only you can decide if staying there is worth it for you.

oh - on those times when you know you are gonna go for a WDW resort - staying a DVC resort around it - a studio - will help your costs.

 

[holcomb-mania]

I'm hoping to join DVC in the next few weeks. I've already booked a trip Dec 9-13 at the Poly, but if I get DVC I plan on rebooking and using my points.

Believe me, I fully understand the rationale above about not using them for the non-DVC deluxes. If you knew me, you'd know that I'm gonna squeeze my points until they SQUEAL! However, here is my thinking. We planned to make a "no holds barred" trip to WDW to experience the Christmas season there: flying instead of our usual driving, a limo to/from MCO, staying at the Poly (which we love), all in an effort to create magical memories and use our time most efficiently (don't want the kids out of school too long, but still want value season. I know I'm nuts, cuz I've already spoken to potential teachers for NEXT year.). If we get into SSR, our plan year would be September, so in Sept we'd have 300 pts. We should be able to do our Dec Poly trip and have enough points to go right after they get out of school in June '07 in a Sun-Thur timeframe (I'm learning!). After this Dec trip, I don't expect to use our points anywhere but DVC resorts.

 

[holcomb-mania]

spicey - Why do recommend the 5 year plan? Just curious how you got that number.