HairyChest
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2012
- Messages
- 986
I'm a huge Disneyworld fan like many of you. I went on my first trip in 2012 and fell in love. My family and I have been going an average of twice a year since then even though we live close to Disneyland. I recently became a DVC member (Saratoga resale) after much research and contemplating. I heard about all the benefits of owning, but after purchasing and actually booking trips, I have found so many more benefits that no one really talked about or told me. Granted I have yet to actually go on my first trip as an owner because of the delays due to covid, but I have a couple trips already planned and confirmed. Here are some of the benefits that I have came across to help those who havn't purchased yet and I also would love to hear others experiences and the benefits they didn't know of until they became owners themselves (I also think this would be a great topic for a DVC show).
Planning my resort stay has never been this much fun
Many of us love planning new trips to the world. Picking a resort always started with what deals are available and for what time of year. From there, choosing which one I'd really like to stay at and how many days I can afford. And then using Disney math to either extend my nights and/or justify the higher cost. Now as a member I can pick ANY Disney resort for ANY time of year without only choosing from the resorts and days that have deals available. It really opens up the vacation planning and excitement. I can now stay at places I couldn't really justify paying for since it wasn't the right dates or excluded from deals. The joy and excitement I have of staying at all the different types of themed resorts is really special.
Checking availability after the 7 month mark is really exciting.
OK so we all know of the buy where you want to stay mantra. But I wasn't able to buy at all if I didn't buy the most economical home resort for me. But I just wanted to stay at the Polynesian and was very nervous about availability at the resorts. Well let me tell you availability has changed pretty much everyday at all the resorts, even the infamous high occupancy time of DVC in the fall. Ive gotten everything Ive wanted for all the dates Ive stalked availability for and I truly enjoy seeing rooms pop up available randomly and the sense of accomplishment I get on securing it. This also made me want to stay at different resorts because something is booked up and then it becomes available and I say to myself "ooh let's try that since it just became available and is hard to get".
Knowing I can do this every year for the next 30+ years
Almost like having a savings account with money you never touch, DVC feels like a safety net. Knowing that you always will have a vacation to go on each year and plan feels sooo good! No matter whats going on in the world, your happy place is there for you waiting to be met with your presence.
That's it for now but as I continue on this new journey I will add more benefits that I experience and Im sure there will be plenty!!
Planning my resort stay has never been this much fun
Many of us love planning new trips to the world. Picking a resort always started with what deals are available and for what time of year. From there, choosing which one I'd really like to stay at and how many days I can afford. And then using Disney math to either extend my nights and/or justify the higher cost. Now as a member I can pick ANY Disney resort for ANY time of year without only choosing from the resorts and days that have deals available. It really opens up the vacation planning and excitement. I can now stay at places I couldn't really justify paying for since it wasn't the right dates or excluded from deals. The joy and excitement I have of staying at all the different types of themed resorts is really special.
Checking availability after the 7 month mark is really exciting.
OK so we all know of the buy where you want to stay mantra. But I wasn't able to buy at all if I didn't buy the most economical home resort for me. But I just wanted to stay at the Polynesian and was very nervous about availability at the resorts. Well let me tell you availability has changed pretty much everyday at all the resorts, even the infamous high occupancy time of DVC in the fall. Ive gotten everything Ive wanted for all the dates Ive stalked availability for and I truly enjoy seeing rooms pop up available randomly and the sense of accomplishment I get on securing it. This also made me want to stay at different resorts because something is booked up and then it becomes available and I say to myself "ooh let's try that since it just became available and is hard to get".
Knowing I can do this every year for the next 30+ years
Almost like having a savings account with money you never touch, DVC feels like a safety net. Knowing that you always will have a vacation to go on each year and plan feels sooo good! No matter whats going on in the world, your happy place is there for you waiting to be met with your presence.
That's it for now but as I continue on this new journey I will add more benefits that I experience and Im sure there will be plenty!!