What amenities ...

[RobDoc]

What amenities do you take advantage of at the various DVC Resorts?

At HH, we use the Beach House facility to take a swim after walking on the beach each morning. We also try to take the "Behind the Ears" tour each week as well as any DVC member programs offered during our time at the resort. The best offering has been "A Private Affair" and we've enjoyed that the past three trips.

At OKW, we usually take the boat to DD each trip and take the walkway to DD daily- usually stopping for a swim at the South Point pool on the way back. We always try to make the Member's Update on Tuesday mornings at Community Hall and occasionally spend time on the treadmill in the exercise room. We've never tried any resort programs, but always enjoy talking with staff at the resort.

At BWV and BCV, we've enjoyed walking to Epcot and MGM, as well as the variety of dining opportunities on the Boardwalk. The Friendship boats are also a pleasant mode of travel especially on warm days. The Breezeway is a great spot to sit and enjoy people watching.

At VWL, we enjoy the boat ride to MK and exploring the resort itself. The Iron Spike Room is a treasure with Walt's backyard train exhibit (The Carrolwood Express).

VB also has great recreational activities and the beach is pleasant for a walk. The onsite dining options are a nice option without having to drive someplace to eat.

What are your favorites?

 

[Lisa F]

Room service at BWV or VWL. It's pricey but at least once a trip we like to have a lazy day sleeping in and have the nice people from the kitchen bring us breakfast. If we are there for a long enough trip we generally have at least one room service dinner as well.

Valet parking at BWV and VWL. We love having our car waiting and cooled off when we need it (just call ahead) and we love not having to get wet when it's pouring out by making a mad dash from the car to the room (not that it EVER pours in florida).

Ability to get to at least one major park without having to take a bus or get in the car.

The shops and the entertainment right on the boardwalk. Nothing is more fun than coming back from a day at the parks, catching a show, having an ice cream, doing a little pin trading etc. We have become friendly with some of the CMs who work on the boardwalk and it just makes our trip feel that much more like going "home" when we can see some of our old friends there.

I wish I was there now!

 

[goofy4dvc]

We've only stayed in DVC resorts 3 times since joining. Fourth trip will be next May. Here's some of my favorite amenities:

VB: parking underneath the units. It rained several days of our trip but we didn't get wet going from the car to the room. Also the Saturday morning coffee/rolls Open House in a Beach Cottage - awesome. The daily agendas. The Green Cabin Room and deck. The rocking chairs. Returning to our room and finding "Mickey ears" left by mousekeeping (one circled bathtowel and two circled handtowels).

BWV: Enjoyed the close proximity to Epcot & MGM, the surrey bikes, the boardwalk entertainment and excitement.

VWL: the quiet nooks in WL and VWL, the crackling fires, the smell of the pine trees after a rain, the secluded more laid-back atmosphere. The water feature that runs from inside the lobby to the outdoor pool, as well as the geyser. Watching the Electrical Light Pagent on the lake. One we are looking forward to on our next trip is eating at Artist Point.

BCV: SAB. Looking forward to staying here next May.

 

[jaysue]

VB: Mini-Golf, Walking on the beach, Placing a chair under a Palm Tree and catching up on some reading and having DS#1 watch a little TV before leaving in the Veranda area. Doc, the onsite restaurants are a nice option - we did not want to go anywhere after a full day at the beach and pool

OKW: Walking/Jogging path, neighbourhood walks and for DS#1, the sand buckets play area and the model train at the check in area

DVC: Valet Parking and meal discounts

thanks
jaysue

 

[crisi]

We stayed at BWVs for our first (and as yet only) trip home.

We did walk to Epcot.
We enjoyed the Boardwalk restaurants (Bakery, Spoodles).
We did take a surrey bike ride at the request of my daughter - we only made it around once - those things are not easy to peddle.
The pool was a favorite, and we borrowed swim vests from the community hall.
The pool bar was another favorite.
We did catch one of the BW shows.
I generally got up earlier than the rest of the family, and usually sat in the lobby with a book.

 

[DeeP]

We pretty much take advantage of them all. When I am staying at a DVC resort that offers full resort amenities (which is 99.9999% of the time) I do use valet parking, room service, swim at the main pool w/life guards, walk to parks, eat at the restaurants that are within walking distance, take the boat, shop at the stores within walking distance, use luggage services for package transport when we go grocery shopping, take the elevators, utilize guest services, enjoy the shows on the boardwalk, greatly enjoy and make use of the wonderful location, use the Community Hall, etc. To me my resort is a BIG part of vacation and the resort amenities are a BIG part of my resort preferences. If we did not utilize the resort amenities then they would be a non issue, but we do utilize them so to us they are something we want and expect from a high end resort.

 

[eporter66]

As someone who has not used their DVC membership yet (reservation attempt tomorrow!), here is my wish list for the resorts

BWV / BCV - While on vacation this October we took the boat from MGM and got off at the Swan/Dolphin stop. We walked over the bridge and strolled around these two areas. Love the atmosphere of the boardwalk, and the fact we can walk to our favorite park EPCOT. Great Location!

VWL - We stayed at Wilderness Lodge so we loved the theme. We walked over to VWL and swam in the pool, and walked around inside a bit. Just beautiful, and so relaxing

SSR - THis is home so we cant wait. The closeness to DD for food and entertainment, plus the golf!!!!

OKW - Sounds like a great place for a kick back relaxing vacation.

My wife loves the ocean so at some point I am sure VB or HH will be on the agenda.

So much to look forward to, cant wait!!!!!

 

[Desperado]

Pools, Pools, Pools and pool slides, all kids pool activities, sprayers, small slides, pirate ships, sandy bottom pool areas, lazy river pool areas, and every slide possible. Kids play areas with jungle gyms and slides, and kids toys. Resort activities including parties, balloon animals, beach areas, pool chairs, beach chairs and umbrellas, pools snacks and pool bars, room service, business centers, kids activities, all modes of transportation including boats and busses, after hours pool use, putt putt, basket ball, shuffleboard, board games, videos and DVDs, common rooms, unbirthday parties, all workout facilities, stores and gift shops, stroller rentals, games, restaraunts and food areas in close proximity, valet service, baggage service, baggage transfer between rooms, turtle walks, starnight gazes, coral groups, game rooms, are a few I can think of.

 

[Jimbo]

take the elevators

I can't tell you how many hours of fun our family has spent riding elevators.

 

[Simba's Mom]

At HH, we like to take advantage of as many of the recreation activities as possible plus we rent bikes right there. At OKW, I try to go to the member's update, if I can. At BCV, love the Solarium and reading rooms (can't remember what they're called). I'd like to know if anyone's taken the garden tour at either BCV or OKW and can tell me about it. That's one activity I haven't done yet but would love to.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Let's see...
At VB we walk the beach, and sit by the pool a lot (and also swim). We also eat at both restaurants, plus Bleachers for lunch. Of course, the trip would not be complete without a visit (or two) to The Green Cabin Room. Almost every morning I head to Anchors A-weigh for my 53 minute treadmill.

At VWL, we use Hidden Springs Pool and hot tub a lot in the evening. We use Sturdy Branches, but we usually do not get there as often as I would like. We also enjoy some breakfasts in the room using room service. As Doc said, We also enjoy walking around the resort itself, and spending some time in The Iron Spike Room. We also take advantage of the boat ride to MK.

PS- Almost forgot about putt-putt at VB, and valet parking at VWL. We certainly use both of those!

MG

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by Jimbo
I can't tell you how many hours of fun our family has spent riding elevators.

I don't think I wrote the original post your referencing, but when we have had two kids in strollers, the elevators have been a definite advantage and a consideration when choosing resorts, whether you'd label it an amenity or not.

 

[Jimbo]

Even when your room is on the first floor?

 

[NCRedding]

OkW: enjoyed overlooking the golf course and watching the golfers play. Loved seeing the ducks and the bunny. It was a short trip so we didn't use the pool or buses. We loved the feel of the resort, and being able to park in front of our room.

HH: Loved Big Murgie's Den with the lemonade and pool table. Enjoyed the kids night out (as did my DD); loved the beach house and having lunch overlooking the ocean. Played lots of ping-pong. Walked the grounds and watched the marshes. Looking forward to renting bikes next time.

BCV: Loved the location, walked to MGM and to Epcot. Too cold to use SAB. Loved the Christmas Decorations, and the visiting musicians with Christmas music. Loved Beaches and Cream. HATED valet parking, except for the times the really nice older gentleman was on duty (he was great). The good news is self parking is so close the the villas that parking there won't be a problem next time.

We're new owners, so we still use our DVC as a resting point for our trips, while we spend most of our time in the parks. I'm looking forward to the time when we will kick back, and get out of commando style. That is my plan for our June trip.

 

[crisi]

Originally posted by Jimbo
I can't tell you how many hours of fun our family has spent riding elevators.

You don't seem to have preschoolers. We will ride elevators just to push the buttons and open the doors. Not a highlight of my trip, but the kids think its definately part of the hotel's feature set. They don't get much enjoyment out of the Bellvue Room - we don't get much enjoyment out of the elevators....but to each his own.

 

[Desperado]

No reason this thread can't be a positive one about resort amenities.

We enjoy both the outdoor hot tubs and indoor jacuzzis, and the VCRs and DVDs. I often tape shows and movies I'd like to watch and take them on vacation with us.

 

[Jimbo]

We enjoy riding bikes in and around the resorts, especially at HHI.

At VB, we like to sit on the deck outside the Green Cabin Room (until the no-see-ums drive us inside).

We seem to spend a lot of time in hot tubs at all of the resorts, no matter what the temperature.

We're usually in parks a lot of the time at WDW resorts, but at HHI we took advantage of the many activities offered. The Goyataku (or however it's spelled) was a real big hit.

We like to take boat rides as transportation wherever they are offered.

Having our packages delivered to the resort always makes us feel special.

Valet parking does, too.

At OKW or HHI, sitting on our deck and watching/feeding wildlife is always a lot of fun.

Also at OKW: Watching from the deck while golfers shank balls all over the place. It reminds me why I gave the game up, and it's free.

 

[Jimbo]

DW reminds me of one more: The ability to have a leisurely breakfast in the room each morning.

 

[Lisa F]

Originally posted by Jimbo
I can't tell you how many hours of fun our family has spent riding elevators.

Good lord, must everything be a contest or a snide remark? As it has been pointed out, elevators are an amenity if you have kids and strollers or someone who cannot climb stairs for whatever reason. Yes, you COULD stay on the first floor, but with the AMENITY of an elevator (which some people enjoy having) you are not limited.

Why can't you just stick to talking about things that YOU enjoy in a resort rather than making fun of things OTHER people enjoy?

 

[Jimbo]

I'm sorry that I took the bait. It won't happen again.