Which Disney Expansions have thrilled you the most since joining DVC?

[bwvBound]

Hoping for a series of 'fun trips down memory lane' regarding your DVC experience.

• What year did you first join DVC ...
• and which Disney expansions since joining DVC have thrilled you the most?

For my answer: We joined in May 2004. Our most thrilling moments:

• Jan 2006: We were thrilled to participate in the soft-opening of Expedition Everest for DVC members and AP holders.
• Sept 2011: We were thrilled to attend the beach and poolside Gala for Aulani's Grand Opening.

Yours?

 

[com_op_2000]

Joined in Jun '93
Sept '98 went on DCL Magic the first year of service, paid for with DVC points and the only out of pocket cost $95.00 transfer fee. Points for the four night cruise at that time for two people @120. Less than if we spent a week at OKW during Magic season.

 

[bwvBound]

Joined in Jun '93
Sept '98 went on DCL Magic the first year of service, paid for with DVC points and the only out of pocket cost $95.00 transfer fee. Points for the four night cruise at that time for two people @120. Less than if we spent a week at OKW during Magic season.

Wow, 120 points -- that was a great start for the DVC/DCL relationship, wasn't it? We also sailed a 4n cruise on the Magic in Sept '98 on a "land/sea" package booked through Costco. Maybe we bumped into you on the ship?

Disney gave us a BW Studio Villa for the 3n land portion and we took the tour. That trip was our first introduction to timeshare in any way, shape, or form.

 

[tidefan]

Joined in April 2007.

Favorite moments:

• January 2008 - our first use of points was to sail the Disney Magic (back then like 318 points for the 3 of us to sail for a week!) for our first Disney Cruise!
• May 2012 - 1st trip to Aulani
• May/June 2015 - Incredible DVC Member Cruise to Alaska followed up with a "recovery" week at Aulani (since we were out on the West Coast anyway...). We met some of the best people ever on that trip. If you haven't done a Member Cruise before, it is a truly awesome experience!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We joined in 2003.

Before the 2005 Member Cruise there was a party at Pleasure Island. We got complementary tix to the Comedy Warehouse. I remember getting ice cream and having a good time. As far as I can remember, there has not been a party like that before any of the other Member Cruises that I have been on. Oh, that MC was diverted to Port Everglades upon returning to FL. Hurricane Ophelia kept us out of Port Canaveral. I must say that the Member Cruises have been some of the best experiences of our DVC membership. The Broadway performances and the Disney people who come on the cruises to share their expertise and knowledge are excellent! I have been on 4 since I became a member and will be a happy participant in this year's cruise out of NYC. We are Platinum members on Disney, and IMO, Member Cruises are tied with longer DCL cruises (like Panama Canal and Trans Atlantic ). for fun and special experiences. I wish they were longer!

Aulani resort was beyond my expectations!

I liked the fun of Welcome Home Wednesdays, and am sorry they have been discontinued.

I have been lucky to be booked at DVC for 2 Anniversary Experiences this year, one at TL and one at AK.

Also, I love watching fireworks, and have booked BLT on the blackout dates both in July and December to see the fireworks from up TTOTW.

Also, many years ago, when Yacht and Beach clubs were opened we saw SAB and thought WOW! Now, we stay at BCV fairly regularly, that's GREAT!

Bobbi

 

[smcabee]

2003 SSR owner. WHile not a resort, the expansion/renovations at Disney Springs are my favorite. Other than a few shows and festivals DW and I are not huge park people and all the new stuff at DS really gives us tons to do/see so close to our home resort.

 

[DougEMG]

We joined in 2010. Our biggest thrill was being able to stay at the VGF a couple of years ago. Looking forward to being there again in a couple of weeks.

 

[DebbieB]

I joined in 1999 when they only WDW DVCs were OKW and BWV. Liked both but chose BWV for my home resort because it's harder to get reservations. Never regretted that.

My thrill has been all the new DVC options. Would never have dreamed that there would be 9 DVC resorts to choose from at WDW plus VGC at DL. Staying at Poly in a week, leaving only SSR that I have not stayed at WDW.

 

[Goofy DVC]

Joined in February of 1993

Big Thrills
1. The member offer for the Inagural sailings of the Fantasy in 2012. A great deal and great time. Also, the offer was somewhat last minute. I think late April or May, and we cruised in June. So, the countdown was short.
2. The free passes for the parks until 1999.
3. The VGF expansion.

 

[alisonslp]

member since 2008.

We haven't been yet, but I would have to say Aulani. Just knowing we can use our points for a Hawaiian vacation is big for us. Now we just need $10k for the plane tickets, food, and a short trip to CA.

second would have to be watching fireworks from ttotw. Watching in the parks is fun but I find it magical watching them explode above the park.

 

[monorailmom]

Members since 2008. We first purchased our points at SSR, and then added on...and on...and on.... I always say it's one of the best decisions we ever made.

We have been most excited about:
-the additions of AKV and BLT. Our first stay with our kids was at the CR, so that resort always held a special place for us. Being able to stay there as DVC'ers, and enjoy TOTWL on all of our trips, is just fantastic. AKV may very well be my favorite resort. Even staying standard view, it's just an amazing place to stay.

-the little things! We enjoy the discounts we receive on purchases, the ability to have Tables in Wonderland, etc. We've taken advantage of the Community Halls and DVD rentals. Sometimes it's the little things that make a difference!

 

[bwvBound]

Heh, heh -- lots of cruising going on!

Interesting that many responses cite DVC resorts, added after their original purchase, as a delight. Indeed, I'd have to agree that I counted the Treehouse units as a completely unexpected GIFT. For many, it seems that having DVC units added to the existing Deluxe properties was a welcome option. Good going, DVC!