Deluxe/DVC/Home Away from Home Resorts

[sbkline]

I used to think that only DVC members could stay at the DVC resorts, but then I found out than anyone can book them. So I guess I was wondering, if DVC members can book any resort, and any guest can book a DVC resort, then what's the difference between a DVC resort and a Deluxe Resort? I know someone answered this question for me once, but I can't remember what the answer was.

Also, I remember in some of the literature I've seen before, there was something called "Home away from Home" Resorts. What was the difference between these and the others I just mentioned? Are they still called that, or did they get renamed to "Vacation Club" Resorts? If they are distinct from Vacation Club Resorts, then what are the names of the different "Home Away from Home" Resorts?

 

[mprewitt]

The Home Away from Home Resorts / Disney Vacation Club Resorts / Disney's Deluxe Villas Resorts are different names for the six resorts at WDW (and 2 more outside of WDW) that are Disney Vacation Club resorts. DVC is Disney's unique version of the timeshare business.

Disney retains a small percentage of rooms that they make available for cash rentals using CRO. So, subject to availability, anyone can stay at a DVC resort (and not just DVC members). The 6 DVC resorts at WDW are:

• Old Key West
• Boardwalk Villas
• Villas at Wilderness Lodge
• Beach Club Villas
• Saratoga Springs Resort
• Animal Kingdom Villas

More information on DVC is available at:

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/index

 

[willythelab]

you are correct, the dvc properties used to be called home away from home resorts when marketed to non dvc guests. it merely meant that the rooms were larger and had either a full kitchen or kitchenette. the cabins at fort wilderness campground are not dvc, but they have kitchens in them. at least some if not all. those are actually very nice accomodations. they also used to have a resort called treehouse villas that is now housing for the college program. those were also home away from home resort rooms. i hope this helps. if you visit the world a lot, dvc is a great way to go. i've been a member for nine plus years now.

 

[Monty]

If you book a DVC resort as a cash payment instead of points, do you get daily mousekeeping as per the regular resorts or less regular cleaning per DVC?

I never thought about it until just now... :shrug:

 

[fizzle75]

DVC membership is based on yearly points. If I understand correctly(we are new members so we are still learning), DVC members can use their points at all of the WDW resorts except the value resorts but the catch is that it takes alot more points to stay at the non DVC resorts.

:wave:

 

[mprewitt]

If you book a DVC resort as a cash payment instead of points, do you get daily mousekeeping as per the regular resorts or less regular cleaning per DVC?

Yes, guests who book cash reservations via CRO get daily mousekeeping.

 

[carolina_yankee]

I used to think that only DVC members could stay at the DVC resorts, but then I found out than anyone can book them. So I guess I was wondering, if DVC members can book any resort, and any guest can book a DVC resort, then what's the difference between a DVC resort and a Deluxe Resort?

Basically, a DVC resort (Disney Deluxe Villas, Home AWay from Home, whatever you want market it as) starts at the Deluxe level and move up. Studios (comparable in size to many standard deluxe rooms) have one bed instead of two, a sofa (pull-out) and a wet-bar area with larger fridge, toaster, and microwave. Then, you can move up into 1, 2, and sometime 3 bedroom facilities.

On a cash basis, someone staying in a DVC over deluxe, would get a few more amenities at least. In the 1 BR and up categories, you get full kitchen, washer/dryer, jacuzzi, etc.

As an owner on points, you get all of that, but reduced mousekeeping. $ for $, the room are much cheaper on points than cash so there is advantage to owning a membership if you want to say in that level of accommodations frequently.

Dirk