What are the benefits of DVC?

[darthjohnny]

I'm curious to know what the benefits are for being a DVC member. I don't mean how you have "flexible vacation time" and all that jazz. But I am interested in what you get in terms of discounts, or access to special events, etc....

Also, how long have the Animal Kingdom DVC rooms been on sale and are they open yet?

-Thanks. :wave:

 

[HauntedPirate]

Some of the current benefits:

$100 off of Annual Passes
10% discount on merchandise at several locations, including World of Disney
$50 (or $75) for the Disney Dining Experience card
Discount admission for select MNSSHP and MVMCP dates (usually about $10/person)

There are other discounts/perks, but I can't get into the site at the moment.

Points at AKV are available, but I'm not sure if rooms are open yet.

 

[brkgnews]

Some dining discounts as well, but not as many as you get with AP.

Ability to purchase Disney Dining Plan without having to buy a Magic Your Way ticket (otherwise, AP holders are screwed in getting the dining plan because they must buy a MYW ticket to get it).

Free valet parking at select resorts.


As for AK, rooms are "open" depending on which room you "buy." Hard to describe, but basically DVC members buy a real estate interest in a certain portion of the resort (I own/lease/whatever about 0.9% of unit #51), and unit #51 "opens" (declared into inventory) this December. There are provisions made, though, so you can use points ahead of time... ask your guide.

 

[Lynne M]

It's important to remember that all of the discounts and perks are subject to change at any time. In fact, they change quite frequently.

Personally, I wouldn't take the perks into account when deciding whether or not to buy. The only thing you're guaranteed in the contract is the right to stay at your home resort. Any discounts, events, etc. come and go at Disney's whim.

 

[Phonedave]

I'm curious to know what the benefits are for being a DVC member. I don't mean how you have "flexible vacation time" and all that jazz. But I am interested in what you get in terms of discounts, or access to special events, etc....

Also, how long have the Animal Kingdom DVC rooms been on sale and are they open yet?

-Thanks. :wave:

Well its not quite as cut and dry as $100 off an AP, but thats a good rough estimate. It's around $100 off, less off of renewals and less off of kids than off of adults. If you are a FL resident its about $5 - $10 off the FL resident price, so not much of a discount there.

There are also DVC only events that do happen. The members cruise is one of them.

Just off the top of my head, most (if not all) DVC resorts have free DVD/Video rentals for members.

Lots of lunch discounts (about 10%)

Not so many dinner discounts

Shopping discounts at certain DTD stores

The ability to by the DVC members only pin, if you are into pins that is, and you cant find it on eBay

Discount on boat rentals, and also watersports on Bay Lake (10%)

Discount at Saratoga Springs Spa

You can pool hop at any DVC resort except Beach Club

You can buy for an additional a golf discount membership



AK rooms are open in the main lodge (DVC took over the top floor) the new DVC only building is still under construction. You can buy into the AKV though. It's been offered for quite a few months now.

I am booked for a 1BR Savannah View room in April using my SSR points.

-dave

 

[DVC Mike]

Also, how long have the Animal Kingdom DVC rooms been on sale and are they open yet?

The first set of AKV rooms opened on July 1, 2007. An additional set opened up in Sept, and another set will open in December. These rooms are all in the existing Jambo House at AKL.

Construction of the new all-DVC Kidani Village is underway, and should be open at the beginning of 2009.

 

[jim1051]

I agree. Discounts and such are nice bonuses but should probably not influence decision as they do change.

 

[darthjohnny]

I understand the discounts are subject to change.

Although, I can't quite understand how much they change. Annual Passholder discounts rarely change. So how often do DVC discounts change?

I'm not looking for any one specific discount in partiuclar, but I want to know in general.

Can somebody provide a list that I would assume is provided on the member site or one of those DVC booklets I've seen given out in the resorts?

Also, do they still do that Wednesday DVC get together at the resorts?

And what are the Merry Mixer's like that are for DVC members?

 

[brkgnews]

Wednesday get-togethers? Yep -- Wednesdays at 4PM at Boardwalk's Atlantic Dance Club.

 

[Keyda]

Also 15% OFF selected tours.

 

[covereddish]

Hey, for me, it's just getting to say "I am a member":ROFLOL:

 

[imagine_82]

it seems like many of the discounts are similar to the disney credit card perks...thoughts?

 

[brkgnews]

Many of the discounts are on par with Disney Visa or Annual Pass. Occasionally you'll see one discount be slightly higher on one of the three, or maybe you'll get a discount on one that the other won't have. Best rule of thumb... the discounts are nice little perks, but are not reasons to buy. For me, the most valuable discount is the DVC discount on purchasing APs, but even that substantial discount (roughly $100) is NOT big enough to solely justify DVC.

 

[Phonedave]

Many of the discounts are on par with Disney Visa or Annual Pass. Occasionally you'll see one discount be slightly higher on one of the three, or maybe you'll get a discount on one that the other won't have.

I just ask the CM, and somtimes get a blank stare.


I have 4 discounts. Annual Pass, Disney Visa, Disney Vacation Club, and Disney Dining Experence.

I just tell them to give me the one that has the best discount. For most dining it is the DDE, but others can vary.


-dave

 

[Phonedave]

For me, the most valuable discount is the DVC discount on purchasing APs, but even that substantial discount (roughly $100) is NOT big enough to solely justify DVC.

Not soley, not by a long shot. But since I have been buying an AP for myself for the last 4 years or so, and have had AP's for my 2 kids the last 2 years, it did play into the idea of the yearly dues.

I looked at the dues, and then thought about some of the discounts and while I did not use it to justify the purchase, it did sort of act as "gravy" when it came to the decision.


-dave

 

[disbest]

Some of the benefits depends on where you own. Some DVC resorts appreciate in value while others depreciate. Also some resorts offer more than others. So, if you purchase at the popular resorts you could see a nice return on your investment, if you decide to sell later.