WDW Resorts and Beyond

lopo · 01-09-2002

Hi! Please bear with me if I rehash things already discussed; I haven't quite figured out how to read all the previous posts yet. I have been to WDW about 10x. I stayed on site 7x (Contemporary and Yacht Club twice, Disney Institute-I think it was called-the Dolphin, and the Beach Club once) and off site (Vistana and rented properties) 3x. The BEST accommodations we had were in the rented houses!!! Our stays were comfortable, affordable and peaceful. The expense was less than 1/3 of the cost to stay on Disney property. We had relatively spacious places: 3/4 bdrms., 2 bathrooms, a fully-enclosed, screened patio & heated pool; and all the amenities of a private home: laundry, fully-applianced kitchen, TVs, VCR, stereo, dining & living rooms, etc. For the most part, I was extremely pleased. The drawback was driving to WDW, even though we were close because I am not good with directions. I had a great deal of difficulty finding our house after we left the airport, for instance. But, honestly, I think that was just me. My 8-yr.-old daughter's favorite part of our trip: our private swimming pool! That was after we spent mucho dollars at all the attractions-incl. Blizzard Beach-and restaurants. We did enjoy some of the perks-fewer transportation problems and being able to walk to Epcot, for instance-of the WDW properties, but, overall, we would choose to rent again. Just my 2 cents.

**mickey** · 01-09-2002

I have stayed on property and off, and several places, but never at a private residence. We have stayed at several of the Marriott Vacation Clubs, mostly because we could get a three bedroom for under $300 for 7 days. I didn't mind staying at the Marriotts by the World Center, the large hotel right at the entrance to WDW. The drive wasn't too far, and the hotel had a great pool. But there is just something about staying on property.

We became members of the Disney Vacation Club after one visit of staying at one of the Marriotts and then spending two days at Vero Beach at Disney's resort there. There was no comparison in service and quality. Don't get me wrong, the Marriotts are nice, but if you have ever stayed with Disney, you know what I mean. We purchased our membership from a reseller in Orlando. I did everything from my home, only talked to them on the phone once. We saved significant money, and got a boatload of points that hadn't been used yet. I calculated everything, including the yearly fees, and it came out to about $5 per point that we receive. So, to stay at a studio at Boardwalk costs us about $45 per night during value season. Even a 3 bedroom at Old Key West is only about $200 per night. And the good thing is that our price doesn't really rise each year. In twenty years, the price will be roughly the same. And one of the nice things is that as a DVC member, we can swim in any pool at any of the Disney resorts (haven't been able to get in to swim at AKL though :D ). The pool at the Beach and Yacht club is out of this world.

It has worked out great. We are able to go twice in a twelve month period for about ten days each time, and still have enough points for my wife and I to return during that time for our anniversary for three or four nights. We just buy annual passes, and the second time we come, it feels like everything is free. We then take two years off, and start all over again. I couldn't think of anything better. It has worked out well for us, and I would do it all over again.

You can also rent DVC points for about $10 per point, if that is of interest to you. Many members are unable to use points at times, and hence they expire, so you will see members trying to "rent" the points to others. Not bad, and usually saves you about %30 off the rate of the hotel.

lopo · 01-09-2002

Mickey, thanks for the feedback! DVC sounds like a way to go for you! I may get to try out DVC this year: a friend bought into it a few years ago and, since she has some points to use, she invited us to accompany her. Working out the travel dates and arrangements are our only obstacles . . . I sure hope we are able to do so.

**mickey** · 01-09-2002

Quote:

Originally posted by lopo
Mickey, thanks for the feedback! DVC sounds like a way to go for you! I may get to try out DVC this year: a friend bought into it a few years ago and, since she has some points to use, she invited us to accompany her. Working out the travel dates and arrangements are our only obstacles . . . I sure hope we are able to do so.

Ha Ha! You may find yourself sitting through a DVC Presentation. It's not painful, and you wont believe how beautiful the units are. Make sure you ask me before you buy. Check out http://www.dvc-resales.com before you make any commitment with Disney. We saved probably $2,500, and got enought old points left in the account for our family to stay at OKW in a three bedroom for 14 days. It was definitely worth it for us. I am sure you will enjoy it.

01-09-2002	#1 (permalink)
lopo Big Cheese Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Greater Boston Posts: 849	WDW Resorts and Beyond Hi! Please bear with me if I rehash things already discussed; I haven't quite figured out how to read all the previous posts yet. I have been to WDW about 10x. I stayed on site 7x (Contemporary and Yacht Club twice, Disney Institute-I think it was called-the Dolphin, and the Beach Club once) and off site (Vistana and rented properties) 3x. The BEST accommodations we had were in the rented houses!!! Our stays were comfortable, affordable and peaceful. The expense was less than 1/3 of the cost to stay on Disney property. We had relatively spacious places: 3/4 bdrms., 2 bathrooms, a fully-enclosed, screened patio & heated pool; and all the amenities of a private home: laundry, fully-applianced kitchen, TVs, VCR, stereo, dining & living rooms, etc. For the most part, I was extremely pleased. The drawback was driving to WDW, even though we were close because I am not good with directions. I had a great deal of difficulty finding our house after we left the airport, for instance. But, honestly, I think that was just me. My 8-yr.-old daughter's favorite part of our trip: our private swimming pool! That was after we spent mucho dollars at all the attractions-incl. Blizzard Beach-and restaurants. We did enjoy some of the perks-fewer transportation problems and being able to walk to Epcot, for instance-of the WDW properties, but, overall, we would choose to rent again. Just my 2 cents.

01-09-2002	#2 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,232	Good suggestoin. I have stayed on property and off, and several places, but never at a private residence. We have stayed at several of the Marriott Vacation Clubs, mostly because we could get a three bedroom for under $300 for 7 days. I didn't mind staying at the Marriotts by the World Center, the large hotel right at the entrance to WDW. The drive wasn't too far, and the hotel had a great pool. But there is just something about staying on property. We became members of the Disney Vacation Club after one visit of staying at one of the Marriotts and then spending two days at Vero Beach at Disney's resort there. There was no comparison in service and quality. Don't get me wrong, the Marriotts are nice, but if you have ever stayed with Disney, you know what I mean. We purchased our membership from a reseller in Orlando. I did everything from my home, only talked to them on the phone once. We saved significant money, and got a boatload of points that hadn't been used yet. I calculated everything, including the yearly fees, and it came out to about $5 per point that we receive. So, to stay at a studio at Boardwalk costs us about $45 per night during value season. Even a 3 bedroom at Old Key West is only about $200 per night. And the good thing is that our price doesn't really rise each year. In twenty years, the price will be roughly the same. And one of the nice things is that as a DVC member, we can swim in any pool at any of the Disney resorts (haven't been able to get in to swim at AKL though :D ). The pool at the Beach and Yacht club is out of this world. It has worked out great. We are able to go twice in a twelve month period for about ten days each time, and still have enough points for my wife and I to return during that time for our anniversary for three or four nights. We just buy annual passes, and the second time we come, it feels like everything is free. We then take two years off, and start all over again. I couldn't think of anything better. It has worked out well for us, and I would do it all over again. You can also rent DVC points for about $10 per point, if that is of interest to you. Many members are unable to use points at times, and hence they expire, so you will see members trying to "rent" the points to others. Not bad, and usually saves you about %30 off the rate of the hotel.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Resorts
WDW Resorts and Beyond

01-09-2002	#3 (permalink)
lopo Big Cheese Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Greater Boston Posts: 849	Mickey, thanks for the feedback! DVC sounds like a way to go for you! I may get to try out DVC this year: a friend bought into it a few years ago and, since she has some points to use, she invited us to accompany her. Working out the travel dates and arrangements are our only obstacles . . . I sure hope we are able to do so.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password