Did you know that in 2020 Disney’s park attendance was over 40 million people? If you are a Disney fan and are also part of the Disney Vacation Club and looking to use your DVC points, we are here to share how to use them best. Our guide below will also share how to maximize your DVC membership.
Visiting Disney through the DVC is a perfect experience that you’ll remember forever. Saving the points allows you to experience a trip of grand proportions. However, you can also benefit by using your points for other vacations.
To learn more, keep reading to discover the best ways to use your DVC points!
Disney Cruise Line
For those that want to enjoy some time of R&R then accumulating your points for a Disney Cruise is the way to go. There are plenty of destinations to choose from. Whether you prefer Alaska, Europe, or the Caribbean, there is something for everyone.
There are also themed cruises around the holidays. Christmas Very Merrytime Cruise or Halloween on the High Seas are popular Disney-themed cruises.
As of the writing of this post, there is even a member cruise to the Bahamas scheduled for 2023.
DVC Rentals
Another way to use your points is to turn them into cash via DVC rentals. This allows you to have immediate cash for whatever your heart desires. This is where people looking to stay at one of Disney’s exclusive DVC resorts, will pay for your points.
An example of this is grand floridian resale listings. Those that want to stay at the Grand Floridian will spend the money to buy points and then use them to stay in the room they prefer.
Adventures By Disney
There are around 30+ destinations where you can enjoy Adventures by Disney. You can choose your destination where you will have a total immersion in that place for a few days.
No matter which location you choose, Disney will make sure to add their magic to your adventure. For example, if you select Germany, you will sleep in a castle for 2 nights and you will visit the actual castle that inspired Walt to build The Sleeping Beauty castle.
For those that want to stay in the states, there are plenty of locations as well. Some popular destinations include Boston, Arizona, Alaska, San Francisco, and New York.
Opt for Weeknights
Instead of staying during the weekend, opt for weeknights. Many times when you compare the difference, weekends will cost you double the DVC points than staying during the week.
Keep in mind that as prices increase, your points can never be devalued. This means that any increase to one night is matched with a decrease somewhere else to balance the costs.
Seasonal
Sometimes there are some great deals you can find to use your points. For example, the first two weeks of December, you can find some great low point rates at Wilderness Lodge. Also, during the fall, Boardwalk Villas offers good value plus as a bonus you can check out the kiosks at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival.
Old Key West
Normally, you can stay here year round and receive a bang for your points. If you weren’t aware, Old Key West was the original Disney Vacation Club resort. It was built before the Club grew in popularity, but DVC outgrew the resort and changed its plans.
As an added bonus, some of the largest rooms are in Old Key West and it’s fairly easy to book.
Star Wars Hotels
For the Star Wars fans out there, you can also save up your points to visit the Galactic Starcruiser. This immersive experience means that every decision you make from the moment you arrive at your hotel via the transport pods will affect your outcome.
You will either align yourself with the Resistance of the First Order or be a smuggler to help new and old Star Wars characters that are on a secret mission.
Other DVC Member Benefits
If you are a newer member, you may not be aware of the extra perks you receive with your DVC membership and may miss out on some fun bonuses. One major perk is that as a member you are entitled to free standard parking at the major parks like Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.
Another perk is discounts at spas and other recreational activities like Disney golf courses or bike and boat rentals. Select participating Disney spas will offer DVC members a 15% discount. Mandara Spa at the Dolphin Hotel currently offers a 20% discount to DVC members.
Moonlight magic is another perk that club members enjoy. This is complimentary events where members have access to select theme parks after the park closes to the general public. This allows for shorter wait time along with character sightings.
Many members love the exclusive Member Lounge at Epcot. There are computers, complimentary soft drinks, a children’s play area, charging stations, and comfortable seating. This is located on the second floor of the ImageWorks merchandise location inside the Imagination Pavilion.
Events like the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party offers a $10 discount on tickets on select nights for members. Other events throughout the year might also offer special discounts for members.
Ready to Use Your DVC Points?
Now that you have our top tips for using your DVC points, you can start applying what you learned. The key is to get the most out of your Disney Club membership.
Did our guide come in handy? Please continue browsing the rest of this section for our latest tips and tricks.
