Owning a Disney Vacation Club membership (DVC membership) is a trip “home” each time members check-in to a Walt Disney World Resort. Owners not only get deluxe rooms with gorgeous views and first dibs on reserving stays during peak times, but there are also DVC membership perks that aren’t so widely known including discounts on dining, shows, and attractions. Want the scoop on the 10 best extra perks of being a DVC member? Here’s everything you need to know.
Big Perks of DVC Membership – Free Laundry Machines
Probably my favorite of all is the ability to wash and dry clothes- for free! Each DVC resort has a dedicated laundry facility for its members and the use of both the washers and dryers is no charge. Just think, you could head home with suitcases full of freshly-washed clothes or even wash your items half way through your vacation or everyday if so inclined. All you have to pay for is laundry supplies.
Big Perks of DVC Membership – Pool Hopping
Have you ever stayed at an on-property resort but visited another and thought, “Man, I’d love to swim in that pool!”
DVC members get that luxury in addition to the resort pool that they’re staying at! There area few exemptions, though: Bay Cove Pool at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Uzima Pool and Samawati Springs Pool at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, the leisure pool at Disney’s Beach Club Villas, Nanea Volcano pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the pools at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Other than those, you’re free to swim as long as the pool stays under guest capacity.
Discounts on Water Park Tickets and Annual Passes
It’s practically a no-brainer to have Disney Annual Passes if you’re a DVC member, although there are folks that don’t visit as much as they’d like or save points for larger trips and skip yearly visits in which traditional theme park tickets work best. Either way, Disney Vacation Club members save on both.
If it’s your first purchase of an annual pass you’ll save a decent amount, but renewals save even more. At the time this article went to press, DVC member Platinum Annual Pass renewals are $200 less than a non-members new purchase ($549 vs. $749). Water park tickets have a flat rate savings off daily admission.
Big Perks of DVC Membership – Meal and Shopping Discounts
Disney Vacation Club members can save anywhere from 10% to 20% off dining and shopping throughout the theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Considering the price of sit-down style meals at Walt Disney World can take a chunk out of your wallet if you have a large family, the discounts at select restaurants are good for the DVC member and up to three guests.
Another option is purchasing a Tables in Wonderland program that gives a 20% discount on both food and alcoholic beverages on most of the restaurants at Walt Disney World. Note: Tables in wonderland is available to Annual Passholders and Florida residents as well.
Room Discounts
Used up all of your points but still want to stay on property or maybe want to accumulate them for a larger trip? Members can receive a discount off the cash rate at DVC resorts.
Tour & Show Discounts
Having a DVC memberhip offers an impressive discount on theme park tours (think Keys to the Kingdom at Magic Kingdom or Behind the Seeds at Epcot) and flat dollars off premium shows. Have a larger family? Those discounts add up.
Access to Top of the World Lounge – A Villians Lair
Think about Magic Kingdom fireworks. Now, think about park crowds at peak times of year. Hard pass, right? If you’re a DVC member, you can head straight to the Top of the World Lounge in Bay Lake Towers, show your DVC card, and you’ll be given access to premium viewing no matter what your home resort is.
Tip: During peak times you’ll need to arrive up to 30 minutes early to make sure you have a great view.
Discounts on Pet Care and Boarding Savings
If you love taking your dog or cat on vacation, you can save in addition to the low price for pet boarding at Best Friends Pet Care, an on-property center. Discounts are on both full-day and hourly daycare stays and is valid on Standard Suites, Vacation Villas and VIP Luxury Suites for Dogs, or Two and Four-Level Condos in Kitty City. Kitty Condos. Wow!
Member Lounge at Epcot
Opened in Late Spring 2016, the DVC Member Lounge is available at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot and will offer seating, complimentary soft drinks, computers, wifi, and charging stations. There’s also be Member Service Advisors that will be around to answer questions and make pleasant conversation. I love talking to Cast Members- they have such amazing stories to tell.
Early Registration for runDisney
Love hitting every runDisney marathon or half-marathon you can manage but really dislike the anticipation of waiting for the sign-ups to open? DVC members have early access to many of the runDisney events. Registration opens up at noon, one week before the official registration opens for non-members.
Did I miss any good ones? Please let me know in the comment section below!
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