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10 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Disney Vacation Club

Making the decision to purchase a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership is an important one and careful consideration should be given to ensure this purchase makes financial sense to you. Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons and are now part of Disney’s “Best Kept Secret”, it’s time to take advantage of the plethora of DVC benefits and get the most of out of your membership. As a DVC member for almost ten years, here are my favorite suggestions for getting the most out of your Disney Vacation Club membership.

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10. Discount on Annual Passes

DVC members and their families qualify for a discount on annual passes for Walt Disney World. Being a member of the Disney Vacation Club makes it easier to take more frequent trips to Walt Disney World, so it makes sense to take advantage of the discount and purchase an annual pass.

9. Valuable Discounts

Members receive a 10 percent discount on all Disney owned-and-operated merchandise locations. You need to show your DVC membership card in order to receive the discount. Buying souvenirs, collectibles, and snacks adds up quickly, so this is a very popular benefit for shoppers like me. Cash in on more savings with DVC discounts on spa services, mini golf at Disney’s Winter Summerland and Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Courses, and regular golf at all of the Walt Disney World Resort golf courses. Other recreation choices are also discounted, including fishing and watersports. And if you’re staying in for the night, don’t forget about free DVD rentals and laundry service.

8. Dining Discounts

If you’re not using one of the Disney Dining Plans, take advantage of the discount on a select list of Walt Disney World restaurants, both in the parks, in Disney Springs, and at Walt Disney World resort hotels. The discount typically ranges from 10 percent to 20 percent.

7. Disney Files magazine

This member-exclusive Disney magazine is a great way to stay on top of DVC news and updates on park happenings. It’s also an excellent way to get a Disney fix when you don’t have a trip coming up soon!

6. Tables in Wonderland Card

Available for purchase only to Florida residents, annual passholders, and DVC members, this handy card entitles you to a 20 percent discount, including alcohol, for an enormous list of Walt Disney World restaurants.

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5. Exclusive DVC merchandise

Members can purchase exclusive DVC merchandise, like Vera Bradley and Dooney & Burke purses and totes, member pins, Pandora charms, Alex & Ani bracelets, and DVC member pins. Other ways to show the world you are a DVC member include specially branded apparel, hats, beach towels, and drinkware all for sale at DVC resorts or through the Disney Store website.

4. Moonlight Magic

Disney Vacation Club Members have a chance to take advantage of complimentary, after-hours events at the Disney theme parks at different times throughout the year. As the park closes to the general public, DVC members can enjoy shorter wait times for attractions! Not only is this a huge perk but you may even spot special character appearances and entertainment, as well as complimentary treats. Be sure to reserve your spot ASAP when a Moonlight Magic event is announced as they do tend to fill up quickly.

3. More Pools

If you’re not happy with your resort’s pool or if you just want to experience another resort’s water activities, DVC members have the option to pool hop at several of the DVC resorts. It’s important to keep in mind that you can’t do this at Bay Lake Tower, the Polynesian Villas, Kidani’s Uzima Pool, or the Beach Club Villas, and cast members are serious about enforcing this policy. Blackout dates are also in effect during several times of the year, including the holidays.

2. Free Overnight Resort Parking

Disney recently started charging resort guests for overnight parking. This means on top of your resort fee, guests are now having to pay to park at the resort overnight. The daily fee adds up. Great news however if you’re a Disney Vacation Club member – you are excluded from having to pay resort parking fees if staying at a DVC Deluxe Villa. Another discount to add to the list!

1. DVC Lounges

My favorite DVC benefit by far is being able to live it up at the Top of the World Lounge. DVC members can travel to the 16th floor of Bay Lake Tower to enjoy the elegant bar and lounge. Just show your membership card to a cast member in the lobby, and they will deliver you via elevator to this exclusive area. The lounge area is impressive by itself, and watching the Happily Ever After fireworks from the outside viewing area (complete with piped-in music) is an extraordinary experience. Make a visit to Epcot to visit the DVC Lounge located above Figment in the Imagination Pavilion. Complimentary soda, charging stations, gaming devices, computers, air conditioning, and awesome views are totally worth the break in your Epcot day.

About Melissa Fegely

I have been a professional writer for over 18 years with degrees in Biology and English. I am a lifelong Disney fan and a Disney Vacation Club member of over nine years. Having visited Walt Disney World several times growing up, I really caught the Disney bug after many trips with my husband. Now I am happily addicted to taking our son to Walt Disney World as often as possible and watching him experience the magic and Mickey Bars as he grows up. Traveling to Walt Disney World twice a year, I enjoy attending the Flower and Garden festival held in the spring and strolling around the World Showcase, as well as exploring all of the hidden gems that all four parks have to offer. I love helping my family and friends plan their next Disney trips based on my experiences. I also enjoy reading, swimming, traveling, and cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I grew up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, attended Shippensburg University, and current live in suburban Philadelphia with my husband, son, and two cats.