A Disney Vacation Club purchase costs thousands of dollars--perhaps tens-of-thousands of dollars. With so much money at stake, some believe that DVC points should never be purchased sight-unseen. While many Disney resorts are similar, each may have its own unique theme, design, layout, amenities, floor plan, etc.
Not all guests staying at Disney Vacation Club resorts are DVC members. At any given time, many rooms are occupied by friends or relatives of members, non-members who are renting points, people trading in from another timeshare system via RCI and even cash guests paying hundreds of dollars per night to stay in a villa.
To our knowledge DVC does not have any procedures in place to give preferential treatment to owners or any other group. In terms of gaining early access to a room, getting a newly-refurbished room, receiving a requested view or location, non-members have the same odds as DVC owners.
The number of Disney Vacation Club points owned tends to be fluid for many members. The appeal of a new location or desire for a larger villa can often lead to an add-on purchase. Meanwhile others find themselves selling-off points as travel habits change, larger rooms are no longer needed, personal finances take a hit, etc.
Several years ago Disney introduced online check-in for stays at Walt Disney World resorts. The idea was simple: guests could provide all of the information required for a check-in before even setting foot on Disney property. The plan was to reduce labor costs while getting guests away from the front desk and into their rooms faster. But many claim that the process is plagued by long lines at the pick-up desk, materials not being ready and other issues.
Villa kitchens are great for saving a few dollars during a Disney Vacation Club stay. Stocking the 'fridge with groceries is much cheaper than eating three daily meals at a DIsney restaurant. But ordering exactly enough items for the stay can be difficult.
