Recently within the DVC Fan Facebook Group, there has been some chatter about welcome home trips. These are reservations arranged by Member Services for new DVC members who purchased direct contracts. In some cases, cast members are able to help you book a villa that does not show any availability online. With a little pixie dust (and pulling from cash rooms), they can sometimes make this happen. In fact, this is why I was advised to book our first DVC trip by phone and not to do it online myself the first time. You only get one welcome home trip, so you really want to make it count! Here are my top resorts to request for your welcome home trip:
1. Beach Club Villas
Disney’s Beach Club Villas is where Timothy and I stayed for our welcome home trip, but I admittedly didn’t even think it was an option when I called Member Services. I called and initially asked to book a stay at a one-bedroom villa at Copper Creek since I saw availability when I was logged into the DVC website. However, the cast member (Alex) suggested that I try for someplace else. She told me that a one-bedroom might be easy enough to reserve on my own another time and to pick something I wouldn’t usually be able to get. Then she asked if I’d be interested in the Beach Club Villas! I immediately said yes and moved forward with the reservation. We had a fantastic time at the Beach Club and were absolutely spoiled by the 5-minute walk from our villa to International Gateway.
2. Villas at the Grand Floridian
If we hadn’t gone with the Beach Club Villas, I would have tried for the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian, Walt Disney World’s flagship resort. Knowing that it isn’t my home resort, and there are limited villas available due to its small size, this would be another resort reservation that could use some pixie dust. I think the welcome home trip would be an excellent opportunity to snag a hard to find room like a studio.
3. Copper Creek Villas
As I mentioned above, I almost went for a one-bedroom at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for our welcome home trip. However, if I wanted a studio instead, that may have been more worthwhile. Studios at Copper Creek book unusually quickly, even at the 11-month mark. If this isn’t your home resort, this would be another good resort to pick for a welcome home trip.
4. BoardWalk Villas
Disney’s BoardWalk Villas is our home resort, but if it weren’t, it would be another good option for a welcome home trip. Especially if you are traveling during peak season like during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. That is a popular time to stay at the resort for the convenience of walking to the festival, which makes it hard to get at the 7-month mark.
While there are no certainly guarantees with availability, and your mileage may vary, the bottom line is to aim for a popular resort. It certainly doesn’t hurt to try! The worst that can happen is you end up at another deluxe resort at Walt Disney World, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
