One of the best parts about being a DVC member is having years of trips to come! I always have that next trip (or two or more) booked and know that my family and I will be back soon. While we visit Disney World more often than before we were DVC Members, no two trips are identical. However, I have noticed that we have unintentionally started a few small traditions.
Taking a Balcony Photo
Nearly every DVC trip we have gone on, we have taken a photo out on the balcony or patio. Not only are these photos a great way to remember the various room views we have had in the past, but looking at these photos is a fun way to take a walk down memory lane. Since becoming DVC Members in 2019, we have celebrated some big milestones at Disney World. From our engagement and wedding to our son’s first trip and first birthday, there are so many special moments that we have shared at our home away from home.
Getting Ice Cream and Strolling the Boardwalk
While I love all our home resorts, the BoardWalk is easily my favorite one. Whenever we stay there or the Beach Club, it’s a guarantee that I’ll pick up some ice cream at BoardWalk Ice Cream or Beaches and Cream’s to go window and stroll around Crescent Lake at night. I love ending the day by taking in the ambiance, watching the side shows, enjoying a sweet treat, and maybe even seeing Luminous from afar.
Trying at Least One Thing That Is New to Us
In the 6 years that we have been DVC Members, every trip has been a different adventure. Despite some people thinking it’s strange or just plain boring to go to Disney World so often, we make it a point to try something new, whether it’s a resort, restaurant, treat, or experience that we have never done before. Some of my favorites have been the Keys to the Kingdom tour, creating our own land-and-sea adventure by combining a cruise on the Disney Wish with a DVC stay, going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party as a family for the first time, and staying at the new Polynesian Island Tower. I loved exploring its Terrace Gardens and trying out the Wayfinder Burger at Wailulu Bar & Grill–it was so good!
Getting a Mickey Waffle
As basic as it sounds, is it really a Disney vacation without having a Mickey waffle? Whether it’s getting a quick service breakfast from Contempo Cafe that I can bring back to our room, indulging in probably one too many at a buffet like Cape May Cafe, eating a crispy, fresh waffle at Trattoria al Forno, or treating ourselves to a room service breakfast at the Grand Floridian, I enjoy them all. Crystal Palace’s churro waffles are a recent new-to-us find and a delicious option when our next Disney cruise isn’t anytime soon.
Share with us in the comments below: what are your DVC traditions? Is there something that is must-do on each of your trips?
Donna Witte
August 20, 2025I like to take a photo of my room when I first walk in before it gets messed up.
Erin Mazaba
August 20, 2025We always visit the Boardwalk to take a nighttime Crescent Lake loop stroll, visit our pet giraffes at AKL, and eat at Disney Springs on arrival day.