Since becoming a DVC member, I mostly stay at resorts using my points. However, when I’m out of points and find a good deal for a cash stay, I do book a rare non-DVC stay. While any trip to Disney World is wonderful, I do find myself missing a few things.
A Balcony or Patio for Every Stay
Before DVC, I never really bothered to get a room with a balcony. It just didn’t seem necessary for an extra cost. However, after having a balcony or patio when on the ground level with all of our DVC stays (I haven’t stayed at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel yet), it’s become one of the elements I enjoy most about a room. Whether it’s a beautiful fireworks view at Bay Lake Tower or even a Standard View room at the BoardWalk where you can watch the Skyliner go by, sitting on the balcony is one of the best ways to slow down and just enjoy the atmosphere of your resort.
As a parent who often stays in studios, I have also come to realize the value of using the balcony as a space to wind down after my son has gone to sleep.
Free Laundry
There are plenty of people who don’t like to do laundry during vacation, but others (including myself) relish the opportunity to come home with a suitcase full of clean clothes. After all, it’s bad enough to have the post-Disney blues after a trip; why not take one chore off your plate to make your return to normal life at home less daunting?
Plus if you have young kids, messes are going to happen. Having access to free laundry in either your villa or the DVC laundry room makes tackling stains, spills, and accidents a little easier.
A Kitchen or Kitchenette
A full kitchen or even a kitchenette is a game changer for vacations. While a real refrigerator is probably most appreciated by parents who need milk for babies, they are much more functional than the beverage cooler that seems to be in all of the Disney hotel rooms lately. Beyond storing milk, having a refrigerator, microwave, and a stove and oven if you have a One Bedroom unit or larger means you can more easily make meals in your room (even simple ones in a studio) or enjoy leftovers.
The $0 Folio
DVC points certainly aren’t free, but there’s something really nice about getting the folio at the end of your stay and seeing that $0 balance. With cash stays at Deluxe Resorts upwards of $500 a night, it makes me extra grateful for DVC points.
What are some perks of DVC stays that you miss when you book a regular hotel room?
Rick
May 1, 2024We never do a regular hotel stay and always stay at DVC Villas, specifically the 1 bedroom villa. A 1 bedroom has all the amenities you mention, kitchen, laundry and lots of space! Not to mention multiple bathrooms. (2 bedroom in BLT has 3 bathrooms!). Multiple bathrooms is a must when traveling with kids. we will never go back to just a plane hotel room again!l
Holly
May 1, 2024I agree with you that I enjoy sitting on the balcony soaking in the atmosphere. Beachclub is a nice resort but many rooms don’t have balcony’s which we missed.