Disney Vacations: Before and After Disney Vacation Club
Hello There!
This post is all about DISNEY VACATION CLUB and how we take our Disney Trips. (This post is not sponsored, I just really love that we have this to take advantage of.)
So our first cruise was in 2009. And we did it BIG. We went to Disney world, stayed on site, used Disney transportation, did a 7 day Disney Cruise, then went back to Disney World. And somehow we (as in my parents since I was only 14 at this time) did this all out of pocket.
It was A LOT I was told, so we started looking into cheaper ways to take Disney Trips……
Disney Cruise line transportation is awesome, they are helpful, prompt and they always know where they are going. But it comes at a price, Disney’s ground transportation is not an included service, HOWEVER if you are going somewhere you don’t feel super comfortable renting a car and driving yourself this can be a nice alternative to a taxi or other bus service. We only used this service the first time we took a Disney Vacation. (2009)
So fast forward to 2011, Our SECOND Disney Cruise, And this time, we were able to bring my little sisters (that we didn’t have full custody of before), and my Aunt and Uncle! This was the trip that we really learned about DVC. Our first DVC property was purchased on this cruise. Now, the DVC has costs and fees associated with it, but there are many plans and levels to choose from.
Photo Caption: My Youngest sister, Jonnie (in my arms), Middle sister, Rayvan (on the left), and me on St. Maarten Island. (2011)
Also, this cruise was my Sweet 16, and My uncle did a little Disney Magic with Guest Services on the ship and was able to sneak a private meeting with Princess Tiana (my favorite princess) and have her give me my 1/100 painting of Tiana. I was an emotional wreck. (2011)
DVC or Disney Vacation Club is a ‘vacation ownership” program much like a timeshare. The difference is your membership and membership points can be used on Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney. As a member you get discounts, awesome accommodation options, and most of all the Magic of dealing with Disney.
DVC gives you so much flexibility in your Vacation options too, if cruises don't rock your boat... You can stay at Disney World, Disneyland Cali, Disneyland Paris, Disney Hong Kong, and many other special vacation offers.
Fast forward AGAIN to 2013, Our Mediterranean Cruise. On this trip we purchased our Second DVC property. By this time, my parents have been paying off the first one, and adding the second one gives them more points per person/month to plan trips with.
Formal Night on the Magic 2013- Formal night is fun because you can get super dressed up, or not. There are no rules that say you have to be fancy, but its alwasy fun to whip old prom dresses, right? (2013)
Disney Magic Atrium (2013)
Finally, on our last cruise to the Bahamas in 2015, my parents went ahead and got the third property. This is cool for a few reasons: A. more points to use to book longer trips for more people, B. DVC members get cool perks when you get on the cruise (Member meetings, member hats and bags, and lanyards…), but the part I like most is the part where each of us kids gets a property (a long time from now, when my parents can’t use the properties/points anymore). So you can hand it down to your kids, and the monthly payment plans make it more affordable.
On our way to swim with Dolphins! (2015)
Don't think that it is impossible to do awesome trips without DVC, I am sure some savvy parents out there have done it. Before we had DVC, I went on a trip I still haven't forgotten, and after DVC I have been on many trips none of which I have forgotten either, DVC just gives you more options.
If you still have questions about DVC, or want to get more info on how to be a part of this vacation awesomeness you can check out the website.
My upcoming posts are going to feature packing tips for checked luggage as well as carry-on packing tips, and International Flight Survival hacks.
Stay tuned!
Until next time,
THP <3