10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Disney Vacation Club

Did you know it’s Disney Vacation Club’s 25th anniversary? In honor of the celebration, Disney is offering its members even more exclusive opportunities than before. The first three are a few of the anniversary-related perks you need to jump on. The rest can go for anytime!

10. Epcot Members Lounge

After a long day of walking through time, space and country after country, it sure would be nice to have a cool place to relax! Well, if you’re a DVC Member, you are in luck! Located in the Imagination! Pavilion in Epcot is an exclusive members lounge! Here you will have complementary soft drinks, charging stations, computers with printers, Wi-Fi, and even a children’s play area. The lounge is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is on the second floor of the ImageWorks merchandise location inside the pavilion. Each card-holding member is allowed to bring five guests.

9. Merry Member Mixer

This holiday season, you will be invited to attend members-only parties at Epcot in Walt Disney World. There will be meet and greets with some of your favorite characters, a DJ spinning some of your favorite holiday tunes so you can show off your moves on the dance floor, and complimentary treats. There are five mixers planned from November 25 through December 23, but the times have yet to be released. Stay tuned to the following link for updates! https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/discounts-perks-offers/member-events/merry-member-mixer/

8. Silver Anniversary Sweepstakes

Disney is doing a special sweepstakes just for DVC members! In honor of their 25th anniversary, they are giving away 25 vacations through quarterly drawings! Win a stay in Cinderella Castle Suite at the Magic Kingdom or a trip aboard a Disney Cruise Ship. You could even win an Adventures by Disney package! Follow this link for details on how to enter. https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/25th-anniversary/members-sweepstakes/

7. Adventures by Disney

Speaking of Adventures by Disney, did you know that you can use your points outside of the parks? Adventures by Disney allows you to trek through the Amazon Rainforest, learn traditional folk dances in Norway, and even snorkel the Great Barrier Reef! These are just a few of the international adventures you can use your points on, but there are several domestic trips, as well. Stay at a Dude Ranch in Montana (glamping is also an option, if that’s more your style), or get one-of-a-kind experiences in New York, Washington D.C. and several other exciting places! With every Adventures by Disney trip, you will get two tour guides, most meals will be taken care of, and you get one of a kind experiences you probably wouldn’t get on your own. Unless you think you can set up your own private tour of the Vatican or plan a dinner party for your family in the Imperial Pavilion at the Vienna Zoo.

6. Discounts in and out of the parks!

With your DVC membership, you probably know that you can get discounts on dining and shopping inside the park, but did you know that you can get discounts all throughout Disney Springs, as well? You also get discounts on recreational activities like 35% off at all Disney World Resort 18-hole golf courses! Check out this list for more exclusive offers! https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/media/dvc/languagespecific/eng/member/justformembers/perks/WDW2016_01062016.pdf

5. Purchase One-time Vacation Points

If you are juuuuust a few points short on your desired vacation, you can actually buy points for $15 per point. If you only need a few, this is a fairly inexpensive way to get them.

4. Check the seasonal options

This option may not save you points, but it will help you to get the most out of them. Certain resorts go all out for the holidays, so if you really want to get into the holiday spirit, choose one of those. The Wilderness Lodge, for example, is probably the most Christmas cheer you can find outside of the North Pole. As soon as the window opens up, try to scoop this one up before it’s gone! If you are all about Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, shoot for Disney’s Beach Club Villas. You may not save any points, but the ten minute walk from Epcot to your resort will certainly be worth it.

3. Aim for Weeknights

On average, weeknights cost fewer points than weekends. Since the parks are usually busier on the weekends anyway, staying during the weeks may even result in smaller crowds and shorter wait times on your favorite rides! Everybody wins!

2. Bank or Borrow DVC Points

If you really want to take a trip but don’t have enough points for your desired location, talk to your personal representative. You may be able to borrow points from next year to use now. Or, if you want to save up for a big trip in the future, bank some of your points from this year to be used next year.

1. Enjoy One of Walt Disney World’s Most Exclusive Hangouts

The Top of the World Lounge is basically a rite of passage for DVC members. Located at the top of the Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this spot is only open to DVC members who are currently staying at a DVC property. It’s an amazing place to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks, so be sure to get there really early, if you want to do so!