Inside the Disney Vacation Club Preview Center
I’m not a Disney Vacation Club Member. For how often my Annual Pass gets scanned through Park gates, most of my friends assume the two go hand-in-hand. It doesn’t quite work that way though, and there are a lot of ins and outs associated with Disney Vacation Club that make the commitment one that requires much thought and consideration.
Just because you’re not considering a DVC membership and want to check out the accommodations ahead of your next vacation, anyone is welcome to visit the Preview Center! Aside from learning the multitude of purchase options, you can also tour set-ups of real DVC locations worldwide! On a recent very warm and sunny winter day, I headed to the DVC Preview Center for the very first time, and this is what I found…
Welcome
Credit: Maria Salerno
Entering the Preview Center, I had no idea what to expect. I pictured touring pre-set rooms and wanting to book a trip to Aulani to be the extent of what I found…but there’s a lot more to that little building than meets the eye!
Credit: Maria Salerno
Upon entry into the atrium room, you will find stained-glass depictions of each of the Disney castles worldwide! Beautifully backlit, the stained-glass windows make a lovely setting to enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or tea with a pastry!
Credit: Maria Salerno
About DVC
If you’re unfamiliar with DVC and are thinking of becoming a member, there are a few things you should know. First, the memberships work on a point system. For example, you can purchase 200 points per year to be used at any Disney Vacation Club Property. If you only use 150, you can take another trip! Or if you need 250 points to book that villa of your choice, you can ‘borrow’ 50 points from next years’ allotment to make up the difference.
The other major factor is the upfront cost…because it isn’t cheap. Over the course of about 10 years (or however you divvy it up), you’ll have your membership points dues paid off, at which point you’ll only be required to pay a yearly maintenance fee. You can use your points at all participating DVC Properties worldwide! If you’re someone who is aiming to see the world, this might be something to consider!
The Villas
Credit: Maria Salerno
Credit: Maria Salerno
Villas from Aulani were the first stop on our tour. Modern-day appliances compliment the light-colored wood accents native to Hawaii. The spacious bathroom even features a waterfall shower…talk about Hawaiian paradise!
The Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village are another sample villa I had the chance to explore. Credit: Maria Salerno
My only experience with the Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian to date had been my utter disgust that they block my favorite fireworks viewing spot, but spending just a minute inside the spacious and appropriately-themed villa opened my eyes to their draw.
Credit: Maria Salerno
The Villas at Copper Creek (associated with Wilderness Lodge) were my favorite of all. Save for the tree trunk bed frame, the only other nod to the Northern Pacific was the little plush Sven seated comfortably on the bed.
Credit: Maria Salerno
Featuring modern appliances in a sleek woodsy-feeling oasis, the cabins at Copper Creek will be my choice if I ever stay at a DVC Property. What is your favorite?
Ready to take your favorite Disney content wherever you go? Check out The Making Magic Podcast, covering all things Disney, hosted by myself and Greg Antonelle by clicking here, or over on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/making-magic/id1449862561?mt=2&i=1000427864780
Are you planning to book a Disney vacation for you and your family? I’d love to help! I am a proud MickeyTravels Authorized Vacation Planner (Platinum Level) specializing in all Disney destinations. From hotel to FastPass+ reservations, I will help with each and every aspect of your trip. And the best part about my services is that they are completely FREE!You can find me over on Facebook, or contact me directly at msalerno@mickeytravels.com, or 800-308-6257. I can’t wait to start planning your dream Disney vacation!
