How Do You Choose A Favorite Disney Vacation Club?

I am often asked, “What’s your favorite resort?” by clients who are learning about the Disney Vacation Club or considering adding more points to their existing membership.  It’s similar to asking a parent, “Which is your favorite child?”  They are all fantastic and each has their own unique quality which endears them to your heart. Don’t ask me to pick a favorite! But alright, if I must…

Let’s look at the endearing qualities of some of the DVC resorts and why each has its own loyal following when it comes to Member’s heartstrings

Old Key West

Shall we start where it all began?  Lovely Old Key West.  It is the flagship DVC property and has the largest rooms. Seriously, the two bedroom that sleeps 8 comfortably has more square footage than the average American home! Not to mention it offers the ability to drive up and park in front of your unit for the road-trip or rental-car loving family. More than anything, it’s the epitome of the Florida lifestyle:

• Laid-back atmosphere
• Palm trees
• Pools
• Volleyball
• Island music playing
• Umbrella drinks.

For all those reasons, it remains my favorite summer time resort.

Wilderness Lodge

For a completely different vibe, let’s talk about Wilderness Lodge.  No, I won’t be separating them into Copper Creek versus Boulder Ridge, because let’s face it, the feel is exactly the same. Oh, but what a delightful feel it is to walk into this rustic, warm, somewhat overwhelmingly large and spectacular lobby!

The focal point is the massive fireplace that essentially begs you to come sit in its adorning rocking chairs and drink hot cocoa with your loved ones.  Add the babbling brook, dark-green foliage and you’d swear you were in a Twilight movie awaiting your Bella, Edward or Jacob to come along…. uh, wait, that’s not a Disney movie, and vampires and werewolves probably aren’t an appropriate reference here.  Laughter aside, this is my all-time favorite resort to visit in the winter.  It simply says, “Cozy, warm and safe from the cold” like no other resort.

Animal Kingdom

Speaking of wild animals, how about the fantastic Animal Kingdom? It really needs no endearment beyond the amazing wildlife that exists from our balcony viewing. When my curiosity needs stimulating, this is the resort that draws me.  With two epically gorgeous lobbies at Jambo and Kidani, we are immediately immersed in African culture.  Knowledge about a place so far away both in wildlife, dining and culture, it has all kinds of nooks and crannies to discover each time I visit.  Also known for its concierge service upstairs, it just puts some icing on the cake of my visit but is never the main attraction when I can hang out with a giraffe each morning.

The Beach Club or Boardwalk

Did someone say cake? The Epcot Food & Wine Festival is pretty much my favorite time of the year.  Held primarily in October, the weather cools off as do the temperaments of Floridians and I love to walk around with friends enjoying the culinary creations from chefs all over the world.  With accompanying beer, wine and creative libations representing the international community, walking home is ideal.  So which home would that be?  The Beach Club or Boardwalk, of course. Both are conveniently located adjacent to Epcot.  Reminiscent of New England, both offer the blues and greens of Cape Cod, and Carnival days of an era gone but not forgotten.  The Beach Club is incredibly popular for its unique pool and Stormalong Bay, but for a great getaway and convenience, neither of these can be beat.

The Grand Floridian Resort

The Victorian era is another one not forgotten, thanks to the Grand Floridian Resort. This posh property always makes me stand up a little straighter and marvel at the beauty, while still having that relaxed vacation vibe. The most formal of all the properties, if you want to feel a little richer, a little more catered to and perhaps have high tea while you’re away, this is where you’ll want to be.  This is the resort I like to visit when I want an excuse to dress up and be spoiled.

Saratoga Springs Resort

Another place to be spoiled that most may not realize is Saratoga Springs Resort.  The property is vast with five pools, so you can choose to be with the crowd or tan on your own. For the athletic at heart, paths and walkways offer access to plenty of walking and running spots, including a trip to Disney Springs. For me, this is a great weekend getaway resort with the girls to get pampered in the spa, relax by the pool and then go shopping in Disney Springs!

The Polynesian

I’ll talk about the off-site DVC resorts in another article, but if the not-quite-on-Disney-property feel is what you seek, the Polynesian is a paradise among the parks!  Whether you’ve dreamed of visiting Hawaii, Tahiti or Fiji, this lush tropical resort is unparalleled as it evokes all the flame throwing, grass-skirt wearing, luau dining and even Stitch sighting home away from home. I adore this resort, as it truly immerses me in a different reality which is fascinating and beautiful. Nothing beats relaxing on a villa porch overlooking the water and watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks with the audio piped in! Talk about magical.

Bay Lake Tower

A brief walk to the Magic Kingdom?  Yes, please! Last, but definitely not least, is the Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary.  If I had to pick a favorite property based on interior design, this would be my winner. I love clean lines, modern furniture and art in wide open spaces.  I’m probably also partial because this was the original resort I stayed in with my parents as a kid.  I love that Walt’s vision of the contemporary and modern continues to evolve as we do, through the Disney Imagineers and Interior Designers. Getting to walk out the back door and go parasailing adds even more appeal; but wrapping up an evening watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Top of the World lounge or my own room is simply priceless!

Speaking of prices, if you are still deciding whether to become a DVC Member or not, reach out to me anytime.  I can tell you the difference in buying resale versus direct and I’d love to hear which DVC resort is your favorite and why!

Also, share your favorite DVC story below in the comments. I’d love to hear from you and I’m sure others would like to know what others choose.