Welcome back to "Stars Fell on Disney Fans from Alabama!" I'm excited to introduce my twitter friend Heather to each of you! Heather and I have three major things in common: 1) we're from Alabama, 2) we love Walt Disney World and 3) we are both HUGE Auburn fans! One thing we don't have in common is the fact that Heather is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member. She is going to share her knowledge and experiences with you. Thanks Heather!
Hello everyone, my name is Heather
Terrell; I’m a widowed mother of three girls, DVC member since 2003, and lover
of all things Auburn. I live in Daphne, on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay or 7
hours 48 minutes from Disney World.
My parents have
always loved Disney; it was a yearly vacation spot for us. My father insisted we
always stay on Property and never liked staying at the same place twice. This
is lucky for me because I can honestly say I have stayed in every Disney hotel
except Swan, Dolphin, & POP.
![]() |
image from Share Disney Timeshare |
Once I became a parent myself, I wanted to provide the same
wonderful Disney memories for my children and I felt DVC was the best way to do
so. Our Home Resort is Saratoga Springs but we have enjoyed all of the Vacation
Club Resorts at Disney World, with Bay Lake as our favorite. I use DVC strictly
for Disney World, but my parents have stayed at Vero Beach Resort & Hilton
Head Resort.
People often ask me if DVC is worth it and for me YES. We go
to Disney once every 12 to 18 months, stay for 5 or 6 nights in a two bedroom
villa. Oh and by “we” I mean my parents, my brother, my aunt, my 3
girls (15,10,&8) and myself. I still have to buy the tickets and pay for the
Dining Plan, but we get to stay in a nice big room with a full kitchen, washer
& dryer, three baths, and everyone is comfortable. Let’s talk money. We have
200 “points” annually, which gets us about 8 to 10 nights a year and any points
we don’t use can be “rolled over” to the next year. We paid about $13,000 to
buy in and pay about $80 a month in “fees”, which is tax deductible. I also
love that DVC is a one stop shop when it comes to my planning; I call them
everything, dining reservations, everything. We also get discounts in some of
the shops, restaurants, pet boarding, stroller rental and annual passes. We DO
NOT, however, get a discount on the Dining Plan or regular park tickets.
DVC is not for everyone, but all the members I know love it!
You can buy as many points as you want and use them any way you like. This year
we were able to use the points we saved from years past on a three bedroom
Grand Villa.
image from Heather |
I hope I have answered most of your questions about DVC, if
not you can find me on Twitter @WDEHST or on Facebook, Heather Silvernail
Terrell. Have a Magical Thanksgiving and Holiday Season. War Eagle!!
We love DVC!! You are right it's not for everyone but others it is perfect. I really have become used to having that washer and dryer in the room. Especially with a toddler! We have added on twice now. We are a bit addicted.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great, informative post about DVC. We did the tour this past spring, and it's very tempting . . .
ReplyDeleteNice article! And I guess since we both own at SSR, I should say "Hi-de-ho, neighbor!" Oh, and "War Eagle!" :)
ReplyDeleteI wish DVC was in my future, but I don't think financially it's in our future.. but seems so cool! As an LSU Tiger, I don't often say it - but Go Auburn! Rooting for you this weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer!! I too wish DVC was in my future... I also hope an AU win is!! ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree Heidi! I'm hoping on our next trip we can squeeze a tour in... just hoping he'll bite! :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be addicted Mary!!!
ReplyDeleteYEA!! War Eagle!!!!
ReplyDelete