Mixing Up the Magic
While we absolutely love tasting the magic (and trust us, we’ll be back to reviewing those half-pound cookies soon!), today we’re shifting our focus from plates to DVC points! As much as we adore the delicious dining that Walt Disney World has to offer, we also know that the very best way to secure continuous, flexible Disney resort stays is through the Disney Vacation Club (DVC). Today, we’re opening up our DVC adventure book to show you why being an owner—especially with the stunning, European-inspired Riviera Resort as our magical home base—is the key to unlocking an entirely new kind of Disney vacation. It’s time to discover the endless possibilities that lie Beyond the Parks!
Note: We are simply a Disney family that enjoys the opportunities that Disney Vacation Club affords us. This blog is not an official spokesperson or paid advertisement for DVC in any capacity.
Why DVC? Simply Put, It’s Our Commitment to Family
We have been incredibly fortunate to visit Walt Disney World countless times over the years—my wife and I as children ourselves, as a young couple, and especially since becoming parents. While we adore the parks, DVC represents our commitment to family. It’s a significant portion of our time to truly focus on what matters: LIVING LIFE. For me, while the truly Magically Epic resorts and memorable experiences are wonderful to take in, the magical moments I cherish most are seeing my kids walking ahead, smiling, holding hands, and just being children. They are free of school, sports, music lessons, band, and overall their daily worries. DVC isn’t just a vehicle for creating memories; it’s part of our life’s fabric. We often revisit past adventures and eagerly dream of what the future holds, knowing we will never regret prioritizing positive family memories to truly live.
Our Euro Home Base Advantage: Riviera Resort
Choosing your home resort is one of the biggest decisions you make as a new DVC member, and for us, the choice was easy: Disney’s Riviera Resort. We fell in LOVE with its elegant European inspiration, the beautiful artistry and décor, and its epic location with convenient Skyliner access to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
A significant advantage to claiming a beloved home base is the 11-Month Booking Window. This means we can reserve a room at Riviera a full four months before the 7-month mark for non-home resort bookings. This is a game-changer for securing high-demand dates (like holidays!) or those specific room types (hello, Tower Studio!). It ensures we can lock in our stay at our favorite resort with confidence, year after year. Whereas we have access to all of the DVC properties, the extra booking window time afforded through your home resort is a key component to maximizing your DVC membership value and overall experience!
Important Advisory: We won’t delve into the specifics of purchasing through direct vs. resale markets here, but we strongly advise people to always talk to Disney and the Disney Vacation Club team as the authoritative source for anything DVC-related to get the most accurate and current membership information.
Unlocking Disney: Where Your DVC Points Can Take You
While the 11-Month Window gives us a powerful advantage at Riviera or your home resort of choice, the real fun of DVC lies in the flexibility to travel the world using our points! Our membership is the “key” to continuous, varied vacations.
The rule is simple: anytime you book for a DVC property that is not your home resort, you are able to do so beginning exactly seven months (7-months) from the date of your arrival for a given getaway.
This 7-Month Window is where the magic of variety happens! It allows us to use our points for stays at dozens of other incredible DVC resorts—from the sprawling savannas of Animal Kingdom Lodge to the tranquil shores of Hawaii. This flexibility is what truly maximizes the value of the points system and emphasizes that DVC is about exploring.
Where Your Points Can Lead You
Here is a glimpse of the amazing DVC resorts your points can unlock:
| WDW Resorts to Explore | Others Beyond Florida |
| Bay Lake Tower (Contemporary) | Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (Hawaii) |
| Grand Floridian | Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (Disneyland) |
| Disney Beach Club | Hilton Head Island Resort (South Carolina) |
| Boulder Creek (Wilderness Lodge) | Vero Beach Resort (Florida Coast) |
| Copper Creek (Wilderness Lodge) | And more! |
| Polynesian Villas & Bungalows | |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House & Kidani Village) | |
| Cabins at Fort Wilderness | |
| Saratoga Springs | |
| Old Key West |
The Full Disney Collection
In addition to booking DVC-specific villas, there are ways to leverage DVC points to book the Disney Collection, which essentially refers to non-DVC Disney properties, including select Disney Cruise Line itineraries and non-DVC Walt Disney World hotels. This is an option that can further diversify your vacations, and prospective DVC buyers should speak directly to Disney or review relevant official information regarding this benefit.
MORE Epic DVC Magic: Entertainment Beyond the Parks
One of the greatest benefits of a DVC stay—with those full villas and kitchens—is that it makes “resort-only” days feel like the ultimate indulgence. You don’t have to rush to the parks!
Exclusive DVC Member Perks: Lounges, Lairs, and Luxury
DVC Membership unlocks unique, premium magic and comfort that non-members don’t access. These spots are your exclusive escapes!
DVC Member Exclusive Events & Magic:
- Member Bowling Night at Splitsville Luxury Lanes: Every Monday, Members and their guests can enjoy a fantastic evening of bowling, dining, and socializing. This exclusive event includes a 2-hour bowling experience, shoe rental, appetizer, entrée, and beverage—and you even get Member-only bowling socks!
- The Disney Vacation Club Happily Ever After Fireworks Cruise: This special cruise on the Seven Seas Lagoon offers members and their guests amazing, unobstructed views of the Happily Ever After spectacular, complete with a champagne toast and sweet/savory treats.
- The Villains Lair (at California Grill): This DVC Member Exclusive experience atop the Contemporary Resort is a must-do. We love the atmosphere, the wicked cocktails and fun mocktails, delicious appetizers, and the stunning, private fireworks viewing from the tower. We always look to go back!
The DVC Member Lounges (Your In-Park Oases):
When you need a mid-day refresh, these quiet lounges—complete with comfortable seating, complimentary soft drinks, and Wi-Fi—are a true blessing:
- Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium (EPCOT): Located in the Imagination! Pavilion.
- McKim’s Mile House (Magic Kingdom): Nestled in Frontierland.
- Gateway to Discovery (Disney Springs): A beautiful, permanent lounge in Town Center.
Resort Fun & Unique Activities
| Entertainment Spot | What You Can Do |
| Guided Fishing Excursions (Bay Lake & Seven Seas Lagoon) | Start from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to catch—and release—bass with a dedicated guide, boat, gear, and a snack bag! A perfect relaxing morning activity. |
| Disney Springs | Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, Splitsville (bowling and dining – plus that exclusive DVC Member Night!), extensive shopping, and of course, those culinary delights. |
| Your Must-Try Eats: | A shout-out to our favorites: Joffrey’s Coffee Shops and the deliciously sinful cakes and half-pound cookies at Gideon’s Bakehouse (plus the wicked nitro cold brew!). |
| Fort Wilderness Resort | Mention the new DVC Cabin accommodations and the unique outdoor activities like horseback riding, archery, and horse-drawn carriage rides. |
| Resort Hopping | Remind them that using DVC makes it fun to resort hop even if you aren’t staying there! (e.g., visiting Kidani Village to see the savanna animals). |
Our DVC Story
Our DVC membership has completely redefined the way our family vacations. It has provided the flexibility to visit Disney World regularly, the variety to stay in deluxe resorts all over the property (and beyond!), and the opportunity to truly immerse ourselves in the magic, even Beyond the Parks. From the cozy comfort of our Riviera villa to the exclusive fun of a DVC Member Bowling Night, the perks of ownership are tangible and unforgettable.
Whether we are using the 11-Month Window to secure a specific Riviera view, or the 7-Month Window to explore a new resort like Kidani Village, DVC keeps our Disney journey fresh and exciting.
A Necessary Note on DVC Rules
Before you start planning, remember that DVC membership is governed by very specific and well-defined rules for how reservations are made, altered, canceled, and for the usability or lack thereof of points when modifying or canceling stays.
Final Reminder: Please note again that this blog is solely sharing our family’s vacation experiences and is not an official Disney Vacation Club membership guide or source. All readers are strongly encouraged and advised to only rely on official Disney and Disney Vacation Club materials for specifics regarding how to purchase, use, sell, or do anything else with Disney Vacation Club.
What’s Your Dream Stay?
We’ve shared our journey from the gorgeous Riviera Resort to the fun of the Villains Lair. Now, we want to hear from you! AND, be sure to check out our recent ode to the delectable Croque Madame from Primo Piatto at our beloved Riviera Resort here MAGICALLY EPIC RIVIERA REFLECTION: Disney Adult’s Desire for Croque Madame.
What is your dream Disney Vacation Club resort stay? Whether it’s a Bungalow over the water at Polynesian or a quiet villa on the beach at Aulani, let us know in the comments below!
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