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Toll Free: 877-624-6889
Intl: (407) 917-8432
Posted on March 04, 2022
Disney Vacation Club has essentially become synonymous with the Disney World Resort complex in Orlando, with 12 of its 16 DVC timeshare properties located in The City Beautiful. But that leaves four resorts outside Orlando that Disney timeshare owners can experience if they are looking for a change of pace for their next vacation.
Because of the way Disney has structured its DVC points program, an owner buys points which are deeded to a specific resort. This gives owners priority booking and other benefits at that home resort, but also provides the option to use those points at other resorts within the Disney timeshare network.
Hence, the ability to vacation at other resorts such as the four which are outside of Orlando. In some instances, this can give you more bang for your points since some resorts operate at a lower point value than others.
For example, a stay during the summer at the Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort would use up from 240 to 331 points for a week’s vacation in a one-bedroom unit, depending on the view from the unit. Compare that to a week in a one-bedroom villa at Disney's Vero Beach Resort which goes for 219 points, and you can see the benefit of an occasional vacation outside of Orlando.
The point difference could mean using points to upgrade into a larger unit at the Vero Beach location or using the saved points on a nightly basis for an additional long weekend getaway.
The resorts are located in three states in addition to Florida, which can also help with reduced travel costs in case an owner would rather drive to the Hilton Head or Anaheim location instead of taking a flight to Orlando. As flight hesitation continues for some vacationers as a result of the pandemic, driving to a closer location can be a benefit when looking at alternative ways to use your Disney points.
The four Disney timeshare resorts beyond Orlando are:
This Anaheim resort is considered the DVC resort to use when visiting Disneyland, as the resort is literally next door to the Disney California Adventure Park and a stone’s throw from the main entrance to Disneyland.
The resort featured studio as well as one-, two- and amazing three-bedroom Grand Villa unit layouts. Even the studios feature kitchen facilities, coffee maker, Wi-Fi, balconies and sleeper sofa, while the larger units have full kitchens with separate living and dining spaces.
Traditionally one of the toughest Disney timeshare resorts to book, the popularity of Disney Grand Californian was highlighted during the COVID outbreak when local restrictions kept the resort closed for over a year. Once it reopened in April last year, it was booked up for months and even now it can be difficult to book anything larger than a studio unit.
Owners whose points are linked to a resort other than Grand Californian have a booking window starting 7 months before their requested check-in date. The sooner you request your dates, the better, but this may be a longer-term play for you perhaps into 2023 or 2024.
One tactic you can try is contacting Disney’s exchange provider, Interval International, to see if you can go that route in case you are having issues getting the access you prefer.
The Aloha State has been welcoming Disney owners to Oahu since 2011, with Disney able to provide a Polynesian experience quite unique compared to all of its other properties, even its themed Polynesian Villas & Bungalows in Orlando. That’s what the sea breezes and island vibe of Hawaii can do for you.
Aulani is located in the Ko Olina complex about an hour west of Honolulu, right on the beach and provides an incredible, relaxing experience. Interactive activities, water sports, luaus, golf, the Laniwai Disney Spa and the charm of the island combine for a memorable vacation – all from your choice of a studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom villa.
Because of the resort’s proximity to Honolulu, access is easy with no island hopping necessary. Just fly into Honolulu and grab a cab, Uber, car rental or book a shuttle service to bring you right to the resort. Disney does not provide shuttle service from the airport but does offer complimentary shuttle service from Aulani to the Ko Olina Resort & Marina next to the resort, where you can pick up the necessities for your stay.
You can also check out Waikiki but leave the crowds behind when you return to your Aulani oasis. All of the other area landmarks are accessible such as Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head crater, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum and the incredible natural sightseeing beauty of Oahu.
This may seem like an unusual place for a Disney timeshare resort, since there are no theme parks nearby, but if you want a relaxing, casual vacation with a laid-back nature theme, this is the place to be.
Disney Hilton Head Island Resort is on the intercoastal side of the island, which gives you those amazing sunsets but with easy access to the beaches on the eastern side. Complimentary shuttle service operates from the resort to Disney’s Beach House daily when you’re looking for the sand and surf.
Themed as a 1940s fishing lodge, the nostalgic look and feel is wonderful, yet maintains the quality of a Disney resort. Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom villa accommodations offer comfort and convenience for everyone in the family, with onsite snacks and drinks at Tide Me Over.
Right in the midst of several renowned golf courses, you’re next to the Shelter Cove Harbour complex with its shops, restaurants and marina. And just up the road from Harbour Town with its iconic lighthouse, shopping, cafes and PGA-quality golf course.
If being right on the beach along Florida’s Atlantic coast is what you’re after, have a look at Disney Vero Beach Resort. Just south of Florida’s Space Coast, you’re about a two-hour drive from the Magic Kingdom and the other Disney theme parks, but a world away when it comes to peace and quiet.
The resort is a destination in itself, with the sun, sand and surf providing the main attractions. Enjoy the Mickey-shaped pool, sports courts, mini golf and nearby golf courses from your studio, one- or two-bedroom villa. There’s even a three-bedroom beach cottage to book.
Onsite food and beverage options make it easy to grab a meal, with the Green Cabin Room providing drinks overlooking the ocean and Wind & Waves Grill also offering Character Dining. Check with the resort beforehand if Character Dining is a priority since this is subject to change due to the pandemic.
If you visit in June or July, you’ll be in season for Loggerhead sea turtle nesting along the beach, and Disney offers guided Sea Turtle Night Walks.
Check out America’s space program at the Kennedy Space Center, about an hour and a half drive north up I-95. Have a look at an actual space shuttle, Atlantis, and if you are fortunate you may even catch a glimpse of a rocket launch, as Elon Musk’s SpaceX rockets take off from the complex.
As you can see, DVC resorts offer much more than just accommodation at the Orlando theme parks. If you need more information or are looking for DVC resales, call us on 877-624-6889 or send us a message here and we can look for the right points package for you.
Steve manages the public relations and content creation efforts of the company. Previously the Chief Operating Officer for Perspective Magazine, he provided oversight and contributed articles for the five regional vacation ownership trade magazines under the Perspective Magazine banner.
A contributor for industry publications such as Resort Trades and Developments Magazine, Steve Luba has 35 years’ experience in various roles in radio and television, sales and marketing, public relations, media and government liaison initiatives.
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