My first ever visit to Disney World was in 1975 at the age of 24.
I loved it – even on a crowded Spring Break.
Life got busy and I didn’t return until 1997 with a friend who had heard about DVC. Her friend had allowed to use some of his points to see what we thought of DVC.
Staying at OKW, we were in love with the spacious studio with two queen beds and plenty of space. It was a plus to be spoiled with a studio very close to the Peninsular bus stop. Some people dislike the long bus ride thru the resort, but it gave us the opportunity to get a good view of the entire resort. Beautifully kept grounds were very welcoming with the surrounding golf course, the waterway to now Disney Springs and many water features. We also explored the different pools using the Internal Bus to get to the ones not near us. All the cast members we encountered was very helpful and kind.
We made an appointment to meet with a guide to get all the information first hand and see model units. Byron, our guide, was fantastic. Not at all pushy, but very informative. My friend was hesitant. Our original thought was to get an ownership to share. I was all in. 150 points at OKW started me on the joys of DVC ownership.
One reason for my purchase was the fact that my parents never brought my Two brothers and me to Disney during our childhood. My parents were at Disney World or Disney Land every few years during the sixties, seventies and eighties for the national convention of A & W restaurant owners. They found someone to watch us the years we were still in elementary and high school. They did call to regale us with their day’s adventures when they had free time- rides, parades, seeing characters.
I became an elementary school teacher and my students’ Disney vacations during the school year added to that feeling I had of missing out on enjoying time with The Mouse and his friends.
My visit in 1997 found me in a financial position to be able to comfortably afford to fulfill that dream. The wonderful cast members were the crowning touch needed to help me decide that this was a great place for a single woman.
In the first years of my ownership using the Mears shuttle made getting to the resort an uncomplicated thing to do. With the addition of the Magical Express and checking in my luggage at my home airport to have it delivered to my room getting to the resort couldn’t’ be easier.
The welcoming faces at check in at the Hospitality House start every trip off on a great note. Bell services is always very helpful in getting me to my room. Again, all helping a single person feel safe and part of the family welcomed Home.
The cast members are always helpful when asked for opinions on my plans for a day.
I have often had a good day turned into an outstanding day by following their advice and suggestions.
It is often easier for me as a single to plan a visit for myself than work on getting vacation dates aligned with friends. When plans can be made to visit with a friend, my frequent visits because of my DVC ownership enable me to show them a wonderful visit because I know my way around. Because I was financially able to purchase my DVC ownership on my own, when friends do come along they usually will pay for a nice dinner or two. Sometimes we will do a special activity like a tour, clubhouse event with a craft or a fireworks cruise with them picking up the bill.
Striking up conversations with other visitors is a great way to enjoy time on Disney transportation- be it bus, boat, monorail or in a ride queue.
One frivolous joy of being on a DVC vacation alone is the guilty pleasure of having a Mickey bar for breakfast. It’s also great to be able to only have your schedule to follow- or not!
The DVC guides in the parks, resorts and Disney Springs are also great sources of information and friendly faces to spend time with.
Sometimes I splurge if I have points I should use up and get a one bedroom reservation. This also makes it easier if I am not staying at OKW for a friend to join me at the last minute. One thing is for sure- I as the member get the real bed! A friend who has been there with me a few times over the years does say the quality of sofa beds has improved- especially if you get a mattress topper.
My guess is I have used my DVC ownership to visit Disney World close to fifty times- I am up to 300 points now at OKW, SSR and BLT- and have never wasted any points. Frequent flier miles sometimes make a quickly planed trip easier to do. But I always know, whetherI am alone or with someone, I always feel safe enjoying Disney because of the great cast members.
