How Parenthood Changes DVC Point Usage

With DVC contracts lasting for up to 50 years, your life and travel habits are bound to change over the lifespan of your contract.  Perhaps nothing changes your life and priorities as much as becoming a parent.  If you initially purchased your DVC contract prior to having children, here are some of the ways that your point usage may change once you have a family.

Larger Villas Are More Appealing

With kids, you may find yourself booking larger accommodations.  Infants and young children may be small, but the gear you travel with during this stage of life is not.  With strollers, pack and plays, and extra diapers and supplies, the extra space of a One Bedroom Villa or larger unit is much appreciated!  Plus, having a separate room is perfect for providing a quiet space for nap time or earlier bed times.  As kids get older, having more than one bedroom or bathroom is ideal.

Amenities Matter More

Aside from the additional space, booking larger units has another advantage over studios: full kitchens and washers and dryers.  Have hungry teens?  The full kitchen can be a life saver when you come back late from the theme parks, and quick service options are limited.  Have picky eaters?  Order some groceries to be delivered to the resort, and take advantage of the full kitchen to make your kids’ favorites foods.  The washer and dryer are great for avoiding overpacking even when your kids are prone to spills or accidents.

Saratoga Springs kitchen

Even if you choose to stick with studios, you may prefer to avoid rooms like the Resort Studios that offer beverage centers in place of kitchenettes.  These centers feature beverage coolers instead of mini fridges.  Even though the coolers are a nice amenity, they don’t get cold enough to safely store perishables like milk and yogurt, which are common must-haves for young children.

Transportation and Elevators Can Make All the Difference

When you have young children, it helps to prioritize DVC resorts with convenient transportation that doesn’t require you to collapse a stroller.  These resorts include those along the monorail (Bay Lake Tower, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian), those with Friendship boat access (Beach Club and BoardWalk), Riviera with Skyliner access, or resorts along Bay Lake that have boat access to the Magic Kingdom (Boulder Ridge, Copper Creek, and Fort Wilderness).

Moreover, elevator access is something to consider when traveling with a stroller.  Most buildings at Old Key West do not have an elevator, except for Buildings 62-64.  While you can request the ground floor to avoid the need for an elevator, there is no guarantee that your request will be fulfilled.

For even more family-friendly tips, check out this DVC Fan video on the best resorts, pools, and packing strategies for Disney-loving families with kids.

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