The Best DVC Resorts for a Long Weekend Getaway

Sometimes we all need to get away for a while. One of the best parts of the Disney Vacation Club Program is its flexibility, empowering members to vacation as long as you like.

When you’re in the mood for a three or four-night quick getaway, DVC definitely has you covered. So, which DVC resorts are best for a long weekend?

What Makes a DVC Resort Great for a Short Trip?

When you spend a long weekend at Disney, your priorities will differ from a longer vacation. You don’t want to waste time waiting on DVC resort transportation. Nothing will drain your free time like standing in line waiting for a bus.

Similarly, you’d rather your hotel offer plenty of luxury amenities, thereby reducing your need to go elsewhere for entertainment. In a perfect world, the hotel you choose for a long weekend will provide you with one-stop shopping. You can eat, drink, and be merry here rather than having to hop on a bus to satisfy your basic needs.

For these reasons, I prioritize resorts with convenient locations and transportation options. Personally, I prefer walking, the Monorail, or the Skyliner when they fit my plans, though every transportation option has trade-offs.

Even if you’re driving, location matters. A conveniently situated resort can save time and make it easier to return to your room between activities.

Bay Lake Tower: Best for a Magic Kingdom Weekend

When I’m planning a short trip centered on Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of my top picks. Its location makes it easy to spend time in the park without relying on a bus.

If you’ve never stayed here, the walk to Magic Kingdom may be shorter than you expect. Guests can use the pedestrian path between the resort and the park, which is especially convenient on a quick getaway.

That walkable location is a compelling reason to consider Bay Lake Tower, especially when you plan to visit Magic Kingdom more than once.

You’ll also appreciate the amenities at Bay Lake Tower. You can walk across the bridge to the Grand Canyon Concourse of the Contemporary, where you’ll find top restaurants like Chef Mickey’s and Contempo Cafe alongside excellent shops like Bayview Gifts and Fantasia Marketplace.

The Outer Rim Lounge and access to the Monorail station are also located in this concourse. All these amenities elevate Bay Lake Tower as an ideal place for everyone from young couples to families traveling with grandparents.

Disney’s Riviera Resort: Best for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios

Earlier, I mentioned that I don’t trust the buses and boats. Do you know what I vastly prefer instead? In 2019, Walt Disney World introduced the Disney Skyliner, a gondola system akin to ones you’ll find at ski resorts.

The Skyliner connects Disney’s Riviera Resort with EPCOT’s International Gateway and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with a transfer required for Hollywood Studios. At this point, the Skyliner has evolved into one of Disney’s most reliable form of transportation.

I love how the Skyliner can make a quick getaway feel easier. Riviera is particularly appealing if you want to spend time at EPCOT or Hollywood Studios without driving, though travel times vary and are not guaranteed.

This hotel has become one of my favorite hangout properties due to the fabulous dining options. You can enjoy a taste of European tourism when you stay here, starting with delicious coffee in the morning. At night, guests can soak up the ambience of rooftop dining at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera.

Since this hotel offers Duo Studios, it’s an ideal place for a couple’s retreat. Older vacationers will savor the relaxed vibes here, especially at and near the main pool.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: Best for a Beach Getaway

This one’s fairly self-explanatory. Sometimes we all want to feel sand beneath our toes, and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is a wonderful choice for that. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Located on the Treasure Coast, this hotel is Disney’s only one directly on a beach in the continental United States.

Guests can spend two or three nights here happily soaking up the Disney vibes and tearing through multiple bottles of sunscreen. Families with young children can happily build sandcastles here, and maybe even watch the turtles. The joy factor explains why so many members describe Vero Beach as DVC’s most underrated property.

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel: Best for a Disneyland Weekend

Fair or foul, many people describe Disneyland Resort as a two- or three-day vacation. The locals strenuously disagree, as Magic Key owners often visit throughout the year. Even so, you can experience many of the highlights at Disneyland’s two theme parks in just three days. That makes it an ideal destination for a quick getaway.

Once again, the law of averages comes into play. You’ll generally have more options at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel than at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, although availability depends on your travel dates and room type. When you’re planning a three-day weekend, availability matters a great deal.

Plus, you’ll enjoy the benefits of being close to everything at Disneyland Resort. You can walk to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure. Then, once you’re done, you can eat, drink, and shop at Downtown Disney before returning to your hotel room.

This resort is perfect for people who always say they want to visit Disneyland someday. You can plan a shorter getaway without necessarily using a large number of your precious DVC points. Best of all, you can walk almost everywhere without relying on transportation.

My one suggestion is that you don’t need to plan an extended stay to enjoy Disneyland. Three or four days can be plenty, especially if you’re focusing on the highlights. You could even pair your Disneyland getaway with a Disney Cruise Line itinerary sailing from San Diego, depending on available sailings.

Make the Most of Your DVC Membership

One of the best parts of DVC ownership is the flexibility to enjoy Disney vacations of all lengths. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend or an extended stay, explore our DVC resort resources to help you plan your next trip.