Disney Golf

[AThompson_3]

As an Orlando resident, I’m curious to hear other opinions on the Disney courses and your experience playing the courses. I know they have a Players Club membership program as well so curious if there are any members on here and how much value you get from the membership.

[Ocgolfrick]

My Dad has the $300 one that allows play after 2pm on Magnolia and Palm, and has a golf clinic you can attend on a weekday afternoon. He and the guys enjoy it, but they don't use it as much as they like due to one word: Traffic. When you leave, you're normally getting out a lot of the people are leaving the Parks, and then he had to merge onto I-4- which again is a traffic nightmare. He lives in Ridgewood Lakes off 27- but if he timed it wrong he was forever getting home. I think he and 3 other guys used it maybe 6-7 times last year. Sometimes they'd plan it to go eat dinner at Miller's Ale House by Championsgate by taking the back way by Ronald Reagan Parkway to avoid some of the traffic.

[The Mad Hacker]

I'm not a local, and don't have a Player's Club membership, but I am a DVC member and visit several times a year. I do enjoy playing the Disney courses and generally find them to be well maintained and a decent test of golf. I'm sure staying on the property and being able to take advantage of some of the perks such as complimentary taxi service from / to the resort, bag storage and transfer to each course (although they have recently started charging $5 for this service) and, of course, the discounted rates on rounds and merchandise, certainly helps. Now the downside - the rounds can be long, especially during very busy times. There is a wide array of skill levels, with some folks determined to make every stroke they are "entitled" to, even if they are 4 over and still 150 yards out. Because it's Disney resort golf (you know...The Happiest Place on Turf) the marshals are not going to be overly forceful in moving slow groups along.

So there is some strategy involved. I like to get out pretty early in the a.m. before things get too backed up. I tend to visit during the non-peak weeks. And I go in with reasonable expectations and an extra dose of patience. My last 10 rounds there averaged 4.5 hours, which I can live with.

As far as the courses, I'm partial to Lake Buena Vista (just like the layout), but Palm and Magnolia are good tracks, as well. The Palm has more water, Magnolia more traps. The 9 hole (walking only) course, Oak Trail, is no slouch, either, with some very interesting holes, including a fun 517 yd. par 5.

The practice facilities are good also, with separate ranges & putting greens at LBV, Palm and Magnolia. (Oak Trail shares the Magnolia range).

And, I've met some great folks from all over the world and from all walks of life who come to enjoy the Disney magic. Golfers from England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Turkey, Canada, Germany, Spain and all over the U.S.. Active and retired military, lawyers, doctors, construction workers, software engineers, police officers, restaurant workers and even some PGA teaching pros.

So, yes, I'd recommend WDW golf. Just understand the pros and (potential) cons.

 

[sirparalot]

I joined the Players club last year, At the time it was a great offer. My buddy and I made use of it often from free rounds on Oak Trail to the walk up reduced rates for the other courses it was great when we just had extra time and decided lets get out and play. The program was revamped this year into a tiered system (more expensive) and we no longer can play Oak Trail for free at any level. It has also been more difficult to secure tee times at the Players Club rate. Reduced walk up is still there but again it has s few more rules. I really don't use the facility for the range or the free clinics as I live closer to Orange County National and the practice facilities there are far superior. Last year it was worth it this year will be the decision year but as of right now I don't feel I am getting enough value to stick with it when I live in such a golf rich area and the courses are just slightly better than average,

[AThompson_3]

When looking at the new membership it does look like the new players club membership in the top tier you can play the oak trail course for free after 12:00. Is that your understanding as well?

[sirparalot]

Yes the $69 plan does include that. However last year I got all of the $69 benefits for $35!!! I didn't mind the $4 dollar increase from this year to last year but to have to spend $69 to get what I had for $35 I am not seeing the value. For me I signed up so I could have a decent place to play on the spur of the moment at an affordable rate. Even at last years rate I'm sure I didn't completely get my moneys worth as I only played Oak Trail 4X and the big courses 6X and never went to a clinic or the range other than pre round (all on me for not taking advantage of). Now with the price increase and no free rounds its become less of a value and less of a convenience. There is value if you play 3x a month exclusively at Disney, use their range regularly and go to the clinics. But I signed up purely as an affordable alternative especially in season and I can't say the new pricing structure provides it. I will stick with it this year and make my decision after that.

[Hybrid]

Played the Magnolia at Disney this past weekend. The course was in fine shape and greens were fast and smooth. It was very busy, they actually ran out of carts.

[markheardjr]

Florida courses just dropped prices pretty steep on May 1st. Disney courses were only like $50 which caused the mad rush to play for locals. We opted to play Waldorf Astoria for $80 instead (Which is a steal and they gave us a B1G1 for future play.) I haven't played a Disney course but may go out there later in May if the prices stay low while the parks and hotels are closed.

[MasterOfTheSlice]

Old thread, but want to see if anyone has any updated info on the player's club. I live near seaworld, so traffic isn't a bother as I can take back roads, but for $39 or $49/ month, this seems like a decent deal. Thoughts?

[cmckay]

I'm heading down to Disney beginning of May and staying at the Four Seasons. Got a tee time set up for the Tranquilo course but looking to add another course to the agenda. Looks like the Magnolia course is closed while I'm there, if you had to pick between Palm and Lake Buena Vista which would you choose? 

 

Thanks! 

[sabram]

Palm, but they're pretty comparable. Here's photos of each (click on a photo to o[pen the album)

 

Disney Lake Buena Vista Course

 

Disney Palm Course

[dcfas]

On 2/24/2022 at 3:40 PM, sabram said:

Palm, but they're pretty comparable. Here's photos of each (click on a photo to o[pen the album)

 

Disney Lake Buena Vista Course

 

Disney Palm Course

I just spent 20 minutes looking over the courses you included in your photo collection. I’m jealous. Thanks for sharing!

[cmckay]

Looks like Magnolia is now open while I'm there. Should I make the switch to there instead?