By otakuyassine3@gmail.com 
Disney World opens new cabins with sleeker, more modern look
The new cabins at Disney World’s Fort Wilderness are now open. The sleeker, more modern cabins have been added to the Disney Vacation Club program.
There’s a not-so-secret way to save hundreds to thousands of dollars on a Disney vacation, and it’s not through Disney.
Several reputable third-party companies specialize in booking stays at Disney Vacation Club properties, which are sort of like Disney’s version of timeshares.
“Through us, you’ll save anywhere from 40 to 60%, just depending on the season,” David’s Vacation Club Rentals CEO Melissa Mullett told USA TODAY. “We even can save you funds when you’re comparing even a moderate resort.”
It sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. However, there are some things to consider first. Here’s what I discovered on my family’s first rented DVC stay and what fellow travelers should know.
Can I stay at a DVC without being a member?
Yes. You can book a stay at a DVC property like the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort, the Villas at Disneyland Resort, and Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii directly through Disney for a rack rate.
You can also book through trusted third-parties like David’s Vacation Club Rentals and DVC Rental Store, which act as a broker between paying guests and points-holding DVC members to secure stays.
My family stayed at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, a sprawling, subtly equestrian themed resort near Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs, with David’s Vacation Club Rentals.
Are DVC rentals allowed?
Yes.
“At first it felt like really taboo, because obviously it’s not promoted amongst the Disney community. However, it’s fully legal. It’s within their terms and conditions. It’s within the condominium board rights,” explained Mullett, whose dad started David’s Vacation Club Rentals as a DVC member.
The only caveat is points may not be used for commercial purposes, which Disney Vacation Club describes as “a pattern of rental activity or other occupancy by a Member that the Board of Condominium Association, in its reasonable discretion, could conclude constitutes a commercial enterprise or practice.”
“The policy primarily addresses scenarios where members establish a consistent pattern of renting their points, resembling a commercial enterprise, such as operating like an Airbnb,” Mullett said. “However, occasional rentals of unused points are entirely permissible.” She added that they’re mindful of the number of reservations placed on each DVC member’s account and have never run into any issues.
How do you get started?
David’s Vacation Club Rentals allows guests to calculate the cost of stays at various resorts on specific dates, narrowing for factors like room type and level, before requesting a reservation with a $105 deposit.
“We just wanted a very simplified process, because, as you know, planning a Disney vacation can be extremely overwhelming,” Mullett said. “You can see the true cost of your rental and all the taxes and fees are included in that, so there’s no surprises at the very end.”
Not every resort or room type may be available.
“People should be planning about seven to 11 months out,” Mullett said. “I know that seems really far. However, when you’re looking at DVC inventory, it’s not the same amount as booking Disney direct … You’ll want to start looking really far in advance, so that you have many options.”
If your requested room isn’t available, you’ll receive a list of alternate suggestions, and your deposit refunded if none of the recommendations work out.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary widely by date, room type and resort, but stays are not cheap. These are deluxe Disney properties after all.
For instance, a one-night stay in a deluxe, standard-view studio in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge during the last weekend of March 2025 would cost $414 through David’s Vacation Club Rentals or $578 booking directly through Disney. The latter price includes a 25% off promo available for stays in early 2025. A non-discounted stay would be $723 through Disney.
Mullett said the lowest rates are typically available for stays during the “Wonder” season of Sept. 1-30, when fewer points are required. However guests should still book early for the widest selection.
One important thing to consider is David’s Vacation Club Rentals requires payment upfront upon reservation confirmation, but financing is available through PayPal for guests who need to spread payments out. You can spread payments out over time when booking directly with Disney. You also have greater flexibility to change your reservation or cancel last minute through Disney.
David’s Vacation Club Rentals offers a Deferred Dreams Cancellation Policy, allowing guests to get 100% of their reservation fee back in travel credit, minus the deposit, for cancellations at least 120 days in advance. That percentage back drops the closer it gets to the check-in date, with 0% back on cancellations less than 15 days out. Disney offers full refunds up to 5 days out.
If you’re worried about plans changing last minute, you may want to add on travel insurance or stick with booking directly through Disney.
Do Disney deluxe guests get extra hours?
Yes. All Disney resort hotel guests get 30 minutes of early theme park entry, but guests staying at Disney World’s deluxe resorts also get extended evening hours, allowing them to stay in certain parks up to two hours later than regular guests on select nights. Specific details are available on Disney World’s online calendar.
What it’s like to rent DVC
The rental process is easy, and reservations populate in the My Disney Experience mobile app just like a hotel stay booked through Disney. As my family can attest, guests who rent points are treated just like regular DVC members or guests paying full price on property, with complete access to resort amenities and perks.
Prospective guests should note that DVC guests, whether members or renting points, only get housekeeping every few days instead of daily. However, unlike at some timeshares, no chores are required at check out.
Our spacious one-bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs felt like a home away from home with a washer, dryer, dining table, and full kitchen, which we used to make our own meals and save money. My youngest had a blast playing trivia at the main pool while my middle schooler took full advantage of our proximity to Disney Springs’ shops. My husband enjoyed relaxing on the balcony overlooking the Sassagoula River. One of my fondest memories was simply watching “Tangled” all together in the living room that doubled as the kids’ room with pull-down beds. Our whole family agreed it was one of the nicest places we’ve ever stayed. I’ve already booked another DVC rental for the spring.
The reporter on this story received access to this experience from David’s Vacation Club Rentals. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
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