There’s a little-known method to cut costs on a Disney vacation significantly, and surprisingly, it doesn’t involve Disney directly.

Various reliable third-party services focus on arranging bookings at Disney Vacation Club properties, which resemble Disney’s version of timeshares.

David’s Vacation Club Rentals CEO Melissa Mullett informed YSL News: “By using our services, you can save between 40% to 60%, depending on the time of year. Even when comparing to moderate resorts, we can help you save.”

While it might sound unbelievable, it is indeed true. However, there are a few important points to keep in mind. Here’s what I learned from my family’s inaugural DVC rental experience and what others should be aware of.

Can I stay at a DVC without being a member?

Absolutely. You can reserve a DVC property such as the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort, the Villas at Disneyland Resort, or Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii either directly through Disney or through reputable third-party providers like David’s Vacation Club Rentals and DVC Rental Store. These services connect guests with DVC members who hold points to arrange rentals.

My family stayed at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, a spacious resort with subtle equestrian themes located near Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, thanks to David’s Vacation Club Rentals.

Are DVC rentals allowed?

Yes, they are.

“Initially, it felt a bit taboo because it’s not openly advertised within the Disney community. However, it’s completely legal. It complies with their terms and conditions and the rights of the condominium board,” explained Mullett, whose father founded David’s Vacation Club Rentals as a DVC member.

There is one caveat: points may not be used for commercial activities. The Disney Vacation Club describes these activities as “a consistent pattern of rental behavior or other occupancy by a member that the Condominium Association Board may reasonably view as a commercial practice.”

Mullett clarified, “This policy mainly concerns situations where members have a regular pattern of renting their points, resembling a business like an Airbnb. However, short-term rentals of unused points are perfectly acceptable.” She mentioned that they monitor the number of reservations made on each DVC member’s account, and issues have never arisen.

How do you get started?

David’s Vacation Club Rentals allows potential guests to estimate the cost of stays at different resorts on selected dates, allowing for specific preferences like room type and category, before making a reservation with a $105 deposit.

Mullett commented, “We aimed for a simplified process, knowing that planning a Disney trip can be incredibly daunting. You can view the total rental cost upfront, including all taxes and fees, eliminating any last-minute surprises.”

Keep in mind that not all resorts or room types may be accessible.

“Guests should plan approximately seven to 11 months ahead,” Mullett advised. “Though that may seem extensive, remember that DVC inventory isn’t as plentiful as direct Disney bookings. Therefore, starting your search well in advance will provide you with more options.”

If the room you wanted is not available, don’t worry. You’ll get a list of other options, and if none of them suit you, your deposit will be refunded.

What are the costs?

The price for stays varies greatly depending on the date, room type, and the resort, but overall, they can be quite expensive since these are luxury Disney properties.

For example, a one-night stay in a deluxe, standard-view studio at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for the last weekend in March 2025 will cost about $414 if booked through David’s Vacation Club Rentals or $578 if booked directly with Disney. This direct price includes a limited-time 25% discount for early 2025 stays. Without any discounts, the price through Disney would be $723.

Mullett mentioned that the best rates are usually found during the “Wonder” season from September 1-30, when fewer points are needed to book. However, it’s still advisable to book early to secure the best options.

It’s essential to keep in mind that when booking with David’s Vacation Club Rentals, payment is due in full upon reservation confirmation. However, PayPal offers financing options for those needing to manage payments over time. When booking directly with Disney, you can also choose to spread out payments, and you will have more flexibility for changes or last-minute cancellations.

David’s Vacation Club Rentals has a Deferred Dreams Cancellation Policy, which allows guests to receive a full refund in travel credit (minus the deposit) if they cancel at least 120 days in advance. This refund amount decreases as the arrival date approaches, with no refund for cancellations made within 15 days of check-in. In contrast, Disney provides full refunds for cancellations made at least 5 days prior to arrival.

If you’re concerned about requiring plan changes at the last minute, consider adding travel insurance or opting to book directly with Disney for greater security.

Do deluxe guests at Disney enjoy extra hours?

Yes, they do! Every guest staying at a Disney resort hotel benefits from 30 minutes of early entry to theme parks, but those staying at Disney World’s deluxe resorts can also enjoy extended evening hours, allowing them to remain in select parks for up to two hours longer than regular guests on designated nights. For specific details, refer to Disney World’s online calendar.

Experiencing DVC rentals

The rental experience is straightforward, and reservations easily sync with the My Disney Experience mobile app, similar to reservations made directly through Disney. From my family’s experience, guests who rent points receive the same treatment as regular DVC members or those paying full price, enjoying complete access to all resort amenities and benefits.

Potential guests should note that DVC guests, whether they are members or point renters, receive housekeeping services only every few days instead of daily. Fortunately, unlike some timeshare options, you won’t have any chores to do at checkout.

Our spacious one-bedroom villa at Saratoga Springs felt like our second home, complete with a washer, dryer, dining table, and a full kitchen which we used to prepare meals and save some money. My youngest really enjoyed trivia games at the main pool, while my middle schooler loved the convenience of being close to the shops at Disney Springs. My husband appreciated unwinding on the balcony overlooking the Sassagoula River. One of my cherished memories was simply gathering to watch “Tangled” together in the living area, which also served as the kids’ sleeping area with pull-down beds. Our family unanimously agreed this was one of the best places we’ve ever stayed, and I’ve already booked another DVC rental for spring.

The reporter of this article was granted access to this experience through David’s Vacation Club Rentals. YSL News maintains full editorial control over the content.