When it comes to plotting your next Disney vacation, there are two sinister paths to choose from. Do you opt for the tried-and-true method of booking directly through Walt Disney World (WDW), or do you play the sly trickster and rent Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points? Both options have their own dark magic, but beware, for each comes with its own set of perils and pleasures. Let’s dive into the realm of choices and decide which villainous route reigns supreme.
Booking Through Walt Disney World (WDW)
Pros:
Guaranteed Room Selection - The Dark Power of Control When you book directly through WDW, you’re guaranteed the room type you request, and you can rest easy knowing that your reservation is secure. You won’t have to worry about room availability or dealing with the uncertainty that can sometimes come with renting DVC points.
Flexible Payment Plans - Luring You Into Debt One of the best things about booking through WDW is the availability of flexible payment plans. You can break up your payment over time, making it easier to manage your budget and avoid paying the full price upfront. This flexibility allows you to plan ahead without stressing about the cost all at once.
Pay With Disney Gift Cards - The Tempting Bait Another great perk is that you can use Disney gift cards to pay for your entire trip. If you’ve been saving up gift cards or prefer to use them instead of a credit card, this is an excellent option that provides added convenience and control over your spending.
Daily Housekeeping - A False Comfort For those who prefer a little extra pampering during their stay, booking through WDW ensures that you’ll receive daily housekeeping services. This means fresh towels, a tidy room, and a bit of extra luxury during your vacation.
Luggage Tags-The Mark of the Mouse If you're flying to Disney, WDW provides luggage tags as part of the Magical Express service (though this is changing, so check the details). Having luggage tags makes it easy to identify your bags and ensures that your luggage is handled appropriately, adding a bit of ease to your travel experience.
Easy Cancellations-A Glimpse of Freedom... That Disappears Booking directly with Disney gives you the peace of mind that comes with a clear cancellation policy. You can cancel your reservation up to 30 days before your trip for a full refund, offering flexibility in case your plans change.
Centralized Planning with My Disney Experience - The Web That Binds WDW bookings are fully integrated into the My Disney Experience app, allowing you to keep track of all your reservations, dining plans, and other important details in one place. This centralization makes it easier to plan your trip and manage your itinerary.
Cons:
Can Be Expensive - The Price of Temptation Booking directly through WDW can often be pricey, especially for the more luxurious resorts. This might lead you to opt for more budget-friendly options like the All-Star Resorts. While they’re still packed with Disney charm and convenience, they’re a more basic choice compared to deluxe or DVC properties. If you’re looking to stay at high-end resorts, you might find the cost adds up quickly, and it could be tough to justify splurging on deluxe accommodations every time.
Less Space- Trapped in a Small Room Depending on the resort you book, you might find the room sizes to be a bit more standard compared to DVC accommodations, which often offer larger suites or villas with kitchenettes. If you're traveling with a family or need more space, WDW rooms may feel a bit cramped in comparison.
Pros:
Lower Cost (Potential Savings) - The Siren Call of the Discounted Path Renting DVC points can often be a more affordable option, especially for those looking to stay in Disney’s deluxe resorts. DVC owners rent their points at a lower price than what you’d pay to book directly through Disney, which can lead to significant savings for your trip. These resorts can end up being cheaper than the All- Star Resorts.
More Space - The Hidden Luxury DVC resorts tend to offer more spacious accommodations compared to standard WDW rooms. Many DVC properties have villas with kitchens, living rooms, and larger bedrooms, making them ideal for families or groups who need extra room to spread out during their stay.
Stay in Deluxe Resorts at a Discount - Tempting Wealth Renting DVC points allows you to stay in deluxe-level resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, and more, all at a much lower cost than booking directly through Disney. This makes it a great option if you’re looking to enjoy luxurious amenities at a fraction of the price.
Links with My Disney Experience App-The Ties That Bind Once your reservation is made, you will receive a code to add your reservation to your My Disney Experience App. While this is not as direct as booking directly through Disney, you still have the luxury of having everything in one place.
Pay for Dining Plan with Gift Cards – A Feast of Shadows
While your room must be paid for upfront, you can add-on a dining plan up until 2 months prior to your check-in date through Davids Vacation Club Rentals and they will accept Disney gift cards as a form of payment. Please see my blog on getting these on sale.
6. Extended Evening Hours – When the Rest have Abandoned the Magic
Included with all Deluxe Disney Resorts are extended evening hours at the parks. This allows you to stay late and enjoy rides once most of the crowds have cleared out.
Cons:
Uncertainty in Room Availability - The Game of Chance Renting DVC points requires you to rely on availability from the DVC member/website you're renting from. While some members may have access to reservations, availability can be limited, and you might not get the exact room or resort you want. This means there’s more risk involved compared to booking directly through WDW.
No Payment Plan - The Price of Immediate Sacrifice Unlike WDW bookings, renting DVC points requires full payment upfront. This can be difficult for those who prefer to spread out their payments over time. If you need the flexibility of a payment plan, this can be a major disadvantage. For savings in the future, I recommend booking this on a credit card with travel points to use on your trip.
No Daily Housekeeping - Left to Your Own Devices One downside of renting DVC points is that you won't receive daily housekeeping. While some guests enjoy the privacy and reduced disturbance, others may miss having their room cleaned daily and fresh towels replenished throughout their stay. Housekeeping will come on the 4th day of your stay.
No Luggage Tags or Magical Express - The Price of Freedom When you rent DVC points, you won’t have access to the same perks, like luggage tags or Disney’s Magical Express, which could be an inconvenience if you’re flying to your destination. You will need to handle your transportation and luggage independently (please reach out if you would like recommendations that are paired with Disney).
More Complex Booking Process - A Web of Complexity The process of renting DVC points can be a bit more complicated compared to booking directly through WDW. Davids Vacation Club Rentals smooths out this process. Be sure to click my affiliate link to book your vacation. As always, I am here to help you along the way.
Deferment instead of Refund – The Binding Promise
Davids Vacation Club Rentals offers you the option to defer your stay up to 3 years after your initial booking if you cannot make it. While this does not put the money back in your pocket, it still allows you to make use of the points you have purchased.
The Villain's Choice: Which Path Will You Choose?
The choice is yours. Whether you book through Walt Disney World or rent DVC points, you are bound by forces far greater than your own desires. If you crave control and security, the WDW booking will offer you that sweet, tempting certainty. Guaranteed room selection, flexible payment plans, and daily luxuries await you, all leading you deeper into the fold of their grand empire. But beware—this security comes at a price, and that price is steep.
If, however, you prefer to dodge the oppressive grip of high costs and seek the sprawling, hidden spaces within DVC properties, renting points could be your sinister escape. The rewards are great—more room, more freedom, and a chance to take the kingdom on a budget—but be warned: scarcity and uncertainty lurk in the shadows, and there is no guarantee that the kingdom will grant you your wish.
In the end, both paths lead to Disney’s enchanted realm. The question is, will you walk willingly into their grasp or slip away into the darkness, hoping to claim the treasure for yourself? Choose wisely, for both roads can lead to a magical—but costly—destination. Your fate is sealed. Happy planning.
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