Summary: <a href="http://specialmouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DVC-Logo.jpg"></a> Our family has been Disney Vacation Club (DVC) owners for ten years and as a special-needs family, we love it for so many reasons. Not everyone has the desire or the means to purchase a DVC contract, but there ARE ways for non-owners to experience the DVC resorts without paying exorbitant rack rates -- by renting DVC points. In today's feature I'm chatting with my good friend John Saccheri, also known as The Big Fat Panda, about the pros and cons of DVC rental for special needs families. Some points we discuss are: PROS: Amenities: More space, Full Kitchen (special diets, longer getting ready in morning, larger groups), laundry in-room (need I say more?), separate BR for parents, often a second bathroom in 1 Bedroom, (always in 2 or 3 BR.) Whirlpool tub for sensory-seeking (pressure) or for stressed-out moms and dads! Price. Expect to pay 1/2 to 1/3 less for a DVC rental, depending on the price per point. Availability. Renters may have ability to access hard-to-get DVC villas months before they’re available to anyone else. CONS: (Private DVC Owner) Most private owners rent for $10 to $12 per point, depending on the resort and time of year. They’ll make the reservation for you and deal directly with DVC, so your entire reservation is in their hands. (Arranging Magical Express, Dining Plan, etc.) You have to give the owner your credit card info. Check Disney Message Boards for recommended owners, get references. (Points broker) Use a reputable broker. The points broker will be dealing with the owner and the owner will contact DVC for your requests. Disney will not talk to the points broker, so he is essentially a go-between. You’ll want to make sure that there are alternatives available to you in the event you need to cancel your reservation. Some owners and brokers will work with you, but make sure you verify this in writing before you rent. Good idea to Purchase Travel Insurance. For official information about Disney Vacation Club (DVC) visit the <a href="https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/">Disney Vacation Club website</a>. If you'd like to explore the DVC resorts from the comfort of your laptop or phone, John is compiling some amazing videos of the resorts for his Youtube sponsor, David's Vacation Club Rentals! Check them out <a href="https://www.dvcrequest.com/videos.asp">HERE.</a> <a href="http://specialmouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DVC-youtube-videos.jpg"></a> Tip of the Week: This week I’m answering a question about the DAS or Disability Access Service. Diane asks: "What do you do regarding the electronic DAS if you don’t have a smart phone? Is a smart phone or tablet absolutely necessary now?" Good news, Diane! The My Disney Experience app is not required when using the DAS. When issuing your return time, the attraction CM will scan your Magic Band, entering the time into the system. Without the app you will simply need an alternate way to keep track of your return times throughout the day. You can take a digital picture of the CMs handheld device that shows your DAS return time or go “old school” by writing yourself a note with good old pen and paper. Thanks for listening! Kathy
