As a native Floridian, Rebecca Portalatin finds that her family tends to use DVC more for extended weekends than the traditional week-long vacation. We discuss buying into DVC as a Floridian and buying a direct contract at the Polynesian.
In episode 131, we get a chance to catch up with Rob and hear a trip report from a recent stay we booked for him at the Polynesian resort using donated points. People love staying in the deluxe DVC accommodations at 40-60% off DVC cash rates by renting a member’s points. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a very usual state of affairs in the DVC community. Normally, the number of people who want to rent DVC points far exceeds the number of members willing to rent out their points. However, due to the pandemic, many people cannot travel to Walt Disney World for a variety of reasons. Some international borders are closed, some have health conditions that put them at additional risks. We now have a market filled with discounted points that must be used without members or renters. Our advice has always been making an educated and informed decision about what’s best for your family. We strongly believe that renting points through DVC Rental Store is a valid option. However, due to the usual circumstances of the pandemic; they may not have a renter available. Rather than letting precious DVC points get wasted, we suggest donating points to local Orlando cast members. Friend of the show, Rob Lott was one of the first people I contacted when a member approached me with excess points.
Episode 130 is a rebroadcast of Episode 013. Given the recent layoffs at Walt Disney World and a new point donation program we started, we thought it was appropriate to rebroadcast this episode before Rob’s trip report in Episode 131. This is the first interview in our “Meet the Magic Maker” series. As a DVC-based interview-based podcast, we normally ask members to share their stories and their personal opinions. However, there are countless unsung heroes behind the scenes and some on center stage who also have a unique and interesting perspective. Disney calls these people cast members, and I call them the magic makers.
You’ve heard why Blue Card Members love going direct; now it’s time to hear why so many people opt out and purchase on the secondary market. Spoiler: it saves you a LOT of money, but that’s not all. Join Chad, Jake, & DVC Resale Market Agents – Marissa and Derek as they discuss why adding resale or just having a virtual white card is still an excellent option for those looking for maximum value.
