Getting to Know the DVCR Team – Part 1
Once upon a time, an individual named David embarked on a magical venture. As an Owner of Disney Vacation Club points, David realized he could rent his unused points to fellow Disney fans who were not DVC Owners but who dreamt of staying at one of the gorgeous DVC resorts. So, he began working ardently to match fellow DVC Owners who had extra vacation points with guests looking to stay in Deluxe accommodations for a discounted rate. Hence, David’s Vacation Club Rentals (DVCR) was founded.
Let’s travel 17 years forward. Don’t worry; no Avengers-esque quantum physics is required for this time jump. Our company has grown exponentially from a successful one-person show to a thriving team of almost 60 individuals committed to David’s vision and focused on superb customer service, a positive work environment, and sharing our extensive knowledge with our DVC Owners and guests.
Our David’s team is full of unique and talented individuals. I am pleased to introduce you to some of my fantastic teammates over a blog series, of which this is the first entry featuring five of our team members.
Ashley Pham
Lead Vacation Coordinator
“Hakuna Matata” – The Lion King
An avid traveler and lifelong mega fan of The Lion King, Ashley joined DVCR in 2016 and currently serves as a Lead Vacation Coordinator. Ashley is incredibly thoughtful, as shown through her kind gesture of gifting fellow Disney pin collectors in the office with personalized display boards that she creates herself!
Ashley’s family is important to her, and she strives to maintain a close relationship with them even when they cannot live in the same city. Indeed, she is going to visit her brother and Disneyland Resort in California later this month! In addition to exploring Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park, Ashley is super excited to try the different food offerings and tour the Villas at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the DVC property at Disneyland Resort.
Here are a few of Ashley’s favorite things:
DVC Resort: Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Restaurant: ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney Movie: The Lion King
Character: Mulan, because “she was the first Disney Princess who didn’t need a prince to save her from a dangerous situation. She was also one of the only princesses of color that I could relate to growing up.”
What do you like most about working at DVCR?
Visiting Walt Disney World and providing our guests with the most up-to-date information.
Ashley’s #1 Tip for Renting DVC Points:
If you are traveling soon, be flexible in where you stay. However, if you have your heart set on a resort, try to book far in advance.
Taycee Bennett
Vacation Coordinator & Social Media
“If any of you folks are wearin’ hats or glasses, best remove ‘em – ‘cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!” – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Taycee began at DVCR in May 2021 and has recently joined our social media team! With 50 pieces in her collection, Taycee is a scrunchie aficionado and is always on the hunt for a good bargain. In addition, she can say the alphabet backward, crochets, and loves reading.
Suppose you are unsure whether you should pick up that new “must have” Disney merchandise. Taycee is the first person to say “treat yourself” and will immediately offer the sincerest compliment about how good you look in those new Minnie ears.
As the niece of Disney Vacation Club Owners, Taycee has stayed at four different DVC resorts, including Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in O’ahu, Hawaii! Taycee fondly remembers these trips with her family and has some great advice regarding planning meals and making the most of your Disney vacation.
Here are a few of Taycee’s favorite things:
DVC Resort: Disney’s Old Key West
Restaurant: Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village (namely the bread service)
Disney Movie: The Princess Diaries
Character: Figment from EPCOT’s Journey Into Imagination as “he represents Walt Disney’s curiosity and willingness to try everything. He loves to explore and do the impossible. Also, he is just adorable.”
What do you like most about working at DVCR?
I have amazing coworkers with whom I can geek out about all things Disney!
Taycee’s #1 Tip for Renting DVC Points:
Planning a Disney trip and experiencing the Parks is fun! But, remember, you do not need to ride all the rides, see all the characters, or eat at every restaurant to have the perfect trip. Do what you and your party want, have a blast, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Oh, you also must have a Mickey-shaped food on your trip; that is a rule!
Maddie Burt
Senior Vacation Coordinator
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
– Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh
As a certified personal trainer with a Fitness & Health diploma, Maddie never dreamed of working in the travel industry. That said, her love for all things travel sparked while planning a girls’ trip for her friends; the rest is history! Maddie joined DVCR in March 2020 and is passionate about helping make Disney dreams come true.
Some interesting things to know about Maddie are that she has a twin sister, a small batch soy candle company, and an adorable furbaby named Sherman. Maddie is very proud of her home and loves DIY projects, making it a comfortable reflection of her and her fiance (and Sherman, of course). She spends her summers in her gorgeous garden, which keeps her busy, along with many house plants.
When I lost my phone before our sailing on the Disney Dream in March, my teammates on the trip were so supportive. I will never forget Maddie delivering vegan Mickey waffles from The Artist’s Palette before we left for Port Canaveral. She had the most genuine and sympathetic smile on her face. This kindness and sincerity is something that Maddie exudes consistently, including when she assists our guests and DVC Owners.
Here are a few of Maddie’s favorite things:
DVC Resort: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Beach Club Villas
Restaurant: 50s Prime Time Café, or anywhere you can get a Mickey Pretzel!
Disney Movie: Encanto, “need I say more?”
Character: Winnie the Pooh because “my most memorable gift as a little one was my stuffed Pooh Bear. As a child, this was simply a stuffed toy that I could never part with, but as I grew older, I was able to connect to the Hundred Acre Wood gang on a deeper level.”
What do you like most about working at DVCR?
I love the “family feel” that we have at David’s. The genuine appreciation shown for our team speaks volumes for the company we work for.
Maddie’s #1 Tip for Renting DVC Points:
Trust the process, and don’t overthink it. Though renting points can seem “scary” sometimes, we truly have the best process in place to help ensure success for our guests and DVC Owners.
Nicholas Wach
Vacation Coordinator
“A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.”
– Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh
We recently welcomed Nicholas to DVCR in March of 2022! Nicholas is very kind and a big fan of the “top tier” bops from Disney’s Encanto and its focus on family. Oh, and just so you know, we do talk about Bruno in this office.
Nicholas loves learning languages and experiencing new cultures. With their sights set on visiting South Korea, they are eager to learn the Korean language. Nicholas is also a video game enthusiast and trivia whiz, citing Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter as their favorite franchises. Music is also a passion for Nicholas, specifically its power to tell a story through sound alone.
I’ve recently learned something interesting about Nicholas: he is a real-life Wilderness Explorer – “a friend to all, be it plants or fish or tiny mole.” Having spent most of his life living in the woods, Nicholas has taken several survival exercise workshops based on survival in the wild. When asked what he is most proud of, Nicholas mentions his fiancee, who recently started her own successful business!
Here are a few of Nicholas’ favorite things:
DVC Resort: Disney’s Bay Lake Tower
Restaurant: 50s Prime Time Café in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, specifically Mom’s Old Fashioned Pot Roast – Yum!
Disney Movie: Encanto
Character: Hades from Hercules because “he may be evil and hot-headed (literally!), but he was always honest in his deals. Also, his one-liner game is on-point. If he didn’t rule the Underworld, he could totally be the king of sass instead!”
What do you like most about working at DVCR?
David’s is a place where I am happy to work every day. I have the best coworkers and help make Disney dreams come true for our wonderful guests and DVC Owners!
Nicholas’ #1 Tip for Renting DVC Points:
Be sure to plan ahead! We can secure rooms up to 11 months in advance (and can hold onto your reservation request form up to 12 months in advance).
&
Kelly Mullett
Manager of Operations
“Ohana means Family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” – Lilo & Stitch
Kelly began her journey at DVCR in November 2011 and now serves as our Manager of Operations, which means that she wears many hats. She is the head (and heart) of our social media department and works to keep our administrative system running smoothly. She is also in charge of all employee scheduling; this is no small task, as we keep welcoming new team members!
Waffles, Kelly’s adorable Golden Doodle, will often join us in the office. Waffles brightens every room he enters and brings joy to everyone he meets. In addition to Waffles, Kelly also enjoys English football (or footy), running half marathons, and travel. When it comes to Walt Disney World, Kelly loves being one of the last guests at a park; she describes walking towards the exit, surrounded by the magic, as a “core memory.”
Kelly is continually impressed by the sheer detail the Disney Imagineers put into the parks and resorts. From purposeful color choices to unique foliage, Kelly encourages us to explore each DVC resort as they truly each have something different to offer.
Here are a few of Kelly’s favorite things:
DVC Resort: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Restaurant: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs (specifically the fried chicken)
Disney Movie: “That’s too hard to answer.”
Character: “Mickey (because he’s the Mouse that started it all), Stitch (because he’s silly and loving), & Eeyore (because he’s fun and always needs a hug).”
What do you like most about working at DVCR?
The enthusiasm our team has when helping a guest plan their stay and that we get to be a part of the magic.
Kelly’s #1 Tip for Renting DVC Points:
Ask questions! We’re here to help and we love to talk about all things DVC and Disney.
I cannot wait to share more about our fantastic team at David’s Vacation Club Rentals in part two of our Getting to Know the DVCR Team series!
~Kristen
