Worried about DVC reservation (rent)

[summerskye]

I hope this is the right place to post this question. I have rented points a few time in the past from the same source. All previous trips have been wonderful. My current adventure seems to be questionable. For weeks I have not been able to contact my source. (email and cell phone) The dates for my upcomming trip are off by one day at the end. Being that I am not yet a DVC member, I can't contact Disney directly about the reservation, I found the mistake while making dining reservations. Questions - Is there any way for someone renting points to protect themselves? What is there to prevent the renter from just changing a trip I have already paid for? As a renter do I have any recourse? Like I stated, I have used this source in the past with no problems. Any help, comments, or directions to find answers would be much appreciated.

[Chuck S]

Nope, no protection...even if you are a member and rent a reservaton from another member, you can not contact Member Services about that reservation...it wasn't made with your points.

There is nothing that prevents an owner from cancelling an existing reservation, they are still, after all, legally their points. Rental transactios require trust on the part of the owner and renter. The renter has to trust that their reservation is ade and will not be cancelled. The owner has to trust that the renter will not trash a room or leave an outstanding unpaid room charge.

[Lynne M]

I'm afraid I don't have any good answers for you. A rental is a transaction between private individuals, so you don't have any recourse with Disney. They won't get involved at all. They won't even discuss the reservation with you. (BTW, even if you were a member, staying on another member's points, they still wouldn't discuss it with you. You don't own the reservation)

The member retains complete control of the reservation up until you're standing at the check-in desk. They can modify it or cancel it.

Are you sure the dates were changed, or were they wrong in the first place? I assume the member sent you a copy of the confirmation, are the dates right on that?

[LIFERBABE]

Disney Dining does not recognize linked resrvations. Maybe your owner is away. Are you 3 months out and how long have you tried to contact them without response?
If they were going to cancel you why just cancel 1 day?

[Dean]

I hope this is the right place to post this question. I have rented points a few time in the past from the same source. All previous trips have been wonderful. My current adventure seems to be questionable. For weeks I have not been able to contact my source. (email and cell phone) The dates for my upcomming trip are off by one day at the end. Being that I am not yet a DVC member, I can't contact Disney directly about the reservation, I found the mistake while making dining reservations. Questions - Is there any way for someone renting points to protect themselves? What is there to prevent the renter from just changing a trip I have already paid for? As a renter do I have any recourse? Like I stated, I have used this source in the past with no problems. Any help, comments, or directions to find answers would be much appreciated.
Do a search on Orange County website for any clues such as judgements. Find their home phone and call that route. Still call DVC, they may release a few details to you. They may also agree to contact the member. I hope it works out.

[summerskye]

Thanks to all for the fast replys.

I paid for the trip back in Jan. The dates were Nov. 24th-30th. Six nights at the Boardwalk. My source sent an email confirmation. Back in April, I got a Disney confirmation with dates of the Nov. 21st-29th. I sent an email to my source. His reply "don't worry" I will get the mix-up corrected, but it will take some time as the owner is in Korea on business. I sent another email a few weeks before my 90 day period. The response seemed to forget about the date mix-up. When the 90 day arrived, I made resevations for BBB and 2 dining reservations. The dining resevation system showed the dates associated with my reservation to be Nov. 24th-29th. For 3 weeks I have been sending emails(12) and phone calls-voice mail(3). I have had no response whatsoever. I tried to see if I could pay for a room at the boardwalk, no rooms available. I can get a room at 2 of the Moderate or at the Swan / Dolphin , if I reserve now. But I am getting concerned that I may have nothing when we arrive at 11:30pm on the 24th. Try an imagine that, 11:30 at night after a 3-1/2 flight only to find we have no room... I don't know what to do.

[CarolAnnC]

Thanks to all for the fast replys.

I paid for the trip back in Jan. The dates were Nov. 24th-30th. Six nights at the Boardwalk. My source sent an email confirmation. Back in April, I got a Disney confirmation with dates of the Nov. 21st-29th. I sent an email to my source. His reply "don't worry" I will get the mix-up corrected, but it will take some time as the owner is in Korea on business. I sent another email a few weeks before my 90 day period. The response seemed to forget about the date mix-up. When the 90 day arrived, I made resevations for BBB and 2 dining reservations. The dining resevation system showed the dates associated with my reservation to be Nov. 24th-29th. For 3 weeks I have been sending emails(12) and phone calls-voice mail(3). I have had no response whatsoever. I tried to see if I could pay for a room at the boardwalk, no rooms available. I can get a room at 2 of the Moderate or at the Swan / Dolphin , if I reserve now. But I am getting concerned that I may have nothing when we arrive at 11:30pm on the 24th. Try an imagine that, 11:30 at night after a 3-1/2 flight only to find we have no room... I don't know what to do.

There were a few red flags along the way here. Do you have a contract with the owner? Did you pay in full at time of booking? I see you made the reservation with him back in January but did not see a confirmation until April - that would have concerned me right there.

Then you waited until almost 90 days prior to arrival? That would be sometime in August - but at least you did receive a response at that time...though not the one you wanted with an answer..

Your reservation is for Thanksgiving week. I would go ahead and book something for that last night of the trip and hope for the best. Was he to be out of the country long term? If so, then he may not be receiving your emails and voicemails.

You may be able to obtain some limited information using This Link (https://secure.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/_framework/components/processEngine?process=false&pageRender=true).

Otherwise, the resort itself may be able to confirm for you a few days before your arrival.

Best wishes to you - if you do a search on our boards you will see there have been many with issues such as yours. Some are resolved and the renters go on to have a wonderful vacation. No guarantees, but that is part of the gamble in renting..no sure thing and one must be very cautious. Let us know how it turns out...

[calypso*a*go-go]

Definitely used the link Carol Ann provided...maybe it's been changed and that's why the person you've been trying to contact isn't responding. Good Luck!

[summerskye]

The person I rented from is a broker of types. He pools together people who have points to rent and people who want to rent. He was not the one traveling to Korea, the owner who's points used to rent was the one traveling. Best case, I hear from my source and all is resolved. Next case, the reservation if fine for the 5 nights and I have to make arrangments for the last night. (We have reservations at Akershus sunday morning and I purchased tickets for MVMCP for that night - Now I get to check-out and move then check-in to another hotel) Worst case, we arrive to find we have nothing and are out the $1300+. What to do. I might be able to set up at another Disney hotel at full cost, if I do it now. Being Thanksgiving week, rooms are becoming harder and harder to find. But what if I really don't need it. If I wait for much long for the source to respond, the availability at another hotel maybe gone. What a nightmare. This is should be an exciting time. Trip to Disney less than 3 months away. Kids getting excited, mom and dad setting up plans, etc. I need some Disney magic.

[calypso*a*go-go]

Did you try to bring up the reservation online yet? What kind of accomodations is it for...studio, etc, and is it std view, or pref? I'm asking because you can go on the DVC availability board and find out whether or not your room category has been reported as not available -- could be whoever actually owns the points you are renting from has the 29th wait-listed (which may or may not work in your favor).

[summerskye]

I am a little confused. The link takes me to making "new" resevations. I don't see how to access existing reservations.

Sorry

[calypso*a*go-go]

Try this: www.mydisneyreservation.com (click on the link for DVC reservations)

Oops -- I checked it a minute ago and it was working...maybe the systems are down right now. You might want to try again in a few minutes.

[summerskye]

Just checked the reservation. It shows us thru the 29th. (5nights / 6days)
At least that is still there. We still don't have the last night that we paid for. I did use the link first provided and they do have a room (standard view) available at the boardwalk villas for that sunday night. If I get this room, do you know if I can cancel it later and get a refund if my source resolves the issue. Or am I stuck with the cost of the new room?

[DebbieB]

I just tried the link for my December BWV reservation and it worked!

[summerskye]

There are no details as far as the type of room. It was suppose to be studio with boardwalk view. ( request - top floor / near elevators )

[LisaS]

This takes you right to the DVC reservation page:

www.mydisneyreservation.com/dvc

If I understand correctly, you made arrangements through a broker who then had a DVC owner make a reservation for you. To whom did you pay the money, the DVC owner or the broker? Is your contract with the broker or with the DVC owner? If it's with the broker, I would expect him/her to resolve this by paying for a back up reservation for you at a Disney hotel for that last night you need, just in case you never get this sorted out with the owner.

[calypso*a*go-go]

Just checked the reservation. It shows us thru the 29th. (5nights / 6days)
At least that is still there. We still don't have the last night that we paid for. I did use the link first provided and they do have a room (standard view) available at the boardwalk villas for that sunday night. If I get this room, do you know if I can cancel it later and get a refund if my source resolves the issue. Or am I stuck with the cost of the new room?

I'd call and book a one night room-only reservation over the phone (vs. online) because doing it that way should give you up to 5 days before check-in to cancel the reservation for a full refund. Hopefully the broker you're using will get back to you before then with an explanation as to what's going on with the reservation...good luck!

[summerskye]

I paid the broker for the room. I have no idea who the owner is. The broker is the only contact I have. I have email and cell phone. He has put together 2 or 3 previous trips, all which were wonderful. But for some reason, he will not respond to any of my emails or voicemails.

[summerskye]

Thanks all for the help. I will make the resevations and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks again.

[calypso*a*go-go]

I have no idea how accurate this is -- but it indicates there may be availability for a studio-Pool/Garden View on the 29th, maybe you should ask the broker to check for that category. (The dates listed are the ones that have no availability.) It would be inconvient to change rooms for one night..but better than not having a reservation at all. Plus you should definitely get some of your money back.

BOARDWALK VILLAS (BWV)
Standard View:
A..Studio: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,15,26,28,29,30
B...1-B/R: 8,9,10,12
C...2-B/R: 4,5,6,8,9,10,11,12,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
Preferred View - Pool/Garden View:
D..Studio: 8,10,11,12,13,15,26
E...1-B/R: No Reports
F...2-B/R: 6,8,9,10,11,12,22,23,24,25,26
Preferred View - Boardwalk View:
G..Studio: 8,10,11,12,13,15,16,20,26,29,30
H...1-B/R: 8,9,10,11,12,29,30
I...2-B/R: 8,9,10,11,12,22,23,24,25,26
J...3-B/R: No Reports

[calypso*a*go-go]

I paid the broker for the room. I have no idea who the owner is. The broker is the only contact I have. I have email and cell phone. He has put together 2 or 3 previous trips, all which were wonderful. But for some reason, he will not respond to any of my emails or voicemails.

It certainly sounds like he's ignoring your requests because he's promised something that isn't available. :sad2:

[CarolAnnC]

I am a little confused. The link takes me to making "new" resevations. I don't see how to access existing reservations.

Sorry

This is weird. When I put the link in it was working. Try this LINK (https://secure.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/_framework/components/processEngine?process=false&pageRender=true)

Ok, there must be something going on with the Disney website. My initial link worked at first, then it did not work, and now it works again. It goes to the same place as the LINK I provided above. Just thankful I am not losing my mind here, lolol

[LisaS]

This is weird. When I put the link in it was working. Try this LINK (https://secure.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/_framework/components/processEngine?process=false&pageRender=true)

Ok, there must be something going on with the Disney website. My initial link worked at first, then it did not work, and now it works again. It goes to the same place as the LINK I provided above. Just thankful I am not losing my mind here, lolol

I had the same result with that link -- it worked, then it didn't, then it did. If you use this link:

www.mydisneyreservation.com/dvc

it redirects you to the same URL you provided but it gets you there every time, plus it's easy to remember!

[summerskye]

It looks like all may be good. I made a reservation for Sunday night via my credit card. (I verified the cancellation policy) After speaking with a wonderful girl at Disney Travel, she discovered that there was already a reservation for that same night via DVC. It turns out I have 3 resevations. 1 for Nov. 24th-29th(dvc). Another one for the 29th-30th(dvc). And a third (my credit card purchase) for the 29th-30th. If I would have been given this info. from my source all of this frustrating past 3 weeks would have been avoided. I want to personally thank each and everyone for your input. The advice caused me to pursue a back-up plan, which brought forth the mystery reservation.

Thanks to all

[dis-happy]

Sounds like you're set, whew. Make sure that your two ressies are linked so you don't have to check out and in and possibly change rooms that last day.

[summerskye]

How would I go about linking the two?

[calypso*a*go-go]

Happy to hear everything seems to be in order. :thumbsup2

Chances are good that the reservations have already been linked. I think at this point you should just wait until about 3 days prior to check-in and call the resort directly and have them verify/link the reservations at that time. You can follow-up on it again when you arrive at the resort. Should be smooth sailing from here on out, eh? :teeth:

[Monte Cristo]

Good news!

[bobbiwoz]

I'm very happy for you.
Bobbi:goodvibes

[JimMIA]

This thread illustrates the problems of using a "broker." If reservations can only be made or changed by the owner, but the renter's transaction is with the "broker," you are really in a twilight zone.

Usually, "brokers" are listed on the account as associate members. If they are, they can make and cancel reservations, and should have been able to resolve any questions you might have had. If that is the arrangement between the broker and owner, I don't know why they couldn't at least tell you what the status of your reservation was. At the very least, it seems like you received pretty poor customer service.

Also, just for future reference, it is not possible to "pool" points from different owners to make one reservation. The "broker" might make some reservations with one account and others from another account, but then you'd face the possibility of having to move from one villa to another during your trip. Certainly a nightmare looking for a place to happen!

Good luck with your trip, and hopefully next time you'll deal directly with an owner who will be more responsive than this "broker" was.

[summerskye]

Once again thanks to all. The replys have been very nice. My wife and I have considered actually getting into the DVC. But we worry about the economy and the future. We have been blessed so far, 2 beautiful little girls and jobs that have not been hurt. (assit. principal & tech. in refinery industry) Additionally, a trip every other year to Disney starting with our honeymoon thru our girls growing up. (5 & 8) For us, Disneyworld is a rallying point to focus on family. Thanks again for all the help.:grouphug:

[dianeschlicht]

This thread illustrates the problems of using a "broker." If reservations can only be made or changed by the owner, but the renter's transaction is with the "broker," you are really in a twilight zone.

Usually, "brokers" are listed on the account as associate members. If they are, they can make and cancel reservations, and should have been able to resolve any questions you might have had. If that is the arrangement between the broker and owner, I don't know why they couldn't at least tell you what the status of your reservation was. At the very least, it seems like you received pretty poor customer service.

Also, just for future reference, it is not possible to "pool" points from different owners to make one reservation. The "broker" might make some reservations with one account and others from another account, but then you'd face the possibility of having to move from one villa to another during your trip. Certainly a nightmare looking for a place to happen!

Good luck with your trip, and hopefully next time you'll deal directly with an owner who will be more responsive than this "broker" was.

Exactly my thoughts! I am still one who finds it amazing that a DVC "Broker" isn't a commercial use of DVC in the first place.

[amv1605]

Thanks for the Information concerning Brokers! Learn new things everyday on the Boards!

[Sammie]

Exactly my thoughts! I am still one who finds it amazing that a DVC "Broker" isn't a commercial use of DVC in the first place.

Why would anyone go to all this trouble, for others?

Do they get paid? :confused3

[maburke]

Why would anyone go to all this trouble, for others?

Do they get paid? :confused3

Absolutely they get paid, they get a percentage of the rental. But it seems like one of the reasons people might go through a broker is because they think that they would be more reliable, or more responsive. Seems like this one was neither! To think that one email response with the second reservation number over the course of the past three weeks would have saved this renter all this stress, to say nothing of possibly laying out more money. You'd expect a LOT better from a broker!

To the OP: Sooooo sorry for your stress, you really did not need that, but I am really glad to hear that it turned out okay. :grouphug: Let us know how the trip goes!

[Lynne M]

Also, just for future reference, it is not possible to "pool" points from different owners to make one reservation. The "broker" might make some reservations with one account and others from another account, but then you'd face the possibility of having to move from one villa to another during your trip. Certainly a nightmare looking for a place to happen!

And I think that's exactly what happened to the OP, and explains why there are two reservations for her stay. The broker made reservations from the first part of the trip with points from one owner, and those last couple of days were a reservation with points from another owner. And he apparently never bothered to tell her that she had two reservations. Hopefully she won't have to move mid-trip.

[LIFERBABE]

This sounded like a case of linked reservations from the start. :wizard:

Disney Dining is not the best source of verifying DVC reservations because their system does not recognize linked reservations. You need all the reservation numbers for Disney Dining to pull them up.

I had a waitlist come thru for the beginning of our stay and MS issued a new confirmation with all my dates. I was not aware that the waitlist night was a different number until I went to make ADR's. MS did not tell me anything, they just issued a new confirmation.
As far as MS was concerned, I had 1 reservation and would be checked in thru my departure date. Disney Dining saw 2 reservations and could only pull up the original dates with the number on the confirmation.

Don't compare DVC to Disney Dining. 2 different systems. I also would not worry about moving. If you are in the same resort and same unit size and the reservations are linked then you will not have to move.

MS has the ability to link multiple reservations seamlessly. They did the same with my THV for our 2 week stay. I must have 4 different reservation numbers and they sent me 1 confirmation covering the entire period. On my DVC online account, they are listed separately.

As for brokers, if this person was an associate, they would have been able to make the necessary inquiries and respond. It sounds as this person was just a go-between that did not have access to any account info.

Renting points is complicated for both parties or it can be. The owner needs to be accessible during the entire rental period to answer any questions or concerns. It's not just call MS and you are done. People tend to panic when you have their money and you dont respond in a day or two. Owners need to take this into consideration prior to entering into any rental agreements. You could be on the hook for 11 months or more until your renter checks in and you still need to be there until the vacation is finished. Renting is not as easy as it appears and you really need to be there for your renters.

[TLSnell1981]

But for some reason, he will not respond to any of my emails or voicemails.

It looks like all may be good. I made a reservation for Sunday night via my credit card. (I verified the cancellation policy) After speaking with a wonderful girl at Disney Travel, she discovered that there was already a reservation for that same night via DVC. It turns out I have 3 resevations. 1 for Nov. 24th-29th(dvc). Another one for the 29th-30th(dvc). And a third (my credit card purchase) for the 29th-30th. If I would have been given this info. from my source all of this frustrating past 3 weeks would have been avoided. I want to personally thank each and everyone for your input. The advice caused me to pursue a back-up plan, which brought forth the mystery reservation.

Thanks to all

It's as, I think, a few of us suspected. There was more than one reservation for your trip. As far as linking them...can that be done if the points are from more than one DVC'r?

This is probably why the broker did not contact you. There was no problem...so he didn't respond. Shame on him/her!!! That's not a good business practice.

But, in the end you have what you want and I hope you have a "magical" trip!:goodvibes

[JimMIA]

Why would anyone go to all this trouble, for others?

Do they get paid? :confused3
Yes. The only broker I know anything about rents points for $13 and pays the owner $10.

But this transaction doesn't sound like that broker. He is an associate on the owners' accounts and would not have had these problems.

[Sandy321]

I think this thread illustrates the goodness of the Dis DVC Community!!

I love how fast DVC members were willing to post and be helpful, supportive, and give advice just in case - very heartwarming

Thank you!

[summerskye]

Without a doubt, this place is as magical as Disney itself. The quick response and help was wonderful. Thanks to all.

I do have another question. I tried to set up the magical express via a web site I got from here. It took the information. A few days later I got an email from support saying they could not process thee request, "this site is for the sole use of our Wholsale Partners." "Call Member Services at DVC at 1-800-******** and they will be glad to add Disney's Magical Express to your reservation." Here again is the problem. Since I am not the owner, they will not assist me. They will only deal with the member. :scared1:

[Chuck S]

Without a doubt, this place is as magical as Disney itself. The quick response and help was wonderful. Thanks to all.

I do have another question. I tried to set up the magical express via a web site I got from here. It took the information. A few days later I got an email from support saying they could not process thee request, "this site is for the sole use of our Wholsale Partners." "Call Member Services at DVC at 1-800-******** and they will be glad to add Disney's Magical Express to your reservation." Here again is the problem. Since I am not the owner, they will not assist me. They will only deal with the member. :scared1:

The owner, or their associate member (if the "broker" you're dealing with is an associate to their account) will need to set up Magical Express for you. This is also true of any of the Dining Plans.

[summerskye]

I am not using the dining plans. I have set up a few character meals and the BBB for my girls, without any problems. The magical express is the last missing piece. It has been close to a month and still no response from the "broker". No emails nor phone calls. I guess I should be happy that I have reservations (room) and pray that they don't get cancelled.

:confused::worried::worried:

[Ms. WDW]

I paid the broker for the room. I have no idea who the owner is. The broker is the only contact I have. I have email and cell phone. He has put together 2 or 3 previous trips, all which were wonderful. But for some reason, he will not respond to any of my emails or voicemails.

Did you receive a copy of the reservation from this "broker" or the original?

I rent occasionally and each and every reservation I make has my name on the reservation with the names of the renters. So you should be able to see who the "owner" is; the revervations are mailed to owners.
I'm so sorry for this. I'm sitting here thinking what you could possibly do.

[summerskye]

I did get the Disney confirmation with the owners name and address cut out, so I don't know the name of the owner. This was no different from the previous times I rented from him. The 3 previous trips went without a problem. By the way, the Disney confirmation had the wrong dates. I never did get a corrected version.

[Chuck S]

I did get the Disney confirmation with the owners name and address cut out, so I don't know the name of the owner. This was no different from the previous times I rented from him. The 3 previous trips went without a problem. By the way, the Disney confirmation had the wrong dates. I never did get a corrected version.

Actually, if the broker used one member to make the first part of your vacation reservation, and another owner for that last day, you should have two reservation confirmations, even if the reservations are linked in the system, the confirmation would go to each individual owner or membership number (as some owners may have more than one membership number.)

Unfortunately, you should have questioned the dates as soon as you received the confirmation.

I'm sorry you are unable to contact the "broker." That is always a possible problem if you don't know who the actual DVC owner is that you are dealing with, and have no way of contacting them.

[summerskye]

I did contact the "broker" the day I got the confirmation back in April. His email stated that the problem would be taken care of ASAP. I got another email that the dates had been corrected but that the owner was in Korea on business and it would be a couple of months before I got the corrected confirmation. I have used this guy 3 times before with no problems. I did not think twice about it. As I got closer to the 90 day mark, I plugged in the confirmation number in the disney dining app. I discovered the correct arrival date but wrong departure date. Then the unanswered emails and voicemails started. After the advice here, I ended up finding the 2nd reservation number. But I have not heard a word from the "broker" in over a month. And now I have discovered that the magical express can only be set thru him. I don't really care about having to pay for transportation. It's a small price to pay as long as the room is there. I just wish I had confidence that my room will be there in Nov. All I can do is keep plugging in the 2 reservation numbers and pray that all goes well. Thanks for the input. :surfweb: This is me but with beer not coffee...

[TLSnell1981]

All I can do is keep plugging in the 2 reservation numbers and pray that all goes well. Thanks for the input. :surfweb: This is me but with beer not coffee...
There's no reason to stress over going to the "Happiest Place in the World." If you are that concerned with your last night, make a cash reservation. You can cancel if you don't need it. Don't let this ruin your trip.

Again, best wishes and pixiedust:

[calypso*a*go-go]

There's no reason to stress over going to the "Happiest Place in the World." If you are that concerned with your last night, make a cash reservation. You can cancel if you don't need it. Don't let this ruin your trip.

Again, best wishes and pixiedust:

Hopefully this is a case where all's well, that ends well! :goodvibes

[bunny]

With regards to the Magical Express, I was under the assumption you could set this up last minute at the Orlando airport. You would not have the luggage tags, so you would need to pick up your luggage yourself. Then you could go to the Magical Express counter and register. This is usually done for people who make last minute reservations, since Magical Express tags are usually sent out 30 days in advance. You could post this question on the Transportation board for a definitive answer.