Question re: non member buying(?) points from a member

[Disneywed]

Hi all....we are planning our next trip for this coming November. Yesterday, DH tells me he "found" a guy online where we can use his points and pay him for the room and meal plan. Mow I know I have heard/read about this but I have some questions...

Is this a good idea?
Is it all on the up and up?
Are there any major catches or snafus that can take place?
Is it ok to get the meal plan through this person too? What about the Park Hoppers?

I am so used to doing everything through the Disney Reservation people I am confused. What about Priority seating reservations? Will I have a confirmation # to give them?

Any info you all can share would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks.

 

[chalee94]

I know I have heard/read about this but I have some questions...

Is this a good idea?

it can be, yes. there are tradeoffs, though.

Is it all on the up and up?

it's a transaction between individuals, so it completely depends on the individuals involved.

Are there any major catches or snafus that can take place?

sure are. renting from a DVC member means no direct control over the reservation, limited-or-no cancellation ability and a more limited housekeeping schedule once you arrive.

most rental transactions go smoothly, but you do need to understand the tradeoffs involved.

Is it ok to get the meal plan through this person too?

yes, you must have the DVC owner add the dining plan to the reservation if you want it. (again, you have no control over the reservation directly.) but you would not pay for the dining plan portion until you get to the resort.

What about the Park Hoppers?

you are on your own.

most people use undercovertourist or mapleleaftickets...

I am so used to doing everything through the Disney Reservation people I am confused. What about Priority seating reservations? Will I have a confirmation # to give them?

the confirmation number you get won't work with the dining reservation people's system. but you can let them know you have a reservation at a DVC resort and you can still make dining reservations yourself.

here are some threads you can read to learn more about renting:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1669863

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1255828

 

[Deb & Bill]

You won't be buying points from a member. You will be purchasing a reservation from a member who makes the reservation with his/her points. A lot of non-member make that same mistake.

That said, you won't be able to call Member Services for any reason, not to add the dining plan, not to add Magical Express, not to make a request. The member will have to do all that for you. Disney will not get involve if you have any problems. This is just between you and "the guy".

But you can get a very nice vacation this way and lots of people do it.

 

[Lynne M]

Yesterday, DH tells me he "found" a guy online where we can use his points and pay him for the room and meal plan.

A lot depends on the guy that your husband 'found'. Where did he find this guy?


Personally, I'd only rent from the DIS, and I'd be most comfortable with someone who posted here pretty often.

 

[LisaS]

You might also want to read the "sticky" threads at the top of the DVC Rent/Trade board, in particular the "Using the DVC Rent/Trade board. READ ME FIRST!" thread which explains how renting works.

 

[Disneywed]

Thanks everyone!!!!

 

[dandave]

I have rented points twice, but only from Dis members on the rent/trade board. $10 a point is the average, and it is a great deal for the renter. I made sure both renters had been around a while, and I checked through state public records to make sure both actually owned DVC memberships. I emailed them and spoke with one on the phone to get a "feel". In the end, I based my decision on gut instinct, and both experiences went perfectly with lovely people.
(I actually have an offer in on a small VWL contract now, because I liked both experiences so much! )

 

[JimMIA]

One further clarification on the dining plan. The owner must make those arrangements for you, but you pay Disney directly when you check in.

There is no such thing as you paying the owner for the dining plan. You would only pay the owner for the reservation itself.

You wouldn't pay the owner for Magical Express either, because it's a free service to all onsite guests. However, the owner would have to make those arrangements for you through MS.