here is a link to more info on DVC with links to info and pics of the DVC resorts on the left hand side.
if a
DVC owner can't use their pts, they might offer to rent you a reservation they make at a DVC resort. you would pay based on the number of pts used. the going rate might be anywhere from $8 to $14 per pt. the number of pts needed depends on the DVC resort, time of year and weeknights/weekend nights.
point charts are here:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/DVCpoints.shtml
since it's a timeshare, DVC villas tend to book up much more quickly than wdw hotels. owners at a resort can book 11 months in advance...so 4 months out might be considered "short notice" and only have limited options.
also, your reservation will not include daily mousekeeping. (every 4th day, you will get either trash removed/towels (etc) replaced, or full cleaning. it depends on how long you are staying.)
since you are making a deal with an individual and not with disney directly, payment terms and cancellation options (if any) vary considerably. fraud is rare but not unheard of, so be careful.
for more information, this thread is starting to get a little dated but is very useful:
[thread=1669863]Considering Renting from a DVC Member?[/thread]
you will also want to read the stickied threads at the top of the rent/trade board (which you can only see if you are logged in.)
if it seems overwhelming, david has an ad on the rent/trade board and i would just recommend starting there.
