I have wanted to try renting points the next trip our family takes. How does this work? What is included in the points and do I have to be a DVC member? Do I still need to purchase park tickets? Any feedback is appreciated.
I know that some people here swear by renting points, but I've just never seen the incentive to do so. In running the numbers, getting a villa with a discount always seems to be less expensive than renting points, and you have the added bonus of daily housekeeping.
That's just been what I see, perhaps someone that has rented points frequently can explain what I'm missing.
I know that some people here swear by renting points, but I've just never seen the incentive to do so. In running the numbers, getting a villa with a discount always seems to be less expensive than renting points, and you have the added bonus of daily housekeeping.
That's just been what I see, perhaps someone that has rented points frequently can explain what I'm missing.
It depends on where you stay, what size villa you need, and when you go. Some of the places book up very quickly and wouldn't have much inventory left by the time a discount comes out, if one comes out at all. For those that go at peak times, there is no guarantee that a room only discount will even be offered. We are renting points for next year at WLV and AKV during spring break. Our savings versus the 2013 rates are 35 and 40%. I'm willing to deal with renting in order to be guaranteed that discount for the exact type and views we want well in advance and not worry whether there will be a discount or not.
With the 30% off, BC would have been 2300 for 8 nights over July 4.
Our studio rental cost $1800
How are you figuring that? I rented points to stay at AKV last year and it cost less than half of what it would have been through Disney WITH an AP discount.
As I've said, if it works out financially, great - for us, it's always either been more to rent points than using a discount, or it's been only a minimal difference that wouldn't, for me, make up for the loss of daily housekeeping.
As I've said, if it works out financially, great - for us, it's always either been more to rent points than using a discount, or it's been only a minimal difference that wouldn't, for me, make up for the loss of daily housekeeping.
Edit: RE-read your post.
I am trying to do the math that would give you a savings by booking a villa direct with a discount. Even with a 40% discount a 1br would run about $500 more.
As I've said, if it works out financially, great - for us, it's always either been more to rent points than using a discount, or it's been only a minimal difference that wouldn't, for me, make up for the loss of daily housekeeping.
We just rented a 2BV at OKW. Rack rate for 2014 would have ran us $5700 for a week. Renting will cost us $2300. I don't see Disney offering a discount that good. Not only that but I would have to wait until mid fall to even know the discounts that will be offered. No thanks. I happily booked at 7 months and I know exactly what it is costing me!
If this is what works for you, that's great. But you are either getting some amazing discounts somewhere or you are looking at renting from the wrong people (Or there are some room types where you don't save as much as others).
But DVC rentals aren't for everyone, if you want your daily housekeeping that is one thing we have to give up.
I don't really consider the AAA "an amazing discount" (20%), but it's always worked out better for us than renting points, on the rare occasions when we weren't able to get something better.
For example, using this year's rates, a 2BR at BC would be $6633 with AAA discount, and $6335 with the price paid for points at BC in the another post on this thread. And it's rare that I haven't been able to do better than AAA, either with AP, which I'll buy if the rates are good, or with a military discount.
I don't doubt for a second that it works out much better for some people, it just doesn't for us.
If this is what works for you, that's great. But you are either getting some amazing discounts somewhere or you are looking at renting from the wrong people (Or there are some room types where you don't save as much as others).
But DVC rentals aren't for everyone, if you want your daily housekeeping that is one thing we have to give up.