Anyone else apprehensive to rent points since Covid happened?

[LiveLifeLoud]

I am planning a trip for November 2022 and am thinking of renting points. We really want to stay at BC and it's hard for me to justify their prices but renting points helps a lot.

I've only rented points once and it was a great experience. I rented here on the forums and had a great week during F&W at BWV. Since Covid, I'm now a bit nervous. We are 100% sure we will go on this trip IF most things are open (fireworks, more restaurants, etc.) and no masks. I think by December (11 months out) we will have a clearer picture on how WDW will look like and I can decide then but then I worry of things going backwards.

When covid hit I did not have a trip booked at that time but I do remember some rumblings of how awful some of the rental sites handled cancellations and refunds. I would prefer to book through a member here on Dis but I'm not opposed to using a company.

 

[Marionnette]

I am planning a trip for November 2022 and am thinking of renting points. We really want to stay at BC and it's hard for me to justify their prices but renting points helps a lot.

I've only rented points once and it was a great experience. I rented here on the forums and had a great week during F&W at BWV. Since Covid, I'm now a bit nervous. We are 100% sure we will go on this trip IF most things are open (fireworks, more restaurants, etc.) and no masks. I think by December (11 months out) we will have a clearer picture on how WDW will look like and I can decide then but then I worry of things going backwards.

When covid hit I did not have a trip booked at that time but I do remember some rumblings of how awful some of the rental sites handled cancellations and refunds. I would prefer to book through a member here on Dis but I'm not opposed to using a company.

Most of the brokers now include force mejeure clauses in their rental agreement. Those that do will not give you a cash refund but will offer you a credit toward a future rental. At least one broker now includes "cancel for any reason" coverage that provides for a credit on a sliding scale based on how close to arrival that you cancel.

Private owners run the gamut from "no refunds, no cancellations, no rescheduling" to full refunds or flexible rescheduling with no questions asked.

Regardless of how you choose to rent, I thinks it's important to understand the terms in place before you send money.

 

[IndyToThere]

my personal take:
My family and extended family had a trip planned for late March 2020. We were all going to stay a few days at AKL on rental points through a 3rd party (David's) and then cruise on Royal Caribbean. We were all flying in to Orlando on Southwest. We had a shuttle van company prepaid to take us from AKL to Port Canaveral.

Companies have various policies in place for when cancellations happen and how they handle refunds/credit. Some companies generally have a no-refund (and sometimes no-credit) policy. The COVID lockdown of Spring 2020 upended all of that. David's offered us credit that was good until late April 2022. Southwest eventually gave customers future travel funds (after initially stating they didn't have to because they have no-change fees good for the year). Royal Caribbean offered customers a choice of refund or credit + 25%. Basically all of the companies that we dealt with were forced into offering at least a credit. The only one I haven't seen come through was the shuttle van company - not sure if they are out of business or what happened.

Another datapoint, in Fall 2016 we were scheduled for a trip to Hilton Head, staying at a rental condo in Hilton Head (not disney) and flying in on American Air. Hurricane Matthew side-swiped the island the day we were due to arrive.. needless to say, the trip couldn't happen. American Air initially was saying that refunds/credit wasn't an option... until it was determined that all travel was canceled to the island and our flights were refunded. Our condo owner worked with us to give us credit towards a future stay in the following spring, which we took advantage of.

What I learned was, if something happens that forces companies to temporarily cancel all operations, they generally will have no choice but to offer some form of credit (even if their policies don't normally allow it). I heard that DVC owners had some issues with places like David's in how things were handled, but from a renter perspective we were taken care of.
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Basically, I would feel fine with renting points again in the future and we actually have our first trip back to Disney this Oct 2021, where some point rental is going to be used. Obviously, you should know the risks going in, but IMO the risks (in money lost) are more around you and your family not being able to travel and less around the entire park being shut down due to a nationwide shutdown.

 

[AllisonLB1994]

We were in a similar boat - except wanting December 2021. In January of this year it was hard to envision what the rest of the year would look like. We decided to go for it and held off on buying park tickets. That way, we could stay and enjoy the resort, order groceries, etc and have a safe stay even if we didn't feel comfortable going into the park.

Fast forward to now, most everyone in our party is fully vaccinated or has had one dose. We bought our park tickets. I think things will be pretty much back to normal by the 50th. Even if masks are in place or no fireworks, we just decided to make our peace with it. I think it depends on how you want to vacation. For us, the savings were worth it to us and we would rather do a hotel-only stay than pay more for a hotel later on down the road with a better cancellation policy.

 

[StayAwake]

I've rented points twice since COVID started- once for Aulani in December 2020 and once for Hilton Head in March 2021. I rented with the knowledge that I wouldn't be able to get a refund for the points rental if something happened, and had to be ok with that decision. Both trips ended up going off without a hitch.

Only you know your risk tolerance and if you're in a financial situation where you could afford to lose that money should it come to that. Many of the rental organizations have changed their rules in response to COVID, so read the terms & conditions carefully and don't necessarily shop on price alone.

 

[Sandisw]

The one thing I want to mention is that prior to Covid, people thought about cancellations being something they controlled so we always heard, I don’t plan to cancel,

Then the resorts closed and the cancellations were not something they decided. Just be sure that if you rent, you are every clear on terms for any of the what ifs, including resort closures.

As already mentioned, there are lots of options and private rentals via owners will have a wide range of terms. You have to find one who offers you what you want.

 

[LiveLifeLoud]

All very good points.

I’ve been reading both sites cancellations policies. If I were to rent with someone on the dis I would be sure to ask their policy. My last experience renting with someone in the boards was a very positive experience.

This would be a mother daughter trip. I figure my daughter is only young once and we are going to go no matter what. We pushed to next year instead of 2021 to have a better chance at fireworks, most things being opened and no masks.

I think I’m going to go forward with renting at BCV if we can get it. My daughter really wants to stay there but I’ve told her I’m not sure. I may even do the resort as a surprise if it works out.

 

[DLgal]

It seems like renting points doesn't provide much (if any) of a discount nowadays. I'd rather book directly through Disney and get a cash DVC unit with their generous cancelation policy than be locked into a rental agreement with a possibility of no refunds for cancelation.

I looked at the DVC Rental Store and their prices are just ridiculous. There is no savings there.

 

[Marionnette]

It seems like renting points doesn't provide much (if any) of a discount nowadays. I'd rather book directly through Disney and get a cash DVC unit with their generous cancelation policy than be locked into a rental agreement with a possibility of no refunds for cancelation.

I looked at the DVC Rental Store and their prices are just ridiculous. There is no savings there.

There are definitely times during the year when Disney cash prices are cheaper than the rental agencies. Much of summer is like that but the fall is a different story.

 

[LiveLifeLoud]

It seems like renting points doesn't provide much (if any) of a discount nowadays. I'd rather book directly through Disney and get a cash DVC unit with their generous cancelation policy than be locked into a rental agreement with a possibility of no refunds for cancelation.

I looked at the DVC Rental Store and their prices are just ridiculous. There is no savings there.

This is true for certain times of year. I’ve looked into that too.

We are looking at the fall (F&W) and BCV is 2780 for 8 nights through David’s which is about 347 a night. Rack rate this year that same week for BC/YC is about 600+. Even if I was lucky enough to get 35% off a standard room I would be at around 400 a night.

I have used a travel agent before that offers conference room rates that they sometimes release a year ahead. If they offer BC at a good rate I would do that over renting points even if it was just a bit extra.

 

[DLgal]

This is true for certain times of year. I’ve looked into that too.

We are looking at the fall (F&W) and BCV is 2780 for 8 nights through David’s which is about 347 a night. Rack rate this year that same week for BC/YC is about 600+. Even if I was lucky enough to get 35% off a standard room I would be at around 400 a night.

I have used a travel agent before that offers conference room rates that they sometimes release a year ahead. If they offer BC at a good rate I would do that over renting points even if it was just a bit extra.

I was browsing through Grand Californian villas for the upcoming months and they are wanting more than rack rate (for a room on the hotel side) for a studio! That doesn't make any sense. Why do they think anyone will bite? I booked a room at rack rate in July and was looking to see if I could save some money with a DVC rental. Nope. Pass. At least we will get 2 queen beds and a day bed with our hotel room. Who would pay more for less?

 

[LiveLifeLoud]

I was browsing through Grand Californian villas for the upcoming months and they are wanting more than rack rate (for a room on the hotel side) for a studio! That doesn't make any sense. Why do they think anyone will bite? I booked a room at rack rate in July and was looking to see if I could save some money with a DVC rental. Nope. Pass. At least we will get 2 queen beds and a day bed with our hotel room. Who would pay more for less?

That is crazy. I’ve never been to DL but I have read that the Grand Californian books quickly. Maybe people pay it due to availability issues on the hotel side? Either way I wouldn’t do it.

I would prefer the hotel side too. Two beds and a day bed.

 

[Aussie RJ]

I'm wondering if the scarce availability of DVC rooms in general has pushed the price of some of these rentals up? DVC is booked fairly solid May / June / July, Oct, Nov, Dec. Previously I've rented points, this year it seems only guaranteed reservations are moving for me.

 

[Tattylou]

Yes, I’m apprehensive to rent - Cancelling a Disney direct package just seems much easier and clear cut. If I need to cancel then I prefer to cancel and be refunded. The rental companies aren’t offering that right now.

 

[dledger]

I am very much in the same boat. Prior to Covid we had JUST started planning a trip for right about now. We were going to rent DVC, have a great time, call it a day. Now, obviously our plans shifted and we are starting to once again plan for a year from now. I want to stay at one of the heavy hitter resorts in a suite (Poly, Contemporary, AKL..) but it’s not really in the budget without renting (*without the guarantee of a discount*). I have just about a month to decide what to do to get in at the 11 month timeframe. My husband and I agree we don’t PLAN to cancel but there’s still so much hanging in the balance. A big one being our son and if his daycare would require quarantine when we return. It makes a 1 week vacation into 3 weeks without preschool. We also normally stay at POR so our “backup” plan isn’t even a feasible one at this time since there is no reopening date. I still think I’m going to book a DVC rental (slowly coming around to the idea of doing it on these boards), but for someone with anxiety like me - it is so much to break down.

 

[petrola]

We used to rent points all the time. Some in our party had rented points for our previously scheduled (and then canceled) April 2020 trip. It was no issue canceling the hotel reservations - but the DVC rental cancelation was a hassle. We will not be renting points going forward. Any money that we could potentially save is not worth the lack of flexibility for us. Also, no one wants to sleep on the pull out sofa anymore!

 

[IndyToThere]

It seems like renting points doesn't provide much (if any) of a discount nowadays. I'd rather book directly through Disney and get a cash DVC unit with their generous cancelation policy than be locked into a rental agreement with a possibility of no refunds for cancelation.

I looked at the DVC Rental Store and their prices are just ridiculous. There is no savings there.

What resorts are you seeing no savings at (and times of year)? Just spot checking some resorts in mid-Oct when our family is going, and direct from Disney is almost double of what David's or DVC Rental would charge. For ex. Oct 11-13, Saratoga Springs standard Studio is around $500/night after tax. The rental places are $260/night.

 

[Tattylou]

I am very much in the same boat. Prior to Covid we had JUST started planning a trip for right about now. We were going to rent DVC, have a great time, call it a day. Now, obviously our plans shifted and we are starting to once again plan for a year from now. I want to stay at one of the heavy hitter resorts in a suite (Poly, Contemporary, AKL..) but it’s not really in the budget without renting (*without the guarantee of a discount*). I have just about a month to decide what to do to get in at the 11 month timeframe. My husband and I agree we don’t PLAN to cancel but there’s still so much hanging in the balance. A big one being our son and if his daycare would require quarantine when we return. It makes a 1 week vacation into 3 weeks without preschool. We also normally stay at POR so our “backup” plan isn’t even a feasible one at this time since there is no reopening date. I still think I’m going to book a DVC rental (slowly coming around to the idea of doing it on these boards), but for someone with anxiety like me - it is so much to break down.

I agree as far as unknown with school expectations. My husband is a teacher and my kids are school age. Even when our state loosened travel expectations, the schools still expected test or quarantine after travel. I’m hoping it won’t be like that for our Feb 2022 trip, but so much is unknown. So I booked CBR and know I can easily cancel and get a refund through Disney without any issues.

 

[DLgal]

What resorts are you seeing no savings at (and times of year)? Just spot checking some resorts in mid-Oct when our family is going, and direct from Disney is almost double of what David's or DVC Rental would charge. For ex. Oct 11-13, Saratoga Springs standard Studio is around $500/night after tax. The rental places are $260/night.

I am looking at confirmed reservations at Grand Californian DVC. All of the studios are listed at a nightly price higher than rack rate for a room at the Grand Californian. I booked a room for July 2-5 that, with tax, came to $911.43 per night. Reservations for these dates are anywhere from $960-1000/night in studios.

This is at the site sponsor, the DVC Rental Store.

 

[Heather07438]

We recently booked our 3rd DVC rental for Sept. There’s a couple things I consider to weigh cost, value and risk.

Our next trip is an inexpensive rental. $16pp for BW standard view in Sept was only $720 for 5 nights. We felt the price low enough that if a need to cancel arises we could swallow it.

Our last rental was $2500 at $19pp booked in Feb 2020 for a trip 11 months out. Then the virus hit serious mode. Fortunately we were still able to go and had a lovely time. On the regrettable side we didn’t have much leeway if something went wrong, and we also saw tons of rentals become available for half what we paid.

In the future if we rented DVC for thousands of dollars I’d make sure to know the ‘life’ of the points (use year, ability to be banked) and if the owner allowed a one-time reschedule for dates. I’ve seen many contracts spelled out like this across different DVC owner group sites.

I’m not interested in trip insurance because A) it is a hassle, B) expensive to cover our most likely scenarios, C) we haven’t used or needed it in over 10 trips. So at this point if a trip went sideways and we lost out on some non-refundable costs, the loss would still be less than what we would’ve paid for insurance over all these trips.

— Generally 1BR’s are not worth renting DVC. To start they are twice the points of DVC studio (100% increase in cost) while WDW rack rate usually has them around only 50% cost increase over studio. On top of that, WDW special offers usually have plenty 1BR availability and in the highest bracket of percent off savings. If renting DVC doesn’t save any money it’s much better to book thru WDW for their very generous cancellation policies.