Best Way To Verify Reservation?

[What-r-ya Goofy?]

What is the best way for a non-DVC member to verify that a reservation has been made on their behalf? And once verified, how does one protect against the reservation being cancelled without their knowledge?

 

[littlestar]

It all boils down to trust between you and the member. It's a private transaction between two parties. You have to trust that the member won't cancel it (or die, go bankrupt, etc. and not pay their dues) and they have to trust you that you won't trash the unit when you check in.

Try to find someone on the Dis boards that's been around a while and check their past posts. It's easier working with somebody who knows and understands DVC well. I've rented points a few times (when we were short) and it went well. I just made sure it was someone I had confidence in (usually talking with them on the phone and feeling the situation out and reading their past posts).

 

[Lynne M]

Generally, if you are renting a reservation from a member, they will send you a copy of the confirmation that they receive from DVC.

However, you will not be able to contact DVC Member Services to independently verify the reservation. They will not speak to non-members. DVC and Disney do not get involved in the rental process in any way, shape or form. Renting is a private transaction between two individuals.

Some members have reported that if they contact the resort a few days before check in, the resort will have the reservation in their system and will confirm it.

There is also no way to 'protect' against the reservation being cancelled. The member retains full control of the reservation until you check into the resort, and can cancel it at any time.

I know that sounds scary, and that it isn't what you wanted to hear. The good news, is that the great majority of DVC owners are honest folks, and the great majority of rentals go off with out a hitch. We very rarely hear of problems with rentals.

It just emphasizes the importance of understanding the rental process, and trusting the person that you rent from. You can save a great deal of money by renting, but the tradeoff is that you don't have control of the reservation. For some folks, that level of risk is something they'll never be comfortable with, and renting isn't for them.

 

[kimberh]

I would ask for references. I realize that everyone has to start somewhere, but I would deal with proven history. This speaks volumes. Talking on the phone gives a real feel for the person. Get their information, this should be on a contract, which in turn they should want yours. Names, address, phone number, ages of minors staying in room.

Make sure the owner realizes that they are the one to book Disney's dining plan and Disney's Magical Express for you, if you are going to use those. It is more than booking a room. If you are using ME, You will receive tags with your name and flight info on it about four weeks before travel.

 

[What-r-ya Goofy?]

Thanks to all for the solid advice. Not exactly what we were hoping to hear, but we appreciate it all the same.

 

[Granny]

I would also make sure you have a written agreement with what you are getting and what the owner needs to provide. Many people operate without that agreement, but I've found that when you ask someone to sign their name to something, even if it isn't a legalese document, they tend to hold up their end of the deal.

Here's a thread with thoughts on DVC Point Rental agreements

Here's another one that is basically a Point Rental Primer for owners and people buying reservations.

Thanks to all for the solid advice. Not exactly what we were hoping to hear, but we appreciate it all the same.

Keep in mind that one of the reasons you are getting your vacation so cheap is because you are using a personal side deal. Unfortunately, if you want certainty you will need to book through Disney.

Good luck.