Booking DVC when not a DVC owner

[heatherfeather24]

Not sure whether this post belongs here or in the DVC forum, but I'll try it here and trust the mods to move it if I'm in the wrong place:

We're interested in booking a 1-bedroom unit for October 2009, but we are not owners. How do we go about doing this? Are we better off to reserve through Disney or rent points from an owner? If we rent points, how much flexibility do we have and who actually makes the reservation?

Any and all info is greatly appreciated!
HF24

 

[iloveftwilderness]

You can purchase points through the dvc rent/trade board. You won't have much flexibility. Once a reservation is made the renter usually requires you to keep the reservation. I have rented in the past and I got exactly what I requested each time. The more flexible you are with your dates, the better chance you have of getting the reservation. Check out the point chart so you can determine how many points need to be purchased. If you want to add the DDP, the owner must tell the reservationist at the time of booking.
The DVC owner makes the reservation in your name and you will receive Disney letterhead stationary with all of the details. You receive the same benefits of all other guest. I won't go any other way!

 

[goofy4tink]

You can also book directly through Disney. But, it will be more expensive. The good thing is that you have complete control over your reservation that way. When renting points from a DVC owner, it's a leap of faith, on both sides. Many do it that way and have had great success.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

You will definately save money by renting points. That said, we do not own but stay in a 1 bdrm at the BCV and reserve through CRO just like you would for any other resort. Certain DVC properties are more popular at different times of year- BCV & BWV during F & W festival and at the holidays. I had been making our Dec. ressie in March for the BCV. Then one year it was booked and I never could get in and had to take the BWV (still happy with that) Now I make my ressie in Jan. for Dec. HTH

 

[Snow Shoe]

If you are interested in going during October 09, and staying at BWV or BCV, you will need to find a renter that can book as close to the 11 month DVC booking window as possible. These are the two closest DVC resorts to Epcot/WC for the F&W Festivel. Studios and 1 bedrooms are going to go fast.

 

[iloveftwilderness]

You can also book directly through Disney. But, it will be more expensive. The good thing is that you have complete control over your reservation that way. When renting points from a DVC owner, it's a leap of faith, on both sides. Many do it that way and have had great success.

It is a lot more expensive to book through Disney. I booked a studio for 4 nights for @$500 at the BCV through renting points. If I had booked through Disney, it would have been like $400 a night.

 

[DVC Mike]

If you do decide to rent points, please be sure and read the [thread=1669863]Considering Renting from a DVC Member?[/thread] thread.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You will have little or no flexibility depending on the owner. And you will have no control over the reservation at all.

 

[Jillpie]

You will definately save money by renting points. That said, we do not own but stay in a 1 bdrm at the BCV and reserve through CRO just like you would for any other resort. Certain DVC properties are more popular at different times of year- BCV & BWV during F & W festival and at the holidays. I had been making our Dec. ressie in March for the BCV. Then one year it was booked and I never could get in and had to take the BWV (still happy with that) Now I make my ressie in Jan. for Dec. HTH

As members of BCV, why on earth haven't you bought in yet man? I just took a look at your signature, and you've gone to DVC units since 04', it would have paid for itself by now if you bought in back then. We bought in in 02' there, and now our lodging is essentially free till 2042. I don't get it, can you explain?

 

[kaffinito]

Renting points works if you know exactly which dates and unit size you want, and if you won't be changing your mind or dates. Most DVC owners want payment in full for the reservation, and some will not give refunds. Read the board carefully before you commit, and take the advice of those on the Rent/Trade board seriously. The DVC owner "owns" the reservation, and they are the only one who can contact DVC for any changes or additions to your reservation. You cannot call or fax the resort to check or request anything.

I have rented points before and am renting points again from the same person. Although she and I were both very new at renting, we muddled through it and it worked out very well for both of us. I saved a ton of money on that trip!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[steffali]

I booked 1 BR BCV and CRO said that we will get daily housekeeping which I dont think you get if you rent points. I don't know if that matters or not. I would have rented points but my dates and situation changes all the time. Good luck

 

[eeyore913]

Hello!
My boyfriend and I just rented for AKV for May 09 and we payed $530 for 4 nights when booking through disney it would have been $2025 for the 4 nights room only....studio savannah view! We are so excited because without being able to rent we could never afford a delux! Thanks to everyone who rents their points!!!

 

[fla4fun]

As members of BCV, why on earth haven't you bought in yet man? I just took a look at your signature, and you've gone to DVC units since 04', it would have paid for itself by now if you bought in back then. We bought in in 02' there, and now our lodging is essentially free till 2042. I don't get it, can you explain?

I can't answer for the other poster, but as someone who has booked through CRO several times for DVC rooms, I can say that I haven't bought DVC because I live about 20 minutes from Disney. I stay on property if I can afford to, but it's not necessary for me to do so in order to go to the parks. Considering how close I am, the last thing I need in this economy is another bill to pay, whether for the financing of the purchase, or the maintenance dues. The last time I was out of work, it was for nine months. I would rather go to Disney and stay on property if I can afford it, and if I can't, I just make do with the day trips on the AP. I also like the flexibility of planning last minute trips, and having the ability to make changes or cancel right up to nearly the last minute. DVC is a great fit for some people, but it's not the best fit for me.

I can say I typically get a good discount, so it's not so expensive.

 

[heatherfeather24]

Thanks for the input so far!

For those who decided to go through CRO, how far out did you book? Right now, I've been trying to get a web quote just to see what the cost would be and it keeps telling me that nothing is available. For Oct. '09 am I too soon or too late? Perhaps I would have more luck speaking to a human being instead of trying the internet ?

 

[heatherfeather24]

Thanks for the input so far!

For those who decided to go through CRO, how far out did you book? Right now, I've been trying to get a web quote just to see what the cost would be and it keeps telling me that nothing is available. For Oct. '09 am I too soon or too late? Perhaps I would have more luck speaking to a human being instead of trying the internet ?

I should also add that I have tried various resorts online and get the same answer no matter which one I use. . .

TIA!

 

[Deb & Bill]

You probably won't be able to get Oct 09 until maybe Mar or April 09. Members get first shot at DVC resorts at 11 months out for their home resort. Then all members get access to what's left at 7 months out.

 

[heatherfeather24]

You probably won't be able to get Oct 09 until maybe Mar or April 09. Members get first shot at DVC resorts at 11 months out for their home resort. Then all members get access to what's left at 7 months out.

That makes sense. Thanks!