Can you explain how renting points works?

[lolakat]

Hi, I am fairly new to DIS and completely new to the idea of renting DVC points. I love Disney and go at least every other year. If fact I'll be there 3 times this year now that my DD is old enough to enjoy it. I would buy DVC if it were completely up to me but my husband is against it. We like to stay in the villas and we did BLT our last trip and will be going to SSR in May. I'm planning a trip back to BLT for 12/10 and I'm wondering if renting points would save us money over going through Disney with a regular reservation.

Can you help me understand the process of renting
1. How do I know how many points I need?
2. Do I need to find someone with points at BLT?
3. Do I need to wait until 7 months before my desired dates to try to rent?
4. I've read that going through PayPal gives both parties some protection against faud etc. Is this the best way to pay?
5. Can I book a dining plan if I rent points?

Any other advice or things I should think about before renting?

Thank you so much for your help and advice.

 

[chalee94]

1. How do I know how many points I need?

there is a link to point charts for the DVC resorts in the top right hand corner of the screen.

2. Do I need to find someone with points at BLT?

if you are booking BLT 8-11 months out, yes.

3. Do I need to wait until 7 months before my desired dates to try to rent?

no...but at 7 months out, any DVC owner can book BLT if there is still availability. if...

4. I've read that going through PayPal gives both parties some protection against faud etc. Is this the best way to pay?

it worked fine for me when i rented from a DVC owner. but don't get careless.

5. Can I book a dining plan if I rent points?

the DVC owner has to book it for you. and it has to be for all occupants for all nights. (and never for "free" dining.)

Any other advice or things I should think about before renting?

read this.

 

[5forDiz]

Link to points chart is at upper right (beneath egret) to help you calculate what resort/villa size/ dates you want to reserve.

You do not need to find an owner with BLT points unless you want to book at BLT 11 months through 7 months +1 day in advance of the checkin date you want. At 7 months and less before checkin date an owner can use their points to book at any DVC resort.

Paypal is a good idea if the owner has a Paypal account. You should have a contract as well for extra protection. You can find a DVC owner renting points here on the Rent/Trade board Or use a point rental service like dvcrequest.com which is advertised here on the Dis boards.

Read and understand all stickies at top of Rent/Trade board because there is excellent advice on all aspects of renting DVC points ( actually you are renting the reservation that an owner makes for you using their points so you are not actually getting points ).

Best wishes

 

[Deb & Bill]

Some members won't use Paypal because it doesn't protect them at all. They may use a contract, but it's their contract and since they own the points, they make the rules. Find someone you are comfortable with.

 

[Sammie]

Paypal is a convenience, it is not a protection. It is a private transaction between two people, therefore as Deb and Bill said find someone you are comfortable with. They will own the reservation until you check in.

Read all the FAQ info on the Rent/Trade forum its a great place to start.