Changing dates when renting DVC

[BecBennett]

Is it easy to change dates when you rent DVC from an owner? Or is it better to wait until you know your dates for certain and risk missing your preferred room?

 

[drusba]

Neither. An owner of a DVC resort can reserve starting 11 months out at his home resort and then can reserve 7 months out at others. Your timing should match those dates because once the 11 month window opens certain categories of rooms can disappear quickly and then at 7 months out much of everything else can go and if you wait beyond then, choices may be very limited. As to changing dates, the owner must both be willing to do so and able to do so; if you are trying to make a significant change after the 7 month window has opened, the owner may be unable to make any change because the place may already be filled for any dates you might want. In other words, you need to be certain of what you want by no later than 7 months out.

 

[Sandisw]

Everything will be based on the availability at the time things are booked...having firm dates would be the way to go because booking tentative dates, even if you find an owner willing to make a change (not all will), isn't going to help if the dates need to change.

With DVC, what is available changes constantly, even more so, IMO, since online booking started as members can make changes and view inventory themselves...

So, until you are ready, I'd wait...

Good luck!

 

[DebbieB]

Different dates could mean different points totals. The owner may not have additional points available or will not reduce the number of points they have already committed.

 

[BecBennett]

Poo... I'd like to book, but don't want to book flights yet, as dependent on what flights we get might change our entire holiday around.

We'd either be staying at WDW the entire time, or we'd cut the WDW portion by 5 days (ish) and fly to San Fran for that time.

In this instance do you think we'd be better off waiting until WDW packages are released later this month and book that, so we can change things around easier if need be?

 

[crisi]

Yeah, if there is any chance you'd want to change things around, you are way better off with a CRO package than a point rental.

 

[RobDoc]

Poo... I'd like to book, but don't want to book flights yet, as dependent on what flights we get might change our entire holiday around.

We'd either be staying at WDW the entire time, or we'd cut the WDW portion by 5 days (ish) and fly to San Fran for that time.

In this instance do you think we'd be better off waiting until WDW packages are released later this month and book that, so we can change things around easier if need be?

I would make the reservations through DRC when packages are available for the dates you want. Once you get closer and you are certain of your travel plans, you can then see what might be available for a DVC rental and cancel the DRC package. Packages can usually be easily canceled until your final payment has been made 45 days before arrival.

DVC rentals are not as flexible for a number of reasons, so if there is any doubt, reserve thru Disney and then see if you can save some $$$ with a DVC rental later.

 

[sweetdana]

I would not allow a renter to make a significant change to a rental. I would change a day if I had the option/points, but I would make the reservation a final be all end all... If you cannot go, the terms of the lease will be broken, if far enough out to re-rent them, I would consider keeping a portion and starting a new rental agreement, but I would not just change from 9/1-9/6 to 9/20-9/26 (even paying the difference with points.

I have rented about 5 times from others, no one ever allowed an option to move/change dates. I would not ask, or expect it.

 

[SUSIEQ]

It sounds like renting DVC points is not a good option for you.

 

[CarolMN]

AFAIK, very few (if any) of the point brokers allow changes. You commit (often with a deposit). They reserve. You pay and that's it.

If you rent from a private party, ask about their cancellation & change policy. It differs between owners. Changes will always be subject to availability, which an become very poor as you approach arrival. Get the policy in writing as part of the contract as "will try to work with you" is meaningless.

Really, don't rent unless your dates are firm. Consider trip insurance if you want any compensation for an unexpected cancellation.