Confused - Please help

[dischick4778]

I'm new to the whole renting points from DVC owners thing and was hoping for some clarification. I have read the FAQs and other information on this site, but am still a bit lost.

If I want to rent points from a DVC member I'm assuming I would write on these boards. The thing I don't understand is how much $$ points convert into. For example if something is 250 points what's the cost? Also how far in advance should I request a rental? Say if I wanted to visit WDW for Xmas 2005.

Thanks for taking the time to help me understand. I truly appreciate it.

 

[Chuck S]

The current average rental price is $10 per point. It can vary, and I would imagine that the owner would probably ask a little more because of the Holiday season. The Christmas holiday takes more points than any other time of year for DVC.

If you want to rent points for that season, I would begin looking for an owner in This December or January so they can make your ressie at 11 months out. This is the best way to get the accomodations and resort your desire for this peak period.

 

[DiznEeyore]

I can try to help.

The cost for your rental (say 250 points) would depend on how much the member is renting them for. I think $10 per point has been a popular fee. So using that example, it would cost you $2500 for your accommodations.

Members can make reservations at their home resort 11 months from their check-out date. They can make ressies at other DVC resorts 7 months from the check-out date. So for Christmas of next year, you'd want to have the member make your ressie at the end of January '05 if it will be at their home resort.

HTH a little!!

 

[Frozenfingers]

If you have already decided where and when you want to stay..., the next step would be to post an ad on the rent/trade board detailing the resort, the dates, and what accomodations are needed. Keep in mind the 11 month window!

The member always has full control of the points, so it is a matter of trust, on both sides. It is a VERY good idea to have a contract spelling out who does what, and when payments are due. When the reservation is made, you should ask the the member for the confirmation letter, or copy, so you have the ressie info.

Expect to pay $10.00 a point, maybe as much as $12.00. Lots of discussion on what is the "fair" price. It helps to look at the rack rate vs how many points it takes for a member to have the same property. So, IMHO $2500 is pretty cheap.

There has been some discussion on rentals gone bad on the boards, but they are few and far between. I think the vast majority of the rentals have worked out well for both parties. Avoid on line payment services though.. ie paypal. In reading posts, it seems not having the ability to communicate is the root of the problems.. be sure you give and receive postal addys, home phone and cell numbers.. a lot can happen in one's life during the 10 months from making the ressie to date of no return. Maybe it is just me, but if a member refused to give cell and home numbers, I would not go thru with the deal, Disney has its villans too!

If I were to rent points from a DIS member, I would search for his posts and "get a feel" for him/ her. You won't find any negative posts from others due to forum rules, but you may get a sence of the individual and if you want to do business with him/ her.

Good luck, hope this was helpful..

 

[CarolMN]

IMHO, the first thing you'll want to do is determine the rack rates for the resort, unit size and dates of your stay. That way, you will have something to compare to renting points from a DVC member. Many times, it is not economical to rent points for the weekend portion of your stay.

As already stated, you'll need to find an owner who can make a reservation for you 10 -11 months ahead of your anticipated departure date to ensure your first choice. Many owners who commit points for this popular time charge $12-$15 per point. If you find someone who will rent for less than that for that time, consider yourself fortunate!

Keep in mind that you will not get daily housekeeping service when you rent from a DVC member. Ask the member to explain to you what to expect in that area.

Plan to pay for the points well before the dates of your stay. It's common for members to expect 50% payment once you have a written confirmation of the reservation in your name and the rest 60-90 days ahead of arrival.

Also make sure you understand the members's cancellation policy. Those vary by individual and are usually NOT as generous as renting for cash from Disney. Many members will consider the transaction final and non-refundable. Most will allow changes subject to availability and the expiration dates of the points they will be renting.

Best wishes -

 

[dischick4778]

Thank you all so very much. All of your information has been very helpful and I truly appreciate your honesty. I have a lot to think about!