Considering DVC -should we rent points and "try" it?

[rebecca314]

Still cannot fully commit, but think it's what we want to do. We're planning a late March trip - should we rent points and see how we like it? I don't even know if there's enough time to pull it together at this point, but Santa decided to send us again.

 

[CraftyMouse]

I would definitely rent points to try it out...but I'd get on it ASAP. At only 5 months out you will probably find that some resorts are sold out for your dates, but you should be able to get something.

Renting points will allow you to stay in one of the DVC units to see what it is like. I'd definitely try to get a 1BR, to really see the difference between DVC and a regular hotel room. With the 1BR you get a full kitchen, washer/dryer and lots of space.

Enjoy!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Still cannot fully commit, but think it's what we want to do. We're planning a late March trip - should we rent points and see how we like it? I don't even know if there's enough time to pull it together at this point, but Santa decided to send us again.

We purchased sight-unseen, but we had visited OKW during one our visits (we bought BWV because it was for sale at the time). If you haven't even visited a DVC resort then I would say... yes, rent points and check it out. If you have seen the resorts and think you like them, then maybe go for it. I think you have time to pull it together. Somewhere.

 

[ccigliano]

Definitely try them out. And if your there for a week don't be afraid to do a split stay so that you can get a feel for at least the two you think you like best. Disney takes care of moving you so its easy. Visit the other resorts with dinner trips where you can get there a bit before your ressie and stroll around and maybe stay afterwards too to get the feel. For me - once I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge Villas there was no turning back. I sold my OKW points and bought a resale at the WLV. Good Luck with your decision.

 

[rebecca314]

So if we decide to try this, how many points do I need to rent? How does it work? Help me,PLEASE! I am ready to go again ASAP!

 

[ccigliano]

Head on over to the rent trade board ritght here on the Disboards and check out the DVC point charts for each resort which is at the top of this page, right hand side. In the off peak season, you can stay in a studio and the WLV for 100 points. Owners charge $10-$12 per point so the week will cost you $1000 - $1200. Double the points and cost for a 1 bedroom. Other resorts and views are different points (but close) so check where you want to stay and put in a request on the rent trade board and if you like to spend Sat - Wed at one resort and Wed to Sun at another just let them know in the post.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You don't really rent points because points are worthless to a non-member. You actually rent a reservation that a member made with their points. Realize that cancellations or changes are severely limited and may not even be possible. Kind of like a Priceline reservation. You bought it, it's yours. But the reservation still belongs to the member until the moment you check in. You won't be able to call Member Services to confirm, add DDP or ME. They just won't talk to non-members.

 

[Donna M]

We bought after a friend let us use some of her points.

You just can't beat the the space and convience of the 1 or 2 bd units when you have a family or group.

I think staying in a time-share for a week's vacation is so much more relaxing than a hotel room.

Go for it if you can afford it!

 

[Mississippian]

My wife and I had stayed on cash at BWV and were upgraded to a 1BR. We really enjoyed it, but I was sure when I bought in that I wanted to buy at BCV.

I came down with the kids and we stayed at BCV on rented points. We enjoyed it, but the resort just didn't "click" for me. So when points became available at BWV, that's where I bought. I'm glad I visited my resort before buying, even if that meant I didn't buy there.

 

[tlynk]

Still cannot fully commit, but think it's what we want to do. We're planning a late March trip - should we rent points and see how we like it? I don't even know if there's enough time to pull it together at this point, but Santa decided to send us again.

I'm always contemplating whether to rent points or not. I'm so afraid of renting from a dishonest person. I wish I knew a DVC owner personally- it would make it easier for me to trust that they won't take my money and leave me in the dark.

 

[jmpurdy]

look at people trying to rent points and then look at some responses from DVC owners. You can get a feel for how the 'contact' is made. This is how we started out. We've rented several times and love this option.
I understand your ambivalence, but jump in and at least have a couple of e-mails back and forth and you'll know if it feels right.
Also be aware weekends are ALOT more points per nite. We usually stay 5 nites sun-thursday to avoid the huge increase.
Look at the points chart at the top of the rent board to see how much per point each DVC is. Any questions, don't hesitate to pm me.

 

[snowbunny]

I wouldn't rent points when you can get a cash reservation at a DVC resort from CRO at a big discount with the current WDW promotion (through June 2009). That way you are only putting up one night deposit instead of the whole amount, its cancellable if you need to, and you have control of your reservation, not a DVC member who is unknown to you. I say that as a member!

 

[jimmacmn]

Still cannot fully commit, but think it's what we want to do. We're planning a late March trip - should we rent points and see how we like it? I don't even know if there's enough time to pull it together at this point, but Santa decided to send us again.

Unless you find a rental that already has a reservation for that time, you may be pushing availability at a number of resorts because that is Spring Break time. You may have better luck and availability going to CRO and getting a cash reservation at the resort(s) that interest you the most