Disney First Timer: DVC Rental or TA?

[Notes4Mozart]

Hi all!

I have been planning a trip since 2018 for November 2022, as long as COVID restrictions have eased.

I was quite settled on renting DVC directly through an owner, but now with the restrictions and refund policies, I am wondering if booking through a travel agency is safer to secure my money? I have absolutely no issue with planning/organizing/booking myself but coming from Canada, I want to make sure nothing ruins my trip and costs me thousands of dollars if my trip gets changed or cancelled (even despite COVID circumstances).

What do you guys think? For November 2022, would you suggest renting DVC or booking with an agent?

Thanks and hope everyone is staying safe!

 

[Sandisw]

To be honest, in this day and age, one has to under the risks of renting and go in expecting that money could get lost.

I would probably go with Disney directly, Since December 2021 would be the earliest you can even book November 2022, you do have time to do your research and see how things are going,

If having flexibility to cancel because of travel restrictions is important, then if you do consider the rental, be sure that you have a written contract that is clear with what you are agreeing to, Some owners will have terms that work and some will not.

 

[Notes4Mozart]

To be honest, in this day and age, one has to under the risks of renting and go in expecting that money could get lost.

I would probably go with Disney directly, Since December 2021 would be the earliest you can even book November 2022, you do have time to do your research and see how things are going,

If having flexibility to cancel because of travel restrictions is important, then if you do consider the rental, be sure that you have a written contract that is clear with what you are agreeing to, Some owners will have terms that work and some will not.

Thanks, Sandi! That's very helpful - I appreciate your response. I will definitely keep researching and if I decide to go the rental route, I'll make sure to inquire to the owner. I didn't think many owners were flexible with refunds or changes so this is good to know.

 

[Brian Noble]

What do you guys think? For November 2022, would you suggest renting DVC or booking with an agent?

I would not book any international travel that I couldn't get refunded in cash given the current reality. I suspect you will have a hard time finding a DVC owner who will do that, but never say never.

But, November 2022 is a long time from now. The earliest you can possibly book that with an owner is December 2021. You have plenty of time to see how things unfold, and by then perhaps things will have changed for the better.

 

[Matty B13]

With the high demand for DVC rentals in November in general, I'm not sure you will find an owner to rent from with a refundable policy. They can probably easily find a renter who will accept a non-refundable rental.

I think a direct reservation with Disney will be your best option.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Agree. November is a very high demand season, and even in a private rental, an owner can find someone who will accept a non-refundable rental. The alternative is that an owner will charge phat premium for being willing to change or refund, thereby wiping out savings.

It is also pretty hard to insure a private timeshare rental, if you consider that route.

 

[Best Aunt]

You offered two options: DVC rental or travel agent. I agree with PPs that you left out the best option, which is making a reservation direct with Disney. No need for a travel agent. If you really want to use a travel agent, you want one who is familiar with Disney World. The travel agents where I live know much less about Disney World than many people here on the Dis.

 

[Memorymakerfor4]

Not trying to be redundant, but I'd also advise a TA, the biggest reason being they could help you plan your trip. I always tell ours (a friends) that she worked herself out of a job, because it was on our first trip that we were so impressed we bought into DVC.

We very nearly rented points for Aulani this summer and I am SO thankful we just took advantages of sales and paid cash. 100% refunded with no hassle, while there were nightmare stories from renters. Would I rent sometime in the future? Absolutely, but more likely on a WDW trip that was more last minute.

 

[gisele2]

Direct with Disney is the safest choice .