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!

 

[wdwmom3]

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!

I wouldn’t rent DVC unless you can get some kind of insurance that lets you cancel for any reason. That’s a far way out but you just never know. You don’t need to book with an agent. You can just book a room directly with Disney.

 

[AngelDisney]

I rented DVC the first time last January for a Christmas trip in 2020 with David’s. Luckily David’s let me re-rent my reservation and I lost a few hundred dollars. If my reservation is not for a high demand time, I might not be able to re-rent so easily and would have lost thousands of dollars. I wouldn’t rent DVC again until COVID is all clear. Usually DVC rental reservations can be made at 11 months out, meaning you still have time to see how COVID plays out until December 2021. Depending on what perks are offered onsite, I may consider staying at the Dolphin or the Swan for being able to walk to DHS and Epcot. AKV with a savannah view is tempting though. However, I don’t plan on visiting WDW before 2024.

 

[mort1331]

Not sure if your asking about TA for a DVC rental. That would be a broker. And nothing is secure with them right now either.
Now if TA for booking direct with Disney, then I would say yes. They can and will look for the best deals for you and update you if new ones come up. Pick one that sponsors these boards, or at least one that is accredited with Disney. There should be no extra cost for using a TA for booking.

 

[bababear_50]

Hi
As a Disney first timer I would not recommend you do a DVC rental.
I would suggest you book something direct with Disney that can easily be cancelled with full refund.
I agree with AngelDisney that the Swan & Dolphin being great choices.

Regards
Mel

 

[mickeymum13]

Im a travel agent AND a DVC owner. Because I go to my happy place a few times a year, I have often used up all of my own points so have done both renting points (using Davids as well as private) and booked my own trips thru Disney. For security of full refunds without penalties before the final payment date, I would recommend a travel agent. And to confirm, there is zero extra cost to book with one. Renting has been good for us for shot trips in the past but in this new climate of COVID times, there is no refund policies or guarantee of rebooking when you do. David's allowed us to move our reservation for 2020 to 2021, but we lost $200 in fees to do so. It is a hard decision with so many changing variables right now. If securing your money will not be lost is your top priority right now, then a travel agent would be your best bet. Happy planning!

 

[gisele2]

I am a new DVC owner , but I went to Disney a lot. In the beginning we took advantage of the 30% off rack rate directly at Disney. Then because we are a large family I discovered renting points and I did it with David's DVC. Had no problem, but I knew that I had no cancellation policy. That is the risk you take for a cheaper price and a lot more space. But I loved the 2 bedrooms villa that we rented. One time in AKV and the other at BWV. Would I take the risk now with covid , I am not sure because I am Canadian.