DVC on Honeymoon? Decided on BW

[sethschroeder]

UPDATE: Decided on going with the Boardwalk actually as it looks like our DVC options were mostly booked anyways. As it is said below DVC availability and Disney.com are completely different. They hold back rooms for direct reservations and DVC members are not able to book these rooms...

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Hello just wondering everyone's thoughts on this? I am looking possibly to rent a DVC instead of going direct to Disney for our honeymoon?

I know there could be a potential issue and I need to be careful but seeing what others think? From the sounds of it DVC renting is legit and can be done without any issues.

Obviously after spending thousands on a wedding and then looking at another 4-8k on a honeymoon its nice to be able to cut that down by renting DVC. What we are looking at is Bay Lake Towers (studio Magic Kingdom view), Animal Kingdom (studio club level), and Boardwalk (Studio Preferred).

What are peoples thoughts on this as well as the resort to stay at?

 

[singastory]

From my recent experience:

Renting DVC points is becoming more popular. Lately, demand has been exceeding supply. Not only does the resort need availability, but a potential renter also needs to be in contact with someone who can supply points.

For all of the room choices that you listed, it is recommended that you book at 11 months before your desired trip. This coincides with the time that DVC members are allowed to make reservations at their home resort.

I am currently working with a company that facilitates rental transactions. I am trying to set up a split stay including a few nights at AKL with the remainder at BLT. While there was availability at both resorts at the time I placed my request, the company didn't have anyone who was willing to supply their points to rent out. They were able to find AKL points for me after 2 days, but I am still waiting for someone to provide their BLT points after a week and a half. There is some risk while doing this, because while I'm waiting, the resort might lose availability for the room I want due to owners using their own points to make reservations.

You will have less of a problem finding someone to rent points from at 7 months before your trip when all points can be used at any resort, but depending on what time of year your honeymoon is taking place, your desired rooms might not have availability as they are usually the first to be booked by owners.

I hope that this wasn't an overkill of information! I think your best bet would be to go ahead with trying to rent, but keep in mind that it might not work out according to plan (if you are a detailed planner like me!) Also keep in mind that some individual renters and larger companies require payment in full at the time of your reservation with no cancellation policy, so you'll have a large initial expense and NO wiggle room if wedding plans change. Good luck!

 

[jackieinJuneau]

I booked my honeymoon at BW by renting points at the 11 month mark. We will be going in Oct for food and wine so BW was our first choice but AKL was close! I went through David's Dvc rental and am so happy when I log into the my magic app and see the reservation there!

 

[ElizabethG]

I agree with PP that your choices should be booked at the 11-month mark. If you can't get any of those, I would also recomend AKV savanah view. Those are often available at 7 months.

If you haven't already, check out the rent/trade boards on the DIS. There are some stickies with good information.

 

[sethschroeder]

We actually will be down July 7-15, 2013 and from my understanding with talking to disney and viewing online at Disney.com looks like all 3 options are still open and able to be booked.

I have checked on this forum in the DVC board as well but thought my question would be best here as I am talking more specifically about a honeymoon as opposed to a normal trip which usually has a little more leeway.

Thanks for the input so far any suggestions are welcome and good to know from those who have stayed previously.

 

[Stbissell]

We booked our honeymoon through the website similar to this. Pm me and I'll give you the name. Dis won't let me post the name.

We booked BW at $11.00 a point. At 10 1/2 months studios were already booked. We booked boardwalk view which we didn't mind since we are saving money and Boardwalk view is awesome. It only cost about $200 extra.

As for what resort you want to stay at it comes down to personal preference. We chose BW because you can walk to EPCOt and Hollywood Studios. (we plan on eating at EPCOT three times). Also, there are a couple bars on the Boardwalk which we plan on hanging at a couple nights.

I would look at what's most important to you and what will be the most convenient for your trip. In the end you can't go wrong with any if your three choices. They are all great resorts.

 

[singastory]

We actually will be down July 7-15, 2013 and from my understanding with talking to disney and viewing online at Disney.com looks like all 3 options are still open and able to be booked.

Please be aware that Disney keeps some rooms at each DVC resort separate from DVC owners so they can be booked by the general public at rack rate. The availability you see on the Disney website does not necessarily reflect availability for DVC members. I'm not sure if the person you spoke to on the phone was clear about this. I'm pretty sure in order to check availability for the DVC portion, you need to be a member and call CRO. Someone else might be able to verify this.

 

[sethschroeder]

Please be aware that Disney keeps some rooms at each DVC resort separate from DVC owners so they can be booked by the general public at rack rate. The availability you see on the Disney website does not necessarily reflect availability for DVC members. I'm not sure if the person you spoke to on the phone was clear about this. I'm pretty sure in order to check availability for the DVC portion, you need to be a member and call CRO. Someone else might be able to verify this.

100% correct, was unaware of this until last night when chatting with a DVC member.

I ended up deciding on the Boardwalk due to Epcot being so close and so many reservations in the area for dinner all week. So we won't be able to go with DVC this time but possibly in the future for our 2nd trip to Disney.

 

[singastory]

100% correct, was unaware of this until last night when chatting with a DVC member.

I ended up deciding on the Boardwalk due to Epcot being so close and so many reservations in the area for dinner all week. So we won't be able to go with DVC this time but possibly in the future for our 2nd trip to Disney.

That's a great plan. I love the Boardwalk area during the summer, it's very romantic at night! I hope you have a magical wedding and honeymoon!

 

[ElizabethG]

i have checked on this forum in the dvc board as well but thought my question would be best here as i am talking more specifically about a honeymoon as opposed to a normal trip which usually has a little more leeway.

ok