Dvc Point Rental Experiences

[Ursula]

Hi. I've been lurking here a little while but have never posted before. I am hoping to go to WDW next May with my husband and two children. I am thinking about renting points from a DVC member, but I am a little wary. I would like to hear from anyone who has done this what your experience was like, positive and negative. It seems like a great way to save money on accomodations, but I guess I'm afraid of getting ripped off.

Thanks!

 

[MidwestPiglet]

I'd also love to know!

I'd like to book a trip next May, staying at Old Key West. I'd be taking my daughter and my parents -- the 2 bedroom suite would be GREAT! $2,000 for 4 nights is way above our budget, but a DVC rental at about $1,000 sounds great.

 

[SeaWitch]

My husband and I rented points from someone before we bought into the DVC ourselves. And had a wonderful experience.
$10 a point seems to be the going rate on the rent/trade points board... so you can decide if that is cost effective depending on when you want to go (review the points calculator for # needed).

When the person reserves the room, it will be in your name and you will get a copy of the reservation. Just know that it's not as flexible as making the arrangements yourself, as DVC members have deadlines for banking points, etc. (So if something happened and you needed to cancel, you might have a problem getting your money back). I'm sure other DIS'ers with more knowledge of this than me will respond to your post... but I think it's a great idea. As with everything... just research on these boards, ask a lot of questions and be cautious.

PS Hi Ursula... I think that name was taken when I first got on these boards (thus my decision to take the name SeaWitch).

 

[Ursula]

Thanks for the info Sea Witch ! I have been doing a lot of research and renting points is really the way I want to go, but I think the thing that bothers me is that I don't have control over the reservation meaning the DVC member has power to cancel my reservation without my knowledge if they wanted to, correct?

 

[idontknow]

That is correct, the can cancell without you knowing about it. But, when I rented points, I looked to see how many posts the person had. I skipped the people that only had a few posts and went with someone that had been registered here for a while and had a lot of posts. I kind of relied on the board to tell me if I was going to get taken, hoping someone would email me and tell me, so to speak. I was REALLY nervous about renting, but when I found a person that met my criteria, I inquired about renting points. Everything went smoothly and we had a great time! The villa was WONDERFUL! If your dates are open, renting is a great way to go!

 

[Ursula]

Thanks, that's good advice about checking how many posts a person has made. It's good to hear it worked out for you. I really want to stay at the BWV.

 

[SeaWitch]

Yes, Ursula, your reservation could be canceled without your knowledge. So a bit of trust is involved... always a bit scary when your vacation is involved. So I agree about checking # of posts... kind of the same thing as checking feedback on Ebay.

The one good thing is that once the DVC member makes the reservation in your name, Member Services is really nice about letting YOU speak with them directly, so you could always call to check on things, update your preferences (close to pool, 1st floor, etc). I wish I had the points to rent to you, as I know how you feel!! But I'm sure you will find a 'regular' out there to deal with.

 

[zurgswife]

I'm a DVC member and have been on both ends of the point renting transactions...I've rented my points and have rented extra points for friends....

It does take a huge leap of faith to give someone you don't know that much money with no recourse....but in 4 years that I've been a DVC member I'm not aware of any bad deals.....

Good luck to all of you.....DVC is awesome....even if you just rent ponts...

 

[karylrocks]

I rented points last year for one night at OKW. It was a great experience and a good deal, I didn't have any problems at all. And when you stay on DVC points you can go wherever you want on the property, use other resort pools, etc. Very nice!

 

[MidwestPiglet]

Thank you for all the great information. It does seem like a gamble both ways, money wise. I'm sure if someone had trouble on these boards, though, they would make their troubles known!

I didn't know that about using other resort pools -- what a great benefit to using DVC points.

 

[zurgswife]

The pool hopping is only to the other DVC pools except Storm Along Bay....There is no longer ANY pool hopping to SAB which is the Beach Club Villas pool. During the busy seasons, easter and christmas they usually close the pool hopping privilages...

 

[YesDear]

You do not now or anytime in the future want to rent any points from a DVC member. This is a serious reponse to your question.

DO NOT DO IT!!

My DW wanted to do it. She tried to convince me it was the thing to do. So I gave in. What Happened??? We now own points at OKW and BCV. It is addictive. YOU CANNOT STOP.

Honestly, if you are a consistent visitor to WDW, DVC is a wonderful option. OF course now my DW uses the ownership as an excuse to go more often.


We have also met some great people along the way.

SO BE CAREFUL. You might get more than you asked for.


YesDear

 

[BethR]

I will have to remember your words of advice.

(and I love your name too...YesDear! I am sure that my DH would love it even MORE. )

 

[mikesmom]

A word to the wise..
If either of you are trying for next May, you need to be planning and looking for someone to rent from NOW. DVC members can make ressies at their "home" resort 11 months out, so reservations have been booking for May ever since June. Any DVC member can make ressies at any other DVC resort (not their home base) at the 7 month window - and that's when things can start to fill up fast. The month of May opens up to all DVC members in November, so you need to get your requests in to a DVC member ASAP.

OKW is the largest DVC resort so it doesn't fill up as fast, but BWV can go very quickly because of it's location.

 

[Ursula]

Thank you all for your replies I'm still considering my options, but it has been very helpful to hear your experiences and suggestions.

 

[Mom B]

HI! WE're leaving in 2 days and renting points at OKW. I found the guy we dealt with to be just great at giving practical tips and accommodating our needs. He was a "regular" on the DVC boards and seems very trustworthy. So I can let you know in a little over a week whether it was as good as I hope it will be! Hope so, as there is most likely a Disney cruise in our future!

 

[fkj2]

Also, most of us who have rented points before have no problem with offering to provide references. I think that provides a layer of comfort also; knowing that others have had previous successes in renting points and that the transaction went smoothly.

if you haven't already, check over at the DVC Rent/Trade board as there is a section for frequently asked questions and ask any questions on the board. Seems like most posters try to be helpful.

You'll enjoy OKW and as YesDear said, you'll like DVC.

 

[MidwestPiglet]

Great idea about asking for references. Since it is such a big financial transaction, I would think no-one would have a problem giving references out.

Thanks!

OKW looks like a great place to stay.

 

[montessori]

I just thought I'd add that I have rented points from 4 different owners and have had wonderful experiences every time.
I would rent more often but we only go to DW on long weekends and Friday and Saturday nights take a lot of points!
I can sometimes do better with codes or Florida resident and annual passholder specials.
I recommend renting points, it's a great deal!

 

[MinnieGi]

We are leaving in 9 days for OKW on rented points. The woman I dealt with was very helpful in recommendations and the entire transaction process. She was also more of a regular and not just a first time poster. Financially it was an awesome savings! Our OKW one bedroom villa on rented points is costing us less than our courtyard regular WL room that we had last year. And sooo much more space!!!

Gi