DVC question

[mygirl]

our last trip was on rented DVC points from a dis member that we connected with through the dis . absolutely wonderful experience. we decided on AKV - we had a savannah view studio for two adults and two kids. my kids LOVED watching the animals from our balcony. we loved the whole atmosphere of the resort. i should also mention that we did not rely on disney transpotation, so AKV was just fine for us with regards to location.

great dining options, beautiful and unique resort, great renting experience. we paid a fraction of what it would have cost to book our room through WDW...

 

[3angelsmom]

Just wanted to chime in and say we rented points for our first trip last year and everything went smoothly. We are a family of 5 and were able to rent a 1 bedroom villa @ Kidani for almost half off rack rates. I used common sense, checked out the owner, and went with my gut feeling. To me, the small risk was well worth it.Although we absolutely loved Kidani, I'm hoping to try BLT next time to be closer to MK and cut down on travel time to and from the parks each day.

 

[DavidNYC]

Rented from someone on the board here a few years ago for a stay in a 2-bedroom in OKW. Worked great and good value if you need a room like that on site.

If you don't care about being onsite - I also suggest looking at Ken Price at Vacation Upgrades about Bonnet Creek Resort (you can find many comments about him on the Orlando Hotels board). GREAT value. Got a 3-bedroom for under $1000 for the week. Technically not onsite but is basically on Disney property. Great option especially if you have a car.

 

[amyecpa]

One more question ..... I'm a little confused. When u rent points from someone are the points specific to one resort (the owner's home resort) or can u use the points anywhere?

 

[Magic3forme]

One more question ..... I'm a little confused. When u rent points from someone are the points specific to one resort (the owner's home resort) or can u use the points anywhere?

No you do not have to stay at their "home" resort. The advantage with the home resort is the owner can make reservations 11 mos in advance. 7 mos in advance for any non home resort.

BLT is great for Magic Kingdom! a lot of the Lakeview rooms have views of MK, and the cost is a lot less.
Animal kingdom has great pools and seeing the animals is neat too.
My kids loved the pool at Old Key West.

Not sure if the washer/ dryer is a big deal for you, but in a studio they do not have them in the rooms. At BLT the washers are on the first floor.

 

[wilma-bride]

One more question ..... I'm a little confused. When u rent points from someone are the points specific to one resort (the owner's home resort) or can u use the points anywhere?

Just to clarify, when you rent from a DVC owner (or through a broker) what you are actually renting is a reservation, you are NOT renting the points.

As a previous poster stated, the only difference is owners can book at their home resort 11 months prior to check in so, if you want a particular resort (i.e. Bay Lake Tower), you may wish to rent from an owner who has BLT as their home resort as they will be able to make the reservation earlier than a non-BLT owner would.

I am a DVC owner but rented points for two WDW stays before we finally bought in in 2007. As others have said, there are risks associated with renting and you need to be aware of them but, as long as you do your research and rent from a reliable source (check recommendations/references) it is a great way to stay at a resort that might normally be out of your price range/budget.

FWIW, I would recommend that you stay at Villas at Wilderness Lodge. It is, by far, our favourite DVC resort at WDW. The boat to MK is convenient and we have always found the buses to be very reliable. the theming is wonderful, it is a very relaxing resort and absolutely breathtaking.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

As for BLT, while I really enjoyed the resort, I think the studio is way too small for 4 people...even if two of them are children.

YMMV.

 

[amyecpa]

THANKS so much for all the tips........

how does anyone go to WDW without visiting the DIS first?!?!?

 

[hakepb]

As for BLT, while I really enjoyed the resort, I think the studio is way too small for 4 people...even if two of them are children.

YMMV.

Among DVC studios, BLT are one of the smallest. (The 1BR+ units have a lot of room.)
So I can see why many would feel that way.