DVC Rental company or find an owner here?

[asreedy82]

Total n00b here. I'm planning to rent DVC points for the first time and I'm going big, most likely 7 nights in a 2-bedroom with two families. I'm interested in (detailed removed by mod) . As far as rental companies, David's seems to have the best price for what I want but I believe I'll be put in a queue until they find an owner with points (if they do). And it seems like going direct to an owner would save me some money, but I'd be very nervous doing that my first time especially when we're talking about $6k-$7k. I plan to pull the trigger later this week when we get together for Thanksgiving.

Has anyone been in my shoes here? Advice? I'm hoping someone will tell me, "Just go with David's, something will come up in a few days"

Also, does anyone know if I can get traveler's insurance like through Allianz or Travel Guard, with either a David's or going direct to owner? I'd really only want that for like a hurricane.

Thanks!!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

David's will ask you (optionally) to list a second and third choice resort (at least they used to), which increases the chance that they can find you something.

 

[AstroBlasters]

FWIW, I believe the board sponsor DVCRentalStore.com offers the ability to spread out the payments and has a cancellation policy within certain limits.

 

[Best Aunt]

Total n00b here. I'm planning to rent DVC points for the first time and I'm going big, most likely (detailed removed)

I'm hoping someone will tell me, "Just go with David's, something will come up in a few days"

My thoughts are:

a) If the other family backs out, and you still want to go, are you willing to pay the cost for a two-bedroom on your own? If no, then you might want to consider having each family rent separate studios. When two families are planning a trip, it seems that one family's enthusiasm often exceeds the other family's enthusiasm. Are you sure nothing will change for them? Might a child start a new activity/job which requires them to be home during the trip dates? Might an elderly parent require more attention? Also, assuming that things go right, are you sure you want that level of togetherness for a week?

b) I'm not so sure "something will come up in a few days." You don't want just something. You need someone who has Beach Club as their home resort, AND has enough points, AND has already decided to rent out their points for that time period, AND has decided to use David's.

c) My standard advice is (1) make sure you understand the cancellation policy, and (2) make sure you understand the bedding situation. When the description says that DVC rooms sleep a certain number of people, those sleeping surfaces will not all be regular beds of a standard size, and it assumes that people will be sharing.

 

[asreedy82]

My thoughts are:

a) If the other family backs out, and you still want to go, are you willing to pay the cost for a two-bedroom on your own? If no, then you might want to consider having each family rent separate studios. When two families are planning a trip, it seems that one family's enthusiasm often exceeds the other family's enthusiasm. Are you sure nothing will change for them? Might a child start a new activity/job which requires them to be home during the trip dates? Might an elderly parent require more attention? Also, assuming that things go right, are you sure you want that level of togetherness for a week?

b) I'm not so sure "something will come up in a few days." You don't want just something. You need someone who has Beach Club as their home resort, AND has enough points, AND has already decided to rent out their points for that time period, AND has decided to use David's.

c) My standard advice is (1) make sure you understand the cancellation policy, and (2) make sure you understand the bedding situation. When the description says that DVC rooms sleep a certain number of people, those sleeping surfaces will not all be regular beds of a standard size, and it assumes that people will be sharing.

All great points, and part B is what worries me most. I don’t know how realistic that scenario is… more to think about. Thanks!

 

[Genie+]

Has anyone been in my shoes here? Advice? I'm hoping someone will tell me, "Just go with David's, something will come up in a few days"

Also, does anyone know if I can get traveler's insurance like through Allianz or Travel Guard, with either a David's or going direct to owner? I'd really only want that for like a hurricane.

We’ve done a string of rentals - BC, BW, Poly, AKV, OKW and BLT through a mix of private owners and brokers. The challenge I’m seeing with yours is needing 250+ points. Still I think you have a great shot at getting this done.

I like getting rentals here on DIS. Direct communication, usually better price, and being able to look at their history here gives me confidence.

We’ve never gotten insurance but other people have - usually needs to be done within a short window (days or weeks?) and then you can keep adding other trip components. Update policy with flights, car rental, etc as you purchase those.

On the boards here I’m seeing two 150 pt BCV ads, and one with over 300pts for a few more dollars but could make life easier by not needing 2 separate reservations to cover the points you need. Or David’s, but honestly we’ve been in a similar position waiting for them to get points. I felt better getting it done myself here over wondering if I’d end up needing to change resorts by the time David’s secured a match.

 

[Genie+]

All great points, and part B is what worries me most. I don’t know how realistic that scenario is… more to think about. Thanks!

I’d make sure the other family understands these are not flexible reservations. Not like hotel. The tradeoff with DVC is lower price for high commitment.

 

[nw6675]

I've used David's, DVC Rental Store, and 4 private owners. I personally do not recommend the Rental Store as I've had multiple issues (two confirmed reservations not actually existing - 1 I had paid for, but in fairness got $ back quickly, a canceled reservation that they refused to remove my name from, not wanting to refund their short lived travel assistance when they couldn't secure my reservation, etc.)

I've never had an issue with David's, but my preference is established members on the DIS. Those that have many posts, members a long time, use contracts, etc.

My travel insurance paid without issue for a David's reservation. The documentation David's gave was perfect. YMMV.

 

[asreedy82]

I've never had an issue with David's, but my preference is established members on the DIS. Those that have many posts, members a long time, use contracts, etc.

This is reassuring for trying to find an owner. There is still a rental agreement that is signed, right?

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Regarding the idea of each family renting separate studios: I don't know how many people are in each family, or how much space you are accustomed to. IMHO, a studio is sized for a solo or a couple, but is a bit small for a family. YMMV. But you could also consider a one-bedroom unit for each family.

 

[nw6675]

This is reassuring for trying to find an owner. There is still a rental agreement that is signed, right?

Some do. A lot of them will outline their terms and process in their first post of the thread so you can get a feel for if there is a contract. A few even have cancelation policies, but not many do.

 

[asreedy82]

Regarding the idea of each family renting separate studios: I don't know how many people are in each family, or how much space you are accustomed to. IMHO, a studio is sized for a solo or a couple, but is a bit small for a family. YMMV. But you could also consider a one-bedroom unit for each family.

I said 2 families because when you exclude Pack 'n Plays, we only need 4 beds. It'll technically be 3 families: me, my wife, and our 2 kids who will be 6yo and 18months; my parents (who said they'd take the pull-out sofa); and my brother, his wife, and their 2yo. On paper, it seems like a good amount of space. Before our newest was born, we regularly would share a 2-queen room at GF with my wife's cousin and her husband, so we're used to cramming. We could probably do a 1-bedroom plus a studio, but I think that's 20% more than 2-bedroom alone.

If I could just convince my wife to buy a DVC contract, this would be way easier LOL... at least in my mind

 

[Genie+]

I said 2 families because when you exclude Pack 'n Plays, we only need 4 beds. It'll technically be 3 families: me, my wife, and our 2 kids who will be 6yo and 18months; my parents (who said they'd take the pull-out sofa); and my brother, his wife, and their 2yo. On paper, it seems like a good amount of space. Before our newest was born, we regularly would share a 2-queen room at GF with my wife's cousin and her husband, so we're used to cramming. We could probably do a 1-bedroom plus a studio, but I think that's 20% more than 2-bedroom alone.

If I could just convince my wife to buy a DVC contract, this would be way easier LOL... at least in my mind

Yeah 2BR is one of the best point options. Two 1BRs are 4x cost of 1 studio - or more! 2BR is generally 2.3 to 2.7x cost of 1 studio.

Plenty of people do what your plan is. While some people love their privacy others love sharing family time together like this. The bonus is getting the full kitchen and having common space to share meals and tIme. 2 bathrooms can be a challenge but it’s workable. The only two DVC 2BRs with 3 bathrooms is BLT and AKV-K, maybe keep in mind as back-up plan that comes with 3rd bath bonus.

But your chances of BCV 2BR are still pretty strong at the moment. These are not as hard to secure as studios. BC has two options with dedicated or lockoff. I’m thinking you could make do with either since you only require one bed in the 2nd bedroom.

 

[asreedy82]

We’ve done a string of rentals - BC, BW, Poly, AKV, OKW and BLT through a mix of private owners and brokers. The challenge I’m seeing with yours is needing 250+ points. Still I think you have a great shot at getting this done.

I like getting rentals here on DIS. Direct communication, usually better price, and being able to look at their history here gives me confidence.

We’ve never gotten insurance but other people have - usually needs to be done within a short window (days or weeks?) and then you can keep adding other trip components. Update policy with flights, car rental, etc as you purchase those.

On the boards here I’m seeing two 150 pt BCV ads, and one with over 300pts for a few more dollars but could make life easier by not needing 2 separate reservations to cover the points you need. Or David’s, but honestly we’ve been in a similar position waiting for them to get points. I felt better getting it done myself here over wondering if I’d end up needing to change resorts by the time David’s secured a match.

Yeah, I saw a post for 600 points at BC so maybe that will work out. I have my heart set on BC due to its close proximity to HS and EPCOT, and I'm pretty sure my parents will watch the little kids so we can do stuff like Star Wars at night. That and I'm most excited about the pool! Thanks!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Have you considered a Saratoga Springs treehouse? Three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a kitchen and living room.

 

[Cyberc1978]

Have you checked some of the Facebook groups? Don’t know if it will save you money but it will definitely increase your odds of getting your room.

Don’t know if the DIS is more or less secure but I like that on the Facebook groups you can get references from previous renters that’s unfortunately not an option on the DIS.

Also have in mind renting is not for everyone, it requires trust from both parties.

I know some owners allow you to rebook should your plan change - of course within the limit of when the points expire.

 

[Sandisw]

I removed the details of when and where you want to rent....

 

[asreedy82]

I removed the details of when and where you want to rent....

Oops! Didn't realize that was a no-no. Thank you!

 

[asreedy82]

Yeah 2BR is one of the best point options. Two 1BRs are 4x cost of 1 studio - or more! 2BR is generally 2.3 to 2.7x cost of 1 studio.

Plenty of people do what your plan is. While some people love their privacy others love sharing family time together like this. The bonus is getting the full kitchen and having common space to share meals and tIme. 2 bathrooms can be a challenge but it’s workable. The only two DVC 2BRs with 3 bathrooms is BLT and AKV-K, maybe keep in mind as back-up plan that comes with 3rd bath bonus.

But your chances of BCV 2BR are still pretty strong at the moment. These are not as hard to secure as studios. BC has two options with dedicated or lockoff. I’m thinking you could make do with either since you only require one bed in the 2nd bedroom.

I like your optimism!! Yeah, BLT is a good backup because I think everyone will appreciate how close it is to MK.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

If an owner does NOT offer a contact, run.

DVC ownership rules require owners who rent to use contracts. It's in OUR agreement with Disney.