DVC Rental Questions

[racingwench]

My family is in the planning stages of a trip to Disney. I have a couple questions about DVC. We have always previously stayed in the WDW resorts but we are thinking of renting to see if we would really like becoming DVC members.
I have read most of the stickys here and I understand that there is much homework to be done and I need a little help.

I have researched and looked at photos of the rooms at the various sites. We have liked the AKV and BWV set ups the best.

1) How do I figure out what is number of points that we need? If we check in on Monday and leave on Saturday.
2) I assume that if you want a room with a view that is more points, what would those be? It sounds like you can request the roooms with a view but they are not guaranteed is that correct?
3) Is it better to wait until an owner posts that they have points to rent for what I want or do I start a thread on the rental board to see what response I get?

Any help you give me would be appreciated

Thanks
Cathy

 

[vicki_c]

Here's a link to the points charts for all of the DVC resorts:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/DVCpoints.shtml

I think you're better off to post a thread of what you want and when vs. waiting for someone to post that they have it.

If a resort has separate view booking categories, they will be reflected on the points charts and then you can request to reserve that category. That would make that view guaranteed. If a resort does not have separate booking categories, then it's just a request that is not guaranteed.

 

[CraftyMouse]

1) How do I figure out what is number of points that we need? If we check in on Monday and leave on Saturday.

At the top of the page (right under The Timeshare Store banner) you'll see a tab that says "DVC Points Charts". Click on that and then on the property you'd like to stay at to figure out the number of points you'll need.

2) I assume that if you want a room with a view that is more points, what would those be? It sounds like you can request the roooms with a view but they are not guaranteed is that correct?

At both AKV and BWV there are view categories and yes, the rooms with a view cost more points per night. At the BWV there are three views...Standard (overlooks main entryway and parking lots), Preferred (overlooks pool/waterways/landscaping) and Boardwalk (overlooks, obviously, the Boardwalk itself).

At AKV it's a bit trickier. There is the Value category which offers smaller rooms with various views. Some do overlook the Savannah but you can't be guaranteed of getting one of those. Next is Standard which overlooks the pool. Then there's Savannah which, obviously, overlooks the Savannah with the animals. Finally there's Concierge which allows guests access to the Concierge facilities (lounge with light snacks throughout the day, ability to book the Sunrise/Sunset Safaris, assistance with dining reservaitons, etc.) but you are not guaranteed a Savannah view. You will either overlook the pool or the Savannah with a COncierge room. Personally I would go for the Savannah view as, to me, the whole point of staying at AKV is the animals.

3) Is it better to wait until an owner posts that they have points to rent for what I want or do I start a thread on the rental board to see what response I get?

You should start the search process now. You are already within the 11-month window for your vacation dates. Decide whether you want to stay at BWV or AKV (or split your stay between them) and look for a member who owns at that resort. They will be able to book your reservation now, before the 7-month window opens up for members who own at other resorts.

I'd figure out how many points I needed and post a thread looking for exactly what you want. For example, "X AKV Points Needed for 7/09 Rental"

Hope that helps! Good luck with the process...but be forewarned...once you go DVC you may never go back!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Actually, points are worthless to you if you are not a member. What you really need to post is a request for a reservation for the resort you want, view you want, size villa you want, days you want. Then hope for the best.

Or respond to a message from a member who has "points for rent". They can make the reservation you need if it is available.

If you are unsure about views, ask the member who owns those points. If they don't have a clue about views at their home resort, run away fast.

And you'll want someone with points at the resort you want to stay at. They can make that reservation 11 months out. Non-home resort points can only be used 7 months out.

You want to start looking for a member to make that reservation for you no less than 9-11 months ahead of time.

Last tip? Never try to lowball or play a member. If someone helps you, you've probably got a friend established there. Don't ask a member to find that reservation, do the legwork and then blow them off for someone who is asking for a little less per point.

Good luck on getting your reservation.

 

[racingwench]

Thank you all for your updates and advice. I really appreciate the time and effort.

I have one more question when we post our request since we are flexible about the days but know the month can I put that in the posting and work it up from there? Will that help securing the type of accomodations that we need?

Also as far as the price will the member tell me that up front. I don't want to low ball anybody but I don't want to get taken either. I really just would like to know what $$ amount that I am committing to.

Thanks again for all of your help and I hope I have not been too much of a pest.

Cathy

 

[wrighter]

Generally speaking, most members offer to rent points somewhere between $10 per point and $12 per point - with some renting above and below that threshold as well. Any member worth a grain of salt should give you their price point up front, and should offer a contract that spells out their payment policy. (This can vary widely from member to member.)

I am a new owner, but have previously been a renter - so I can see it from both sides. It can be nervewracking for either party! The best transactions stem from upfront communication, and someone you just feel comfortable with. If you are hesitant at all - find someone else to rent from.

If you want to PM me with any other questions, I'd be happy to answer them - to the best of my ability, anyway. I know the first time we rented I was so nervous, so I know where you're coming from.

Good luck!

 

[disneynutz]

Thank you all for your updates and advice. I really appreciate the time and effort.

I have one more question when we post our request since we are flexible about the days but know the month can I put that in the posting and work it up from there? Will that help securing the type of accomodations that we need?

Also as far as the price will the member tell me that up front. I don't want to low ball anybody but I don't want to get taken either. I really just would like to know what $$ amount that I am committing to.

Thanks again for all of your help and I hope I have not been too much of a pest.

Cathy

It all depends when you want to vacation and what's available during that time.

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

Subscribing. I'm curious about why some points are $10, and others are $12? Is it about supply and demand?

 

[PNO4TE]

Subscribing. I'm curious about why some points are $10, and others are $12? Is it about supply and demand?

It is simply about how much the DVC owner wishes to charge.