DVC Rentals - General Information For a Newbie

[Danielle_The_Belle]

Hi all,

I am planning an epic WDW vacation for myself, partner and child, and hopefully my partners’ family will be able to come or meet us there too (they are in New Zealand) . While I have been to WDW 3 times all 3 times I have stayed at an offsite resort not affiliated with Disney. This time ‘round I wanted the full Disney experience for my family, my child is finally becoming a Disney nerd like me, and my partner (and family) are HUGE Disney fans and with that I am planning on popping the question at MK.

As this is a big trip for us (We live in West Coast Canada, partners family is in New Zealand) and with the events hopefully to transpire positively, I’m trying to meticulously plan this trip and have begun listening to a lot of podcasts. One podcast (That Park Life) made mention of DVC rentals and sited one website (DVC Rental Store . Com) but I also found another site Rentals . DVC . Shop . Com and if it’s possible to get something that may contain a bit more privacy for my partner and I and kiddo that doesn’t break the bank that would be ideal. My questions to those savy WDW planners:

1. Are these sites legit? (By legit not necessarily Disney certified and backed but reputable and safe)
2. If/When someone does this do they get the same perks you would get staying at a WDW resort like early/late park access, free park parking, Magic Bands as keys etc?
3. What are Pro’s and Con’s to this?
4. What sites would be recommended (keeping in mind we are not USA based but Canadian based)

Thanks all

 

[CarolynFH]

Let me refer you to the DVC Resorts forum here on DISboards. You can get accurate answers to all your questions there, plus to any new questions that come up. https://www.disboards.com/forums/dvc-resorts.187/ You can also investigate renting directly from an owner here https://www.disboards.com/forums/dvc-rent-transfer.29/ . There are multiple DVC related forums in the same section of DISboards.

 

[gregskellington]

Hi all,

I am planning an epic WDW vacation for myself, partner and child, and hopefully my partners’ family will be able to come or meet us there too (they are in New Zealand) . While I have been to WDW 3 times all 3 times I have stayed at an offsite resort not affiliated with Disney. This time ‘round I wanted the full Disney experience for my family, my child is finally becoming a Disney nerd like me, and my partner (and family) are HUGE Disney fans and with that I am planning on popping the question at MK.

As this is a big trip for us (We live in West Coast Canada, partners family is in New Zealand) and with the events hopefully to transpire positively, I’m trying to meticulously plan this trip and have begun listening to a lot of podcasts. One podcast (That Park Life) made mention of DVC rentals and sited one website (DVC Rental Store . Com) but I also found another site Rentals . DVC . Shop . Com and if it’s possible to get something that may contain a bit more privacy for my partner and I and kiddo that doesn’t break the bank that would be ideal. My questions to those savy WDW planners:

1. Are these sites legit? (By legit not necessarily Disney certified and backed but reputable and safe)
2. If/When someone does this do they get the same perks you would get staying at a WDW resort like early/late park access, free park parking, Magic Bands as keys etc?
3. What are Pro’s and Con’s to this?
4. What sites would be recommended (keeping in mind we are not USA based but Canadian based)

Thanks all

1. I haven't used either of those sites but in general, DVC rentals are legit. You should be able to find testimonials for both online.
2. You get any perks that a DVC guest would. Yes, extended early and late hours, parking, etc. Magix Bands aren't free anymore, if you didn't know.
3. The far and away biggest con to this is you are making a non-refundable decision when you do this. Policies depend on the company you rent from, but more or less you are paying up front and too bad so sad if something happens. Better hope no more pandemics!

Housekeeping is very limited for DVC members. Do not rent points if you expect daily housekeeping. It's not going to happen.
4. Can't help here. You could explore the DVC section of this forum to try and find an owner to rent from or see if they have any suggestions.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

Hi all,

I am planning an epic WDW vacation for myself, partner and child, and hopefully my partners’ family will be able to come or meet us there too (they are in New Zealand) . While I have been to WDW 3 times all 3 times I have stayed at an offsite resort not affiliated with Disney. This time ‘round I wanted the full Disney experience for my family, my child is finally becoming a Disney nerd like me, and my partner (and family) are HUGE Disney fans and with that I am planning on popping the question at MK.

As this is a big trip for us (We live in West Coast Canada, partners family is in New Zealand) and with the events hopefully to transpire positively, I’m trying to meticulously plan this trip and have begun listening to a lot of podcasts. One podcast (That Park Life) made mention of DVC rentals and sited one website (DVC Rental Store . Com) but I also found another site Rentals . DVC . Shop . Com and if it’s possible to get something that may contain a bit more privacy for my partner and I and kiddo that doesn’t break the bank that would be ideal. My questions to those savy WDW planners:

1. Are these sites legit? (By legit not necessarily Disney certified and backed but reputable and safe)
2. If/When someone does this do they get the same perks you would get staying at a WDW resort like early/late park access, free park parking, Magic Bands as keys etc?
3. What are Pro’s and Con’s to this?
4. What sites would be recommended (keeping in mind we are not USA based but Canadian based)

Thanks all

1. Yes the sites are legit. I'm an owner and I have rented my points thru dvcrentalstore.com. I have no experience with the other website you mentioned.

2. Renters get the same perks that other onsite guests get. They do not get the benefits that DVC members get but you would be treated like any other Disney guest otherwise. MagicBands are no longer free and I don't know whether Canadians can pre-order them ahead of your visit.

3. Pro: Less expensive than booking directly with Disney. Larger accommodations to choose from.
Cons: Must pay in full when reservation is made in some cases (depends on the agency you use). Non-refundable. Cannot cancel. Best selection available 11 months before arrival date. The agency may or may not be able to fulfill your request. Certain views/locations are harder to book than others. Do not count on AKV value rooms or BWV standard views. BLT standard views are also difficult to get. Housekeeping is less frequent than in hotel rooms. And some rooms will show their wear and tear because DVC is behind on their refurbishment schedule.

4. For a Canadian, I recommend dvcrequest.com (also referred to as David's by a lot of people). They are located in Canada but deal with owners and renters from all over the world.