DVC Vacation v. Resort Vacation - what is different?

[annnewjerz]

We are thinking about renting points at BWV for our upcoming 2009 trip to WDW. We have never done this before, but it seems like a good deal because there is the possibility it will be cheaper for us to stay at a studio at BWV than staying in a standard room at POR - what luck!

So my question is...what (if anything) is different about staying as a BWV member compared to a regular WDW Resort guest?

Here are some things I know and some things I would like to get answers for:

1. If you rent points from a DVC member, can you still add a free dining promo to your ressie?

2. Can you still utilize the Magical Express to get from the airport to your hotel?

3. Can you still charge items to your room using your room key?

Here are the things I know are different:

1. Maid service, it's like every fourth day or so, right?

That's about it Any special discounts that DVC members can pass along to people renting their points...like discounts on hard ticket events, discounts on merchandise or services, etc???

Thanks!!

 

[Chuck S]

No, there is no free dining promo for stays on DVC Points. Free diing requires a full rack rate cash reservation.

The member you rent the reservaton from can make ME arrangements for you, you can not call directly.

Yes, room charging is the same for DVC vs a cash Disney reservation.

If your stay is 7 noghts or less, you will receive fresh towels and have the trash removed on Day 4, no full maid service.

If your stay is 8 nights or more, you will receive full maid service on Day 4.

Remember that you are renting a DVC Reservation from a member, Disney will not become involved if the deal goes sour. Most DVC member rentals have a no refund policy. It is a private agreement between you and a member.

 

[annnewjerz]

No, there is no free dining promo for stays on DVC Points. Free diing requires a full rack rate cash reservation.

The member you rent the reservaton from can make ME arrangements for you, you can not call directly.

Yes, room charging is the same for DVC vs a cash Disney reservation.

If your stay is 7 noghts or less, you will receive fresh towels and have the trash removed on Day 4, no full maid service.

If your stay is 8 nights or more, you will receive full maid service on Day 4.

Remember that you are renting a DVC Reservation from a member, Disney will not become involved if the deal goes sour. Most DVC member rentals have a no refund policy. It is a private agreement between you and a member.

Two more quick questions to follow up. Since I will have a copy of the confirmation number, can I still call to make ADRs or do I have to coordinate that through the DVC owner?

Also - thank you for the forewarning about the rental. I'm considering renting from a family member, so if the deal goes sour either A. I know where they live or B. that is going to make for one awkward Christmas get together!!!

 

[Chuck S]

Yes, you can call to make your own ADRs, but you may not make them through the Toll Free DVC reservation number, you'll need to call Disney Dining.

They may not be able to cross reference the reservation numbers with DVC room reservations, but they can link the ADRs to your phone number.

Also, you can purchase the DDP, just not get it free. The member will have to link it to your room reservation, and you pay for it at check-in.

 

[annnewjerz]

Yes, you can call to make your own ADRs, but you may not make them through the Toll Free DVC reservation number, you'll need to call Disney Dining.

They may not be able to cross reference the reservation numbers with DVC room reservations, but they can link the ADRs to your phone number.

Also, you can purchase the DDP, just not get it free. The member will have to link it to your room reservation, and you pay for it at check-in.

Thank you muchly!!

 

[annnewjerz]

Just thought of one more thing actually.

If I can't get the Free DDP offer because you have to be staying at a resort and paying rack rate, can I purchase the DDP out of my pocket if I want at full price??

 

[mickeymorse]

Just thought of one more thing actually.

If I can't get the Free DDP offer because you have to be staying at a resort and paying rack rate, can I purchase the DDP out of my pocket if I want at full price??

Yes you may but the DVC member needs to add it to the reservation for you. All you do is pay for it when you arrive to the resort.

 

[annnewjerz]

Yes you may but the DVC member needs to add it to the reservation for you. All you do is pay for it when you arrive to the resort.

Sounds great.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Chuck S]

Yes, I may have been editing my last post while you were posting
The DVC Member will need to arrange for the DDP, there are three choices for next year, a counter service plan, the standard plan, and the deluxe plan.

The member will call Member Services at least 3 days prior to you arrival to add the plan, you will pay for it at check-in. The plans are the same price for DVC as they are for cash guests, (with the exception of the free dining promo) and fall under the same rules. You do not need to purchase a park ticket to qualify for the DDP, so you can purchase your tickets from an online discounter, or directly from Disney if you wish. There is no way to pre-pay for tickets with DVC like you can with a cash room package. But you can order tickets from the Disney website and either pick them up at Disney, or have them mailed to you.

No matter where you buy your tickets, as long as you haven't used them, yo can have them transferred to your room key at your resorts concierge desk in the lobby, if you wish.