First time renting DVC points-am I doing something wrong?

[HappilyEverAfter80]

What they're saying is yes, there are units available for your dates However they need to find a DVC OWNER who has points available and are willing to to rent them to you for those dates. Does that make sense?

Yes, it is finally starting to make sense...
I don't know if that's good or bad
Maybe we should try to rent points for early Dec instead. Based on what I'm reading it's unlikely we will actually get a studio in August now.
We may still go in august but were also looking to go 2nd time in Dec this year.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Maybe we should try to rent points for early Dec instead.

Early December is the single highest-demand DVC period of the year. Frankly, you're already too late for studios at most DVC resorts for the first two weeks in December.

 

[MrInfinity]

Most things I read say you will either end up paying less than a moderate or the same, but get a deluxe.
To stay the same amount of time, on the same dates it would be roughly $550 more renting DVC points than booking through Disney. This is with tickets and a dining plan added to the DVC reservation and for one of the less expensive studio options for our dates (excluding OKW and Saratoga which we are not interested in) - we priced out Boardwalk, AKL standard view @ $550 more than the moderate with free dining and the Beach Club which we are most interested in @ $800 more.
Now, I'm not saying that it's a bad price for a deluxe, especially considering you get a bigger room but I still didn't expect it to be that much more than the Moderate booked through Disney directly...

Hi Happily,
You're finding similar results to what we found. As long as we fit in regular rooms, renting points never worked out for us. We could always stay in the Poly or Contemporary for about the same as renting. And we didn't have to book at 11 months, could change up to the last minute, etc. Add to that how point rentals have to be paid for with cash or unprotected Paypal but paying for Disney stuff you can hack payment methods, and how you don't own your own reservation, renting was never our best option.
So, we bought on our own. To leverage the savings of DVC, and if you go to WDW often, consider buying a small contract for yourself. See how many trips it would cost you renting before owning is a better value to you.

 

[Cyberc1978]

Early December is the single highest-demand DVC period of the year. Frankly, you're already too late for studios at most DVC resorts for the first two weeks in December.

True, right now the only availability From 3-10dec is akv in a savanna view. If you can stretch it for the week after then there are more to choose from.

 

[Pkltm]

Hello all, I'm not new to the DIS boards, but first time posting in this forum. Please forgive me in advance if this is not where I can ask this.. but hoping I can get some information.
Bit of a background.. we are a family of 3 (2A, 1C) and travel to WDW once a year. We typically go late August, stay at a moderate level resort and take advantage of Free Dining.
We have been eyeing the Deluxe resorts for a while, and we keep reading that a good way to stay at one is rent DVC points. Most things I read say you will either end up paying less than a moderate or the same, but get a deluxe.
This year we are looking to go again mid to late August and I priced out a moderate resort assuming Free Dining will be released.
Then we priced out a few deluxe studios through one of the 2 main DVC rental sites. To stay the same amount of time, on the same dates it would be roughly $550 more renting DVC points than booking through Disney. This is with tickets and a dining plan added to the DVC reservation and for one of the less expensive studio options for our dates (excluding OKW and Saratoga which we are not interested in) - we priced out Boardwalk, AKL standard view @ $550 more than the moderate with free dining and the Beach Club which we are most interested in @ $800 more.
Now, I'm not saying that it's a bad price for a deluxe, especially considering you get a bigger room but I still didn't expect it to be that much more than the Moderate booked through Disney directly...
What am I missing?
Is it the added Dining? Or the dates?
It is entirely possible that I'm doing something wrong here too... but I crunched the #'s a couple of times now.
Sorry for rambling on.. just trying to best explain it.
If someone has any insight, would highly appreciate it.

When pricing out the moderate, are you taking into account that IF free dining comes out, you will more than likely have to add a hopper or WP to ticket, and that also based upon the last few years, standard view will be hard to come by may have to upgrade pool, water, garden etc.

I am a free dining fan! This year we are renting points and have bought the Canadian tickets. I am pretty sure that we will come out way ahead, based upon how we plan to eat. This is our first year in 10 without free dining.

 

[Marionnette]

So I don't know, maybe this does not confirm anything, it's very confusing to me - this renting points.
This was a couple of weeks ago as well, so any availability could be gone by now. I will look into it again.

That broker gave you a snapshot picture of availability. That's what was available just prior to them sending the email and it was prior to the 7-month window opening for booking non-home resorts in the latter part of August. I can tell you that as of this morning, you will not get more than 3 consecutive nights in any BWV studio during the entire month of August and there are only single nights in studios available at BCV during that month. And that can also change from moment to moment.

If a broker tells you that they have availability for your dates, you need to be prepared to book it right then and there. Especially if you're trying for a hard-to-get villa like any BWV standard view, all BCV studios or AKV Value units of any size. Their "inventory" is no different from what any DVC member can book and the unit that they tell you is available now, could be booked by another member by this afternoon.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

When pricing out the moderate, are you taking into account that IF free dining comes out, you will more than likely have to add a hopper or WP to ticket, and that also based upon the last few years, standard view will be hard to come by may have to upgrade pool, water, garden etc.

I am a free dining fan! This year we are renting points and have bought the Canadian tickets. I am pretty sure that we will come out way ahead, based upon how we plan to eat. This is our first year in 10 without free dining.

Yes we priced out a park hopper ticket and I agree that this is all IF free dining comes out. You are right too, we had to go with a water or garden view last time which added $200 to our booking.
If we didn't add the dining I could totally see us coming out on top. Dining plan is a must for us though, I know it's not always the best deal but I like the convenience of it.
What dates are you going if I may ask, and when did you book your trip?

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

That broker gave you a snapshot picture of availability. That's what was available just prior to them sending the email and it was prior to the 7-month window opening for booking non-home resorts in the latter part of August. I can tell you that as of this morning, you will not get more than 3 consecutive nights in any BWV studio during the entire month of August and there are only single nights in studios available at BCV during that month. And that can also change from moment to moment.

If a broker tells you that they have availability for your dates, you need to be prepared to book it right then and there. Especially if you're trying for a hard-to-get villa like any BWV standard view, all BCV studios or AKV Value units of any size. Their "inventory" is no different from what any DVC member can book and the unit that they tell you is available now, could be booked by another member by this afternoon.

Ok thank you.

 

[Pkltm]

1. Yes at locations that do not have a fixed price per person.
2. Yes.

Yes we priced out a park hopper ticket and I agree that this is all IF free dining comes out. You are right too, we had to go with a water or garden view last time which added $200 to our booking.
If we didn't add the dining I could totally see us coming out on top. Dining plan is a must for us though, I know it's not always the best deal but I like the convenience of it.
What dates are you going if I may ask, and when did you book your trip?

We are are staying at AKL Oct 2-11, rented points through davids. We normally arrive the last few days of sept and stay for 1 week to 10 days. But this year we are doing a Disney cruise, Sep 29-Oct 2.

Last year we had 4 DA, stayed Sept 28- Oct 5 (7 nights) at POR with a 5 day PH with WP, Free regular dining cost was 3650.00 USD

This year we are renting points 9 nights at AKL, ($1305), We bought 2- 6 day and 2- 4 day PHWP passes, on the Canadian deal (1389.86) . We have 4 DA, 2 are coming in on the 5th as they are not joining on the cruise So with passes and room I am at 2694.84, but I still need food. We will order groceries to the room for Breakfast, we will pick a couple of TS meals, but most eat counter service. Last year, we ended up sharing meals as they are big portions and converting CS-snacks and bringing home snacks, we still have some goofy candy actually.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

We are are staying at AKL Oct 2-11, rented points through davids. We normally arrive the last few days of sept and stay for 1 week to 10 days. But this year we are doing a Disney cruise, Sep 29-Oct 2.

Last year we had 4 DA, stayed Sept 28- Oct 5 (7 nights) at POR with a 5 day PH with WP, Free regular dining cost was 3650.00 USD

This year we are renting points 9 nights at AKL, ($1305), We bought 2- 6 day and 2- 4 day PHWP passes, on the Canadian deal (1389.86) . We have 4 DA, 2 are coming in on the 5th as they are not joining on the cruise So with passes and room I am at 2694.84, but I still need food. We will order groceries to the room for Breakfast, we will pick a couple of TS meals, but most eat counter service. Last year, we ended up sharing meals as they are big portions and converting CS-snacks and bringing home snacks, we still have some goofy candy actually.

This sounds awesome! Hope you have a great vacation Disney cruise followed by 9 days at AKL.... perfect. Enjoy!

Thanks everyone for your replies, I did learn a lot actually. Renting points does not always save one $ over booking with Disney directly, in fact depending on the dates and options and for smaller parties like ours... it does not.

 

[TonyaG83]

We chose to rent points vs. doing the 1 Free QS/Value this year. Had a bad experience at the Values last summer with a rowdy sports team hanging out outside their rooms. Decided to never stay in a motel/dorm style room again. It wasn't a huge deal when I was younger, but gets more concerning when you're walking around late at night with a child. To me, I'd rather pay the higher price to feel safer.

We've never done a Moderate, but are the rooms there only accessible through outdoor hallways as well?

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

We chose to rent points vs. doing the 1 Free QS/Value this year. Had a bad experience at the Values last summer with a rowdy sports team hanging out outside their rooms. Decided to never stay in a motel/dorm style room again. It wasn't a huge deal when I was younger, but gets more concerning when you're walking around late at night with a child. To me, I'd rather pay the higher price to feel safer.

We've never done a Moderate, but are the rooms there only accessible through outdoor hallways as well?

Yes they are but they are a step above the Values in my opinion.
We stayed at a value once and it was ok but not nearly as nice as any of the Moderates. In terms of rooms, grounds and pools and theming.
If you can do deluxe though, any of them, really can't beat that.
Although I have friends who prefer to stay at POR over most of the deluxes..
In my opinion the 1 QS dining deal they have out now is kinda a joke, I would not go with that either.
Hope you enjoy your trip!

 

[CMNJ]

We chose to rent points vs. doing the 1 Free QS/Value this year. Had a bad experience at the Values last summer with a rowdy sports team hanging out outside their rooms. Decided to never stay in a motel/dorm style room again. It wasn't a huge deal when I was younger, but gets more concerning when you're walking around late at night with a child. To me, I'd rather pay the higher price to feel safer.

We've never done a Moderate, but are the rooms there only accessible through outdoor hallways as well?

Yes the moderates are outdoor halls as well

 

[DavidA]

Hello, I've rented many times and would say this. First, the "experience" at any one of the Deluxe Villas will be worth the extra money. Renting points is still a great way to but not quite as good of a deal as it was a few years ago. Second, rent from an owner not an agency and you should save a minimum of a dollar or more per point. The Deluxe Villas on the monorail route are great but way expensive. I have a family of 4 and are very grateful for the fine folks who have rented to us. I would never be able to experience the best Disney has to offer without them. DO NOT DO THE DINING PLAN. Disney has made the price not worth getting. I saved a few hundred dollars on a 5 night stay with my family and were determined to eat where we want and what we want excluding "signature" restaurants and came out way ahead on each occasion. I used to LOVE to worry free aspect of DDP but will never do it again. Good luck, AND the sand bottom pools are fantastic. I was skeptical as well. As far as moderates if need be. The unanimous winner in my home is Coronado Springs.

 

[keishashadow]

Thank you, that's what I thought. It sounds like renting DVC points is not a good deal during the Free Dining promotion then.. which makes sense I guess, I just wasn't 100% sure because you pay rack rates for the moderate when they have Free Dining.
It's also interesting that when we priced out the moderate (with FD) for last August and December, December was a couple of hundred dollars more... and with the DVC points it seems we can rent for quite a bit lower in December than August.
All new to me
Anyway thank you for your help!

Have. They published the free DP dates for 2017? Thought the dates tended to change each year with some variations as to what is included/tix requirement

The DP is a convenience but you could easily buy Disney gift cards prior to the trip and have your dining 'pd'.

Thinking if renting thru an individual instead of company, individual might be agreeable to purchasing the DP for you (upfront cost to you).

Additionally, you could save some $ buying your park tix thru a discounter.

I do, but to be fair I haven't even visited the Boardwalk resort... I have only seen it from the boat and photos... The Boardwalk is certainly less expensive. We have visited the Beach Club a few times as DH loves Cape May Café.
Their pool looks wicked although I didn't realize it has sand it in... not sure if I like that..
We could also stay at AKL for less than Boardwalk, and as much as I just love the theme of that resort, it has got to be pretty awesome to stay within walking distance to Epcot and HS.

The BC lazy river portion drops off quickly in spots, have seen more than a few surprised children.

Own @ BW & AK. I like the clown many do not. Also, only book the standard studios, which disappear very quickly.

I love the atmosphere @ AKV-Jambo, including the pool and many activities as well as the animal viewing.

I did already get quotes and they have availability. Maybe because all we want is a studio?

Seems as tho studios often 'sell out' prior to 1 BR units

Early December is the single highest-demand DVC period of the year. Frankly, you're already too late for studios at most DVC resorts for the first two weeks in December.

/\ agreed but SSR is usually available @ 7 months

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

Have. They published the free DP dates for 2017? Thought the dates tended to change each year with some variations as to what is included/tix requirement

The DP is a convenience but you could easily buy Disney gift cards prior to the trip and have your dining 'pd'.

Thinking if renting thru an individual instead of company, individual might be agreeable to purchasing the DP for you (upfront cost to you).

Additionally, you could save some $ buying your park tix thru a discounter.



The BC lazy river portion drops off quickly in spots, have seen more than a few surprised children.

Own @ BW & AK. I like the clown many do not. Also, only book the standard studios, which disappear very quickly.

I love the atmosphere @ AKV-Jambo, including the pool and many activities as well as the animal viewing.



Seems as tho studios often 'sell out' prior to 1 BR units



/\ agreed but SSR is usually available @ 7 months

FD is not out yet I was just assuming the dates and parameters based on last couple of years. I used the rack rates disney has posted right now.

Anyway it does look like we will be staying at a deluxe this summer and paying OOP for dining and I love your idea "pre-paying" using gift cards. Thank you!

 

[Mike_Mac]

January 16th my family submitted our first request through a DVC rental agency, after many trips to WDW. We love the WL, so we targeted Boulder Ridge Villas for the third week in December. After two weeks waiting the agency paired our request up with a DVC owner, so all worked well (linking the reservation to MyDisneyExperience and the tickets we purchased was effortless). However, the radio-silence you live in while waiting for someone to accept your points request offer was a little odd the first time around (two weeks total) as compared with the instant gratification / certainty of making your reservations through Disney directly.

The analysis for us was a 6-night Deluxe Studio rental for 90 points versus the cost of a standard WL room for the same number of nights, but we also assumed a 20% room-only discount (including taxes) on the WL room to be conservative with our savings margin. The costs ended up being $1500 for the DVC rental and $2980 for the WL room. So, in that straight-up scenario, getting a Deluxe Studio at Boulder Ridge is an easy win for us. In further comparison, we spent five nights the 2nd week of this past Christmas at the CBR, which was $1250 (with room-only discount and taxes) and would equate to $1500 over six nights. In this scenario, the Deluxe Studio at a deluxe resort is the same cost as a moderate resort for the same time of year, so it's still a win for us. Of course, all that can change based on the time of year and what your wish-list needs are!

The free-dining promotion is a little bit of a wrinkle, because there is a whole separate analysis of whether it's a deal for your family or not. For our small family, who have had the dining plan twice and never been able to eat all that food, we spend less money paying as we go for meals as compared to the dining plan. On top of that, we now use Garden Grocer, which saves us even more money on regular meals, so we can splurge on some fancier dinners. Before trying a DVC rental agency, we always found our dates coincided with good room-only discounts, which tend to save us more money at the Moderate/Deluxe level than free-dining. So, dining plans no longer figures into the equation for us.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

We are now booked at the Poly - got an amazing deal, so excited. Thanks everyone for your responses. We will not have a dining plan this year I guess so that will be a learning curve.

 

[MegEliz]

We are now booked at the Poly - got an amazing deal, so excited. Thanks everyone for your responses. We will not have a dining plan this year I guess so that will be a learning curve.

Congrats! Was it through a broker? We are just in the process of figuring it all out too. Looking into AKL.

 

[Pkltm]

We are staying 9 nights on points at AKV Jambo, the first 4 are just DH and I, we wil relax and enjoy the resort, then DS21 and DD18 will join. They have no issue sharing space with us. They are very excited to go to the parks, so we wont have a large amount of time in the room. It may see a bit cramped is my concern, however we are used to staying in value resorts with them. Our 9 nights are costing me $1305, 9 nights at ASSP would of run me $1495, and POR 2710.14.

We usually do for free dining but with renting the points and the canadian ticket deal, I feel like there is no way free dining would of been better for us.