General Renter Questions

[hroyale]

Hi,
I'm planning to rent points to bring my entire family down for a vacation next Jan.

Anyway, I've done a lot of reading and have a pretty good idea what I'm getting into with the renting points process.

I know we don't get the DVC member benefits, and wouldn't expect to. What I'd like is just to confirm a few things that may or may not be different between renting someone's DVC villa points and staying at a typical disney resort.

I want to make sure I don't bug the person I rent from with innane questions. If this post is out of line here, please don't hesitate to tell me and I'll remove it.

1. If we use the Magic Express from the airport, can we still have our bags delivered to the room and go right to the park?

2. Can we bill things to our room, or since our reservation was made under the DVC member's name do we need to pay as we go.

3. Can we have purchases delivered to our room?

Also, if you know of anything else we need to prepare for as "point renters" vs typical resort guests, thanks.

Thanks,
Heather

 

[crisi]

1. Yes (at least currently)
2. Yes
3. To the gift shop (Disney stopped delivering to rooms quite a while ago).

Big differences between DVC and a hotel stay.

MOST studio rooms with DVC will have a queen bed and a pullout couch (OKW will have two queen beds).

There is no cots available or extra bedding provided.

Your room will not be cleaned daily. Nor will you get toiletry refills, clean towels, etc. daily.

 

[JimMIA]

I think the biggest single difference is the issue of cancellation/rescheduling. With a hotel reservation, you have pretty liberal cancellation policies. That is NOT true with DVC.

There are situations (which you would have no way of knowing about) in which the DVC owner you rent from would be powerless to help you if your plans change. Unfortunately, some DVC owners don't anticipate those difficulties and only recognize them when the subject comes up due to a change in plans by the renter.

You need to have a very clear mutual understanding with the owner you rent from about what happens if your plans change. And once you have that understanding, you need to ask yourself whether the contingency plan you've agreed to actually looks realistic.

If your plans are solid -- carved in stone -- renting could save you a considerable amount of money. But if your plans are subject to change, I'd really look for codes, promotions, or other options to save money.

 

[RobDoc]

You will have all of the typical perks afforded WDW resort guests when staying at a DVC resort - you will have a parking pass which allows free Theme Park parking, you will be able to use WDW Transportation, you will have charging privileges since the reservation will be in YOUR name (then member is just the one who made the reservation, but once you check in at the resort they no longer have any control over the reservation), you may use Magical Express and have you luggage delivered to the room, you can add the Dining Plan if desired, park purchases can be delivered to the resort , you may take advantage of Extra Magic Hours at the Theme Parks. As noted, you will not daily housekeeping except with an additional fee.

Enjoy!

 

[crisi]

I think the biggest single difference is the issue of cancellation/rescheduling. With a hotel reservation, you have pretty liberal cancellation policies. That is NOT true with DVC.

There are situations (which you would have no way of knowing about) in which the DVC owner you rent from would be powerless to help you if your plans change. Unfortunately, some DVC owners don't anticipate those difficulties and only recognize them when the subject comes up due to a change in plans by the renter.

You need to have a very clear mutual understanding with the owner you rent from about what happens if your plans change. And once you have that understanding, you need to ask yourself whether the contingency plan you've agreed to actually looks realistic.

If your plans are solid -- carved in stone -- renting could save you a considerable amount of money. But if your plans are subject to change, I'd really look for codes, promotions, or other options to save money.

Or, in other words, consider a rental transaction like a Priceline bid or discount airline tickets - its going to be a good deal, but its final. If you get lucky, your owner MAY be willing and able to do something if your plans change, but its best to assume they won't be able to.

 

[hroyale]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses. You answered all my questions.

I understand the risks of renting points, especially since I'm planning 11 months out. Situations could change, but that doesn't mean I'd be able to get out of my contract. Infact, I most likely wouldn't.

Honestly that is a risk I am willing to take for many reasons. Not the least of which is that I'd really like to stay in one of the villas AND I'm really anxious to get it booked sooner than later. I feel like I have two options for this vacation, book early and have plans somewhat set. Or wait until the last minute and try to get an awesome deal. (Which I understand happens in Jan quite frequently.)

My sanity requires the early booking.

Thanks for your answers, it looks like the obvious risks are the only real drawbacks to renting points. As long as I know what I'm dealing with I can take steps to mitigate the risks.

Thanks again!
Heather

 

[dianeschlicht]

CONGRATULATIONS on having a GREAT understanding and attitude about the process! If all renters were like you, I'm sure the owners who rent out their points would be very grateful!

 

[crisi]

Oh, I thought of another difference.

With CRO rooms you'll occationally get 'complementary upgrades' and you'll have a choice of views (which you will pay more for a guarenteed better view).

With DVC, there are fewer opportunities to guarentee a view (AKL and BWV being exceptions), and view requests are pretty luck of the draw and almost NO upgrades.

There are no connecting DVC studios as well (on property). Doesn't look like that's an issue for you with two three year olds, but it sometimes shocks the non-initiated who assume they'll be able to get connecting rooms.

 

[Deb & Bill]

... I feel like I have two options for this vacation, book early and have plans somewhat set. Or wait until the last minute and try to get an awesome deal. (Which I understand happens in Jan quite frequently.)...

If you are looking at the first or second week of Jan, they get booked early because of the holiday decorations and the marathon. I don't think these so called "awesome deals" exist too much any more. The days of firesale points may be over since it is getting harder and harder to get five or more days in a row at a last minute. You might still have desperate members, but with existing reservations that cannot be changed/modified/extended.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I rented points for January 2 years in a row before buying. I had a great experience and don't hesitate to recommend this route to friends and family.

In fact, I have a rather small contract and am thinking about renting points for a 2009 trip.

 

[mayopac]

Hello,

I am not sure if this question is considered renting or not, but here goes...What if I don't plan on using my points one year and a relative wants to use them instead...What is the procedure for doing that? Or is that even possible? Just wondering...Thanks

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hello,

I am not sure if this question is considered renting or not, but here goes...What if I don't plan on using my points one year and a relative wants to use them instead...What is the procedure for doing that? Or is that even possible? Just wondering...Thanks

You can make a reservation with your points for your relative.

 

[JimMIA]

Hello,

I am not sure if this question is considered renting or not, but here goes...What if I don't plan on using my points one year and a relative wants to use them instead...What is the procedure for doing that? Or is that even possible? Just wondering...Thanks

Just call MS and make the ressie in their name. You will also have to call MS for DME, DDP, requests, etc for them. MS will not speak to a non-owner.

Be sure they understand the implications of a change in plans, or you may risk losing your points.

 

[mayopac]

Thank everyone for their replies...The information was helpful