Has anybody rented from DVC and if so...

[beaubeau8853]

Has anybody rented from DVC and if so where? Also would you do it again or did you miss the amenities, such as maid service?

My family and I (DD and DS) are thinking about going this December (the week before Christmas) and it seems like it would be a great deal if we could get the DVC rental, but I didn't know if it would be the same as staying at a "regular" Disney hotel.

This sounds silly, but do the CMs treat you the same as "regular" guests and how are the rooms compared to the hotel rooms.

Sorry if my questions sound silly, but I want this trip for my ds (he is 5) to be magical as we haven't been for two years (and we were off site for it - will NEVER do that again)!! I was lucky enough to grow up going to Disney and I want the same experiences for my son!

This is the first time I have asked questions about the DVC so I will appreciate any insight and answers.

Thanks so much!!!

 

[Pinnie]

It may be difficult to rent DVC at this late date. We are owners at BCVs and booked our room at the 11 month window in January.

Go to the DVC board and see what they have to say there!

Good luck!

pinnie

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

We don't miss the maid service at all. It is nice to relax in the room without housekeeping knocking. Even with the "do not disturb" out, they call. You can get daily housekeeping for an add'l fee.

You are treated just like you are at any Disney deluxe hotel.. wonderfully! The CMs don't know who is renting, who is paying cash and who are members.

The DVC resorts are great. The BCV, VWL, and BCV all have the amenites of the deluxe resorts they are with. The decor is beautiful. The 1, 2, 3 bedrooms have the washer and dryers, full kitchens and great jaccuzzi tub.

Getting one for this Dec will be tough. We made our reservation for VWL at exactly 7 mo. and got one of the last studios. We are going the week before Christmas. You might can get one for cash thru Disney instead of renting.

Welcome to the Disboards!

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by beaubeau8853
This sounds silly, but do the CMs treat you the same as "regular" guests and how are the rooms compared to the hotel rooms.

The DVC resorts ARE "regular" resorts. All 5 of the DVC properties service guests with cash reservations. DVC members have access to the same registration desk, restaurants, pool and other amenities. The only appreciable difference is the lack of daily housekeeping services.

If anything, it's been my experience that we have been treated better as DVC members than during prior stays as "regular" guests.

The other posters are correct, though. The month of December is one of the toughest times to book a room at a DVC resort. If you're interested, I would recommend immediately getting in touch with someone looking to rent points so that he/she can find out if there is any availability on your dates.

 

[DisFlan]

We rented points last March at OKW and were treated as members from the moment we set foot on property. We couldn't have had a better vacation - not even one little hassle. Didn't miss daily housekeeping at all.

We enjoyed our trip so much that we bought into DVC (BWV) in May.

 

[Granny]

Has anybody rented from DVC and if so where?

Just wanting to be sure, since you indicated that you are new to the DVC world.

You don't rent "from DVC", or Disney. You rent from a member who has DVC points he/she can let you use for a fee.

The way this was worded, it sounded to me like you thought you could rent direct from Disney, and that isn't so.

Sorry if you already knew that. Just hate to assume.

 

[jmminarik]

Originally posted by Granny

You don't rent "from DVC", or Disney. You rent from a member who has DVC points he/she can let you use for a fee.

To clarify/confuse more, you _can_ rent through CRO any of the villas in the DVC collection for cash. It's treated just like any other hotel reservation and comes complete with maid service AND sales/hotel taxes. It is also generally much more expensive than 'renting' from a DVC member and there's no guarantee there would be a room for you to rent through CRO.

If you hang out here or become a DVC member yourself, one thing you'll learn is that early December is a 'peak' time for DVC members to book rooms using their membership points AND you do need to be able to plan well in advance most of the time.

Hope this helps,
Joe

 

[Granny]

Joe....excellent clarification to that point I missed in my post. I wasn't thinking about cash reservations, which is what you described.

I just assumed that the OP was looking to rent points to make a reservation. And no need to remind folks of what assuming can do!

 

[jmminarik]

No problem Granny....I wasn't quite sure to what style of renting beaubeau was referring. I'd assume renting points but you never know.

-Joe

 

[beaubeau8853]

I was in fact refering to renting from an owner in the DVC club. I got some other really good information from an owner to make sure that the person that I buy the points from has been a member of the DIS board for some time and has posted before to make sure that they are on the up and up.

I never would of thought of that, just guess I always assume the best in people.

I think that I already know the answer to this, but am I charged and taxes or is the point price I pay it? Also would some one check my numbers that I got from the points calculator (because they seem low) the dates I am interested in are:

at Old Key West (studio): check in 12/19 with a check out on 12/24 at 8 points a day for a total of 40 points;

or

at Boardwalk (studio): same dates at 9 points a day for a total of 45 points.

If I get the points for $10 each that would be $400 or $450, right? Are there any additional charges?

Thanks again for all of your help - sorry if I am asking to many questions!!

 

[snoopyandpooh]

In most cases, all you need to pay for is the rent for the points, there is no additional fee, unless the renter wants to charge you service charge for using PayPal.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by beaubeau8853
.......(snip)...... Also would some one check my numbers that I got from the points calculator (because they seem low) the dates I am interested in are:

at Old Key West (studio): check in 12/19 with a check out on 12/24 at 8 points a day for a total of 40 points;

Yes. That is correct.

Here is a link to the 2004 OKW chart so you can check for yourself: 2004 Point Chart for OKW

or

at Boardwalk (studio): same dates at 9 points a day for a total of 45 points.

Yes, again correct. However, those are the points for a standard view. It is very unlikely that you will be able to get a standard view - those book up at the 11 month mark. I would be very surprised if there were not already a waiting list for standard view studios for at least some (if not all) of your dates. Best to plan on 12 points per night and FWIW, getting your dates in a BWV preferred view is not a sure thing either.

The December days before Christmas are very popular - DVC members enjoy the low points, the decorations, the Holiday activities and low crowds, too. If you plan to do this in 2005, my advice is to rent early - as close to 11 months as you can.

Here is a link to the BWV Point Chart for 2004: 2004 BWV Point Chart

If I get the points for $10 each that would be $400 or $450, right? Are there any additional charges?

Not for lodging, LOL! Of course, you will still have all the other expenses of a WDW trip.

Thanks again for all of your help - sorry if I am asking to many questions!!

You're welcome - ask as many questions as you like! No problem!

Best wishes -