How difficult is it to rent your points?

[mickeydonalgoofyyyy]

Hi. My husband I are patiently awaiting our closing on our VWL: Because we are unable to close until the second week of August we are putting off our plans of a December trip until 2009. We will have 220 points available to us in September (once we are in the system). We have recently begun talking about renting our points and taking the money to put on a 4 day disney cruise. We would probably extend the trip with several nights at the park. Now,we understand that although we are looking at an economic cabin we will be paying for some of these accomodations out of pocket. However, I do have an annual pass and DDE good through February and would like to take advantage of that for the days at the park. So, my question is... is it too early and unrealistic to consider a mid Nov. cruise (not Thanksgiving week)? Would Dec, Jan, Feb, be too cold? Also should we rent all of the points or some and use the rest for our studio at one of the resorts. Will a room even be available at that point?
We do not know what is involved with renting the points including the length of time the process takes. We do understand from other postings that using your points toward the cruise is not usually the best way to go. Does Disney have restrictions regarding new owners renting? Also, if we want to reserve VWL 11 months out for next Dec. , are we able to do that if we do not have the points in the bank? They would be coming to us in September - 3 months prior to our Dec. vacation. I am assuming we would be able to book.
Thank you!!!

 

[WALTSAGOD]

Check out the renting section.

 

[mickeydonalgoofyyyy]

Thank you WALTSAGOD. It does seem as if people get replies very quickly to their rental posts. However, I have had difficulty finding the information on the process. The thread at the top says to look under the DVC Operation forum. I have used the Search tool without any luck But I'll keep trying

 

[NSL]

I recently rented points and had luck, however, the person I rented from said he had tried 40 some times and had no luck with availability for others. I assume they were either very specific about locations and/or dates and made it difficult for availability. I made mine exactly 7 mos. out. I rented one week and purchased the next.

As far as renting goes I read a link someone had made that was really great. Of course I can't find it now. Perhaps a renting search would provide the results you are looking for.

Another note, if you are buying direct from Disney your points may already be available. Mine were and we did not have to wait to close before we received them. That may allow for you to take the trip yourself.

 

[CarolMN]

Here's a few threads to get you started:

DVC Point Rental Primer

Considering Renting from a DVC Member?

Renting out points - Worthwhile?

renting my unused points through a broker

 

[pjzkent]

Another note, if you are buying direct from Disney your points may already be available. Mine were and we did not have to wait to close before we received them. That may allow for you to take the trip yourself.

That is how we booked our first trip home this year, I called our guide and told him we wanted to buy, and I had points available that afternoon to make a reservation. If you don't follow through and complete the purchase, you lose the reservation.

 

[VAgal76]

Nov, Jan & Feb are cheaper times to cruise. Definitely rent some points and book your cruise with cash. I'd also reserve some points for a studio. I've gone in Feb and had no issues with getting a studio. I'm also flexible on where I stay. You may not get VWL, but you could be at AKV or BWV.

 

[kimberh]

I find that there are more people wanting to rent points than DVC owners that can make a reservation. If you own at a popular resort, it is fairly easy. You will have more success if you have a renter that gives you 8-11 months to book the reservation. If renters are trying to book within the last 3 months you will have a harder time filling their request.

 

[mickeydonalgoofyyyy]

Thank you all so much for all the info!! CAROLMN those links were invaluable. I think we'll definately try renting if we can cover the cruise and reimburse ourselves once the points are successfully rented. It does not seem reasonable to expect to secure accommodations for someone (to their request) and receive final payment before February. Our first choice would be to cruise Nov. as it may be warmer. We'll see what we can do Well, thank you all so much again!

 

[ccigliano]

I recently rented points to a coworker for $10 per point and found that to be a less risky way to rent points. I explained to her the cancellation policy and she paid in full the day I booked. She felt more comfortable renting from me than from some stranger on the website and visa versa for me. If you let people at work and relatives (you paid good money for DVC so why should they go free) know you own DVC you may be able to rent to a pool of people that you know and trust. I plan on renting for $11 / pt to a coworker for a stay in a VWL studio and she will save hundreds of $ for her trip and is ecstatic. I plan on charging $11 now as prices on the boards seem to be increasing as have our dues. Good Luck.