How Do Points/Rent Work

[mickeywdw4me]

Have several questions. I am looking to take my family (4 adults and 2 grandchildren 4yr and 6yr) in 2011. I understand that renting points might be the best way to go for my party size.
How does this renting work?
How do I know if I am getting a good point deal?
What resort would be good (husband walking problem from stroke), thought about AKV (Savannah) for the view but really unsure.
Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Grandma Tammy

 

[jimandami]

When you rent points from a DVC member, you are essentially making a contract with that person and taking Disney out of the equation. When you look through the rental board and find someone who is offering the number of points you need for the resort you would like, you contact them via the board, e-mail or a private message. They will then check availability at your preferred resort and make the reservation for you if the terms are aggreeable. Most people charge around $10/point. Things you want to be aware of:

1) Both the renter and rentee have to place a certain amount of trust in one another. You should get a signed contract stating the terms of your rental. You will not be able to contact member services to change your reservation or even verify your reservation (although you can now verify on the website). The renter controls the reservation.
2) I recommend using paypal. I would NOT send a check, money order, etc...
3) You can still use Magical Express and purchase the Disney Dining Plan but the DVC member must set them up for you.
4) Renting points is a great way to experience DVC and secure a larger room for your family without having to pay Disney prices, but can also be a little nerve wracking. When choosing a renter, most feel it is best to go with someone who has been a DIS member for a while and has a large post count. Scams do not happen very often, but are always possible.

As far as which resort, how old are the grandchildren? What parks do you envision spending the most time in? I think BLT would be a good choice because it is on the monorail and doesn't have huge, long hallways to cut down on walking for your husband. Good luck with your planning...we have rented points twice and have been very pleased!

 

[crisi]

Some owners don't take paypal (paypal disputes on timeshares generally don't work to the owners favor, so its easier for the owner to get scammed).

Be aware that DVC does tend to book pretty full. You'll want to plan ahead and make early decisions, particularly if you decide on a small, popular resort (VAKL is large and pretty easy to get into, though).

Don't look for a good deal. Although good deals are to be had, enough points are rented that the market is pretty stable and a good deal may be a sign that something is too good to be true or the owner doesn't understand his own points. Around $10 a point is to be expected.

Understand the owners CANCELLATION policy. Cancellation with DVC is tough and a lot of owners will make the transaction final. And that is actually best for you believe it or not. Sometimes owners say they'll be able to refund your money, but they get into a situation where they can't. DVC points are timebombed, and if you don't use your reservation, their points might be pretty worthless to anyone. Depending on when you travel, when you cancel, when the owners use year is, and how knowledgeable the owner is, there might be something that can be done - but its too many variables for assurance.