How does it work?

[babyrich]

We have already booked a trip for the end of 2011; but I wanted to stay at a Deluxe resort for 2012 and was told it may be cheaper to rent DVC points than to book on the Disney site. Is this true? If so, how can I go about renting points. I wouldn't even know where to begin. TIA

 

[browniemtb]

Depending on where you generally stay it could be cheaper. Look down a couple of rows and there is a rent/trade board. Here you will find dvc owners that are willing to book a reservation. The agreement is between you and the owner, Disney has no part in the transaction. The owner books DDP and ME for you as well. Accommodations will very in price depending on resort, size of room, and time of year.

 

[vicki_c]

If you're talking about a regular Deluxe resort room vs. a DVC villa, you don't want to do it by renting points. That would cost you more than going through Disney, especially with the discounts that you might get from them.

 

[chalee94]

I wouldn't even know where to begin. TIA

i would recommend just poking around the DVC boards and using the search function to learn the differences between DVC/timesharing at wdw as opposed to staying at a hotel.

a couple of basics:

*some deluxe resorts at wdw have both a timeshare component and a hotel component (WL/VWL, BC/BCV, AKL/AKV) and some only have a hotel component (like the GF and poly).

*DVC villa rentals from DVC owners do NOT include daily housekeeping - instead timesharers get some sort of housekeeping every 4th day (but sometimes it's just replacing towels and removing trash and not a full cleaning or even making your beds). DVC/timesharing is more of a "home away from home" experience - works for some but others want more of a hotel-like service.

*DVC villas are not like typical hotel rooms. DVC studios are sized like hotel rooms but (except at OKW) include one queen bed in the room with a pullout sofabed - works for some, but others want the hotel-like options of a king bed or 2 queens.

if you want more room, DVC 1BR, 2BR and 3BR(/grand villa) villas offer multi-room arrangements that are like small apartments, complete with separate living area, full kitchen and jacuzzi tubs.

*trying to rent from a DVC owner for a cruise or hotel reservation (like at the GF - in other words, for a hotel room rather than a DVC villa) is a waste of time. it's possible for DVC owners to book a stay at some wdw hotels or cruises, but the cost is more than you would pay out of pocket.

*renting from a DVC owners means dealing with an individual and not disney - which often means you have to pay earlier, in whatever form the owner chooses and you may not have any option of a refund if you need to cancel.

 

[dizmom2mwjk]

The only time I consider renting points from DVC owners is if I have a large party requiring 2 rooms or more...like 8-10 ppl...and it is during a time frame when free dining is typically not offered...like over Christmas/New Year.

Otherwise, I watch for free dining, which you can't get with DVC rentals/ownership, or a 35-40% room only discount, which is a very good savings...

 

[briangib]

I don't believe DVC points are economical for reservations, except at DVC resorts.