How does renting points work?

[girlfriend]

New to this idea of renting DVC points, but hoping this is the correct forum. Here are my questions:

1. How do you use the Magical Express when staying at DVC, since you're not booking a package deal via Disney?
2. Do the DVC resorts have buses to/from all the parks like any other resort and do they run frequently?
3. I read about the points calculator and how to determine the amount of points you'd need based on dates of travel and what DVC resort, so after I figure out what I need, and by chance someone out on Rental forum has those points, then what? Does the DVC owner then make a reservation on your behalf and how does it then get under your name? (Basically, when you arrive at the resort, do you just tell them your name or the owner's name or ???)
4. Are there any "cons" to staying at a DVC resort versus a non-DVC resort?
5. How do you make special requests? (We would need a crib in our room)
6. What are the least expensive DVC resort rentals?

My background: would be traveling as 2 adults, a 3 y.o and a 1 y.o.. Have always stayed on-site and love it. This time around would like the space and kitchen facilities that possibly a DVC would have, but also wanting to get the cheapest rate possible.

Thank you so much for your responses and input!

 

[Deb & Bill]

All DVC resorts have pack and plays in the closet. Very few have actual cribs.

DVC resorts have buses just like the other resorts.

If you require ME, the member you make the reservation with contacts Member Services with your flight information. You won't be able to talk to Member Services for any reason. Only the member who owns the points can talk to them. MS gets any requests as well from the member.

Cons might be no daily full cleaning. DVC is a timeshare so you only get limited housekeeping services. If you stay seven nights or less, you get your trash removed and your towels replaced on day four with day one being check in day. If you stay eight nights or more, you get a full cleaning on day four and your trash removed and towels replaced on day 8. You can't just call and get new sheets, clean towels, etc. without paying for them.

 

[Lynne M]

1. How do you use the Magical Express when staying at DVC, since you're not booking a package deal via Disney?

DME is available all to Disney resort guests, it's not just for packages. The member you're renting from would set up DME for you when they make the reservation, or afterwards.

2. Do the DVC resorts have buses to/from all the parks like any other resort and do they run frequently?

DVC resorts are Disney resorts and are on the transportation system. In some cases they even share facilities and transportation with non-DVC resorts (VWL/WL, BCV/BC, etc).

3. I read about the points calculator and how to determine the amount of points you'd need based on dates of travel and what DVC resort, so after I figure out what I need, and by chance someone out on Rental forum has those points, then what? Does the DVC owner then make a reservation on your behalf and how does it then get under your name? (Basically, when you arrive at the resort, do you just tell them your name or the owner's name or ???)

The owner will make a reservation in your name, and should send you a confirmation. The owner always retains control of the reservation, so you won't be able to make changes, add requests, etc. That all has to go through the owner.

4. Are there any "cons" to staying at a DVC resort versus a non-DVC resort?

There's limited housekeeping when staying at a DVC resort on points. You'll get a full cleaning once a week, and trash/towel service partway through the week. You can pay for more frequent cleanings or trash/towel if you'd like.

5. How do you make special requests? (We would need a crib in our room)

Tell the owner, they'll add the requests to your reservation. There's a pack & play crib in each villa. If you want a real crib and none are available at the resort, consider renting from an outside firm like A Baby's Best Friend.

6. What are the least expensive DVC resort rentals?

In DVC terms, 'cheapest' means least points per night, because you'll be paying the owner by the number of points used. Check out OKW. The point costs are low, and the villas are large.

 

[chalee94]

4. Are there any "cons" to staying at a DVC resort versus a non-DVC resort?

one other thing is that DVC studios (other than OKW) come with 1 queen bed and 1 pullout sofabed. OKW studios have 2 queen beds. (not really an issue now but when the youngsters are older it might be good to know.)

but please read this for more renting information:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1669863

 

[rlovew]

Be sure to note the differences between a 1 bedroom and a studio in kitchen facilities- a 1 bedroom has a full kitchen and a washer/dryer while a studio has a large drom sized fridge, a toaster, and a microwave only.