Is renting points worth it?

[kcoop35]

We are just starting to plan our trip. I have noticed people renting their points for around $10 a point, some less.

Can we rent a villa or suite for 200 points or 250 points? Are the DVC resorts a mile from the park, close to the park or what?

I can only assume that it doesn't include any passes that you would need to buy. Can you buy park hopper passes once you get there? Cost?

sorry if these are dumb questions

I am a newbie!

Kcoop35

 

[Cee]

....it could save you $$$. Just go on the DVC board and click on Rent/Trade.
Sometimes whole reservations are rented. There is also a points chart that
you can click on to see how many points you'd need for the dates you have
in mind. Usually it's $10/pt. but sometimes you can get them for less. No
park passes are included you'd purchase them separately. Some resorts are
off the beaten path and some are right in the thick of things. Last month I
rented points to stay at Saratoga Springs in a 2BR villa for a little over $1,000.
If I had paid the going rack rate, I'd have spent over $2,500. It's well worth
it in my opinion. Good luck!

 

[bicker]

There are several DVC resorts around WDW. Ours is one of the two closest to the theme parks: Both BoardWalk Villas and Beach Club Villas are about a five minute walk to the entry to Epcot, and a 15 or 20 minute walk (respectively) to the entry to Disney-MGM Studios. Our room at the BoardWalk Villas has often overlooked the France portion of the World Showcase. There simply aren't any resorts closer to the theme parks than the BoardWalk and the Beach Club.

We also own at Villas at Wilderness Lodge. It's a bit further from the parks, but still closer than any off-site resort. It has a direct water launch to the front of the Magic Kingdom Park. There are also two other DVC resorts at WDW, which are more remote: Old Key West and Saratoga Springs.

200 points is a healthy amount of points. How many days, and in what size villa, will vary based on the time of year you want to visit.

Passes are not included. You can of course purchase admission either on-site or in advance. Here's all the information you need about admission: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/tickets.htm

 

[kcoop35]

We are looking for a villa or suite from July 15th-July 25th. When you say some of them are remote, how far are we talking?

What about the Wilderness Lodge or whatever it is called.

Using the trip calculator putting in a suite it was 174 points. $10 a point = $1750 which is tons cheaper than renting two rooms for 5 people at $145 a night.


So if we spent $1750 on rooms, and then $1300 on the park hopper option that would be a total of $3,000

seems reasonable

Is it going to be hard to get points for July?

 

[Disney Doc]

A few points to consider... either a Studio or 1-Bedroom villa is only going to have 2 beds - and other than OKW, 1 of those will be a sleeper sofa. If you are comparing to 2 standard WDW rooms, they will have 4 beds. For a DVC villa to have places to sleep for 5, you are looking at a 2-bedroom villa for your traveling party. Then you're talking 470 points for your 10-day stay. Additionally, July 2007 is inside the 7-month booking window - meaning owners at all DVC properties may reserve at any others. This means certain type units, at desireable locations, may be difficult to get. OKW has lower point costs, but is more "off-the-beaten-path" if that's a concern.

 

[magicaldisney]

We rented points and for us it was great. However, you might want to consider the new family suites at the All Star resort. I'm not sure of the cost, but I'm sure someone else will have that info for you.

If you go to the top of the page and click "resorts" you will find a lot of info on all of the resorts. There are also maps so you can see where they are located.

 

[Sammie]

Renting: the savings is only good Sunday-Thursday due to the point difference required for weekends. This is a private agreement between 2 individuals, no involvement by Disney.

The member will have complete and total control of your reservation. You will not be able to contact Member Services to verify the reservations or book the DDP or Magical Express. Make sure you get a member you feel comfortable with and has good communication. Most transactions go off without any problems. Some have had problems and the savings is due to the risk. You will not know for sure you have a reservation until you check in.

Since you are booking a DVC booking you will not get daily housekeeping or extra towels unless you pay extra. This does not bother most, some it bothers alot. If you get a one bedroom or 2 bedroom you can laundry your towels, if you get a studio you will have to take them to the laundry if you run out.

Occupany is 4 in a studio, one queen bed and one sofa bed except at Old Key West where you have 2 queen beds.
4 in a one bedroom, one king bed and one sofa bed in living room
8 in a 2 bedroom.

Some think renting is great, others are leary. You have to decide where you fall. If you decide to take the challenge be sure to the read the FAQ on the Rent/Trade board.

 

[Iris23]

We've rented points for a stay in a studio at SSR.

It was a great deal for us, but with only one bed and sofa bed, it was a bit tight for two adults and two teens. But, the cost was much lower than renting a hotel room at one of the deluxe or moderate WDW hotels would have been during that time of year. And, the hotel room would have been a tight fit, too!

We had no trouble at all with the owner we rented from; he was pleasant and helpful. I was a bit nervous at first, but once I got my confirmation and called the resort directly to confirm, I felt better and all went well.

I wouldn't hesitate to rent points again. It's definitely something to consider, IMO.

 

[byoung]

We also rented a few times from the same member, it was great. Watch out though it can get you hooked, I did and now own.