Is this possible?

[heatherj]

Hi everyone - hoping someone here can give me some good advice. As briefly as possible . . . here's my problem.

We are thinking of renting points for Dec 5 or 6th - Dec 13th or 14th 2008
(330 points I believe). We will need a two bedroom and it would be easiest for us at BCV. We have a special needs child who is wheelchair bound and 3 other kids. Due to the fact that we love EPCOT so much this is why we want BCV. We figure it will be much easier walking or riding the boats to MGM and EPCOT with his wheelchair than loading and unloading the wheelchair on the buses. This way we can get two parks without riding a bus.

Is this possible? I know that this time of year is popular for DVC, so am I being realistic?

And we've never canceled a vacation ever but what "if" our son (or anyone for that matter) gets sick and we can't go? I just want to make sure I am protecting both the points renter and ourselves. Since it would be very costly to all involved? would anyone even want to rent to us because of all this?

I appreciate any advice you all might have on what seems to me to be an overwhelming situation?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Heather

 

[tjkraz]

Getting such a reservation is possible, but you'll have to have everything lined-up by the first of the year. Reservations can be made 11 months out, and you can bet that all of the rooms at BCV for early December will be gone within days. 330 points will probably cost around $4000 to rent (at $12 each.) Each rental transaction is unique, but most will expect at least half up front. Depending on your unique arrangement, the balance may be due within days of the reservation being secured or just a few months before the trip.

Cancellations are virtually non-existent. You're asking a DVC member to commit his/her points to your trip 11 months ahead of time. Don't expect to be able to cancel at will and get a full refund. Some renters will offer to try to re-rent the points and reimburse you some amount. Others have blanket no cancellation policies. Try to remember we aren't travel agencies. We don't have the flexibility that Disney does. Dues have to be paid on the points. Finding renters and managing their reservations takes time and energy. Unused points must be "banked" within certain guidelines or we risk losing them altogether.

If you have concerns over coming up with the $4000 nearly a year before your trip, or need the flexibility of being able to cancel, renting is probably not for you. From what I've seen, Disney busses are well equipped to deal with wheelchairs. While the convenience of walking may be a nice benefit, I can't see having to ride a bus adversely effecting your trip to any great degree. Disney has family suites at the All Star Music resort which may accommodate your group at a more reasonable price. Booking direct thru Disney will also give you a lot more time to pay and the comfort of more generous cancellation policies.

Hope that helps.

 

[Dean]

For your situation BWV might be as good or better than BCV if you plan to use the boat but you should be able to get either planning this far out. Walking to MGM would be easier but EPCOT a little further from BWV than BCV. Most tha rent their points reserve in a non refundable way. When I rent my terms are 25% down and the rest due at 120 days out all non refundable.