Looking to rent points to stay at DVC

[sphere99]

How is Old Key West? We currently have reservations at Contemporary, which is better for our first time visit? (I do have a 4 year old) We could get a one bedroom villa at OKW for the same if not cheaper then we have at CR. But is CR easier to get around the parks?

 

[swilphil]

I would personally rent points for the Boardwalk, mainly because of the location. You can walk/easily boat to two parks--MGM and Epcot. I've heard the Old Key West is very nice, but it's not close to the parks. Contemporary might work for you as well since it's so close to MK.

 

[tjkraz]

If you're referring to the trip you have planned in about 30 days, unfortunately you'll never pull it off. Right now, there is virtually zero availability between now and the end of the year.

DVC is a timeshare, and members will book the more popular seasons quite a few months in advance. Additionally, the recent hurricanes caused many members to reschedule trips--particularly those scheduled to stay at the Vero Beach resort which closed for a couple of months due to hurricane damage.

To answer your question, I wouldn't hesitate to stay in an OKW One Bedroom. Cheap points...spacious accommodations...very good bus and boat service. I would certainly give it consideration before your next trip.

The Contemporary is a fine resort itself. You won't get nearly the same amount of living space as an OKW 1B (about 1100 sq ft vs. 350 sqft), but it will get the job done. And you can't beat its proximity to the Magic Kingdom. Don't forget Priority Seating for a meal at Chef Mickey's.

 

[pumpkinboy]

I'm with tjkraz on this one too. The Contemporary will be great for your first visit, especially since you already have the ressie. Access to the MK, which likely holds the most interest for DD this time, is unbeatable from any of the monorail resorts; and heck, you can walk from the CR.

OKW is a lovely resort, and when you have 6 months to a year to plan ahead and rent points from a member, definately consider it for a future point. The units are huge, the atmosphere very relaxed, and by the time you come back, there will be a great new water slide in the main OKW pool. But for your DD's first WDW visit, it's a bit more remote than you will want. Definately do it your next visit tho.

 

[sphere99]

Well, availablity is not the issue, I was offered a one bedroom for my dates.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by sphere99
Well, availablity is not the issue, I was offered a one bedroom for my dates.

Offered by a member that already has the room booked or offered by Disney?

 

[Desperado]

Originally posted by tjkraz
If you're referring to the trip you have planned in about 30 days, unfortunately you'll never pull it off. Right now, there is virtually zero availability between now and the end of the year.

Yep. Stick with your current plans and enjoy.

 

[AFMom]

We just got back from a week in a 1 bdrm at OKW, and fell in love with the place. It only took 15 minutes to get to the MK, and we never felt at all far away from anything. The space is wonderful - and the quiet pools are very nice while the main pool is being worked on. I would switch if you have the chance! The jacuzzi tub and the full kitchen were priceless for our family. Just my $.02!

 

[Scoootch]

Originally posted by sphere99
Well, availablity is not the issue, I was offered a one bedroom for my dates.

In that case, definetly go for the 1bdrm at OKW!

The CR is nice and having the monorail is convenient but a regular hotel room at any of the WDW resorts just do not compare to having a 1bdrm or larger villa at the DVC's. Not only will you get more space but you'll get a king size bed in the master bdrm,an full laundry room with a washer and dryer,a jacuzzi tub, full size kitchen, living room with pull out sofa,and a balcony complete with an overhead fan and table & chairs.

Besides that, the resort is just beautiful ~ it really is like comparing having a hamburger at the lunching pad to having a steak at the Yachtsman lol.

 

[lisareniff]

Originally posted by Scoootch
Besides that, the resort is just beautiful ~ it really is like comparing having a hamburger at the lunching pad to having a steak at the Yachtsman lol.

But sometimes you really want that hamburger!!
It depends if you want to be close to the action or better accomadations. Your choice. I might choose CR in your case with a little one. Such easy access to MK (and Epcot) with the monorail and close to all those resort restaurants!

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by tjkraz
Offered by a member that already has the room booked or offered by Disney?

Just to expand on this question if you are still out there, there are a couple of different ways to stay at DVC accommodations. One is, obviously, renting points from DVC members.

The other method is to reserve the room for cash from CRO. Disney is able to offer rooms at cash rates at the DVC resorts only because they actually own about 4% of the points at each property. So, they set aside a block of rooms periodically, and any non-DVC member can call and reserve a room just as if they wanted to stay at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary or any other Disney resort.

Now the distinction here is that having a room available to book for $$$ via CRO is not the same as being able to book that room for points. CRO has taken the room, and DVC members are not allowed to have the room until CRO determines that it will not be booked and it's released back to DVC. When this happens, the room will first be offered to anyone on the waitlist for those dates before it will simply go to any member who happens to call and inquire.

So, if you were offered a room that's already booked, I like Scoootch's hamburger vs. steak analogy. All things being equal, there's no way I would choose a standard CR room over an OKW 1B just because of the proximity to the Magic Kingdom. Take the 1B.

But, if you were simply going over your resort options on the phone with Disney, and an OKW 1B was mentioned, you cannot automatically conclude that the same room is available to DVC members. You're welcome to contact someone on the Rent / Trade board and have them place a call to DVC to inquire, but don't get your hopes up too high.

Good luck.

 

[Scoootch]

Originally posted by lisareniff
But sometimes you really want that hamburger!!
It depends if you want to be close to the action or better accomadations. Your choice. I might choose CR in your case with a little one. Such easy access to MK (and Epcot) with the monorail and close to all those resort restaurants!

True enough, but for what you'd spend to stay at the CR in just a room you could have an entire villa. FWIW, I have a 1yr old and a 4yr old and would much rather have an entire villa for just that reason ~ remember, you can put children down for a nap or to bed at night and be in the other room as not to disturb them which is also nicer. Not to mention having the in room laundry. JMO though. Since the OP's child is 4yrs old, buses aren't as much of an issue either since they most likely won't constantly need a stroller. And OKW is actually closer to Epcot by bus than the CR (plus you'd need to change monorails) - just another thought.

If the monorail is a big factor, I agree with you but as a mom of 2 small ones I'd still much rather have the 1bdrm

 

[sphere99]

It was offered by a member who already has my dates reserved but cannot use it. My husband wants to keep our ressie at the CR because he said he doens't plan on spending much time at the room and thinks the CR will be easier to get around from. Is it really a lot easier at the CR?

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by sphere99
It was offered by a member who already has my dates reserved but cannot use it. My husband wants to keep our ressie at the CR because he said he doens't plan on spending much time at the room and thinks the CR will be easier to get around from. Is it really a lot easier at the CR?

It is a lot easier if you are going to the MK - you can take the monorail or you can walk (about 10 minutes from your room to the MK gates).

You can take the monorail to ECPOT, too, but you'll have to change trains at the TTC.

AK, MGM, DD and the waterparks are all reachable via bus from the CR.

At OKW, you'll need to take a bus everywhere if you do not have a car. If you have a car, you can park right outside your unit.

Lots more restaurant/food court options at the CR than at OKW, but at OKW you will have the facilities to eat in your room. You'll have an entire kitchen. Don't forget about the in-room washer/dryer - that may come in very handy with a little one and you'll certainly be able to pack less. You'll also have a separate bedroom with a king bed - more privacy for you and your DH (if that's important to you on vacation).

Best wishes -

 

[sphere99]

It was offered by a member who already has my dates reserved but cannot use it. My husband wants to keep our ressie at the CR because he said he doens't plan on spending much time at the room and thinks the CR will be easier to get around from. Is it really a lot easier at the CR?