Newbie Question on Renting Points

[wandalicious]

Hello, I am new to the boards and I joined because this seemed like a really safe way to figure out how to rent points for another Dream Vacation.

For the last 5 years (since our first trip to WDW), we have been trying to stay, but it always seems just out of our reach financially. Then I came up with the idea to rent points from a DVC member! Is this smart or a foolish thought? Will I save money or should I just book through my travel agent and hope for a deal (I've gotten good deals in the past from Small World Travel). My girlfriend said to check Craig's List, but that seems RISKY to me - I've read that Craig's List and Ebay are both really not good places to do this kind of transaction. Basically, I'm asking if folks think that the effort is worth it, and if we're actually going to find someone that wants to rent their points.


And yes, I'm aware that since we usually go to WDW once a year (and have for 5 years), we could be DVC owners by now! Oh, the irony! Still saving...

Thanks in advance for your time -
Wanda

 

[chalee94]

it can be a very good deal, but there are pitfalls to be aware of...

here are some threads you can read to learn more about renting:

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

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1255828

after you've got an idea of what is involved, go read the FAQ on the rent/trade board and jump in. don't wait too long, though...

 

[Hat Trick]

I'm right there with you. Seems like a lot of work, but the cost seems to be worth the work. It will find a reputable member before I even think about renting points.

 

[wandalicious]

Thank you for getting back to me! I have been reading about this for more than a year, but this is the best board I have found with the most info (although a little overwhelming).

Every time I talk to DVC members they are so happy and always say "I wish I had done this years ago!" that I can't imagine someone renting their points! But I know that life happens and that there are probably good people out there if you search for them.

Thanks again for all the info here!

 

[CarolAnnC]

General questions about renting are fine here, but any details such as resort, dates, etc cannot be posted. Visit our Rent/Trade board in order to post for rentals and to read on what is available. Thank you.

 

[joeytdog]

I have rented points off the boards the last three years

Only way I travel to WDW is on rented points

Jump on in, the waters fine!

 

[wrighter]

Prior to owning DVC, we rented points from members. And now as members we have also rented out some points. We have had great experiences on both sides, because we took the time to find the right "fit" between renter and rentee.

If you're interested in seeing what a good contract looks like, I'd be happy to share mine. Just drop me a PM.

Good luck! And enjoy!

 

[njmoore]

Is daily housekeeping the only difference between renting points and booking directly with disney?

 

[wrighter]

The big difference is the cost savings you get by renting from an owner.

 

[crisi]

Is daily housekeeping the only difference between renting points and booking directly with disney?

Not quite.....

The big one in my opinion is cancellation policies. DVC cancellations are pretty restrictive - and even when they aren't restrictive on Disney's side, because they are a timeshare and points expire, advanced planning is best for using points and therefore canceling reservations can make points less valuable. For instance, my use year is April. If we were going to take a trip in Feburary and decide in early Januarary not to take that trip - we have to use our points by March 31st - even if we cancel early enough not to have the points put in "holding." The best advice is to consider a rental transaction to be final - the owner you work with MAY be able to help you out if you need to cancel, and they MAY be willing - but they need to be both able and willing - and the number of variables involved means no guarantee.

Rentals are private transactions. If something goes wrong and you show up at the resort to discover no reservations, Disney is not going to get in the middle of it. This almost never happens, but you do need to understand it is a private transaction.

Disney will not deal with you regarding your reservation - need Magical Express or the Dining Plan, your owner needs to make the call. Want to check on your reservation or add a request - your owner needs to make the call.

DVC rooms (which you can get through CRO) and Disney hotel rooms are a little different. Studios generally have a queen bed and a full (?) pullout. (OKW has two queens in their studios). Some people, expected two beds (or bunkbeds like you can get at AKL or WL) are disappointed.

There are other differences as well, I think these are probably the big ones.

 

[mtblujeans]

Wasn't there a rental point chart around here somewhere? Or am I in the wrong place? TIA

 

[LisaS]

Wasn't there a rental point chart around here somewhere? Or am I in the wrong place? TIA

Just scroll up to the top of this page and click on "DVC Point Charts". The charts posted are good for 2009 only. The charts have been revised for 2010 and are not posted here yet.