Newbie Renter Question

[Brendan Glynn]

We just got off a Disney Cruise and were tempted to purchase a DVC but did not. One of our table mates recommended renting as opposed to buying and we want to try it out - but have a couple questions that I did not see on the DIS Boards links.

1) If we rent from an owner will the reservation be in our name so we take advantage of the owner benefits like free parking and admission to DVC Member Lounges?

2) We live in Florida so we would be interested in a Disneyworld resort. As I understood from the DVC presentation on the cruise, if we owned we could use points at any resort. However, if we rent should we try to stay at the report the points are listed at (i.e. AKV, BLT, BWV, etc.)?

3) Any advice you can share with someone who have never rented DVC points or stayed at a DVC before?

Thanks!

 

[Networth]

1) If we rent from an owner will the reservation be in our name so we take advantage of the owner benefits like free parking and admission to DVC Member Lounges?

Yes, the reservation will be in your name (but controlled by the owner as it is their membership). You will have free parking but will not have access to Member benefits, again you are not the member/owner and will not have a member card.

2) We live in Florida so we would be interested in a Disneyworld resort. As I understood from the DVC presentation on the cruise, if we owned we could use points at any resort. However, if we rent should we try to stay at the report the points are listed at (i.e. AKV, BLT, BWV, etc.)?

You can technically use the points for any DVC resort as long as there is avalibility. That said most renters have some sort of idea of where they want to stay and will target that resort. I just rented out points to someone for Hilton Head Island, even though all my points are technically for the Grand Floridian as that is my “home” resort.

3) Any advice you can share with someone who have never rented DVC points or stayed at a DVC before?

Do your research (just like this), and rent as early as you can if you want an in demand time and/or resort.

 

[Kazrak]

2) We live in Florida so we would be interested in a Disneyworld resort. As I understood from the DVC presentation on the cruise, if we owned we could use points at any resort. However, if we rent should we try to stay at the report the points are listed at (i.e. AKV, BLT, BWV, etc.)?

You can technically use the points for any DVC resort as long as there is avalibility. That said most renters have some sort of idea of where they want to stay and will target that resort. I just rented out points to someone for Hilton Head Island, even though all my points are technically for the Grand Floridian as that is my “home” resort.

Where it matters is if you're trying to rent during the 7-to-11-month exclusivity window. If you want a high-demand resort (Beach Club, Grand Californian) or high-demand room type (the 'cheap' rooms at Boardwalk, theme park view at Bay Lake Tower) you'll need to reserve sooner rather than later, and probably before the 7-month window opens. In that case, you'll need to rent points from that specific resort.

 

[Networth]

Where it matters is if you're trying to rent during the 7-to-11-month exclusivity window. If you want a high-demand resort (Beach Club, Grand Californian) or high-demand room type (the 'cheap' rooms at Boardwalk, theme park view at Bay Lake Tower) you'll need to reserve sooner rather than later, and probably before the 7-month window opens. In that case, you'll need to rent points from that specific resort.

Exactly. Just to piggy back off this Wilderness Lodge (CCV or BRV) and the Grand Floridian are very tough at Christmas particularly studios, you would need a owner lined up to grab it for you right at the 11-month mark, and even than it might not be open.

AKV value and club level are pretty much a no go for renters. Too much demand throughout the whole year.

 

[NewbieMom]

We just got off a Disney Cruise and were tempted to purchase a DVC but did not. One of our table mates recommended renting as opposed to buying and we want to try it out - but have a couple questions that I did not see on the DIS Boards links.

1) If we rent from an owner will the reservation be in our name so we take advantage of the owner benefits like free parking and admission to DVC Member Lounges?

2) We live in Florida so we would be interested in a Disneyworld resort. As I understood from the DVC presentation on the cruise, if we owned we could use points at any resort. However, if we rent should we try to stay at the report the points are listed at (i.e. AKV, BLT, BWV, etc.)?

3) Any advice you can share with someone who have never rented DVC points or stayed at a DVC before?

Thanks!

We just bought our first contract this year after taking the kids on a trip to WDW. The contract we bought had banked points that we needed to rent out. So as a first time owner renting out points, here's some of what I've experienced:

Manage your expectations. Renting DVC points is not like renting a hotel room. People message me wanting to rent rooms a month or less, and during Sept-Dec with F&W festival and holiday festivities, everything is usually booked except 1 night here or there. Ideally line up an owner prior to the 11 month booking window if you are particular to a specific resort and room type. Some room types sell out on day 1 of the 11 month opening. If you are not particular to a specific resort but want a studio, it's best to find an owner to book 7-11 months because studios go quick once the 7 month window opens. Depending on how long a stay you want, you might not get the full week and you'll have to split your stay between 2 resorts which renters have always told me they don't want to change rooms.

Cancellation. I had a renter who cancelled on me within 30 days of check in. This puts my points in a "holding" account which limits my points to reservations only within a 60 day window. This is a huge limitation because as I pointed out above, availability is very limited at the last minute. From this rental experience, I now no longer work with anyone who wants a reservation within 30 days of check in. It's just not a risk I'm willing to take. But from a renter's perspective, be aware that most owners probably would request full payment non-refundable upfront for these types of reservations.

Those are the highlights of my rental experience so far. Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I'll try to answer as best I can.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Plan on paying in full when you make the reservation. DVC members are not travel agents and usually don't take payments. Some may take PayPal, but many will only take a check. You won't be able to add any requests or dining. The owner of the points will need to do that. If you decide to purchase the dining plan, you will need to pay the owner in full to add it. You won't get free dining or any special offered by Disney since you are not making a reservation through Disney. You are making a reservation with a member who is using their points to make the reservation. You will get any perks attached to a WDW reservation like free parking at the theme parks. And you will get free overnight parking at the resort because the reservation was made with DVC points. But you won't get any special DVC perks like discounts or access to the member lounge.

 

[CarolMN]

Post #11 in this thread has several links that will answer a lot of your questions.

 

[Brendan Glynn]

Thanks to all the their replies!!