Newbie trying to figure out DVC rental stays...

[bamagirl@hrt]

Hi everyone! I am a newbie to the idea of renting DVC points. I naively tried to rent points for a HHI stay in June, just 4 weeks out. (It's ok -- laugh) That got me thinking about renting for our next WDW visit in Oct. '06. I have the DVC booklet with all of the DVC resorts & point guides, as we (or maybe I should say "I") considered buying into DVC. Maybe in the future I can convince DH!

Anyway, I have some basic questions on staying at a DVC. We are interested in a studio for our family of four, kids age 3 & 7. I like the looks of OKW, since it has two real beds in a studio & not a sleeper sofa. How hard are these to get in Oct? Should I try to rent from someone who can book 11 months out?

Also, I'm aware that there is not daily mousekeeping service at DVC resorts. How many towels, washclothes, toilet paper, etc... do they provide for you? Do you bring extras?

We had been planning on staying at the WL, our first trip to a deluxe. Granted, the theming is different, but in general, are studios at DVC resorts as nice or nicer than a standard deluxe room? I'm just seeing that a weeknight in a studio at OKW is 8 points, or about $80/night. That's a lot less than even an AP rate of approximately $129/night!

Two more questions: How is the bus service at OKW? It does seem farther away from the parks. Does it have it's own buses, or does it share with another resort? And lastly, is it easy to switch to another non-DVC resort for weekends? Will the DVC resort transfer luggage to the other resort, or will we have to physically take our luggage there?

I apologize for all of the questions. I am just so new at this. I'm trying to save us money, but still have really nice accommodations for our trip. Your input is valued.

Thanks!
Christy

 

[tjkraz]

I like the looks of OKW, since it has two real beds in a studio & not a sleeper sofa. How hard are these to get in Oct? Should I try to rent from someone who can book 11 months out?

You certainly don't need to book right at 11 months, but if you have your dates set, there is little reason to way. If the money might be an issue, I know many renters will take a deposit at the time of the reservation and not ask for the balance until +/- 60 days before the actual stay.

Also, I'm aware that there is not daily mousekeeping service at DVC resorts. How many towels, washclothes, toilet paper, etc... do they provide for you? Do you bring extras?

A studio accommodates 4 guests, so you should find 4 of each. Studio guests have access to free laundry facilities if you wish to wash yourself. You can also request additional towels from housekeeping--I believe the charge is $6.

We had been planning on staying at the WL, our first trip to a deluxe. Granted, the theming is different, but in general, are studios at DVC resorts as nice or nicer than a standard deluxe room?

There is some give-and-take, but I think they are largely equal. When you stay at a deluxe obviously you get the full housekeeping services. But DVC Studios all have a kitchenette.

I'm just seeing that a weeknight in a studio at OKW is 8 points, or about $80/night. That's a lot less than even an AP rate of approximately $129/night!

That AP rate seems a bit low to me, but even if correct, don't forget that you also pay tax on cash ressies but not DVC.

EDIT: The 2005 Rack Rate for Regular season is $289. According to MouseSavers, the current AP discount is $75 off of rack, making the AP rate $214. Add in a few dollars for the '06 price increase and 11.5% resort tax and you are close to $250 per night as the AP rate (assuming AP codes are offered, are the same as present, and you can actually secure a room at the AP rate.)

Two more questions: How is the bus service at OKW? It does seem farther away from the parks. Does it have it's own buses, or does it share with another resort?

We've had good experiences with the busses during our stays, and I've never read anything overwhelmingly negative (certainly nothing worse than other resorts.) OKW does have its own busses. As for distance, OKW is one of the closest resorts to Epcot and MGM. MK distance is about average, while AK is the furthest since it's on the other side of the property.

And lastly, is it easy to switch to another non-DVC resort for weekends? Will the DVC resort transfer luggage to the other resort, or will we have to physically take our luggage there?

They will transfer the luggage for you.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Thanks so much for your quick reply. Renting DVC points really seems to be the way to go! DH was just concerned about lack of mousekeeping. With two young kids, we go through a lot of washclothes & towels! I'm thinking I could just get some cheap ones from the dollar store at home & just throw them away when we leave.

You're right, the AP rate would probably be much higher. I was just going by memory from what I saw on the boards that some people got last fall. Does sound like the deals aren't as good this year. Another thing I like about DVC is that the "seasons" are more accommodating for our dates. We don't know yet if DD's fall break will be the first or second week of Oct. For deluxe resorts, value season ends Oct. 4; for DVC, it's the same for all of Oct.

I think you may have sold me!

Thanks so much!
Christy

 

[JimMIA]

You can get Mousekeeping every day (or whenever you want) if you prefer. It's just not included. You get Towel and Trash service on your fourth day, and as tj said, you can request extra towel packs.

Or you can get full Mousekeeping. I believe the full Mousekeeping rate is $25 per day for a studio -- but that's still a lot cheaper than a hotel, even if you get it every day.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Just a little hint...If you are trying to "WoW" DH and make some good points for "why DVC" you might want to change that ressie to a 1 bedroom. The kitchen and large living room will certainly do the trick, but either you or the kids will be sharing a very comfy pull out sofa in the living room. I would suggest giving the kids the sofa and you and DH take the master to have nice "after bedtime" access to the whirlpool! Really, $900 for 5 nights in a 1 bedroom is a whole lot less than you will pay at a deluxe resort from Disney (even with AP rates), and you will get to truely experience what DVC is all about when you have a 1 bedroom instead of a studio. Another plus is having that in-room laundry which will mean less packing, and the full kitchen for saving money on meals.

 

[tjkraz]

Just a little hint...If you are trying to "WoW" DH and make some good points for "why DVC" you might want to change that ressie to a 1 bedroom. The kitchen and large living room will certainly do the trick, but either you or the kids will be sharing a very comfy pull out sofa in the living room. I would suggest giving the kids the sofa and you and DH take the master to have nice "after bedtime" access to the whirlpool! Really, $900 for 5 nights in a 1 bedroom is a whole lot less than you will pay at a deluxe resort from Disney (even with AP rates), and you will get to truely experience what DVC is all about when you have a 1 bedroom instead of a studio. Another plus is having that in-room laundry which will mean less packing, and the full kitchen for saving money on meals.

Ditto!

 

[CarolMN]

...(snip)....Studio guests have access to free laundry facilities if you wish to wash yourself. .....(snip).....

All the DVC studios have a bathroom which includes a tub and a sink. The DVC studios all have sink in the kitchenette, too. DVC resorts even provide soap for the sinks. All the resorts have at least one pool and one hot tub.

So there is no need to go to the laundry to "wash yourself" or the kids.

Sorry TJ - couldn't resist. Can't remember ever catching you in so much as a typo!


Best wishes-

P.S. to the OP: Go for the 1 bedroom if you can - you won't be sorry.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Thanks, everyone, for all of your advice, help, and insight. I would LOVE to get a 1 BR. I think it would be sooooo luxurious to have that much space! And I agree that $180/night is very, very reasonable. DH is very budget-concious, tho. We've only stayed in value resorts before. And while they were very sufficient and we very much enjoyed our stay, I am ready to upgrade. I'm thinking that a studio may be a way to ease him into DVC resorts. When I told him we could stay at OKW or BWV for less than what we paid per night at ASMo in regular season, he was shocked!

Now, if I can get him to LOVE DVC resorts, I just might convince him we need to buy in... Hmmmm....

Thanks again!
Christy

 

[Caskbill]

Food for thought:

If you actually owned DVC, prorate your purchase costs and add your annual dues, then that 1-B/R for 5 nights at OKW in October runs about $105/night, with no additional taxes. That's equivalent to paying $94/night + tax.

For a 1-B/R villa!

Or get that OKW Studio for about $48/night with no taxes. Equivalent to a regular hotel rate of $43/night + tax.

Ownership does have it's advantages.

I strongly suggest you go for the OKW 1-B/R villa. That's where you'll see the real value of owning DVC.

 

[tjkraz]

You might want to at least try to convince DH to take the tour of Saratoga Springs while you are there. If you schedule in advance, DVC will provide round-trip transportation. You could have them pick you up at your hotel room in the morning, and then drop you at a theme park as soon as the tour is over. If you wish, make up an excuse to tell them up front that you only have 45-60 minutes for the tour--they shouldn't try to pressure you into any greater commitment than that.

They have an area with games and activities for the kids while you meet with the salesperson. The sales approach is VERY, VERY low key. No worries about screaming salesmen or being detained against your will. They'll give you a full tour of the model rooms. You'll get to see just about every configuration including a Studio, 1 Bedroom, lockoff 2 Bedroom and Grand Villa.

There's nothing better than being able to see the accommodations for yourself.

 

[tjkraz]

So there is no need to go to the laundry to "wash yourself" or the kids.

Sorry TJ - couldn't resist. Can't remember ever catching you in so much as a typo!

I'll get you back for that one.

(And if you haven't seen the typos, obviously you're not looking close enough. )

 

[J and R's mom]

We had been planning on staying at the WL, our first trip to a deluxe.....

Have you considered staying at a studio or 1bd villa at Villas Wilderness Lodge?

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Yes, I've considered the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge, and certainly haven't ruled it out. The main reason I was looking at OKW if we do a studio is the fact that it is the only resort that actually has two beds. The others all appear to have a bed & a sleeper sofa. Not that that would necessarily be bad. From other threads on this board, sounds like the sleeper sofas are pretty comfy.

I've just been amazed at how affordable it is to stay at a DVC, even if you're just renting. Kinda' makes me wonder why people pay so much more to stay at the deluxe resorts. I realize there is a trust factor in renting points from a DVC member -- trust that goes both ways. However, I don't think twice about renting a condo at the beach from an individual owner. Renting DVC points should be about the same, right?

Man, I just wish our WDW trip was this Oct instead of next! I getting so excited just thinking of the possibilities!

 

[dianeschlicht]

(snip) I realize there is a trust factor in renting points from a DVC member -- trust that goes both ways. However, I don't think twice about renting a condo at the beach from an individual owner. Renting DVC points should be about the same, right?

You have the right attitude about renting, and yes, it should be about the same as renting a condo at the beach from an individual.

 

[mikesmom]

Just a quick heads up, October is now Food & Wine Fest time. While you shouldn't have a lot of difficulty except with BCV or BWV (seems everyone wants to be able to walk into the Fest), I wouldn't get too close to date before looking for points. That Fest seems to fill all the DVC resorts more and more every year.