Non DVC Owner Needs Help Renting!

[MTW]

I have been reading these threads for quite some time trying to figure out what the best option would be for my family's first onsite stay at WDW. Many people have suggested renting DVC points and it appears to be a great deal. I have tried to educate myself by reading other's posts regarding this issue, but I still have some questions. I don't want to be an inconsiderate renter or cause any problems for those I am renting from.

We like the looks of VWL, SSR, BCV, OKW - probably in that order but not sure - so if you have any thoughts on the matter (since you all are the experts) that would be greatly appreciated. It's hard for me to tell the differences in the resorts (probably renting a studio as it's just me, DH and DS2).

We are looking to go in mid to late October of 2006. So when should I start looking for points to rent? I understand that DVC owners can make ressies at their "home" resort 11 months out and at other DVC properties 7 months out.

From my understanding, the main differences between renting at a DVC property and booking a hotel room with Dis are:
1. Difficulty/Ease of changing a reservation.
2. No Maid Service (which we are very OK with).
3. No option on the dining plan (not super happy with, but definitely willing to give up for a great room).

Help me be a great renter! We are very honest people and I want to make this a good experience for us and the DVC owner. It is also very important to me that we have a nice trip (and as hassle free as possible) - especially with my then to be 2 year old. Thank you!
Megan

 

[Caskbill]

You didn't mention BWV so don't know if that was by error or you don't want to stary there.

October shouldn't be too bad of a time to get ressies so home resort is probably not an issue.

You can probably put a post over on the rent/trade board right now.

Keep in mind there is a difference in points between the resorts, and since you usually rent on a $$$/point basis, that can make a difference.

Weekend days are Fri/Sat and are more points than weekdays.

For a Studio in October, Weekday/Weekend points are:
OKW 10/24
SSR 12/26
BWV Std view 11/26
BVW Pref view, VWL, BCV 13/29

OKW has the largest studios, but they all have 2 Queens which you probably don't need. All the other resorts have one Queen and 1 pull-out sofa. They might be more comfortable.

If VWL is your 1st choice, you should be able to get that with no problems.

 

[mikesmom]

Caskbill, I must disagree! October is now the time for the Food & Wine Fest. these boards are full of people disappointed because the DVC rooms are sold out. So, I would amend to say it should not be too difficult to get a rental if you start at the 11 month mark (particularly if interested in BWV or BCV). Even at 7 months it shouldn't be a big problem if you are not fussy about location, but I wouldn't stall around much longer than that.
Also, to anser another question of the OP, it probably would be difficult to switch the reservation around as you get closer to date. If rooms are sold out, any attempt to switch would probably be quite difficult.

 

[MTW]

Thank you both for your responses. My husband didn't seem thrilled with BWV so that's why it wasn't listed in my original post. I think we're looking to VWL - anyone have thoughts on getting that at 7 months? We are going to MNNSHP and MK with our 2 yr old. Before these boards, I had not heard of F&W Festival and we don't really plan to take advantage of that when we are there.
Thanks again!
Megan

 

[crisi]

Do be aware that while the rooms are great and renting can be a great value....views at DVC rooms are often not what you'd get if you paid for a great view at a Deluxe resort. There are some nice views at DVC resorts, but often the DVC part of the resort is tucked away with views and central access to the hotel resources not being a high priority when building.

We love the lodge and its a great choice with young kids - who like the theming and the easy access to the MK (I'd perfer staying on a monorail resort, but you can't do that cost effectively with DVC points). I'd still recommend finding a VWL owner to rent points from - VWL is the smallest resort and therefore often books quickly at seven months. Or be prepared to move your trip by a week.

The biggest thing about being a great renter is understanding the lack of flexibility the DVC owner has about cancelling - even a months in advance cancelling can be difficult for them. You are going to have to figure out a way that if the two year old gets sick and you want to postpone, its your problem, not the owners.