off site or Disney Hotel or rent a DVC from Davids ?

[pooh2001]

Off site will be less expensive - close to Disney Springs for nice dinners

On site we would have to do a Value resort - possibly a moderate
On site 1/2 hour early entry
But too much noise there

Davids we could get a studio at the BW, AK, or OKW
BW would put us close to EPCOT - one of our favorite parks
Also get the 1/2 hour early entry
AK view of animals - no need to go to AK
OKW - not sure where to stay - but Olivia's is nice

We are 2 adults - no kids, in our 60's
Please advise where to stay

Thank you

 

[easyas123]

I can't tell you what to do, but I'll share my David's experience with you:

We have used David's probably 7 or 8 times now. They have wonderful & responsive customer service and a chat feature on their website that is actually staffed by a real, live person that works directly for David's!! We have never had a single issue with renting points from them or attaching the reservation to our My Disney account, nor have we ever had a problem checking in or getting what we rented.
You may be aware of how it works - but in case you are not, this is it in a nutshell. You choose your dates & what type of room & where you want and submit that from the website submission page along with a small deposit. I think it's $99 but I could be wrong there. They'll let you know if they can accommodate your request. If so they will require payment in full, minus your deposit. If they can not accommodate your request they may offer you either slightly different date or different room type if available. You'll be able to say yes or no. If you say no you get your deposit back. You also get your deposit back if they are unable to fulfill your request. On the submission form you also have the option of picking a secondary/back up resort. At least that is how it was last time we used them.
I think there may be a third party insurance you can purchase but I have no info on that as I have never used this.
It is non refundable (outside of any insurance you may buy) and a use it or lose it type of situation.

I'll actually be contacting them later this week to submit a new request to rent point for next year.

I think it's a great deal for staying at the Deluxe resorts for a lower price. It may not be a ideal situation for people who need to have more flexibility in their plans and/or can not absorb the cost of the rental if they can't make it - but it's worked for us. Of course, we have a fair bit of flexibility w/ our jobs and we have no small children so it's easier for us.

Have a good time on your trip. We've done Wilderness, Boardwalk, Beach Club, Animal Kingdom, Bay Lake Tower, Old Key West & Saratoga on point rentals so far...working our way thru the DVC properties!!

 

[GoingSince1990]

Definitely the DVC point rental if you are OK with the cancellation policy.

 

[Miffy]

If you could swing the price, I'd recommend POFQ. It is most definitely NOT noisy there, it's a lovely resort, it's on-site, and there's a fun boat ride to DS.

How not-noisy is it? We had a room directly across from the playground and pool area in December and we heard nothing from outside.

I've never rented DVC because I've had a couple of WDW trips in the past that I had to cancel or leave early or rearrange the dates and with a DVC rental, you could end up losing the entire cost of the room. As for trip insurance, it's unclear to me if there's any trip insurance that would cover a DVC rental.

I've never been willing to take the risk. If you book your room as a room-only reservation through WDW directly, you have until 5 days before check-in to cancel without penalty, and, even after that, if you'd have to cancel the day before check-in, for example, you'd be out only the 1 night's deposit. I also had a trip when I had to leave early and I wasn't charged for the remaining nights on the reservation. I seriously doubt a DVC rental would be so forgiving.

And, finally, do not stay at a Value if you don't want noise. It's not just the noise outside your room, it's the room-to-room noise. It's brutal.

 

[lanejudy]

If you are considering DVC point rental, just be sure you know all the limitations -- usually this is a non-refundable contract that you enter into. Usually DVC is booked at 11 months or 7 months, if your potential trip is coming up in less time you may have limited options. I recommend finding insurance that meets your needs in case you need to cancel, but that does add to the overall cost.

How about the Swan or Dolphin? Those prices vary so keep checking, but often are much less expensive than WDW deluxe resorts and puts you right in the same proximity as the Epcot area deluxe resorts, and I think you get at least some of the onsite deluxe benefits (like early entry).

 

[Best Aunt]

AK view of animals - no need to go to AK

I disagree with this. If you like animals, there are lots of types of animals at AK theme park which are not at Animal Kingdom Lodge (lions and tigers and gorillas...)

I think PPs did a good job of explaining the DVC point rental situation. One thing to keep in mind is that in order to book a DVC room through David's, the room needs to be available AND David's needs to have an owner who wants to rent out points which can be used to book that room. Room availability changes all the time, so that BWV room that was available yesterday might be gone today.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

We're a family of 4 and have only done cash DVC stays direct with Disney when they had a deep discount. I've looked pretty heavily into renting points and I don't like not being in control of my travel and not being able to change/cancel as necessary. Also, we don't book trips very far out so it's really not easy to book a trip a few months out and get a good deal. We usually end up at Boardwalk or POR/POFQ. We prefer onsite, prefer being in disney resorts since our kids like them but many times we usually end up at Swan/Dolphin since the rates are close to mod pricing but have deluxe benefits and we take advantage of EEH. We also LOVE the location. Of your DVC choices, BC is our favorite. Great location, a variety of dining options nearby and walkability/boat to two parks.

 

[bridget]

If you can stay on site at a similar price point, that’s what I would do. I love the option of Disney transportation. You also have early access and late night extra hours. I agree with everyone about how quiet and nice POFQ is. We’ve also rented points and had great success. You login to your Disney account and your reservation is there.

 

[iheartglaciers]

I'd rent DVC points to stay at Boardwalk, if you're okay with the cancellation policy. Being able to walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios is super convenient and is worth the extra cost from staying offsite.

 

[nw6675]

We have done all three. I would rent points or look for a Disney discount.

Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one on the planet, but I had no issue whatsoever having my travel insurance pay my David's cancellation. I'm going to start posting my payment check since I get so much flak as if I would lie about it. Craziness.

I've also had fantastic experiences with board members. I usually save several hundred dollars cutting out the middleman.

 

[disneyvacationtime]

We have done all three. I would rent points or look for a Disney discount.

Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one on the planet, but I had no issue whatsoever having my travel insurance pay my David's cancellation. I'm going to start posting my payment check since I get so much flak as if I would lie about it. Craziness.

I've also had fantastic experiences with board members. I usually save several hundred dollars cutting out the middleman.

If you would not mind sharing, from whom did you buy your travel insurance? This is a game changer for me as a possible last-minute cancellation on my end (and losing money) is the only thing preventing me from renting points. Thanks!

 

[nw6675]

If you would not mind sharing, from whom did you buy your travel insurance? This is a game changer for me as a possible last-minute cancellation on my end (and losing money) is the only thing preventing me from renting points. Thanks!

https://www.johnhancocktravel.com/

I bought it through Squaremouth because they work as an ombudsman if any issues.

As with anything, YMMV

 

[disneyvacationtime]

https://www.johnhancocktravel.com/

I bought it through Squaremouth because they work as an ombudsman if any issues.

As with anything, YMMV

Thank you!

 

[Robber Baron]

We have done it all.

We have looked for, and used, Disney room discounts.

We have used travel agents "Agency Exclusive", deals.

We have rented from private DVC owners.

We have used 2 different DVC rental agencies

We have never had a bad experience with any of them.

We have not purchased travel insurance for any of our DVC reservations, we found out we have insurance through using our Sapphire Preferred card when paying for the reservation, (when using an agency.) But, in all our stays, the only one we ever needed to cancel was in 2021, but that was direct through Disney so it was a painless process.

I would always recommend staying on - site. My only tip would be if you are renting at OKW, (We've stayed there 3 or 4 times), get a location near Hospitality House.

 

[georgina]

I can't tell you what to do, but I'll share my David's experience with you:

We have used David's probably 7 or 8 times now. They have wonderful & responsive customer service and a chat feature on their website that is actually staffed by a real, live person that works directly for David's!! We have never had a single issue with renting points from them or attaching the reservation to our My Disney account, nor have we ever had a problem checking in or getting what we rented.
You may be aware of how it works - but in case you are not, this is it in a nutshell. You choose your dates & what type of room & where you want and submit that from the website submission page along with a small deposit. I think it's $99 but I could be wrong there. They'll let you know if they can accommodate your request. If so they will require payment in full, minus your deposit. If they can not accommodate your request they may offer you either slightly different date or different room type if available. You'll be able to say yes or no. If you say no you get your deposit back. You also get your deposit back if they are unable to fulfill your request. On the submission form you also have the option of picking a secondary/back up resort. At least that is how it was last time we used them.
I think there may be a third party insurance you can purchase but I have no info on that as I have never used this.
It is non refundable (outside of any insurance you may buy) and a use it or lose it type of situation.

I'll actually be contacting them later this week to submit a new request to rent point for next year.

I think it's a great deal for staying at the Deluxe resorts for a lower price. It may not be a ideal situation for people who need to have more flexibility in their plans and/or can not absorb the cost of the rental if they can't make it - but it's worked for us. Of course, we have a fair bit of flexibility w/ our jobs and we have no small children so it's easier for us.

Have a good time on your trip. We've done Wilderness, Boardwalk, Beach Club, Animal Kingdom, Bay Lake Tower, Old Key West & Saratoga on point rentals so far...working our way thru the DVC properties!!

I've only used them a few times, but I was pleased during the fall of 2020 when I decided not to go and David's was able to resell my reservation. I got a credit for the full amount good for 3 years.

 

[jimmymc]

If renting DVC is a similar price to off-site, that's what I would recommend. The hotels are a nice jump up in quality and theming, and having a little kitchenette in the rooms is surprisingly useful.

 

[pindecisive]

How about the Swan or Dolphin? Those prices vary so keep checking, but often are much less expensive than WDW deluxe resorts and puts you right in the same proximity as the Epcot area deluxe resorts, and I think you get at least some of the onsite deluxe benefits (like early entry).

I second this! Swan Reserve was quiet and had a great onsite restaurant with a short walk to Epcot. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy person, you can use points for your stay.

In 2021 we stayed at Hilton Lake Buena Vista in Disney Springs (with points) and it was pretty bad. Between the bus hours making us uber everywhere and the scary pedestrian bridge, Disney Springs was a definite no for us.

 

[BLT4me]

I used DVC Rental Store - well I never actually stayed, I had to cancel. HOWEVER, they only required 25% of the total up front, and since I cancelled before 120 days to check-in I got a full credit to use in the future. Credit is good for two years from the original check-in date, so more than enough time to use it. They were very responsive and quick to assist.

The credit is less as you get closer to the reservation (75% 120 to 61 days, 50% 60 to 16 days etc), but certainly better than losing everything.

 

[hsmamato2]

Are the prices in your categories similiar? Usually the DVC option is most expensive.... I personally LOVE the Swan/Dolphin setup...if you can use points or find a discount it's awesome. I also like Disney Springs options,I Love the Hilton Palace,(Island rooms) if you don't mind a bit of walking to get to Springs it's a great option... I prefer the Springs hotels I"ve tried to some of the onsite options.... (not all, but the price makes a difference)

 

[mroulier]

We (my DW and I) booked thru David's in February for our September trip and I didn't realize that I should have booked 11 months out to get Poly or Beach club! So SSR is what we got, and it's fine. I bought travel insurance because we have a 4-day stay in Myrtle Beach after our Disney trip. It was like $170 to cover the park tickets, hotel, and then cover our luggage and my golf clubs, even though we're driving! We're staying 7 nights in Disney.
I initially booked the Hilton Doubletree Disney Springs thru Mousesavers. 2 room King suite (nice and big!). No resort fees, but if we included parking at the hotel and parking at the parks for 6 days, it totaled $1476. But they did allow Early Park entry!
Second Mousesavers room was the Hilton Buena Vista Palace. Smaller room, and this hotel had a daily $32 resort fee, BUT the Mousesavers deal waived the parking fee at the hotel, and it would be nice to walk to DS. Still had ETPE too! Total cost $1625.
DVC for Saratoga Springs for a Standard Studio room (Same size as the Palace): $1525. NO resort fees and NO paying for parking in the parks, and Evening magic hours to boot!! It was really a no brainer. And now I feel like we can ride the park buses instead of a not quite reliable hotel shuttle.
And by comparison, Swan was going to be $2335 because of the $40 resort fee and $32 per day parking! I'm a Marriott rewards member, but I don't have enough points to stay for free!