On a budget... why wouldn't you rent DVC points?

[Elima2015]

We're looking at going in February, so just over 3 months from now... is that not enough planning time to rent points?

Probably not. We tried to rent points right at the 7 month mark and there wasn't any availability for some of the days we will be there for any room size or view. Our dates were locked as we already purchased air and going for a wedding. There was some availablity starting at the end of the time we will be there for studio and 2 BR pool and ocean views. That was in July. I can only imagine availability is much harder now. You might have better luck if you are flexible with dates and/or willing to split your stay between rented points and cash (I'm pretty sure you would have to change rooms though).

 

[nkereina]

If you book direct and have more then 2 adults in a room, they charge an extra $100/nt for each additional adult.

Wow, is the extra person charge really that much at Aulani? At WDW, it’s $25/nt per person over two adults (over 18). If you’re staying on points, I think you’re correct in that they don’t charge you for this because your rate is your rate. It’s flat and calculated by points. That being said, the exta person charges at any hotel are said to cover the additional wear and tear on the room, etc. so that would apply to both cash and point reservations alike. Now I’m curious!

 

[JCornell]

Wow, is the extra person charge really that much at Aulani? At WDW, it’s $25/nt per person over two adults (over 18). If you’re staying on points, I think you’re correct in that they don’t charge you for this because your rate is your rate. It’s flat and calculated by points. That being said, the exta person charges at any hotel are said to cover the additional wear and tear on the room, etc. so that would apply to both cash and point reservations alike. Now I’m curious!

Yeah, just as an example, Jul 3 through Jul 6 - 2 adults, 2 children - it says $554/nt with a total of $1894 (232 on top of the 554*3)
Then I switched it to same dates but 3 adults, 1 child - now it still says $554/nt but the total is now $2236 (574 on top of the 554*3) which is $114/nt more!!!
Like you said, I'm used to paying a little more but that's just crazy. And if you add another adult it's another $114/nt.

 

[KBinCO]

Okay, last question...

If I rent points through a broker site, am I working with the site as the middle man, or do the connect me directly with a member and then am I dealing exclusively with a member?

 

[MouseOfCards]

Wow, is the extra person charge really that much at Aulani? At WDW, it’s $25/nt per person over two adults (over 18). If you’re staying on points, I think you’re correct in that they don’t charge you for this because your rate is your rate. It’s flat and calculated by points. That being said, the exta person charges at any hotel are said to cover the additional wear and tear on the room, etc. so that would apply to both cash and point reservations alike. Now I’m curious!

Yeah, just as an example, Jul 3 through Jul 6 - 2 adults, 2 children - it says $554/nt with a total of $1894 (232 on top of the 554*3)
Then I switched it to same dates but 3 adults, 1 child - now it still says $554/nt but the total is now $2236 (574 on top of the 554*3) which is $114/nt more!!!
Like you said, I'm used to paying a little more but that's just crazy. And if you add another adult it's another $114/nt.

Remember that at Aulani, the room fee includes many amenities, such as all the pools and lazy river, Aunty's Beach House, Fire Pit Storytelling, Menehune kids bridge play area, etc. At WDW, you pay extra for activities (water parks, theme park tickets, etc.). At Aulani, Disney doesn't have as many revenue streams or opportunities for additional sales.

 

[Pooh2]

You deal with the broker and never have any contact with the owner. The broker sent us a contract to sign, we paid through the broker's website. We were anxious about trying it but had a great experience.

 

[KBinCO]

You deal with the broker and never have any contact with the owner. The broker sent us a contract to sign, we paid through the broker's website. We were anxious about trying it but had a great experience.

Thank you. I think I am going to submit a reservation tonight. I found a great deal on flights.

 

[nkereina]

You deal with the broker and never have any contact with the owner. The broker sent us a contract to sign, we paid through the broker's website. We were anxious about trying it but had a great experience.

This is true, but on the other end, the broker is dealing with the owner and relying on the owner to make the reservation and not do anything shady behind the scenes. While a broker may offer some kind of recourse or assistance if something were to happen, the risk element of renting points is still present. A broker is just the liaison between the owner and renter. The broker doesn't have or hold any points of their own for renting.

Again, that being said, I'd think the chance of a rental going awry is pretty rare. We've always had great experiences as well.