I am a frequent DVC points renter and I also often stay on-site not using points.
I am constantly comparing the costs to book directly with Disney OR the costs to rent points.
There are pros and cons to each.
In the past,
FREE DINING has been available for booking from Disney during days in October (you can read about this on the Mousesavers' website- “historical discounts”).
What this meant…
In 2011, folks could get the regular free dining plan with moderate or deluxe resort stay- this means that you pay full price for the room, and purchase at least 2 days worth of tickets, but your room guests each get one table service, one counter service and one quick service meal per night of stay (in 2012, the regular dining plan includes one refillable mug per person). If you stayed in a full price Value room (and purchased at least a 2 day ticket), you had quick dining service for free. The dining plans could be upgraded for the price difference. You can't discount the room- it is full price. You may only use one discount at a time. The best value for your money (in my opinion) was a moderate room with the free regular dining. Some of the moderates only have double beds, some have queen beds. You can read about each hotel on this website. Moderates have refrigerators and coffee makers, but the villas have kitchenettes in the studios that include toasters and microwaves.
Why/when do I (Suedaisy) rent points?
I typically will only pay $8 to $10 per point. Animal Kingdom Jambo house is one of my favorite places to stay. The room is lovely and has a queen bed and a pull out sofa. I often can stay in a value studio or standard studio for a lower cost than the best Disney discount- even after paying out of pocket to add the dining plan.
I also love the location of the Boardwalk Standard studios (require low amount of points). This spring break, I reserved my room WAY back in the summer. I am paying a lot less for the room. I am using Disney gift cards with the owner to purchase the Dining Plan. Con- There is always a "risk"- I am locked in on this reservation (you should read up on renting points if you are doing this from a “private” renter- I use Paypal and a contract).... It feels like there is less flexibility (in my opinion) with any changes. (If I book with Disney you can make changes to your reservation until 45 days out with no penalty- even after 45 days, if you upgrade, there is no penalty)… I am paying less to ADD the dining plan to my vacation with my points rental during certain times of the year than a moderate hotel with free dining. I have an annual pass and don't always want to purchase tickets (a requirement that is usually in place for free dining).
It is a game of comparisons and planning…Just to show how crazy this can get- I used free dining in December (stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter). I am “saving” my 2 day ticket (the ticket never expires) that I would need anyway for my March trip which I will then upgrade to an annual pass… confused yet?
---DVC rentals ARE available DURING free dining times, but you DO NOT get free dining. You can add this to your reservation through the member contacting member services if he/she is willing.
---DVC rentals do not have daily housekeeping (mousekeeping). You can pay an additional fee to have your room cleaned
Calculation #1
IF there is free dining offered (and there are no promises- Disney may not offer this)- then using the Disney “full” price site, calculate the cost of just the room and 2 day ticket. This would give you the minimum price that would include free dining.
Calculation #2
Next, calculate the cost of the dining plan, tickets and the studio that you would like. This would be the cost of renting points. The Disney Vacation Club Villas are a “deluxe” resort. So, if this is more, then you should decide how much more you are willing to pay for location/hotel theme etc.
Even more information-
If you rent points, then you may prefer to purchase tickets from an authorized dealer. This can usually save you the cost of tax. The budget board can tell you all about this. Maybe you are in the military or a Florida resident- you can save much more on tickets.
If you rent points, there are washers and dryers in the 1 and 2 bedroom villas. The studios share a laundry area that is no additional charge.
Your situation
Bottom line- 20% off is nice, but I think some of us are hoping for a better percentage discount or Free Dining.
Boardwalk Villas or Beach Club villas offer prime location for your trip if you will be going to EPCOT. I am not sure where you are getting your points. My suggestion (and nobody yell at me as I am not sure if these points are coming from a friend, etc). I would total up “Calculate #1.” This should be your goal to keep your expenses around/under. Then, I would check on how much you need to get the points to be for your trip (so, how much is the dining plan and the tickets). Perhaps the person who is renting you points will negotiate. (By the way, if you already have tickets or a pass- or have a way to get them cheaper, then add in those savings too. )
For instance, the room rate renting points at $9 per point- October 17 (random day selected)
• One night Standard at the Boardwalk would be 10 points, so $90. If there are 2 adults- dining plan would be around $110 additional dollars.
• One night at Carribbean is $190 (not adding anything else, because you hope that there is free dining)
The Caribbean is very nice, however the Boardwalk location is great. I would pay the extra $10 to stay at the Boardwalk. That is up to you.. To book directly with Disney- The full price of the studio at the Boardwalk that day would be $461 (no ticket, no dining)
