Please help me understand how to rent DVC points

[Floorit]

I just discovered this option today, but I'm afraid I just don't get it.
I'd like to TRY this route for a stay 10/18-21, really at any Disney location (least expensive would be best) So far I THINK I've learned that a stay at the Boardwalk would be 39 points total(??)- but am confused as to how to go about simply checking availability before I would even post an offer to rent points off of a member. This would be for 2 adults.

Can anyone help get me on the right track????

 

[RobDoc]

At this late date (assuming you're talking about October, 2006) you may have to find a member wanting to rent an existing reservation, but it can't hurt to post your request on the DVC Rent/Trade Board (be sure to use "Reservation Wanted" as the title for the thread) and see if a member can help. Since Member Services is open until 5PM today, there is a chance someone could even check today for you. Otherwise, it will be Monday before anyone can check availability.

Good luck!

 

[Floorit]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. I didn't realize only the DVC member can check availability.

 

[Deb & Bill]

From Oct through Dec is a pretty popular time for DVC members, so they make their reservations very early. Waiting until a few days before a reservation is to begin is very unwise and usually results in no reservation. If you want to go in Oct, you need to contact a DVC member no later than May.

You might find someone with a reservation that they cannot use and they are trying to sell it to anyone who can use it. But it probably cannot be modified in any way, shape or manner. No adding days, might be able to subtract days, no modification of the location or type of villa.

 

[JimMIA]

Before you post on the R/T board, be sure to read the "Sticky's" at the top of that forum. Those explain the rules, and give a lot of helpful info. Renting a DVC reservation is not at all like making a hotel reservation, and you need to clearly understand the critical differences -- and be able to live with them -- before you enter into a rental transaction.

If renting a DVC reservation fits your needs, you will save a considerable amount of money -- but it's not for everyone.

 

[Sammie]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. I didn't realize only the DVC member can check availability.

The best advice, please educate before doing this. Only members have access to DVC Member Services, this is a recent enforcement. Meaning only the member can make the reservation, make requests, add the Dining plan or Magical Express if needed. Everything that involves the reservation has to be made by the Member.

Therefore there is a huge element of trust. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable renter. 99% are, but that 1% can show up and take your money and run. You will not be able to call Disney to verify your reservation until a few days prior to your arrival when the resort receives it in their computer system.

There is a wealth of info about renting on the Rent/Trade board, read it before you talk to anyone.

As stated you are several months late for October reservations, unless a Member is selling an actual already booked reservation and not just points. You have to book with DVC months out, usually for the more popular months at least 11 months out, others 7 months out.

You can read on these forums about the many success stories and the very rare sad ones that were troublesome.

The best course is to be very smart and educated about what you are doing. Most mistakes are due to renters that don't know what they are doing, and rentees that don't.

 

[senecabeach]

Ditto Sammie's post above