point rental lessons for a newbie

[Zurgerific]

Sorry, a bit of a newbie here, as in, I've never rented points and just learned of such a thing a couple of days ago .
I’ve gone to the DVC point rental primer and Attention potential renters pages which were very helpful. Read a number of other threads regarding renting points and did a search on how to rent points and looked through that. I’m still not sure I have the whole process down correctly though.


I think what I’ve picked up so far is this :
A DVC owner is allowed by Disney to rent out their points to non-DVC members if they wish to. If I rent and show up at the check-in desk I can tell them I’m not the owner, I’m just renting and they’ll honor my reservation.
While fraud has been rare here, it’s best practice to research the owner/seller by checking their previous posts, Orange County Property Register(for on WDW properties) to make sure they own, as well as check any references the renter can provide.

Use a mutually acceptable rental contract and make sure you understand what’s on the page thoroughly. Communicate, don’t assume.

The number of points you need is determined by which DVC property you want to stay at, which type of room and view you want and the dates you’ll be visiting. You look all that up on the DVC points chart. If it calculates out to 154 points for the stay I want, I’m looking to buy 154 points from the owner at their price per point. The owner needs to have a complete list of everyone in the party to complete the reservation. If a party member needs to opt out of going, but everyone else is still going – does that cause any problems with the reservation or check-in?

Here’s where I’m foggy: Once we’ve got our rental contract agreed upon and signed, and whatever upfront payment that was agreed upon has been made, the owner then requests the room I want for the dates I want through DVC? Assuming my request is available, how long should it take for DVC to confirm back to the owner? If my request is not available am I stuck with the points or do we just unwind the transaction and I get my money back?

Cancelling/Changing dates after the reservation is confirmed is problematic so it’s best to have firm plans, and trip insurance I guess? I can check the reservation on line once the owner provides the number, any time before the trip.

Once I've paid the owner for the point rental in full, there's no other room charge? I'm not having to pay their annual maintenance fee, I won't be charged hotel room tax on top of my rental price? anything else?

Assuming the owner can get my room, the owners name is on the reservation and I need to go through the owner to make any additions such as a meal plan or ADRs. Once I check-in, the reservation then transfers from the owners name to my name? Charging to the room would mean it would go on the owners tab so either there’s no charging to the room or some sort of arrangement would have to be set up with the owner. So if I want to rent a watercraft as an example, I can put it on a credit card when I book it, I don’t need to be able to put that to my room?

Daily maid service is not included but you can purchase it. Trash pick up and towel change is on day 4 – is there anything else I do not get if I rent points versus booking as a non-DVC guest directly. Is there anything I do get by renting points that I don’t get going non-point rental? For example, I read in another thread that the lounge at the top of Bay Lake Tower was only accessible to owners – does that mean if I rent points I can go to the lounge but if I don’t rent I can’t go. Also, I read in another thread that if you book a DVC villa directly as opposed to renting you’ll get charge the extra adult fees if applicable, where as if you rent you won’t – sound right?

Thanks in advance for your indulgence.

 

[Sandisw]

I think most owners who are renting a reservation will check for availability for you prior to accepting your deposit. Once the reservation is made, the owner should get an email confirmation within a day or two. I have also heard that they can request MS to send you, the renter, a copy of it.

Once a reservation is made, any changes will have to be made by the owner. Whether or not they are willing to do this is up to them. In terms of cancellation, again, it is between the owner and the renter so be sure to find an owner whose terms are agreeable to you.

The reservation does remain in the control of the owner until you check in so there must be trust. They can cancel it at any time up until you check in.

As a renter, you can pay for daily mousekeeping but it is expensive but are entitled to it if you book for cash through Disney.

As far a perks, like TOWL at BLT, sometimes they want to see the DVC membership card and sometimes the KTTW card is all you need. If you are on a DVC points reservation as a renter, you may be allowed up and you may not. If you book on cash, you would definitely not be allowed.

Saving money is a great reason to rent a DVC reservation. However, there are drawbacks and IMO, the biggest ones are the more strict cancellation rules most owners have and the loss of control.

Good luck!

 

[chalee94]

A DVC owner is allowed by Disney to rent out their points to non-DVC members if they wish to.

not really (technically).

a DVC owner is allowed to make reservations with their pts. they can use the reservation themselves, give it away to family or rent the reservation.

you don't actually get the points. you can't use them. you can't even talk to member services, so the pts would do you no good. you are technically renting a reservation.

If a party member needs to opt out of going, but everyone else is still going – does that cause any problems with the reservation or check-in?

the lead name needs to stay the same. not a problem UNLESS you have added the dining plan, in which case, you would still be on the hook for someone who didn't come.

Assuming my request is available, how long should it take for DVC to confirm back to the owner? If my request is not available am I stuck with the points or do we just unwind the transaction and I get my money back?

it takes minutes to make the reservation if there is availability. if there is no availability, generally you would get your money back (but that is between you and the individual you made the deal with).

Cancelling/Changing dates after the reservation is confirmed is problematic so it’s best to have firm plans, and trip insurance I guess?

firm plans, yes. trip insurance is optional (i've never done it).

Once I've paid the owner for the point rental in full, there's no other room charge? I'm not having to pay their annual maintenance fee, I won't be charged hotel room tax on top of my rental price? anything else?

that's all - no taxes (except for hawaii) and their rental price per pt should more than cover their annual fees.

Assuming the owner can get my room, the owners name is on the reservation and I need to go through the owner to make any additions such as a meal plan or ADRs. Once I check-in, the reservation then transfers from the owners name to my name? Charging to the room would mean it would go on the owners tab so either there’s no charging to the room or some sort of arrangement would have to be set up with the owner. So if I want to rent a watercraft as an example, I can put it on a credit card when I book it, I don’t need to be able to put that to my room?

ADRs are on you. but you would need to have the owner add the dining plan and magical express *ahead of time* if desired.

once you check in, the reservation is really yours. if you want to charge things with your room key, give the desk clerk your credit card.

...the lounge at the top of Bay Lake Tower was only accessible to owners – does that mean if I rent points I can go to the lounge but if I don’t rent I can’t go. Also, I read in another thread that if you book a DVC villa directly as opposed to renting you’ll get charge the extra adult fees if applicable, where as if you rent you won’t – sound right?

lounge access at BLT is hard to say - sometimes renters are allowed up and sometimes you need the blue DVC member card. same with free internet - sometimes renters get it, sometimes not. you would not ever have to deal with extra adult fees as a renter, though.

 

[dzorn]

Sorry, a bit of a newbie here, as in, I've never rented points and just learned of such a thing a couple of days ago .
I’ve gone to the DVC point rental primer and Attention potential renters pages which were very helpful. Read a number of other threads regarding renting points and did a search on how to rent points and looked through that. I’m still not sure I have the whole process down correctly though.


I think what I’ve picked up so far is this :
A DVC owner is allowed by Disney to rent out their points to non-DVC members if they wish to. If I rent and show up at the check-in desk I can tell them I’m not the owner, I’m just renting and they’ll honor my reservation.
While fraud has been rare here, it’s best practice to research the owner/seller by checking their previous posts, Orange County Property Register(for on WDW properties) to make sure they own, as well as check any references the renter can provide.

Use a mutually acceptable rental contract and make sure you understand what’s on the page thoroughly. Communicate, don’t assume.

The number of points you need is determined by which DVC property you want to stay at, which type of room and view you want and the dates you’ll be visiting. You look all that up on the DVC points chart. If it calculates out to 154 points for the stay I want, I’m looking to buy You will be renting a reservation not buying 154 points from the owner at their price per point. The owner needs to have a complete list of everyone in the party to complete the reservation. If a party member needs to opt out of going, but everyone else is still going – does that cause any problems with the reservation or check-in?It may cause a problem if the main name on the reservation is backing out of going

Here’s where I’m foggy: Once we’ve got our rental contract agreed upon and signed, and whatever upfront payment that was agreed upon has been made, the owner then requests the room I want for the dates I want through DVC? Assuming my request is available, how long should it take for DVC to confirm back to the owner? They will either get the reservation number while talking to MS and it will show up within minutes on the member site. If it was done by e-mail it may take a day or two If my request is not available am I stuck with the points or do we just unwind the transaction and I get my money back? I would think most owners would give you your money back as they cannot complete the terms of the contract.

Cancelling/Changing dates after the reservation is confirmed is problematic so it’s best to have firm plans, and trip insurance I guess? Many owners will have a no refunds policy as they are at risk the points expiring without use if you cancel I can check the reservation on line once the owner provides the number, any time before the trip.Some one will come along I do not have the link, but yes you can check it on line after you have the reservation number.

Once I've paid the owner for the point rental in full, there's no other room charge? Any purchase you have charged to the room will need to be paid as well as internet if you were billed as renters do not qualify for free internet. I'm not having to pay their annual maintenance fee, I won't be charged hotel room tax on top of my rental price? anything else?

Assuming the owner can get my room, the owners name is on the reservationThought it is the owners points his name would not be listed on the reservation as he will not be a guest.Though he does still control the reservation. and I need to go through the owner to make any additions such as a meal planMeal plan need to be paid for at the time of adding it to the reservation at least 48 hours before check in or ADRs. No need to bother the owner wiht ADRs you can make them yourself online or through disney dining reservationsOnce I check-in, the reservation then transfers from the owners name to my name? Nope already in your nameCharging to the room would mean it would go on the owners tab so either there’s no charging to the room or some sort of arrangement would have to be set up with the owner. You will give your charge at check in and all purchased will go on your card or you may choose not to have charging but that does not mean it would be billed to the owner So if I want to rent a watercraft as an example, I can put it on a credit card when I book it, I don’t need to be able to put that to my room? If you have given your credit card at check in you will be able to charge to your room or you could use your credit card your choice

Daily maid service is not included but you can purchase it. Correct Trash pick up and towel change is on day 4 – is there anything else I do not get if I rent points versus booking as a non-DVC guest directly. Is there anything I do get by renting points that I don’t get going non-point rental? You can add the dining plan without a tickets purched when renting For example, I read in another thread that the lounge at the top of Bay Lake Tower was only accessible to owners – does that mean if I rent points I can go to the lounge but if I don’t rent I can’t go.I believe current you need to be a DVC owner showing your members card (whick you will not have) staying at BLT on points to access the lounge Also, I read in another thread that if you book a DVC villa directly as opposed to renting you’ll get charge the extra adult fees if applicable, where as if you rent you won’t – sound right?Correct though you will get daily maid service and possibly more flexability on date changes/cancellations booking directly though disney

Thanks in advance for your indulgence.

I am not a expert as I am just an owner that does not rent out my point, but I hope I have answered some of your questions.

Denise in MI

 

[Zurgerific]

I think most owners who are renting a reservation will check for availability for you prior to accepting your deposit. Once the reservation is made, the owner should get an email confirmation within a day or two. I have also heard that they can request MS to send you, the renter, a copy of it.

that was helpful to learn

As far a perks, like TOWL at BLT, sometimes they want to see the DVC membership card and sometimes the KTTW card is all you need. If you are on a DVC points reservation as a renter, you may be allowed up and you may not. If you book on cash, you would definitely not be allowed.

Good luck!

sounds like if i rent, it's worth a try getting into TOWL but if i book cash don't bother.

thanks and i appreciate your endurance reading my long wind post.

 

[Zurgerific]

not really (technically).

a DVC owner is allowed to make reservations with their pts. they can use the reservation themselves, give it away to family or rent the reservation.

you don't actually get the points. you can't use them. you can't even talk to member services, so the pts would do you no good. you are technically renting a reservation.

thanks for that clarification - i think i've got it now.

the lead name needs to stay the same. not a problem UNLESS you have added the dining plan, in which case, you would still be on the hook for someone who didn't come.

it takes minutes to make the reservation if there is availability. if there is no availability, generally you would get your money back (but that is between you and the individual you made the deal with).


that's all - no taxes (except for hawaii) and their rental price per pt should more than cover their annual fees.

excellent, that's all great to know

ADRs are on you. but you would need to have the owner add the dining plan and magical express *ahead of time* if desired.

once you check in, the reservation is really yours. if you want to charge things with your room key, give the desk clerk your credit card.

that's what i was hoping for - more likely to do ADR than a meal plan and would prefer to be able to charge to the room

lounge access at BLT is hard to say - sometimes renters are allowed up and sometimes you need the blue DVC member card. same with free internet - sometimes renters get it, sometimes not. you would not ever have to deal with extra adult fees as a renter, though.

I didn't even think of the internet access - I guess you try it when you get there, if it doesn't work try the calling the front desk to get it, if they tell you there's a charge because you're renting- oh well, you tried . . .

thanks for all the info, much obliged

 

[Zurgerific]

I am not a expert as I am just an owner that does not rent out my point, but I hope I have answered some of your questions.

Denise in MI

thanks much Denise

 

[dzorn]

If you have charging on the room internet would go through without calling the desk. It will have a warning about the charges and costs but automatically apply those it is noted that the charge does not apply to DVC members on points. Some members have been charged and needed to show the blue member card to have the charges removed.

Denise in MI

 

[Dean]

I'm not going go through the entire list, others have already done that. I simply want to address a couple of issues.

One is that while some find it helpful to do a written agreement, I do not, at least not formally. IMO, good rapport, clear understanding of the specifics and adequate planning on both sides is far more key. I do use email which one might argue is, in effect, a written agreement. I also believe that a complicated written agreement is far worse than not having one.

I can't speak for others but I personally am not willing to check availability unless the person renting is willing to commit if available. I'm not going to waste MS time and mine over a back and forth that may not work out. One gets multiple contacts for each rental that occurs. Given these issues, I've generally moved to reserving first then offering with the option of canceling if I need the points for a different rental option. It's much simpler that way and some of the times have gotten difficult enough to reserve that it's the only way to get anything for that time unless you have someone on the hook already at the eleven month window to reserve then.

As noted, you're actually renting a reservation not the points themselves. However, the number of points required will affect the price the owner will want to charge so knowing the points required still is helpful in giving you a reference for the price.

Confirmation is variable. Fairly recently they've started sending out email confirmations which should be within minutes to a day or so. For written ones, 2 weeks is not uncommon and I'd say about 10% of the time, they don't show and you have to ask them to resend it.

It seems you're assuming the points are yours to use as you wish once you rent and that is generally not the case. Most rent as a non refundable rental. Whether you're able to even use the points if you want to change or cancel is subject to your agreement with the member but often not the case.

I would not broadcast that you are renting at the front desk. The owner should have told MS but the resort itself really doesn't need to know that beyond what MS sends them nor does your check in neighbor. All you really need to do is give them your name and information. I wouldn't even pull out a confirmation unless there's an issue.

 

[jwwi]

I have a question re ME. We will be staying off site on our first night and will have a rental car. Can a return to MCO on ME be arranged at check in or does that need to be done at time of reservation?

 

[Dean]

I have a question re ME. We will be staying off site on our first night and will have a rental car. Can a return to MCO on ME be arranged at check in or does that need to be done at time of reservation?

Officially no but I hear some have found a way to make it work.

 

[jwwi]

Thank you, for the fast reply. I will make other arrangements if ME is not available.

 

[dzorn]

Thank you, for the fast reply. I will make other arrangements if ME is not available.

ME to the resort should be added ahead of time. ME at the end of your stay can be arranged when you are there.

Denise in MI

 

[Zurgerific]

Assuming the owner can get my room, the owners name is on the reservation Thought it is the owners points his name would not be listed on the reservation as he will not be a guest.Though he does still control the reservation.

Denise in MI

Ok, I made the leap. At this point i have a verbal commitment, a half-signed rental contract and a pdf file of a DVC confirmation with all of my party's names listed and the right dates at the right place - and a reservation number which i took over to the DVC reservation verification site ( https://secure.reservations.disney....s/processEngine?process=false&pageRender=true ) - but it only comes up with the owners name and when i click on itinerary details it doesn't show any of us - - but, there is a note that says "The itinerary information above may not be complete. Please refer to your reservation confirmation for complete details." I can't see the confirmation in the this site though - I'm getting confused.

do i have a problem or is the owners name suppose to be the one associate at the verification site ?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Ok, I made the leap. At this point i have a verbal commitment, a half-signed rental contract and a pdf file of a DVC confirmation with all of my party's names listed and the right dates at the right place - and a reservation number which i took over to the DVC reservation verification site ( https://secure.reservations.disney....s/processEngine?process=false&pageRender=true ) - but it only comes up with the owners name and when i click on itinerary details it doesn't show any of us - - but, there is a note that says "The itinerary information above may not be complete. Please refer to your reservation confirmation for complete details." I can't see the confirmation in the this site though - I'm getting confused.

do i have a problem or is the owners name suppose to be the one associate at the verification site ?

They may be waiting for full payment before they change the name on the reservation. I would.

 

[Sammie]

Ok, I made the leap. At this point i have a verbal commitment, a half-signed rental contract and a pdf file of a DVC confirmation with all of my party's names listed and the right dates at the right place - and a reservation number which i took over to the DVC reservation verification site ( https://secure.reservations.disney....s/processEngine?process=false&pageRender=true ) - but it only comes up with the owners name and when i click on itinerary details it doesn't show any of us - - but, there is a note that says "The itinerary information above may not be complete. Please refer to your reservation confirmation for complete details." I can't see the confirmation in the this site though - I'm getting confused.

do i have a problem or is the owners name suppose to be the one associate at the verification site ?

Have you checked it at this site:

http://www.mydisneyreservation.com/dvc

If the members's name is still listed then it has not been changed and as Deb said they might be waiting for full payment.