Question regarding point rental, DME and MyDisneyExperience

[Frwinkley]

I hope I've posted this to the right forum.

I am considering renting points. I need DME. Can I do this myself or does the owner have to do this? Also, can I add tickets, fastpasses, etc. through MyDisneyExperience? What about MagicBands?

I've rented points before but only for a brief resort stay.

Thank you!

 

[CarolMN]

The Magic Bands come with an on-site reservation (and that includes the WDW DVC resorts). Once you have the reservation number, you can link it to your MDE account - there will be an option to order the magic bands. Yes, you can add tickets to MDE & once you do so, you will have the ability to make FP+ reservations when your 60 day window arrives.

The owner should make the Magical Express reservation for you. If you use one of the rental brokers, ask how they do DME since you don't yet have your flight info (if you don't). Some renters have had good luck calling DME directly to make Magical Express reservations for DVC stays. It seems to depend on who you get when you call DME.

 

[Frwinkley]

Thanks for the reply!

I now have a very general question: Although I have rented points before with no problems and not much concern, I'm actually doing some research for my daughter and son-in-law for an upcoming stay in December. Their question is this: why would anyone book directly through Disney, when renting points through an individual is so much more affordable?

The only con I can come up with is regarding cancellation.

Thanks for your help!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Availability is also a big deal. Frankly, you are late for a December rental for 2017.

Finding an owner at 11 months, even through an agency, is not a sure thing. The closer you get to 7 months, especially in DVC high seosn, the availability of units disappears quickly. icily. if you are looking for this December, you are unlikely to find a full week at a near park resort, and will be deep in the waitlist for points from an agency.

 

[Frwinkley]

It's only for a 4 night stay and I already found an owner with availability--one that I've rented through before. I have no hesitation using them again, however, my daughter and son-in-law (who have never rented before) are nervous.

I'd like to know the downside of renting (I personally don't think there is one), but I need help convincing them that the downside is very limited.

 

[ToddlerMom311]

Thanks for the reply!

I now have a very general question: Although I have rented points before with no problems and not much concern, I'm actually doing some research for my daughter and son-in-law for an upcoming stay in December. Their question is this: why would anyone book directly through Disney, when renting points through an individual is so much more affordable?

The only con I can come up with is regarding cancellation.

Thanks for your help!

I had the same question when I first learned of renting points. I have a trip booked in November for 50%+ off from rack rate prices. It's amazing. However, there are a few cons that I've become aware of:

You can't take advantage of any Disney promotions, like the free dining which will probably be announced tomorrow. You do not get daily housekeeping. You also will likely not ever get a surprise upgrade like you may when you book through Disney. Another is just the general risk involved with going through and paying an outside person, especially when you find a private seller v. a broker. There is a risk of being ripped off, though it is rare. And, yes, like you said, the money is paid upfront and generally nonrefundable.

 

[Deb & Bill]

No clean sheets for a four night stay. Clean towels every four days and no calling for clean towels to be delivered without paying extra. No beds made (you make them yourself), pick up after yourself (no one does that except every four days). You want more coffee for your coffee maker? Buy some.

 

[LAX]

The biggest downside for me was the lack of flexibility. Once reserved, no change is allowed regardless of what happens. That's quite a bit of money to lose if the unfortunate happens. I didn't have to worry about being scammed as I went with a rental agency, but you don't have that risk as you have already rented with the owner before. Other than that, I didn't mind all of the other downsides. If you want, you can pay for daily housekeeping and still come out ahead.

LAX