Rental stories...

[klitteral2009]

Hello! I have been mulling over the idea of possibly renting points for our next WDW trip (this year or next). I know I've seen testimonials of people having great experiences using the rental companies but then I see the offers for rental here on this board and wonder how many people have had positive experiences going the one on one route. is it more complicated? less? I'm just getting my feet wet in all this information but wanted to hear any horror stories that people had so that I can be sure I'm seeing a clear picture. TIA!

 

[tjkraz]

There have been countless positive experiences with private rentals. I rented over 10 years ago before buying.

But you have to realize it's a private transaction between two parties. If anything goes wrong, Disney will not assist to make things right. With a rental, you aren't booking a room from Disney...you're entering into an agreement with a private individual to provide a room.

There have been a few stories over the years of things going wrong, but the positive stories far outweigh the negative.

A rental service like DVCRequest can provide an extra layer of protection. I know David keeps a portion of the funds in escrow until the trip has been completed. And he personally guarantees a room will be available...and will take steps to make things right if there are any difficulties getting the villa that was promised.

With private transactions, you usually have to pay the full price long before the trip occurs. The DVC owner is committing his points and stands to lose himself if payment is not made, so most want the comfort of getting 100% payment early.

Fact is, there's ample opportunity for both parties to harm one another. That's why trust is so important. But a third-party broker can help keep both parties honest.

 

[jimandami]

I have rented points at least 10 times, only once from a broker because it was last minute. I have never, ever had anything but positive experiences working with individual DVC owners.

 

[crisi]

There are some things you should know.

The reservation will likely be non-refundable and non-cancellable - you need to be SURE you are going.

The reservation remains 100% in the hands of the owner - most turn out fine.

DVC rooms tend to book faster than regular hotel rooms - you should make your plans well in advance of your trip. Also, for the most part, lower cost rooms (such as BWV or BLT standard view) go VERY quickly - budget for the higher priced rooms.

DVC rooms will not come with daily housekeeping - your towels will get switched out on day four and if you stay longer than a week, you get a cleaning on day 8.

I'd say its definitely more complicated - especially if you try and find an owner yourself (rather than working through a broker who will try and find an owner for you). But the savings may be more than worth it IF you are sure you are going to take the trip when you book and can plan ahead.

If you want the Dining plan, you'll need to work with the owner to have it added - you won't be able to do that yourself. Also, changes to your reservation will likely not be possible - no "airfare is better if we leave on Tuesday, lets move everything back one day.

Upgrades are almost unheard of.

Once the reservation is made, you show up and check in like any other Disney reservation and with a few exceptions (housekeeping, studios will have a Queen bed and full (?) pullout rather than two beds), it will work like any Disney room.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I am on the other side of the coin. I have rented my points out several times and the transactions have gone smoothly. The renter lets me know what their travel dates are and what resort they would like to stay at. I check inventory and let them know if its available. I book it they pay me via paypal. If they need the dinning plan they can call Disney and then Disney will call me and do a 3 way call with me and the renter. I give DVC CM the info needed to start the process of adding the dinning plan and the renter gives the CM their credit card number. Transaction is complete.