Renting DVC Points vs. Deluxe

[AliceIn]

I've seen a lot of recommendations for folks to rent DVC points to get the deluxe experience without the deluxe pricing.

Question:

Is the recommendation based on the amenities of the parent deluxe resort (AKL, BCV, BWV, VWL, BLT) plus some additional space?

I've looked at the pictures from all the villas, and the actual accommodations there don't seem comparable to the regular rooms at the hotels. The furniture, bedding, etc., don't look particularly upscale. The rooms at the deluxe hotels do have that feeling.

Am I missing something?

 

[thr33boys]

We've only stayed once and we rented points at AKV. We have nothing to compare it to against other Disney hotels at any other level. But when we were deciding, it seemed a no brainier that renting points at AKV that would give us a 1 bedroom with a king size bed, a full kitchen, a washer/dryer and a balcony for about $200 more than cramming us into POR. The room and the decor was beautiful. We're renting points again this year. You really need to make sure you can trust your owner.

 

[geraghty]

I think your assumptions are correct. DVC is a timeshare so the owner's pay for maintenance and housekeeping is also limited. The furnishings are nice, but will often show a little wear. For many, it's a small trade to save hundreds if not thousands for a stay in a deluxe.

 

[chasgoose]

I've seen a lot of recommendations for folks to rent DVC points to get the deluxe experience without the deluxe pricing.

Question:

Is the recommendation based on the amenities of the parent deluxe resort (AKL, BCV, BWV, VWL, BLT) plus some additional space?

I've looked at the pictures from all the villas, and the actual accommodations there don't seem comparable to the regular rooms at the hotels. The furniture, bedding, etc., don't look particularly upscale. The rooms at the deluxe hotels do have that feeling.

Am I missing something?

I get that impression with some of the DVC resorts too! It seems particularly noticeable with the BWV and the BCV. That said, the newer DVC resorts seem on par (BLT) or slightly nicer (AKV/GFV) than their counterpart deluxe resorts. That might just be because the main resorts at AKL and GF are in need of a redecoration for me and thus the newer rooms at the DVC resorts are better.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you are comparing a hotel room to a DVC studio, go with the hotel room. But if you are comparing it to a one bedroom villa (or larger), you then get a full kitchen, washer and dryer, multiple televisions, large stand up shower and jetted tub, king sized bed in the master bedroom.

 

[msjprincess]

For me it's all about the money. I can get deluxe amenities and location for so much less money. You can rent a 1 bedroom at BCV for less than a regular room at the BC.

 

[d3boyz]

I agree that renting points is actually more economical in the long run. You get the best of both worlds in that you get excellent accommodations with far more amenities than you would booking at moderate to deluxe resorts on Disney properties, AND you don't have to pay the HOA dues and taxes associated with having points of your own. Win, win, win!

Definitely develop a trusting relationship with the owner you rent through, though. It will be a great experience!

Deb

 

[tarak]

I've stayed at AKL three times and once , this last trip, at AKV. I thought the furnishings were comparable. Adding in the extra bedroom, extra bath, kitchen, washer and dryer makes it a no-brainer for us that we'd rent DVC points for the next trip. The only thing at disappointed was the savannah. We had Pembe and I agree with the complaints of others that it is sad and lacking. My husband liked it, though, because there were no rooms across the way, so he felt like we had the place to ourselves. We both preferred the lobby at Kidani as more intimate and inviting.

I've only stayed at AKV and can't compare any other deluxe resort rooms to their DVC counterparts. I have to say, though, the WLV building from the outside can't hold a candle to the main resort.

 

[buzznina]

If you are comparing a hotel room to a DVC studio, go with the hotel room. But if you are comparing it to a one bedroom villa (or larger), you then get a full kitchen, washer and dryer, multiple televisions, large stand up shower and jetted tub, king sized bed in the master bedroom.

The studios is really where you save the $$, but with that you do have to give up some comforts. You will only get 1 real bed and an, IMO, uncomfortable pullout. Plus when you have the pullout open the room REALLY becomes cramped. Not to mention you do not get daily cleaning (for us not a big deal), no daily fresh towels(big deal for us) or soaps and shampoos. They come every 4th day. You just need to do your homework and see if it is for you, I would at least try it once

 

[BringingUpDisney]

We tried a one bedroom at BWV last year and it was ..ok. We didn't hate it but we felt we were missing the usual Disney Magic. Totally our fault, but we also way overestimated how much we would eat/drink in the room and left a ton of groceries behind.

This year we are trying CL at Poly and BC to see if that is a better fit for us. Like everywhere, there are different things that work for different people. That is what I love about WDW offering so many options!