renting DVC Points

[mjillard]

So i have read some posts from some ppl here saying that they are renting DVC points and I was wondering about whether that might be an economical way to approach my vacation-planning. So if I were to rent DVC points would I still get free parking at the parks? Have those of u who have done it this way had positive experiences? A friend of the family wants to join our vacation and I was thinking a villa might give us some more room to breathe rather than being cramped into a hotel room and although we had a great time at windsor hills last xmas we really want to stay on property. SO what do u have to say, thumbs UP or DOWN on renting DVC points?

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

Thumbs up from me. Just did if for the first time last month.

I think the biggest things are a.) remember that your DVC reservation is not as flexible as a regular hotel reservation (no adding a day or two at the last minute) and b.) to work with a DVC owner you feel good about (and of course, this works both ways too -- you'll need to do whatever's needed to build a trust relationship as well).

I saved well over 50% compared to rack rate at a very nice property. Since I flew and used Magical Express, I can't answer the question about free parking for sure -- but I think it's free for anybody staying on property -- regardless of specific resort. (A couple years ago, we rented a van while staying at the cabins @ FW and park parking was free then...)

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Don't know about renting DVC points, as I'm a DVC member. Yes, there is free parking when you are staying there on points. You are given a resort paper ticket, just like any other stay, and it goes on your dash. It "waves you through" easy peasy!

If you are on points, remember you will be as a member, so no every day housekeeping, if that's a factor. If you want every day housekeeping, you'll have to pay extra for it.

If you are going to rent, go with OKW. It's the largest accommodations of all the DVCs, with a full laundry room, and a huge jacuzzi tub (yep, big enough for two)! LOL.

But then, I'm a teeny bit biased, eh? LOL.

Also, the points required to stay at OKW are less than at any other resort. Another benefit of being the "first" DVC!

 

[soulmates]

I rented last year and am doing the same this year. HUGE difference in price. I have a friend who just rented at the same resort we are renting, BOARDWALK and her price was LESS than a week at All Star Resorts!!! No joke, I was THRILLED for her!

We got an incredible deal as well, so I say THUMBS UP!!

 

[mjillard]

Thanks for the input everyone!!! No, daily housekeeping is def not a big deal to us, as we didn't get that at WH either. As for the trust thing, do u look for referrals?

 

[sirJeffrey90]

I don't know about referrals, which I should probably check before renting again lol. Something that I would recommend doing if you have an extra $50 is rent a town car to take you from the airport to your hotel! They make a complementary stop for groceries on the way, which may or may not be cheaper than just buying them at your hotel but whatev, and it is loads of fun to pull up in a limo!


But anyway, definitely rent, I got SSR for $96 a night! Book early enough and you could get Club Level at Animal Kingdom Lodge (in which case you wouldn't need groceries)