renting DVC points

[marinejjh]

I have wanted to try renting points the next trip our family takes. How does this work? What is included in the points and do I have to be a DVC member? Do I still need to purchase park tickets? Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[living20057]

The only thing that is included is the room. You still need to purchase park tickets and dining plan. You can look at the DVC rent/trade board for info on pricing. No you don't have to be a member, just get a member to make you a reservation.

 

[DebbieB]

I have wanted to try renting points the next trip our family takes. How does this work? What is included in the points and do I have to be a DVC member? Do I still need to purchase park tickets? Any feedback is appreciated.

You don't really "rent points". You rent a room reservation made by a DVC member in your name.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I know that some people here swear by renting points, but I've just never seen the incentive to do so. In running the numbers, getting a villa with a discount always seems to be less expensive than renting points, and you have the added bonus of daily housekeeping.

That's just been what I see, perhaps someone that has rented points frequently can explain what I'm missing.

 

[Missyrose]

I know that some people here swear by renting points, but I've just never seen the incentive to do so. In running the numbers, getting a villa with a discount always seems to be less expensive than renting points, and you have the added bonus of daily housekeeping.

That's just been what I see, perhaps someone that has rented points frequently can explain what I'm missing.

How are you figuring that? I rented points to stay at AKV last year and it cost less than half of what it would have been through Disney WITH an AP discount.

 

[Lynne M]

Check out the FAQs on our DVC Rent/Trade board for lots of information on how the process works.

In short, you are renting a reservation from a DVC member. You don't need to be a member yourself. You can either work directly with an owner that's offering points on the Rent/Trade board, or use a broker like Dvc By Request.

Once payment, terms, etc are agreed upon, the owner makes a reservation in your name. Payment terms vary, as this is a private transaction between you and the owner (or the broker).

Important differences between renting points and booking through Disney:

1. As mentioned above, this is a private transaction. If anything goes wrong, Disney will not get involved or help you in any way.

2. Assume that you will get none of your money back if you need to cancel. For the great majority of owners, this is a final transaction.

3. Daily housekeeping is not included. The room will be freshly cleaned when you arrive, of course, but you only get limited services after that. If you want additional cleanings, towels, toiletries, etc, you'll need to arrange for that when you arrive at the resort, and pay for the additional services.

4. Since you're not booking a cash reservation through Disney, you won't be eligible for free dining, or any other promotion that they offer.

5. All contact with DVC must be made by the member. You won't be able to make any changes to the reservation yourself, make requests, add the dining plan. The member must do that for you.

6. Don't assume you can change your dates, change resorts, etc, once the reservation is made. The villas book up quickly, much more quickly than cash reservation.

7. Be prepared to start working with an owner/broker at least 11 months in advance of your stay. If you want to book anytime between Thanksgiving and New Years, you'll probably want to connect with an owner about a year out. The same is true if you want BCV or BWV during the Food and Wine Festival.

The rental only includes your lodging - you must pay for food and tickets yourself. The Dining Plan, if you want it, must be added in advance of your arrival by the member, and it must be paid for in full at the time it's added to the reservation.

 

[cheesemouse]

I know that some people here swear by renting points, but I've just never seen the incentive to do so. In running the numbers, getting a villa with a discount always seems to be less expensive than renting points, and you have the added bonus of daily housekeeping.

That's just been what I see, perhaps someone that has rented points frequently can explain what I'm missing.

It depends on where you stay, what size villa you need, and when you go. Some of the places book up very quickly and wouldn't have much inventory left by the time a discount comes out, if one comes out at all. For those that go at peak times, there is no guarantee that a room only discount will even be offered. We are renting points for next year at WLV and AKV during spring break. Our savings versus the 2013 rates are 35 and 40%. I'm willing to deal with renting in order to be guaranteed that discount for the exact type and views we want well in advance and not worry whether there will be a discount or not.

 

[OurBigTrip]

It depends on where you stay, what size villa you need, and when you go. Some of the places book up very quickly and wouldn't have much inventory left by the time a discount comes out, if one comes out at all. For those that go at peak times, there is no guarantee that a room only discount will even be offered. We are renting points for next year at WLV and AKV during spring break. Our savings versus the 2013 rates are 35 and 40%. I'm willing to deal with renting in order to be guaranteed that discount for the exact type and views we want well in advance and not worry whether there will be a discount or not.

All true. We've always been able to get the 20% AAA discount at the very least, and usually either AP or military discounts, so for us, renting has never made financial sense, as it will have to save me at least $500 before I'm willing to give up the daily housekeeping, but that's just me.

 

[stargazertechie]

With the 30% off, BC would have been 2300 for 8 nights over July 4.


Our studio rental cost $1800

 

[OurBigTrip]

With the 30% off, BC would have been 2300 for 8 nights over July 4.


Our studio rental cost $1800

As I've said, if it works out financially, great - for us, it's always either been more to rent points than using a discount, or it's been only a minimal difference that wouldn't, for me, make up for the loss of daily housekeeping.

 

[Dacky619]

How are you figuring that? I rented points to stay at AKV last year and it cost less than half of what it would have been through Disney WITH an AP discount.

Yeah, we are DVC members and we have friends that are always asking if we are using our points this year. They got a week at BW this fall for about 45% of rack rate. Part of me wishes I knew about renting before we bought in

 

[Dacky619]

As I've said, if it works out financially, great - for us, it's always either been more to rent points than using a discount, or it's been only a minimal difference that wouldn't, for me, make up for the loss of daily housekeeping.

If this is what works for you, that's great. But you are either getting some amazing discounts somewhere or you are looking at renting from the wrong people (Or there are some room types where you don't save as much as others).

But DVC rentals aren't for everyone, if you want your daily housekeeping that is one thing we have to give up.

 

[stargazertechie]

As I've said, if it works out financially, great - for us, it's always either been more to rent points than using a discount, or it's been only a minimal difference that wouldn't, for me, make up for the loss of daily housekeeping.

Edit: RE-read your post.

I am trying to do the math that would give you a savings by booking a villa direct with a discount. Even with a 40% discount a 1br would run about $500 more.

 

[vicki_c]

Edit: RE-read your post.

I am trying to do the math that would give you a savings by booking a villa direct with a discount. Even with a 40% discount a 1br would run about $500 more.

There are times of the year that the resort discounts can be a better deal than renting points. There was just a thread about this I. The DVC boards a few weeks ago in which specific examples of this were given.

 

[3cuteDISkids]

We just rented a 2BV at OKW. Rack rate for 2014 would have ran us $5700 for a week. Renting will cost us $2300. I don't see Disney offering a discount that good. Not only that but I would have to wait until mid fall to even know the discounts that will be offered. No thanks. I happily booked at 7 months and I know exactly what it is costing me!

 

[ElizabethG]

As I've said, if it works out financially, great - for us, it's always either been more to rent points than using a discount, or it's been only a minimal difference that wouldn't, for me, make up for the loss of daily housekeeping.

Everyone has such different experiences and priorities.

I am a control freak. I could never have rented DVC because I could not leave so much in the control of another. Buying into DVC was the only way for me to stay there.

My control issues also make me hate to have housekeeping. I like that they don't come everyday. On the days when they are supposed to clean our room, I leave the 'do not disturb' sign on the door.

That said, I think that DVC rentals are great. It benefits both the renter and the rentee.

 

[OurBigTrip]

We just rented a 2BV at OKW. Rack rate for 2014 would have ran us $5700 for a week. Renting will cost us $2300. I don't see Disney offering a discount that good. Not only that but I would have to wait until mid fall to even know the discounts that will be offered. No thanks. I happily booked at 7 months and I know exactly what it is costing me!

As I've said, repeatedly, I'm glad it works for you, but I've not seen points at under $10/pt when we would be going, which is what it would have to be to make it worth it for us. We've always been able to get discounts without a problem, I could manage my own reservations, and I didn't have to do without housekeeping.

 

[OurBigTrip]

If this is what works for you, that's great. But you are either getting some amazing discounts somewhere or you are looking at renting from the wrong people (Or there are some room types where you don't save as much as others).

But DVC rentals aren't for everyone, if you want your daily housekeeping that is one thing we have to give up.

I don't really consider the AAA "an amazing discount" (20%), but it's always worked out better for us than renting points, on the rare occasions when we weren't able to get something better.

For example, using this year's rates, a 2BR at BC would be $6633 with AAA discount, and $6335 with the price paid for points at BC in the another post on this thread. And it's rare that I haven't been able to do better than AAA, either with AP, which I'll buy if the rates are good, or with a military discount.

I don't doubt for a second that it works out much better for some people, it just doesn't for us.

 

[Dacky619]

I don't really consider the AAA "an amazing discount" (20%), but it's always worked out better for us than renting points, on the rare occasions when we weren't able to get something better.

For example, using this year's rates, a 2BR at BC would be $6633 with AAA discount, and $6335 with the price paid for points at BC in the another post on this thread. And it's rare that I haven't been able to do better than AAA, either with AP, which I'll buy if the rates are good, or with a military discount.

I don't doubt for a second that it works out much better for some people, it just doesn't for us.

I'm not doubting that it doesn't work for you, but a 2 BR at BC next week would be $4900 if you rented from a site like David's. That means if you rented privately you could get it for less than that. I'm not sure what time of year the other post mentioned but the only time more expensive than now is Spring break and the Holidays. I didn't see the other thread so I apologize if I'm off base here (and I'm assuming it is a 7 night/8 day trip).

and I do consider getting 20% off from AAA a great discount. The most they have offered us was 5% (not counting the Disney public discounts).

 

[Minniesgal]

If this is what works for you, that's great. But you are either getting some amazing discounts somewhere or you are looking at renting from the wrong people (Or there are some room types where you don't save as much as others).

But DVC rentals aren't for everyone, if you want your daily housekeeping that is one thing we have to give up.

Or you are comparing apples and oranges which many people do. I have seen people compare the price of a discounted hotel room with renting a 2 bedroom villa. Obviously in that case renting points is not going to be cheaper but you are getting much much better facilities for a good price.