Renting DVC property- best way to go about it

[rentayenta]

Hi. I am very new here and have lots of questions.

We are looking to book a trip to WDW. There will be 5 of us. I have been reading a lot about renting DVC points but the risk sort of scares me; really it scares DH. I am trying to put his mind at ease but I really don't know much about it. I have read some of the sticky threads.

From what I have read, it's less expensive to rent from a DVC owner than it is from Disney directly. How do you rent DVC through Disney? I haven't the foggiest where to begin.

With regard to renting from an owner; do you just sort through threads and choose an applicable one or I am missing something?

Thanks so much for answering what will be the beginning of many questions. WDW seems so massive compared to little ole Disneyland but really cool too.

Thanks!

~Jenny

 

[MinnieGirl33]

The only way to get a DVC villa thru Disney (aside from becoming a DVC member ) is to go through CRO.

Renting is very risky in that all deals are between you & the owner. Disney has absolutely nothing to do with it & has no responsibility to you whatsoever if anything fishy should happen.

Also, keep in mind that Member Services will not talk to you on the phone. They will only talk to members. I believe you can call the resort directly a few days prior to check-in to confirm but that's about it. All arrangements (DDP, DME, etc.) must be requested by the owner.

That being said, I think there have only been rare occurances of scams from DIS members.

It's a gamble, IMO. No way could I hand over >$1000 to a complete stranger I "met" on-line. But that is me.

I think you may find more info over on the Rent/Trade board.

Good Luck.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

Look for someone in your neighborhood that has Disney stickers all over their car.

There's a good chance that they either know somebody who owns DVC or they're owners themselves, and would rent to you.

Just a thought...

 

[JimMIA]

I don't think renting a DVC ressie is particularly risky, provided you take your time, educate yourself to the process, and do some due diligence with regard to the owner you are renting from.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of DVC rentals each year. I have only heard of one person who actually scammed anyone. She did some successful rentals, scammed a few people, and got outsmarted by a few other people. There may well have been other cases, but that's the only one I've heard about.

A far greater risk, IMHO, is not knowing what you're doing -- and that applies to both renters and owners. You'd think we owners understand all the ins and outs of our accounts thoroughly, but you'd be wrong!

Renting a DVC ressie is NOTHING like making a hotel ressie, so it's important for both parties to clearly understand the process, and the expectations, and what happens if problems arise. A well-written agreement between the parties can help to clarify things and avoid misunderstandings.

The "risks" to the renter include:

1. The owner has to make all the arrangements through MS; MS will not talk to anyone but owners. It used to be that you could call MS independently to verify everything, but that's no longer allowed. This "risk," however, is easily overcome by conference calling, giving you the confirmation number, and subsequently sending you a copy of the confirmation letter.

2. The owner retains full control of the ressie until you actually check in. Therefore, they could theoretically cancel your ressie out from under you and keep your money. I've never heard of that happening, and people who own DVC tend to be pretty substantial, ethical people so it's not very realistic that one of us would rip you off.

3. Cancellations/reschedulings can be easy, difficult, or impossible. This is a real risk. There are a lot of nuances about DVC, and each owner's account is in a different status, so there are factors beyond your control or the owners which could cause problems. First, there are cancellation penalties in certain situations. Secondly, there are account issues which could render the owner's points unusable if you cancel. Third, if you try to reschedule, there may well not be any availability -- or not the kind of availability you want, where and when you want it. There are literally situations where an owner may have zero ability to help you in the event of a cancellation (and a rescheduling is a form of cancellation).

4. DVC works best when you book far in advance. Not everyone can do that, and have their plans "set in stone" so that they will not change.

I'm sure there are other risks, but this is a start. I think renting a DVC ressie is relatively safe -- but because of some of the limitations above, it is certainly not for everyone.

 

[kileybeth]

kickapoo joie juice , that is so funny! I bet it is closer to the truth than anyone may think!!

JimMIA, another good helpful post. I'm starting to think I'll have to talk to more than one owner directly to get a feel for this.

do owners have any feedback reviews from renters anywhere I could read or no?? I'd think that might be helpful on both sides?

 

[emmasmom]

I have had wonderful experiences renting points, but maybe we have been lucky. The DVC members have been more than helpful and spent more time than necessary to accomodate our needs. This is what I have looked for...
1. A written "contract" with all payments, cancellation agreements, etc.
2. References from other renters of the DVC members' points.
3. Written confirmation of your ressie before money is sent. If possible pay through paypal.

I have gone back to the members for following years to see if they would be willing to rent any points. Good luck! Amy

 

[crisi]

Expect renting to take some work. An owner posting points may get a few dozen responses - it may take a few times responding before someone has points for you to rent. Similarly, your first contact with a "want to rent" points may not pan out. Its easier if you make a "want to rent" post at above the "going" rate.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Cancellation is entirely in the owner's hands. If you cancel or want to change the reservation, you may be out of luck and not get any refund.

If you have any hesitations, book directly from Disney for peace of mind.

A family of five will be allowed in a one bedroom villa, but you will only have one king sized bed and one queen sleeper sofa. You will have four bath towels, two hand towels and four face cloths. If you need additional, you will have to pay for them. DVC will not provide any additional bedding (like rollaways) or linens. You will have to provide the extra supplies for the fifth person. A family of five cannot stay in a studio - you wouldn't want to anyway, way to crowded.

Like Jim said, don't plan on getting a reservation for Memorial Day now. Even Thanksgiving is totally booked at some places.

 

[rentayenta]

The only way to get a DVC villa thru Disney (aside from becoming a DVC member ) is to go through CRO.

Renting is very risky in that all deals are between you & the owner. Disney has absolutely nothing to do with it & has no responsibility to you whatsoever if anything fishy should happen.

Also, keep in mind that Member Services will not talk to you on the phone. They will only talk to members. I believe you can call the resort directly a few days prior to check-in to confirm but that's about it. All arrangements (DDP, DME, etc.) must be requested by the owner.

That being said, I think there have only been rare occurances of scams from DIS members.

It's a gamble, IMO. No way could I hand over >$1000 to a complete stranger I "met" on-line. But that is me.

I think you may find more info over on the Rent/Trade board.

Good Luck.

Thanks for the info. Am I reading it right that I cannot purchase the DDP upon arrival to the resort?

Amy, is there anyplace to find a list of reputable owners? Can the members here refer the owners that they have used?

Deb and Bill, we are looking at going in May 2009- I know it's quite a ways away but that's why I am trying to educate myself now, so I can book with peace of mind and know all of my options. This site is a plethora of helpful info.

JimMIA, very helpful information! Thank you!

kileybeth, I was also wondering if there was such a place to find feedback, if not on this site, maybe another.

You guys have been a bunch of help! Luckily, I have a good year to investigate and learn this process.

 

[JimMIA]

Thanks for the info. Am I reading it right that I cannot purchase the DDP upon arrival to the resort?

If you rent a ressie from an owner, they will have to make the DDP arrangements for you, through Member Services. You pay for the DDP at checkin, but you can't make the decision then and you can't make the arrangements yourself.

Amy, is there anyplace to find a list of reputable owners? Can the members here refer the owners that they have used?

kileybeth, I was also wondering if there was such a place to find feedback, if not on this site, maybe another.

No. Feedback systems have been looked at a number of times, and the DIS has decided not to get into the feedback business. Keep in mind that the DIS does not charge any of us anything...unlike eBay, et al.

 

[JimMIA]

You might also look at this thread, which has been running simultaneously with yours, and has a lot of good information -- especially the helpful links in Granny's post. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1381293

 

[rentayenta]

If you rent a ressie from an owner, they will have to make the DDP arrangements for you, through Member Services. You pay for the DDP at checkin, but you can't make the decision then and you can't make the arrangements yourself.

No. Feedback systems have been looked at a number of times, and the DIS has decided not to get into the feedback business. Keep in mind that the DIS does not charge any of us anything...unlike eBay, et al.

But can I make my own dining reservations? I cannot imgine putting that on someone else- what a pita for them!

DIS is a fab free site! One of the best if not the best around.

Thanks for the link, I will check it out.

~Jenny

 

[MinnieGirl33]

But can I make my own dining reservations? I cannot imgine putting that on someone else- what a pita for them!

Yes, you make your own ADR's through WDW Dining.

BTW... Welcome to the DIS!

 

[emmasmom]

Unfortunately I don't think there is a place for recommendations. A couple years ago I remember a thread for those people who ARE NOT recommended. However, if the DVC member has rented points many times before and gives you references, it is a good sign. Also- I stay away from "bargain points" and usually look to pay in the $11-12 per point range. These people are the ones who put more effort into the transaction. Good luck! Amy

 

[rentayenta]

Yes, you make your own ADR's through WDW Dining.

BTW... Welcome to the DIS!

Thank you! It's a really fun and informative site thus far!

ETA: Thank you Amy. I guess it's too much to ask that a DVC BCV owner will PM asking me to rent their points, huh?

 

[tubtruck]

Hi. I am very new here and have lots of questions.

We are looking to book a trip to WDW. There will be 5 of us. I have been reading a lot about renting DVC points but the risk sort of scares me; really it scares DH. I am trying to put his mind at ease but I really don't know much about it. I have read some of the sticky threads.

From what I have read, it's less expensive to rent from a DVC owner than it is from Disney directly. How do you rent DVC through Disney? I haven't the foggiest where to begin.

With regard to renting from an owner; do you just sort through threads and choose an applicable one or I am missing something?

Thanks so much for answering what will be the beginning of many questions. WDW seems so massive compared to little ole Disneyland but really cool too.

Thanks!

~Jenny

If it scares you it may be wise to look at what people have posted on here its pretty easy to find who is into disney and therefore a safe bet fro renting from, if still not happy check their name out against the deed register, if still unhappy then renting is not for you so book through CRO though this will cost several times as much money or stay in value accommodation for the same price or even buy in yourself.

 

[rentayenta]

If it scares you it may be wise to look at what people have posted on here its pretty easy to find who is into disney and therefore a safe bet fro renting from, if still not happy check their name out against the deed register, if still unhappy then renting is not for you so book through CRO though this will cost several times as much money or stay in value accommodation for the same price or even buy in yourself.

Thank you for the advice. I am generally a trusting person, it's DH that is the leery one. What/where is the deed register? The fact that CRO is pricey will help him along with his hesitation about renting. Luckily, I have over a year to talk him into it!

I have been checking out this site like mad, reading everything I can and trying to take it all in. I even had a very kind DVC owner PM me with some extremely helpful tips.

I would LOVE to buy in! I am hoping that DH will enjoy WDW as much as he does Disneyland. He is sort of a Disney muggle. Not until a few years ago did he appreciate the wonder that is Disney. We had a truly magical holiday at Disneyland in 2004 and after that it's been much easier to sell him on having Disneyland be a vacation destination. According to my friends who have been to WDW and know my DH, they are positive that he will dig it! I am keeping my fingers crossed. After I see that he loves it, I will lower the "buy in" boom! :~D

~Jenny

 

[Boston5602]

Thank you for the advice. I am generally a trusting person, it's DH that is the leery one. What/where is the deed register? The fact that CRO is pricey will help him along with his hesitation about renting. Luckily, I have over a year to talk him into it!

Below is a link ( it should work ?! )to the Orange County , Florida registry of deeds site. If you rent from someone you can put their name into the site and see if they actually do own it and for how long.

I'm not sure if it would help but I was just answering your question


http://www.occompt.com/

 

[rentayenta]

Below is a link ( it should work ?! )to the Orange County , Florida registry of deeds site. If you rent from someone you can put their name into the site and see if they actually do own it and for how long.

I'm not sure if it would help but I was just answering your question


http://www.occompt.com/

Thanks! Never knew such a site existed. I really cannot imagine someone scamming folks via Disney. Doing that would surely bring bad karma their way!

 

[Sammie]

There is risk for the DVC member and there is risk for the person renting. As to how much risk will depend on who you ask.

Those that rent regularly, members and renters, consider there to be little risk and it to be worth it.

Those that don't rent, whether they be members or nonmembers consider the risk to be too great.

Only you can decide what side of the rental fence you are on. The more educated you become about the process you decrease the risk.

As to how many have been scammed. While the DIS has a strong reputation of not having problems, that is not reflective of all transactions. Most problems stem from lack knowing what one is getting into, rather than someone taking your money and running.