Renting points as a test drive on a dvc purchase -- good idea?

[jhmommy]

Hi.

My husband is thinking of buying into DVC despite neither of us ever having gone to Walt Disney World before. We're planning our first trip late next month. He says he's confident we're going to love it (we have a 4- and 6-yr old) and that we should start making our money work for us from the very first trip. I'm thinking we should at least go down and check things out before making such a big financial commitment. Him...compulsive. Me...cautious.

Here's the question: Would renting some points be a smart way for us to get a good flavor of DVC ownership?

I've looked at the DVC Rent/Trade Forum and thought it might represent a good way for us to take a look at one of the Walt Disney World Resorts (very likely would be our home resort) without the risk of a big financial committment that we might later regret.

If renting points is a smart approach, here's a few more questions:

1. How does a newbie, who's carefully read the FAQs, best avoid getting ripped off when renting points?

2. Is a 1-bedroom worth twice the price of a studio? We seem to like The Wilderness Lodge.

3. If we rented points, would we be able to secure a reservation at the Wilderness Lodge with very little advance purchase? We're wanting to go from 2/25/05 - 3/5/05

Thanks so much!

 

[bongo59]

absolutely...................

 

[bongo59]

rent from someone who has done it alot and talk to folks who have dealt with them.............renting points is safe and easy.............just save all your emails

 

[bongo59]

renting VWL will be tough but doable..........you might need to be wait listed..........but with renting you need to be flexible so pick out three resort you would take............trust me all of them are awesome.........i make all my renters do this.........i have done it for over 14 yrs so i know what can happen...........if you dotn have a paypal account get one that is verified so you can pay fast.........renting points from folks is very cut throat becasue demand far outstrips supply ............the deal is very good compared to cash payers.........expect to pay 10 a points...........and no the 1 bedroom is not double the points of a studio...........points are weighted by the day of the week...........sun-thurs is the cheapest and Fri and satur are the bigger point eater days.............hope you have fun

 

[tjkraz]

The biggest downside to renting before buying is that after your trip you'll be kicking yourself for giving someone else that money for the rental rather than using it toward your own points.

To answer your questions:

1. Talk to the person on the phone...build a relationship, don't just trade emails. Ask for references. Deal with someone here on the forums that has a high post count. Make sure you have a contract.

2. I doubt it. Check the point charts. There's a link to a calculator at the top of this page.

3. I wouldn't get your hopes up too high. There are less than 200 rooms at VWL, and booking on less than 30 days notice can be difficult. Never hurts to try.

 

[bongo59]

one more thing..........non DVC er renter have to rely on us DVC to make their ressies...........what i do is make the resies after they pay in full via paypal...........once done i call MS and secure one the three options they asked for...........i then email them th econfiramtion number which you can then use to call MS to confirm it is booked...........and once the hard documents come in i mail them to the renter so they know it is a done deal............remember that you are bound to all rules and recs that a dvc er is............so there are no changes with out costs............andif you cancel the points become distressed...........and that means that they must be used in that use yr for only DVC resorts..........that may limit your choices as a renter but it is your fault...........the points are your and i help re do there ressies but i do charge 75 bucks to do that.........because of the time invested.............and i have only had to do it once in a decade...........that is all i can think of right now

 

[mikesmom]

To your 2nd question-- I think a 1 bedroom is worth MORE than 2 studios. You get a king size bed in the Master Bdrm, a jacuzzi tub, a washer/dryer in room and a full kitchen. None of that in the 2 studios.

The exception to that would be if you had more than 4 people traveling. The limit on both a studio and a 1 bedroom is 4 people. Some people count the value according to the number of people you can get in the room, some people value according to the amenities. it's up to you.

 

[bongo59]

true..........if your in the parks til late and the room is just a room...........go with the studio...........but if you want a slower pace vacation and take a nice tub bath with a glass of wine..........trust me the tub is all that...........my family has to have the tub........and th ebigger rooms

 

[fausz4]

We are now in the process of renting points for OKW and I am just trying to figure out what is the advantage of buying if you can rent!!! Sorry if this sounds dumb - but I would LOVE to start seeing the 'Welcome Home' sign in Disney - but my husband is a tough sell...Can anyone give me some great selling points to my DH!

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

If you're willing to risk the loss of one vacation's worth of $, I think it's a good idea to see all the DVC resorts in person before making a decision about where to buy. Although the pictures are accurate, no picture can give you the exact feel of the place, and you may decide that your initial impression that your favorite resort is VWL is right on the money, or you may fall in love with another property you hadn't originally considered. With SSR being so large, I think it's going to become more important over time to buy where you want to stay in order to take advantage of the 11 month reservation window.

My husband and I stayed at a regular Disney resort (at AP rates) and then visited all the DVC resorts to choose our favorite, and were glad we did. We've also rented points, and been happy doing that. You could always rent a DVC studio, or split a stay (most of the time at a regular resort, a couple of weekday days in a one or two bedroom at a DVC resort) if you are worried about wasting a lot of money.

 

[tjkraz]

We are now in the process of renting points for OKW and I am just trying to figure out what is the advantage of buying if you can rent!!! Sorry if this sounds dumb - but I would LOVE to start seeing the 'Welcome Home' sign in Disney - but my husband is a tough sell...Can anyone give me some great selling points to my DH!

We rented points before buying. I did a financial projection based upon some assumptions regarding dues increases and rental prices. In the end, our breakeven point was still only about 11-12 years. Yes, there's less risk in renting, but we really don't consider 50 years' worth of vacations a risk.

More than anything, one of my fears was that we would finally decide to buy another 5-10 years down the road, and points would cost $120+ each. Prices continue to increase even as contract duration decreases. We want all 50 years from our points, thank you very much!

Another consideration would be the fact that DVC is taking steps to eliminate renters and other non-members from utilizing DVC benefits. No, you shouldn't buy DVC because of the perks--they aren't guaranteed. But we will sure get some use out of that $100 AP discount.

 

[fausz4]

What about the yearly maintanence fees? How has that increased in the past?

What kind of discounts do they offer?

Also, did I read something about a Welcome Package that gives you info on reselling your first year's points to recoup some of your money?

Thanks!

 

[tjkraz]

What about the yearly maintanence fees? How has that increased in the past?

It varies by resort. SSR is currently $3.83 per point. That's the only one I know off the top of my head. SSR's increase was less than 1% this past year, but the historical data for all resorts trends more in the 3-4% range.

What kind of discounts do they offer?

Annual Pass discount is the most noteworthy. There are also dining and recreation (boating, golfing, etc.) discounts. Free valet parking at DVC resorts. Discounts on tours and spa services. There are many.

But, as stated, member perks are not guaranteed and may disappear at any time.

Also, did I read something about a Welcome Package that gives you info on reselling your first year's points to recoup some of your money?

The current promotion discounts points by $10 and you still get to keep your 2005 points. This deal is expected to end no later than 2/28/05.

 

[fausz4]

I thought I read that you can use your 'time' at non-Disney properties....have you and is that just as easy?

 

[tjkraz]

I thought I read that you can use your 'time' at non-Disney properties....have you and is that just as easy?

Correct. Although you won't get as good a value for your points. A non-DVC resort may cost 3-4-5 times as many points for comparable accommodations. The best use of DVC points will always be staying in DVC accommodations.

DVC maintains a list of worldwide destinations for which they will accept direct trades. You simply call DVC and they take care of the rest.

You can also arrange your own trades through an organization called Interval International. II facilitates trades between timeshare owners around the world.

If you're getting more and more curious about DVC, it might be beneficial to contact them and ask for their sales materials. You'll get a video with a broad overview on the program, and some written materials that detail the point costs at each resort, trade options (like you asked about), and other rules of the program. I think most folks here will agree that DVC salespeople use a VERY low-key approach. You'll never get the harassing phone calls that you may envision based upon the reputation of timeshares in general. It took us about 6 weeks to ultimately agree to buy and in that time our Guide NEVER once called to try and pressure us into a decision. The ball is entirely in your court.

If you want a referral to a great Guide, send me a PM.

Even if you don't envision yourself wanting to buy anytime soon, there's no cost to start educating yourself.

 

[jhmommy]

Thanks to all of you for your responses. I think we'll give renting a try if I can sell my husband this morning. If you have points for sale, keep your eye on the Renters board...I should be on there soon.

Last question. Is it unusual to pay in full before reservations are made? I have a great ebay feedback score (4 years and close to 300 sales/purchases) and a paypal account. I'd be nervous about paying in full.

Also, if anyone has any suggestions for 2nd and 3rd choice locations at WDW if Wilderness Lodge is booked solid, that would be great!

Thanks again!

 

[sue brock]

Coming from somebody who is painfully conservative- Just buy it! You won't be sorry. If you are rent your points and you've lost nothing!

 

[bongo59]

i think most make people pay up front...........100%..........it is too risky not to. I would check ebay feedback if they have it and ask for references.........you can wait til you find someone your comfortable with and then do your deal.............it will require a leap of faith at some point though

 

[robinb]

Here's the question: Would renting some points be a smart way for us to get a good flavor of DVC ownership?

First of all ... Welcome to the DIS!!!

Yes, I think that renting is a great way to learn about DVC and see how the resorts work.

1. How does a newbie, who's carefully read the FAQs, best avoid getting ripped off when renting points?

Make sure that you rent from someone who is not a newbie like you. I suspect that many of the low-post-count sellers are perfectly nice people, but they are only using the board for their own profit. I would pick someone a little more established. Secondly, I would only deal with someone who offers a contract or agreement and provides you his/her phone number.

2. Is a 1-bedroom worth twice the price of a studio? We seem to like The Wilderness Lodge.

Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. We regularly stay in both, but have had more stays in a studio to stretch out points. Do you think your family might enjoy a 1 BR on an ongoing basis? If you buy, will be be able to buy enough to cover a vacation in a 1 BR or just a studio? There's no reason to whet your taste for a 1 BR and then find out you can only stay in Studios for the next couple of years.

3. If we rented points, would we be able to secure a reservation at the Wilderness Lodge with very little advance purchase? We're wanting to go from 2/25/05 - 3/5/05

I checked and there is availability for your dates in a 1 BR, but it's really expensive. I have a suggestion ... why don't you split your stay between a studio or a regular resort room and the Villas? You can move to a 1 BR for the last 3-4 days and that'll give you a taste of what the resort and villas are like without spending a whole lot of money on the weekend when points values are higher.

 

[robinb]

Last question. Is it unusual to pay in full before reservations are made? I have a great ebay feedback score (4 years and close to 300 sales/purchases) and a paypal account. I'd be nervous about paying in full.

Given that your dates are this month any seller would expect to be paid in full and some of them may expect you to pay the PayPal fee.