Renting points during Free Dining Plan dates

[magdog79]

Everyone.
I have rented points multiple times over the years but they never fell during a time period when free dining plans were offered. My question is If I were to rent point would my family be eligible for free dining plan or no?

 

[RweTHEREyet]

No, no free dining for DVC stays.

 

[magdog79]

No, no free dining for DVC stays.

Thanks thats what I thought but i wanted to doublecheck

 

[DebbieB]

You have to pay full price for the room and buy a park hopper ticket.

 

[LisaS]

Everyone.
I have rented points multiple times over the years but they never fell during a time period when free dining plans were offered. My question is If I were to rent point would my family be eligible for free dining plan or no?

To get free dining, you have to book a room at full rack rate. When you rent points, you are paying a DVC member to book a room for you using their DVC points. Since the DVC member isn't paying rack rate for the room, that reservation would not be eligible for the free dining promotion.

 

[LAX]

To get free dining, you have to book a room at full rack rate. When you rent points, you are paying a DVC member to book a room for you using their DVC points. Since the DVC member isn't paying rack rate for the room, that reservation would not be eligible for the free dining promotion.

If the "free" dining plan requires foregoing discounts on room rates that are often available, is it really free? Discounted dining perhaps, but not free, IMHO. While I have never done the math, its popularity suggests it's a better deal than getting discounts on the room.

LAX

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If the "free" dining plan requires foregoing discounts on room rates that are often available, is it really free? Discounted dining perhaps, but not free, IMHO. While I have never done the math, its popularity suggests it's a better deal than getting discounts on the room.

LAX

Marketing says it's free so that must be true, yes?

The math depends somewhat on the number of people. For one or two people it's going to be less of a discount vs a family of 4 or 5. And Disney has reduced the benefits. We did it once back in 2005 I believe - it included apps, the meal, dessert and tip! Now it's the meal and dessert - you pay for apps and tip and the value resorts now get only the QS for free dining the last I looked.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Bottom line is that "free" dining is a transaction between you and Disney.

A DVC rental is a transaction between you and a timeshare owner. Disney is not a material party to the transaction.

 

[dizzneebabe]

I would suggest not getting hung up on the word "FREE." If you price out a stay at the DVC resort you are currently booked at, you'll find the savings on the room is quite substantial and would more than make up for it.

 

[DebbieB]

I would suggest not getting hung up on the word "FREE." If you price out a stay at the DVC resort you are currently booked at, you'll find the savings on the room is quite substantial and would more than make up for it.

For the fun of it, I looked at free dining price for my early December stay at BWV (studio), 6 nights. I'm using 15 points per night (16 Saturday). The rack rate for free dining is $493 a night! 15 points vs $493, that's a no brainer. Plus I have boardwalk view, which you can't get on cash.

 

[LAX]

For the fun of it, I looked at free dining price for my early December stay at BWV (studio), 6 nights. I'm using 15 points per night (16 Saturday). The rack rate for free dining is $493 a night! 15 points vs $493, that's a no brainer. Plus I have boardwalk view, which you can't get on cash.

Hey, that's the brilliance of marketing. I think many people don't end up crunching the numbers. Besides, even if the actual out of pocket cost comes out ahead with "free" dining, Disney can still gain because most people don't end up maxing out on the value of a dining plan.

LAX

 

[BWV Dreamin]

My renter inquired about this. They are staying at VGF. I haven't done the math but I think their savings far outweighs any free dining promo. Is VGF even an eligible hotel for free dining? They are getting the deluxe dining plan at the DVC member price, so they are still getting a small discount anyway.

 

[Dean]

Everyone.
I have rented points multiple times over the years but they never fell during a time period when free dining plans were offered. My question is If I were to rent point would my family be eligible for free dining plan or no?

As noted, no, just compare apples to apples when deciding. You need a real discount to make the risk of a rental worthwhile and if you have access to FD, a private rental may or may not be worth it if you want the DP.