Renting Points

[macfinn]

Ok so it seems thru different companies we can rent points to stay at a DVC - can anyone tell us how this works - do you still get to make dining and fp's do you still get magic bands, can you still get on magical express at MCO? Does the resorts treat you any different from the owner? Liking 12/9-12/16 this year - anything unusual about those dates ?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Ok so it seems thru different companies we can rent points to stay at a DVC - can anyone tell us how this works - do you still get to make dining and fp's do you still get magic bands, can you still get on magical express at MCO? Does the resorts treat you any different from the owner? Liking 12/9-12/16 this year - anything unusual about those dates ?

You are, honestly, too late to get much for 12/9-12/16 this year. DVC works best for people planning at least 7 months in advance, but preferably 11 months in advance for popular dates. Those are popular dates. I suspect you priced out something like AKV or Boardwalk Standard; those will not be options for you at this time. Availability is very sparse. If there is anything, it will be a 1BR at Saratoga Springs.

You can ask a broker, but be prepared to come up with nothing.

For future reference:

When you "rent points" you are actually renting a reservation at a DVC resort made for you by a DVC member.

• A member can book at the resort they own 11 months in advance, or 7 months in advance at any resort with availability. Availability at each window can vary, even at a resort they own. There is no guarantee to owners they can book where they own when they want.
  
  
• The member will control the reservation until you check in.
• Your booking is generally non-refundable and cannot be cancelled for refund due to the restrictions of a timeshare booking by the owner.
• You will often need to pay in full up front, versus the $200/first night's stay deposit on a booking with Disney.
• Any changes, special room requests or adding the dining plan have to be done through the owner. Dining plans must be paid in full at the time that they are added to the reservation because that's the way that DVC works.
• Tickets, FP+ and ADRs are your own responsibility.
• DVC units are not the same as staying in a hotel room. Aside from not getting daily housekeeping, you will not get 2 beds in a studio unless you're staying at OKW. What you get in a studio is a queen bed and a full sleeper sofa. Some studios will also have a Murphy bed that is smaller than a twin bed that will accommodate a 5th person. Most 2BR units are a 1BR+a studio, so if you're looking at a bigger unit for a larger group, know the bed set up.
• You will have all of the advantages that any Disney resort guest gets (like EMH, access to the resort's theme pool, ADRs at 180+10, FP+ at 60 days prior to arrival, MBs) but none of the benefits that DVC members have (such as member discounts or events or Top of the World Lounge).
• You will not qualify for any additional Disney discounts. You also are unlikely to get any kind of upgrade (and should not ask for one, as the owner who made the reservation for you may be charged for it).
• Demand for DVC rental far exceeds the number of available units and owners willing to use their points for a rental. DVC is designed to be at or near 100% occupancy all year long.
• Your chances of getting exactly what you want are much greater if you have lined up someone, who owns at the resort that you are interested in booking, at least 11 months in advance of the day you wish to arrive. The probability of success goes down from there.
• A broker is a go-between between a renter and an owner. To meet your reservation request, they need an owner, with the right number of points, in the right use year, at the right resort -- AND the unit needs to be available. This can be a challenge to get alignment on.
• In general, as a renter do not expect to book Boardwalk Standard Studios or 2BR, BLT Standard Studios or 2BR units, Grand Floridian studios, or Animal Kingdom Value or Club Level units. You can ask, but have backup plans (and budget, in the case of the Standard/Value units).
• DVC "busy season" does not align to what people think of as high season at Disney, and starts in late September and runs through marathon. Epcot resorts and near-park can be hard for owners to book during Food & Wine.
• Renting from a DVC owner can get you staying at a deluxe resort, in a villa-type room, for less than a standard room at that resort would cost from Disney. But it is non-refundable.
• If there is any issue, Disney will not be a part of any fix, as your transaction is not with them.

 

[CarolMN]

Excellent post by _auroraborealis_.

OP - Have you checked out all the great info on David's?

David's Rental Process.

David's Vacation Rentals (www.dvcrequest.com) is a sponsor of the DIS DVC Forums and has an excellent reputation.

 

[jdmn2010]

I think the process was thoroughly explained, but I just wanted to answer your one question by saying that you will not be treated any differently than a DVC owner (you just won't get the added perks that members enjoy). You should expect to have as great a stay as anyone booking a deluxe resort whether by points or cash. As a DVC owner, I rented out my points for the first time last year, both in a private rental and through David's. From an owner's point of view, everything went smooth and my private renter told me that their stay was fantastic. They did not want a dining plan, so once I rented the room for them, my role was done and they were able to use My Disney Experience to book ADR's, FP choices and get their Magic Bands. I do agree that your dates may be problematic for availability depending on what you are looking for. Have a great trip!