Hi!
Here is a link to the DVC rent/trade FAQ:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/dvc/renttrade-faq.htm
Basically it's like this. A DVC member has points they cant use. They will rent these points usually for $10 each. The amount of points you need depends on the DVC resort you choose, size of villa, and time of year. With your family you could get away with a studio or 1 bedroom. For the most space and privacy you could get a 2 bedroom. You could look on the rent/trade board here on this site. Usualy the member has rented before and could help walk you through the process.
I have rented points last Nov from a member here. Everything went smoothly. For my upcoming trip I also have rented points from a member of these boards. This is how we did it. I knew my vacation dates. I also knew where I wanted to stay and what type of room I wanted. I saw that someone was renting points for $10 each. I contacted them, they made the ressies. I sent half a deposit once I had a copy of the ressie from DVC with my name on it. The remainder is due 30 days prior to our trip. I have the person's name, address, and phone # just in case something comes up. It does require some trust. I sent the deposit via paypal. The first time we rented we did it by money orders. Some people write up contrats and set it up different ways. This trip coming we are staying at the BWV in a studio for 5 nights with a BW view for $600!! When you rent there is no tax. For the weekend we are going to stay at another Disney resort.
Here's a link to the points calculator:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resort/dvcpoint.cfm
Also, keep in mind it costs more to rent on weekends. Meaning the points are higher. As an example. Let's say your vacation dates are Sun May 30- Sun. June 6th. 7 nights, 8 days. To stay at the BWV in a 1 bedroom would be 210 points(standard view) At $10 per point that's $2100, or $300 per night. The rack rate at that time is $435 per night plus 11.5% tax.($485)
If you are looking to save more money then you could do a studio or 1 bedroom for 5 nights, no weekend. That would be 110 points for the 1 bedroom and 55 points for the studio!!!
But, you better hurry if you have your heart set on a particular resort and/or your dates can't be changed. The villas go quickly and June is a popular month. Also it can be crowded/hotels book up because of "Gay Days" that will be going on the first week of June.
Hope I didn't ramble and just confuse you more!!
BTW, WELCOME TO THE DIS!!!!!!!!
