Renting rather than buying

[Jrpbabe2003]

Does anyone rent points rather than buy? With David's DVC Rentals it seems easy and a lot more flexible. We love BLT but we can see ourselves wanting to stay at an EPCOT resort during Food and Wine. My husband likes the idea because he doesn't want to be tied to going every year (even though he loves to). It seems like it would give us an 11 month window at all of the resorts. Can anyone explain why the do/don't do this?

Thanks!

 

[ToddyLu]

There really is no downside to renting except for loss of control and the need to really trust that the reservation has been made as stated, by the DVC Memeber. DH and I are the types that would just rather own our points so we always have control and if we mess something up it is our fault--no one else's. Renting is a very nice option for those not wanting to be locked in to Disney as you stated, for their vacations.

There was a thread recently where a person rented a reservation to someone, but the ex spouse cancelled it, not realizing what it was....it worked out in the end but what a pain. That would be the downside to renting. Make sure you read the rent/trade sticky to help you through the process.

 

[Sandisw]

I think the hard part of renting is the trust factor and making sure you understand all the terms of the contracts before going in.

You are not in control of the reservation and therefore, can not call about it. If you decide you want to try and change the dates by a few days, you have to contact the owner to do it.

You decide a few months after booking that you want to add ME or the dining plan. Again, you have to contact the owner to do all of this. In most cases, it works out fine, but for some, like me, that loss of control would be an issue.

But, if you are comfortable with this and don't mind, then renting vs. buying can certainly work out and not be tied to trips to Disney as you would if you bought points for the occasional trip.

Of course, you can always start small and buy enough points to maybe travel every few years (using banking and borrowing). For example, if you know that you might want to go to F & W every couple of years, you could buy a 50 point contract (for around $4500) and get about 6 nights every other year in a studio at one of the Epcot resorts.

It would allow you to have your own contract but not tie you in to Disney as much as a larger contract. And, if you decide you want to go to a different resort, you can then secure a transfer in to your account of points that would give you the 11 month home resort advantage for some of those other trips or rent.

Good luck!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Many people who do rent their points here mention that they have a no refund policy. Some will try to change, but because of banking deadlines or the time by which points have to be used this may not be possible.

It's not the same as renting from Disney.

Bobbi

 

[icydog]

What do you mean by David's Rentals? Is there a separate rental website?

 

[Jrpbabe2003]

There is a website that rents points. I do not know if i am allowed to post the website. I think he is a sponsor. But it seems like people sell/transfer their points to him and he rents them to people.

 

[Brian Noble]

David is a DIS sponsor, so you can probably link to him.

Personally, I think he is over-priced relative to the overall market, but his service is really one of convenience. In most cases, owning would be less expensive than renting from him in the long run. However, renting directly from an owner without a middleman is a much closer thing depending on how often you go.

 

[jodifla]

Does anyone rent points rather than buy? With David's DVC Rentals it seems easy and a lot more flexible. We love BLT but we can see ourselves wanting to stay at an EPCOT resort during Food and Wine. My husband likes the idea because he doesn't want to be tied to going every year (even though he loves to). It seems like it would give us an 11 month window at all of the resorts. Can anyone explain why the do/don't do this?

Thanks!

The big downside is pretty much once you make your reservations, THAT'S IT! No changing them and getting your money back. That's huge, I think, given how far in advance people have to make reservations.

You'll also be handing thousands of dollars to pretty much a stranger, and have to trust them to do the right thing by you.

 

[sweetdana]

I am a DVC owner with only a small contract. I love renting!!!!! I have done it about 5 - 6 times.

SUPER CON .. are no cancelling (often) and you gotta trust them.

If you book 11 months out and something happens.. you are stuck, alot of rental companies will not even try and get you a different resort/time ect.


I will rent if it is a last minute trip, or have back up plans and will not book with a landlord until about 60 days out. I think renting is the best/cheapest way with little risk there is. IF YOU TRUST THEM! I will not rent more than 3 months out. People sometimes rent there points, due to lack of $$, and MS will cancel ressie without payments; and though possible in 3 months, way more likely 9 - 10 - 11 months out that it would happen.


I often book a resort with Disney; (Like I am aiming to book BB promo hoping for FD at the Poly in Aug when I go). At about 60 days out I will try renting points for BLT, BC, BW, or SSR and it will be around 8$ - 9$ or so with a short time left. If it doesn't work out.. i have a back up! I have until 45 days to cancel with no cost to me with my Disney RSVP. (AND I will take it if I cannot get in at a DVC I want.) Win win for me. I have done this about 4 times with success. I have booked AP room only at FQ and cancelled it 5 or 6 days in advance to rent someones points for 6-8$ a point.

Con, (for me it is okay) in this instance.. is you have to be okay with SSR, and with switching last minute. For me.. renting a 1 bedroom at SSR for less than 700$ for 5 nights, is an easy choice over the Poly for 2,400$ for same time.

 

[cseca]

Like everyone said, the cons:
1. You have to trust the member with your reservation and payment.
2. Less flexible cancellation policy
3. If you're not an advance planner you have to be flexible on the resort option
4. You don't get member benefits (not that you care but some people wonder about this)

The pro:
1. Much cheaper than CRO rooms
2. No need to plunk down huge amt of cash to be a member.

If you plan to rent regularly. I suggest that once you find a good renter keep a good communication with him/her. Even after your vacation is complete. This will reduce your headache in the future to find another member to rent from.

I rented out my points to repeat renters because they know they could trust me. I rarely post my points to rent but somehow manage to rent them nonetheless when I need to

 

[chalee94]

My husband likes the idea because he doesn't want to be tied to going every year (even though he loves to). It seems like it would give us an 11 month window at all of the resorts. Can anyone explain why the do/don't do this?

over the long run, it's generally cheaper to buy rather than rent. but if you don't want the commitment and don't want to "have" to go to wdw every year, it's a great option...with some limitations as others have mentioned.

 

[Jrpbabe2003]

Double Post

 

[vicki_c]

There is a website that rents points. I do not know if i am allowed to post the website. I think he is a sponsor. But it seems like people sell/transfer their points to him and he rents them to people.

He's already mentioned in the thread - he has a huge ad in the Rent/Trade board and elsewhere here - it's okay!

 

[skelfbsfb]

David is a DIS sponsor, so you can probably link to him.

Personally, I think he is over-priced relative to the overall market, but his service is really one of convenience. In most cases, owning would be less expensive than renting from him in the long run. However, renting directly from an owner without a middleman is a much closer thing depending on how often you go.

I think he charges $10 a point however cannot confirm so dont think thats overpriced.

 

[vicki_c]

I think he charges $10 a point however cannot confirm so dont think thats overpriced.

David's regular price is $13, firesale prices that he sends out in e-mail blasts (last minute type things) range from $7-9 most of the time. So you do pay a premium to use his service.

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

Not to be Mr. Deem and gloom, but. When you rent it is totaly possible to show up at the checkin desk with your suitcases and family in hand to find out that your reservation has been cancelled. You have absolutely NO control over reservations when you rent. I rent my points on a regular basis. There have been times when a few months after renting my points I ended up needing them. Under no circumstance would I cancel a renters reservation, but by no means does that mean someone else would.

 

[bunkkinsmom]

I love all the replies from those of you who are owners and have experience renting your points! I hope that I can establish a good relationship with one of you in the next couple of months to rent points for MY vacation!!!

 

[Brian Noble]

by no means does that mean someone else would

It is possible, but seems to be very very unusual. I think we've only had two reports of rental fraud on DIS in the last many years---and both had red flags all over the place. One wanted the money by Western Union or some such thing, while the other was offering a Christmas week at $6/point, way too good of a price to be true. At the same time many many transactions are completed successfully each day. As long as you are doing your due diligence, the chances of something like this happening are probably negligible.

 

[jimmiej]

I've been renting for years. It's always worked out fine. I'm hoping to rent for next summer's trip.

Do your homework. Make sure the renter is not a newbie on the boards. Understand the seller's terms. Ask for references. I personally won't pay more than 50% until I have a hard copy of the ressie in hand. Yes, I know the ressie could still be cancelled, but as others have said, there are only rare instances of fraud.

Someone gave me this link last year to check my ressie. It made me feel much better being able to see my ressie.

www.mydisneyreservation.com/dvc

The best part is, you can stay at a deluxe for the same price (or less) than a value.

 

[skelfbsfb]

Ive rent points out to a few people. I always sent a contract that must be agreed by both parties, I only take a deposit until I have paperwork confirming that the resort has been booked. All paperwork is then mailed to renter, once this happens I then ask for final payment.