Snowball's chance, no way jose, or slim to none?

[KS_Disney_Dad]

So I've taken on the task of trying to get a family get together @ the Mouse House next September. With a party of 9-12, I've started crunching DVC numbers and renting points. Well worth it in my eyes to rent vs regular onsite.

So that leads me to my question. What are my chances of being able to rent a large amount of points (anywhere from 152-400+) for 6 night stay at either a 2BR or GV (doesn't matter which "Home")?

Is there a better solution that I'm missing? I don't want to waste my time chasing a pipe dream and getting others excited only to turnaround and disappoint them.

Thanks!

 

[ACDSNY]

I'm sure you could find enough points to rent with some pre-planning. Figure out the dates and resort you want, use the point chart to calculate how many points you'll need, then post on the rent/trade board your request. I'm sure someone will come along with enough points for rent.

Make sure you check out the four sticky threads at the top of the rent/trade board, they'll answer many of your questions.

Happy Planning!

 

[Hunclemarco]

I think it's possible, but you may want to be a little flexible with the dates you'd like to go. Also, The Grand Villa's may be nice (and in limited supply), but 2 2-bedroom units may work better for your situation. That would give you
-4 bedrooms vs. 3
-2 washer/dryer units
-2 kitchens (or more if you get lock-off units...you'll get 2 kitchennets too)
-4 bathrooms (or more) in the 2-2 bedroom units. I think 3 (maybe 4) in the GV's.
-you could essentially have up to 16 people in the 2 bedroom units, vs. 12 in a GV.
-Also, much more availability for 2 bedroom units.

As far as the difference in points, that will depend on the time of year you choose to go, and which resort you're trying to get into. Some situations will cause less points being needed by getting the 2 bedroom units; others may sway toward the GV. To get calculations of the times/points issues, try www.tagrel.com. You'll be able to see charts of all room types and their point values for the specific dates you have in mind.

You'll want to start checking now to see who may have the points available you need, so you and the owner can get things taken care of.

As far as occupancy:
Studio sleeps 4
1 Bedroom sleeps 4 or 5
2 Bedroom sleeps 8 or (9 in AKV or TreeHouse Villas)
GV sleeps 12

So another option could be a studio or 1 bedroom and a 2 bedroom...but that may leave you a little cramped if you have 12 people. But, again, it's something for you to think about.

Then, there's always the possibility of purchasing DVC. By the time you rent the points necessary for this trip, you may have just covered perhaps 1/4 or more of the expense of buying a contract.

Hope this helps, and that you're able to secure your reservations

 

[KS_Disney_Dad]

Good info. Didn't think about splitting up the accommodatons. You're probably right, buying may wind up being cheaper.

Now if I could get my family to commit to going. When all is said and done it will probably be just me and my (what's left) sanity going!

 

[CarolMN]

Keep in mind that when you rent points (actually you will be renting a reservation), you will be dealing with an individual, not Disney. Most owners consider renting to be a non-refundable transaction. Be absolutely sure you understand the owner's cancellation policy before any money changes hands. Policies vary between members.

There have been plenty of "horror" stories on here regarding family members who bail at the last minute and leave the travel arranger holding the bag. Don't let that happen to you.

It's probably best to either get the money up front (assuming you are not treating) or let the others make their own arrangements.

Good luck!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Good info. Didn't think about splitting up the accommodatons. You're probably right, buying may wind up being cheaper.

Now if I could get my family to commit to going. When all is said and done it will probably be just me and my (what's left) sanity going!

Make sure you get money from the rest of the family to book the stay otherwise, you could wind up with lots of space and no one in the space.

 

[KS_Disney_Dad]

I've taken the "bailing family" into consideration. It never fails...you make plans, they bail. You make plans without them, and they want it.

I'm putting a deadline on them (with payment!). After that, they're on their own.

Family...gotta love em!

 

[castleri]

I've taken the "bailing family" into consideration. It never fails...you make plans, they bail. You make plans without them, and they want it.

I'm putting a deadline on them (with payment!). After that, they're on their own.

Family...gotta love em!

Good plan - I started with about 15 going for the week after Christmas and am very glad I did not do a GV and 2 BR which would have worked. I did 3 2BRs - one at each of my home resorts and have cancelled one already and will probably be cancelling another before very long from the looks of things - The remaind six of us can fit into the 2BR reserved at OKW or in a THV or 2BR at AKV if one of my waitlists come through. I will wait to cancel until I am sure of the numbers but am grateful I didn't do the GV at OKW and then a 2BR somewhere else since I would rather be at OKW because of the size of the 2BR there unless as I said one of the waitlists come through so we have 3 bathrooms at AKV or the bunks at THV which trump the OKW size because of the group makeup. Since you are planning to rent points make certain everyone involved in putting up the money undestands it is usually a no refund situation. Some will allow changes to the dates based on availability but most will not refund anything. There are multiple options and only you can decide how it will work best for sleeping arrangements.

 

[bmalonef45]

Its too bad you've already purchased your cruise for next May/June as you could have gotten a FREE cruise for joining DVC. But I know you'd still cruise again so add that into your consideration before renting your points.

 

[permavac]

Don't forget that September is when Disney typically offers free dining for Disney hotel bookings. Since you plan on renting points from a DVC member instead of booking through Disney, you will NOT be eligible for free dining. Even if this is something you are ok with, you should explain it to your entourage (especially since it seems they are paying their share). Better to let them know up front that they will not be getting the free dining now (in case it is offered again next September). There have been plenty of people posting on here that their family members saw all the advertising regarding "free dining" and are flabbergasted that they are not eligible. Of course, there are plenty of reasons to do what you're doing instead of booking through Disney directly - I would just make sure that you aren't the only one in your party that realizes this or you run the risk of being made out to be the "bad guy" that wasted their money. Good luck!

Terri

 

[KS_Disney_Dad]

Free Dining is always a good thing, but my reasoning is why should 3 families of 3-4 spend $600+ on a value room and be cramped when we could pool the funds and have some room. We'd take advantage of the kitchen in the villa's (with little ones 3 and 5) we'll be taking big lunch breaks.

You bring up a valid point I hadn't considered. Hard to argue against the word FREE!

 

[SamSam]

Just wanted to say Hi to a fellow Kansan.
Sounds like a great vacation you're planning. Renting points is a great way to go......although, buying is even better.

 

[crisi]

I wouldn't rent points for a family trip.

My last family trip (we own our points) got moved TWICE. Once for one sister's new job that had its busy season during our original plans (she never did end up coming), the second time when my other sister got cancer. In other words, even if your family isn't flakey and is committed to the trip, three families have to be able to plan their travel a year in advance and be able to make it a year later. Unfortunatley, things happen over the course of the year that makes "that's a great idea" become "we just can't." At least get yourself some trip insurance.

And I suspect that the free dining thing might cause some hard feelings - you value the space for the money, but make sure the rest of your family values the same thing. As you said, hard to argue with free - particularly when its 'free food and free character meals for the little ones.'

 

[Donald is #1]

I think it's possible, but you may want to be a little flexible with the dates you'd like to go. Also, The Grand Villa's may be nice (and in limited supply), but 2 2-bedroom units may work better for your situation. That would give you
-4 bedrooms vs. 3
-2 washer/dryer units
-2 kitchens (or more if you get lock-off units...you'll get 2 kitchennets too)
-4 bathrooms (or more) in the 2-2 bedroom units. I think 3 (maybe 4) in the GV's.
-you could essentially have up to 16 people in the 2 bedroom units, vs. 12 in a GV.
-Also, much more availability for 2 bedroom units.

As far as the difference in points, that will depend on the time of year you choose to go, and which resort you're trying to get into. Some situations will cause less points being needed by getting the 2 bedroom units; others may sway toward the GV. To get calculations of the times/points issues, try www.tagrel.com. You'll be able to see charts of all room types and their point values for the specific dates you have in mind.

You'll want to start checking now to see who may have the points available you need, so you and the owner can get things taken care of.

As far as occupancy:
Studio sleeps 4
1 Bedroom sleeps 4 or 5
2 Bedroom sleeps 8 or (9 in AKV or TreeHouse Villas)
GV sleeps 12

So another option could be a studio or 1 bedroom and a 2 bedroom...but that may leave you a little cramped if you have 12 people. But, again, it's something for you to think about.

Then, there's always the possibility of purchasing DVC. By the time you rent the points necessary for this trip, you may have just covered perhaps 1/4 or more of the expense of buying a contract.

Hope this helps, and that you're able to secure your reservations

I agree with Hunclemarco on looking at multiple rooms. However, I just wanted to point out the 1 drawback to this option: There is no guarantee that all of the rooms will be near each other. Most of the resorts are fairly large so the rooms could be spread out over the entire complex.

 

[KS_Disney_Dad]

I wouldn't rent points for a family trip.

My last family trip (we own our points) got moved TWICE. Once for one sister's new job that had its busy season during our original plans (she never did end up coming), the second time when my other sister got cancer. In other words, even if your family isn't flakey and is committed to the trip, three families have to be able to plan their travel a year in advance and be able to make it a year later. Unfortunatley, things happen over the course of the year that makes "that's a great idea" become "we just can't." At least get yourself some trip insurance.

And I suspect that the free dining thing might cause some hard feelings - you value the space for the money, but make sure the rest of your family values the same thing. As you said, hard to argue with free - particularly when its 'free food and free character meals for the little ones.'

Probably should put it up for vote. But that will probably split down the middle!

 

[msabol01]

I agree with Hunclemarco on looking at multiple rooms. However, I just wanted to point out the 1 drawback to this option: There is no guarantee that all of the rooms will be near each other. Most of the resorts are fairly large so the rooms could be spread out over the entire complex.

That's not always a bad thing. I am planning a trip for 17, we are using a 2 bedroom, and 3 studios. Sometimes it's nice to have space and time away to prevent the family bickering that occurs after long periods of being together.

I would definately consider split rooms. You'll find it is often less points that going with a GV or even 2 2 bedrooms.

 

[crisi]

Probably should put it up for vote. But that will probably split down the middle!

Here is the thing - they are spending THEIR money. I know from experience that few things cause hard feelings as quickly as someone else spending your money and getting THEIR priorities when planning a family vacation trip. If you think some will want free dining (if its even offered) and some will want to rent points and some will want to .... who knows what they will want to do....have everyone make their own plans. Just say "Disneyworld - Date X to Date X." There will be opportunities to meet up at the parks or over dinner.

Non Disney horror story. Years ago my two sisters (with spouses, but no children), my parents and my family thought it might be nice to take a vacation together. I had the only kids. My husband and I started agreeing to an all inclusive in Mexico in January - pool for the kids, a kid's club. My husband works for a retailer, so Christmas was out. My dad didn't want an all inclusive, so we compromised on a cruise. No one wanted a family cruise (like Disney) so we ended up with Holland America or something. Salt water pools, which my kids weren't going to like - minimal kid's clubs - if any. We couldn't get one room for four people, so my husband and I - the only people with kids - were paying double for a vacation we didn't even really want to take that our kids weren't going to enjoy. The last straw, my brother in law had to work - and they moved the whole thing over Christmas. I lost it. Now we were spending six times the original estimate for a vacation we wouldn't consider going on without the family AND my husband was being expected to travel at the one time of year we started out by saying "it will have to be after January 3rd." My sister - who had been doing all the work, felt used because she'd done all the planning and moving things around to keep everyone happy - and now I wasn't happy. The trip fell through and the hard feelings it caused were pretty significant.

 

[dwelty]

I agree with Hunclemarco on looking at multiple rooms. However, I just wanted to point out the 1 drawback to this option: There is no guarantee that all of the rooms will be near each other. Most of the resorts are fairly large so the rooms could be spread out over the entire complex.

This is always possible, however we have done it several times at SSR and they have bent over backwards to place the rooms together. First Member Services Linked the rooms at reservation time then when they assign the rooms they are always in the same building and often right next door. In fact we have done this three times and they have always been in the same building, on the same floor. Disney is great at accomodating family size groups. While it is correct that the rooms "Could" be far apart. I think Disney will come through for you on this one.