Staying at a DVC if you aren't a member

[puffkim70]

Can you book a room at one of the DVC resorts if you aren't a DVC member?

 

[Msmithmd]

Yes. There are two ways. One, cash through Disney standard reservations process. This is incredibly expensive.

Two, rent points from an owner. The rent/trade board here is where you find owners willing to rent. But be aware dis rules are the owner posts offer to rent and the renters respond. You can't post a request to rent there. This is to protect you from scammers.

Two point one- check out David's vacation rental. They are a rental broker. Generally considered reliable and good service.

 

[dmunsil]

Yes. There are two ways. One, cash through Disney standard reservations process. This is incredibly expensive.

Well, it's not incredibly expensive. A DVC Deluxe Studio is generally the same price as a Deluxe resort room. And even though a 1-bedroom is twice the number of points as a studio and twice the square footage, the cash price is only about 40% more.

And DVC villas are usually eligible for the same discounts as Deluxe resorts. The exception is the 3-bedroom Grand Villas, which are not usually discounted.

You do generally save a lot of money using point rental, either direct with a member through the board here or via David's or another rental broker, but keep in mind that there are downsides. When you book via rental, you typically have to pay 100% of the money well before arrival, and there is no refund if you cancel. When you book a room with cash, you can cancel or change up to 5 days before arrival with no penalty (45 days before arrival if you're booking a complete vacation package).

 

[Msmithmd]

Reasonable analysis dmunsil. I just consider Disney's cash rate for deluxe to be incredibly expensive.

That's why I bought dvc in the first place. As your detailed analysis showed, that allows me to stay in these type of accommodations for a cost savings even versus a value resort, over the long term.

 

[dmunsil]

Hey, it's all a matter of perspective. You're right - relative to other hotels or timeshare/apartment style accommodations in the WDW area, DVC villas are incredibly expensive. On the other hand, if you were already considering staying in a Deluxe resort for cash, switching to DVC is essentially no extra cost for a Studio, and a fairly reasonable bump for a 1-bedroom. I'm sure they rent a certain number of Studio and 1-bedroom DVC villas for cash.