Staying at three different resorts through renting dvc points...

[NatashaRobison]

I've just started early phases of researching for my disney world trip I plan on taking in the near distant future and came across renting dvc points. I've never been to disney world so I have no idea yet what all I need to make arrangements for although I have quickly been familiarized with some knowledge such as dining plans etc etc. Anyways, my plan is to stay for 12 days and nights and I thought it would be fun to stay at 3 different resorts, each 4 days a piece. I definitely can't afford this unless I rent dvc points. So my question is, how much of a pain would this be to do from renting dvc points for 3 different resorts through dave's vacation club rentals or dvc rental? I was reading somewhere about dining plans not rolling over or something like that but I'm not sure what that really means yet. I want to know what would be all the nuances I need to consider if I do this or if this is even plausible? If I were renting straight from disney I'd definitely do it but since I have to pay up front months in advance I'm super apprehensive. I guess one of my main concerns is checking out and in to a different resort. Will Disney know what I'm doing and take my luggage to the different resorts? Is there a cheaper way entirely to do something like this? I just don't know. I've never even been on vacation before lol but I'm taking my daughter who will be at least 6 by the time I can do this and I want her to have the best experience ever and myself. Also I was wondering, as of right now, I'm doing all the planning myself, but if I start to feel totally overwhelmed is there a service I can use that will help me plan my vacation even if I intend on renting dvc points? I didn't know if vacation planners would help with that since it's basically a third party thing. Anyways please help lol! I'm so afraid of spending all this money and making mistakes and then losing tons of money and not being able to get there.

 

[Chuck S]

First thing to consider is that DVC Rentals are generally considered non-refundable, so be sure to check with the rental brokers to see what their policies are, and if trip insurance is available.

You will need to take your luggage to the Bell Services station of your resort, and ask them to transfer your luggage to your next resort. Tipping is appropriate for this service.

Generally, you will usually come out cheaper, if you want to stay on Disney Property, if you book a "Value Level" resort room directly through Disney, DVC Resorts are considered "Deluxe" Disney resorts and even with the discount of DVC Rentals, will normally be more expensive than a value Disney resort, like Pop Century or All Stars. I've stayed at both, between the two I'd pick Pop Century. I have not stayed at the newest Value resort, "Art of Animation" But layout and dining options look to be similar to Pop Century. A large food court with a lot of selections.

The Disney Dining Plans are not currently available, they have been put on hold for now. Disney is not saying when they will become available again.

If you want to book a DVC rental. you will need to contact your broker about 12 months out, DVC Members can book room for you beginning 11 months from arrival date.

If you'll be flying to Orlando International, be aware that the free Disney Magical Express bus service from the airport to your Disney hotel is currently scheduled to be discontinued at the end of 2021, so you would need to find alternative transportation if your trip isn't until next year.

Disney food is pricey, table service entrees run from about $25 to $50 per person. For food court/quick service dining plan about $15 per person.

Good luck.

 

[princesscinderella]

I agree with @Chuck_S that maybe consider a value Disney resort since it will be your first ever Disney trip you can use dreams unlimited travel which is affiliated with the Dis boards. The agents there can really help you plan out everything you need and answer all your questions. DVC point rental I think can be daunting for people who regularly go to WDW, let alone someone who has never been. I’d pick one of the resorts on the new gondola line and you will have a great trip with your daughter.

 

[Deb & Bill]

When you rent points, you don't get a travel agent to help you with your planning. You get an owner who makes a reservation with their points and then they are done. You would need to do your own research (the DIS is great for that) regarding tickets, dining, attractions, etc. If you check out of one resort and then check into another, check out time is 11AM and check in time for DVC is after 4PM. So you will be homeless during a possible five hours. Dining plans end on the day you check out of your resort, so you would need to purchase the dining plan for three separate resorts and pay the full price in advance when you add the plan.

When you check out of one resort and need your luggage moved to a new resort, it might not be available until later in the evening. They will move your groceries if you have them, but you are responsible for packing them up to be moved (keep frozen separate from refrigerated and non-refrigerated).

Depending on the time of the year you want to go, you may need to get an owner or broker in line at 12 months out since DVC is booked at home resorts (where the points are located) at 11 months out and any DVC resort at seven months out. Many time seven months out may be too late to book your stay. You won't be able to make any room requests and would need to ask the owner to make them for you.

 

[NatashaRobison]

When you rent points, you don't get a travel agent to help you with your planning. You get an owner who makes a reservation with their points and then they are done. You would need to do your own research (the DIS is great for that) regarding tickets, dining, attractions, etc. If you check out of one resort and then check into another, check out time is 11AM and check in time for DVC is after 4PM. So you will be homeless during a possible five hours. Dining plans end on the day you check out of your resort, so you would need to purchase the dining plan for three separate resorts and pay the full price in advance when you add the plan.

When you check out of one resort and need your luggage moved to a new resort, it might not be available until later in the evening. They will move your groceries if you have them, but you are responsible for packing them up to be moved (keep frozen separate from refrigerated and non-refrigerated).

Depending on the time of the year you want to go, you may need to get an owner or broker in line at 12 months out since DVC is booked at home resorts (where the points are located) at 11 months out and any DVC resort at seven months out. Many time seven months out may be too late to book your stay. You won't be able to make any room requests and would need to ask the owner to make them for you.

So I am essentially paying for 3 dining plans? Aren't they like at least $2000?

 

[Best Aunt]

So I am essentially paying for 3 dining plans? Aren't they like at least $2000?

Reminder that there are no dining plans at this point. Disney World had to close for awhile due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. When it re-opened, it did not offer the dining plans. There has been no word on if or when the dining plans will be resumed.

PPs have mentioned that a DVC reservation can be made at 11 months out. If you want a popular hotel, that can be necessary. But it is possible to make a DVC reservation at less than 11 months out.

 

[princesscinderella]

So I am essentially paying for 3 dining plans? Aren't they like at least $2000?

If they do decide to bring back the dining plan sometimes they do promotions where you get the plan included with your stay free. If that happens I’d run the numbers to see if renting DVC is worth it.

 

[Chuck S]

Based on your post, your concerns about cost and refundability in case of cancellation, I really don't think a DVC Rental is the way to go for your first trip. I would contact a travel agent and book a cash stay through them. That is what my Mom and I did for our first two trips, even though having grown up in the Los Angeles Area we were very familiar with Disneyland, we knew WDW would be a whole new experience. We used a local agent, but things have changed a lot in the 30 years since our first visit. I think a travel agency that specializes in Disney World would be a great stress relief for you. A first visit can be overwhelming. And travel agencies don't charge extra, it is the same cost as if you book through Disney...plus they can help book your flights and ground transportation if needed.

I have a friend that loves going to Disney with me, but when I take him along I make all the arrangements, booking the restaurants and FastPasses when they are available. He pays his share, but planning is very stressful for him.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

If they do decide to bring back the dining plan sometimes they do promotions where you get the plan included with your stay free. If that happens I’d run the numbers to see if renting DVC is worth it.

And to be clear: dining plans are never ever free when renting DVC.

I would also add that it is harder to get full value on a dining plan when doing split stays with a plan for each stay, as the rules get complicated. Value is also dependent on planning your meals very specifically and making reservations at table service restaurants. If you are a first timer and don't know what you are doing, a DVC rental won't have an agent who will walk you through this and help with the dining bookings.

 

[Ms.Minnie]

Also if this is your first trip you may not want to spend so much time dinning which takes time away from the parks...just a thought.

 

[Sandisw]

If they do decide to bring back the dining plan sometimes they do promotions where you get the plan included with your stay free. If that happens I’d run the numbers to see if renting DVC is worth it.

Just want to expand that even if they do, it can not be applied to a DVC rental as it would only apply to WDW cash stays.

So, I agree it can make the rental less valuable.

 

[sethschroeder]

I would just consider anything you pay to be no refunds.

There isn't any dining plan but maybe in 2022 there will be.

I personally wouldn't stay at 3 different places. Even over 12 nights I would prefer to stay at one resort.

You can easily visit the other resorts and possibly do room tours. What 3 resorts do you feel you need to stay at and are you trying to decide between for buying DVC?

 

[Deb & Bill]

So I am essentially paying for 3 dining plans? Aren't they like at least $2000?

You'll pay for the dining plan by night and by guest. So guests 3-9 pay one price per night and guests 10+ pay a higher price. No free dining with DVC rentals. Only paying full price direct through Disney. But like others have said, there is no dining plan currently and no free dining either. If you don't want to pay for a dining plan, book a one bedroom villa at a minimum and prepare all your meals in the full kitchen with food you purchase to prepare. There were different levels of dining plans before the dining program was cancelled by covid.

 

[Hammer#1]

My wife and I have taken our 3 children to WDW 6 times over the last 10 years with another trip coming this November (split stay with 4 nights at OKW and 5 nights at Dolphin). Being a family of five ( sometimes 7 with grandparents in tow), we lean towards renting DVC points and staying in 2 bed villas for the space. We have done 3 resorts in one trip (Bay Lake, Animal Kingdom and Wilderness), but I don’t know if I would recommend 3 and definitely wouldn’t suggest this on your first trip. The resort change over is pretty exhausting and with our family would eat up multiple hours to prepare for the move (lost a half to full day with 3 resorts). I do agree with prior posters that for your first trip or two you might be better served with a Disney planner. Our first trip we booked offsite and by ourselves and I told my wife I didn’t really care if we ever went back. The next trip we did with a Certified Disney Planner (no cost to you) and absolutely loved it. There is something special to staying on property and having someone help you with dining and FastPass selections (hoping they come back). Happy to help with any questions.