Trading into other resorts versus renting points and using cash

[DVCajun]

It almost seems like it would work better to rent your points and then use cash to book your ressies somewhere like Hawaii. Granted, I don't have any experience trading using TUG or another forum, but from what I've heard it can be difficult to trade into popular places, and you have to sign on without knowing exactly what you're going to get.

This also goes for staying at other WDW resorts. Why use your points to stay at the GF when you can rent your points and just book with cash? It certainly seems that would be a more cost effective way of doing it.

 

[drusba]

From a cost viewpoint you are likely correct--Assuming the average rental per point value of $10 a point, you can usually find a room at one of the WDW hotels or the places elsewhere for less than the value of the points you would need to trade. Nevertheless, you do have to be able to rent those points and that requires some work (contracts, finding a buyer, putting up with constant calls) and has some risks (buyer could cancel, renege)

 

[CarolMN]

You may be absolutely correct in what you say re renting and using the cash.

However, for me it wasn't all about the $$. I absolutely hated the hassle/constant calling and the worrying about booking a room and getting the best deal.

With DVC, we get prepaid lodging in deluxe resorts without that hassle and worry. The value of DVC points is a "good enough" deal that I no longer worry that there may occasionally be better discounts for those who pay with cash.

IMHO, the $$ saved by renting my points and booking something for cash would NOT make up for the hassle and worry associated with renting my points and then booking with cash. It's easier and less stressful to just use the points. We bought enough to meet our needs. JMHO. YMMV.

 

[DVCajun]

Right, and I totally agree when you're staying at a DVC property. Frankly, I prefer staying at a DVC property than any of the other luxury resorts on site. I'm just talking about those who DO use their points to stay at, say, the Poly. Or to travel outside of what we can do through Disney MS.

I have rented points before and have had absolutely no problem-- it wasn't a big deal or a hassle to me. So I guess whenever I decide I want to go to Italy or to Hawaii, I will simply rent my points out and travel the way I choose to travel.