Not sure if this belongs here or on one of the DVC boards (am posting here, in part, because this board presumably gets more traffic).
Until recently, I never gave much thought into renting DVC points because: (A) renting points seemed mysterious and risky; and (B) since we go in the off-season, I figured we could always get good enough discounts.
However, within the past year, Disney has appeared to drastically cut back room discounts (while continually raising prices).
So I've recently started to seriously explore the idea of renting DVC points.
From what I've been able to gather so far, the following are pros and cons of renting DVC points versus a traditional reservation at a deluxe resort.
Pros of renting DVC:
1. Signficantly less expensive for the same room/villa type (especially given Disney's recent trend toward cutting room discounts).
2. Along the lines of being less expensive, can get ammenities such as in-room washer/dryer and kitchen for less than a standard, traditionally reserved room lacking those features (and even if you're in a studio, don't have to pay to use the on-site laundry facilities).
3. Further along the lines of being less expensive, if your party has more than 5 people, can get a two bedroom villa (that includes the above-referenced amenities) for less than two standard, traditionally reserved rooms.
4. Still have access to most of the benefits afforded to all on-site guests, including Magical Express, Disney transportation, free parking, EMH, and even the dining plans.
5. Don't have to buy tickets or have an AP to get a dining plan (and/or can do a split-stay with a dining plan at each leg without having to buy an AP or 1-day ticket(s) on the second leg).
6. Can save a lot on food by cooking/eating in your villa.
Cons of renting DVC:
1. You must have firm plans up to 11 months in advance (especially for the best locations, such as BLT).
2. Along the lines of the above, you usually must pay the entire cost of the reservation up-front, which is non-refundable.
3. If you rent direct (as opposed to going through a reliable broker), you run the risk of being taken.
4. If you want a dining plan, you're required to give your cc# to the DVC owner.
5. Limited counter service food options.
6. Won't get your room cleaned (and towels, etc. replaced) every day.
7. No club level (I'm not into club level, so not sure if this is true or not).
8. Are not eligible for free dining (but presumably your room savings easily make up for this).
In the balance, it seems to me that if you're set on staying deluxe, are able to make firm plans up to 11 months in advance, have the money to pay up-front, and go through a reliable broker (or have the risk tolerance to rent direct), renting DVC is the way to go (even if you never use any of the villa kitchen amenities).
As far as I can tell, the biggest downside is the risk that you'd have to cancel your trip for some unexpected reason (but I'd assume that most of this risk can be mitigated by having sufficienty comprehensive vacation insurance).
What are other pros and cons? (Am I missing something?)
Until recently, I never gave much thought into renting DVC points because: (A) renting points seemed mysterious and risky; and (B) since we go in the off-season, I figured we could always get good enough discounts.
However, within the past year, Disney has appeared to drastically cut back room discounts (while continually raising prices).
So I've recently started to seriously explore the idea of renting DVC points.
From what I've been able to gather so far, the following are pros and cons of renting DVC points versus a traditional reservation at a deluxe resort.
Pros of renting DVC:
1. Signficantly less expensive for the same room/villa type (especially given Disney's recent trend toward cutting room discounts).
2. Along the lines of being less expensive, can get ammenities such as in-room washer/dryer and kitchen for less than a standard, traditionally reserved room lacking those features (and even if you're in a studio, don't have to pay to use the on-site laundry facilities).
3. Further along the lines of being less expensive, if your party has more than 5 people, can get a two bedroom villa (that includes the above-referenced amenities) for less than two standard, traditionally reserved rooms.
4. Still have access to most of the benefits afforded to all on-site guests, including Magical Express, Disney transportation, free parking, EMH, and even the dining plans.
5. Don't have to buy tickets or have an AP to get a dining plan (and/or can do a split-stay with a dining plan at each leg without having to buy an AP or 1-day ticket(s) on the second leg).
6. Can save a lot on food by cooking/eating in your villa.
Cons of renting DVC:
1. You must have firm plans up to 11 months in advance (especially for the best locations, such as BLT).
2. Along the lines of the above, you usually must pay the entire cost of the reservation up-front, which is non-refundable.
3. If you rent direct (as opposed to going through a reliable broker), you run the risk of being taken.
4. If you want a dining plan, you're required to give your cc# to the DVC owner.
5. Limited counter service food options.
6. Won't get your room cleaned (and towels, etc. replaced) every day.
7. No club level (I'm not into club level, so not sure if this is true or not).
8. Are not eligible for free dining (but presumably your room savings easily make up for this).
In the balance, it seems to me that if you're set on staying deluxe, are able to make firm plans up to 11 months in advance, have the money to pay up-front, and go through a reliable broker (or have the risk tolerance to rent direct), renting DVC is the way to go (even if you never use any of the villa kitchen amenities).
As far as I can tell, the biggest downside is the risk that you'd have to cancel your trip for some unexpected reason (but I'd assume that most of this risk can be mitigated by having sufficienty comprehensive vacation insurance).
What are other pros and cons? (Am I missing something?)
