Transfer or Rent Question

[Minnie84]

I am in the midst of trying to plan a 3 family trip next fall. ( 3 studios at AKL) We are DVC members, but the 2 other families are not. In fact, it will be their first time to WDW. We only have a 100 point contract (SSR), so I was going to use my points to book my family. Would it be best to have my friends just book through a third party rental site (or find points to rent on here) and secure their reservations on their own, or should I try to transfer in enough points for the other 2 families to my account, and then book all 3 reservations? For reference I am looking to book Animal Kingdom the first week of September. I have never transferred points before so I was not sure this plan even works the way I think it does. Any advice would be great. And lastly, is it difficult to get Jambo Studios at 7 months? Or should I just aim at getting us all in at Kidani? Thanks!

 

[Brian Noble]

I would let them handle it themselves.

 

[Bearval]

I am in the midst of trying to plan a 3 family trip next fall. ( 3 studios at AKL) We are DVC members, but the 2 other families are not. In fact, it will be their first time to WDW. We only have a 100 point contract (SSR), so I was going to use my points to book my family. Would it be best to have my friends just book through a third party rental site (or find points to rent on here) and secure their reservations on their own, or should I try to transfer in enough points for the other 2 families to my account, and then book all 3 reservations? For reference I am looking to book Animal Kingdom the first week of September. I have never transferred points before so I was not sure this plan even works the way I think it does. Any advice would be great. And lastly, is it difficult to get Jambo Studios at 7 months? Or should I just aim at getting us all in at Kidani? Thanks!

Have them book it themselves, too many times I have read stories on this board on how trips booked for family or friends fall apart and they are on the hook for rooms or points no longer needed.

 

[zavandor]

Agree. Helping them with the transfer and booking might create unreasonable expectations. What if they have to cancel and the points risk of expiring? Would they think you should use them and give them your points next year? Would they expect you to rent them? It can become messy.

 

[Minnie84]

Thanks for the advice! I had the same thoughts in the back of my mind, so I think I will just point them in the direction of a third party rental site!

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks for the advice! I had the same thoughts in the back of my mind, so I think I will just point them in the direction of a third party rental site!

If you haven't already, make sure that they investigate the cancellation policies. None of the rental brokers that I am aware of will offer refunds in the event of a cancellation. Some may offer a credit or ability to reschedule, though.

Also, once all the reservations are made, have everyone request a "traveling with" note be made on their reservation, cross-referencing the other reservation numbers. That's the best way to increase the chances of the rooms getting assigned to be close to each other. Good luck! Trip sounds fun.