Trying to talk someone in to renting...

[kyleandconnorsmom]

This past June my family of 5 rented points at AKV and loved everything about it. This coming July(1-8)my mom is paying for my family and my brother's family to go with her. There are 10 of us total (5 adults and 5 kids, ages 13,7,5,4,&2 at the time of the trip). Currently, we are booked in 2 rooms at CBR, but my mom is skeptical based on reviews. We stayed at POFQ in 2011and she also didn't like that, or POP the year before, but she doesn't want to pay much more than the cost of a mod.

I am trying to convince her that renting points is the way to go and I think I've finally gotten her onboard, though she says she wouldn't be able to pay the full amount until sometime next month. I'm curious, what are the odds of 2 studios that sleep 5 or a 2 bedroom at AKV or OKW (I think those are the ones that sleep 9 and aren't a ton of points) still being available a month from now? I realize none of you have a crystal ball, but I wasn't sure how quickly these are booking for that week. Last year we didn't end up renting our points until March, but had more options because YDS was still 2 the week we went and so we were able to book a studio with a capacity of 4.

Thanks in advance to anyone who may be able to shed some light on this for me. I'm just trying to get an idea of what we should do. The planning had been left up to me and I know my mom would be much happier if I could figure out a way to get us in a deluxe, based on her opinion of where she's stayed before.

 

[supersnoop]

AKV is a very large resort, and July is slow to book for DVC. So, odds are good that something would be available. HOWEVER, AKV studios only sleep 4. With a 2 year old, you're party would fit in a two-bedroom, but it would be tight.

 

[DIS_MERI]

We did 10 (including a 2yo) in 2 bedroom at OKW and it was tight but do-able. The fold out bed in the living room was pretty uncomfortable, though. We did the last night in a 2 bedroom at BLT and the fold out bed in the living room there was soooo much better, and the 3rd bathroom was great!

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

AKV is a very large resort, and July is slow to book for DVC. So, odds are good that something would be available. HOWEVER, AKV studios only sleep 4. With a 2 year old, you're party would fit in a two-bedroom, but it would be tight.

Yeah, I realize that we would need a 2 bedroom there. I figured it may work since the only couple going is my brother and SIL. I will likely sleep with my youngest son or middle and youngest and SIL's sister will sleep with her child.

 

[ziravan]

Renting points isn't necessarily the way to go.

I've rented points and rented out my points. It's a great deal.

But.

It entails its own set of risks, additional risks over CRO. Specifically 2: being duped (not likely if done right) and plan changes.

Renting points is only right for someone comfortable with those risks.

I certainly wouldn't try to push someone out of their comfort zones. It's not worth the savings to be had to do so.

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

We did 10 (including a 2yo) in 2 bedroom at OKW and it was tight but do-able. The fold out bed in the living room was pretty uncomfortable, though. We did the last night in a 2 bedroom at BLT and the fold out bed in the living room there was soooo much better, and the 3rd bathroom was great!

I'd love to do BLT, but I think the point cost was much more and I assume it books much quicker. I wonder if there would be any chance 2 studios at BWV or VWL would still be available then? Are those the only 2 studios that sleep 5?

 

[maburke]

If I were you, I'd start looking for points now. I usually only ask 50% up front, if I don't have to borrow points, and the rest a few months later. (Not an ad here, I don't have any extra points at the moment ) Especially if you have experience renting, people might be willing to work with you.

And I'd definitely go with a 2BR, maybe AKV-Kidani, standard if you're worried about cost, because those sleep 9 and have 3 bathrooms (OKW only have 2). I think your mother will be wowed!

Good luck!

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

Renting points isn't necessarily the way to go.

I've rented points and rented out my points. It's a great deal.

But.

It entails its own set of risks, additional risks over CRO. Specifically 2: being duped (not likely if done right) and plan changes.

Renting points is only right for someone comfortable with those risks.

I certainly wouldn't try to push someone out of their comfort zones. It's not worth the savings to be had to do so.

I do know the risks, since I rented myself last year. That's not what she's uncomfortable with. She trusts that I will figure it out. My brother and SIL loved POFQ when we went in 2011, even though she did not. And when asked about this year, since my mom said no to any PO, they said they didn't really care but if they had to choose, they guess they like CBR. So, even though she thinks she won't like CBR, she's afraid my brother and SIL will be upset if we book another resort. What I've been trying to convince her of is that they will most likely be happier at a DVC resort than CBR.

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

If I were you, I'd start looking for points now. I usually only ask 50% up front, if I don't have to borrow points, and the rest a few months later. (Not an ad here, I don't have any extra points at the moment ) Especially if you have experience renting, people might be willing to work with you.

And I'd definitely go with a 2BR, maybe AKV-Kidani, standard if you're worried about cost, because those sleep 9 and have 3 bathrooms (OKW only have 2). I think your mother will be wowed!

Good luck!

Thanks! That's what I told her tonight. We loved AKV (we were at Jambo) and I really think she would love it too. However, when we first started talking about planning with my brother, he said he wasn't interested in staying there because he heard they only serve African food, which I told him is not true at all if you're eating at Mara and we won't be doing any table service (they refuse to take their two year old to sit down restaurants). I know that my brother and SIL would most likely end up loving it.

 

[disneynutz]

FYI - Jambo, VWL, and BCV are undergoing refurbishment/construction which may affect availability.

Bill

 

[circhead]

As far as I know - there are 4 DVC resorts on property that have studios that sleep 5 at the moment - Poly, Grand Floridian, VWL and Boardwalk.

I personally would go with the Kidani 2 bedroom standard view - with 10 people 3 bathrooms will be a blessing.
The water playground at the pool and the animal viewing areas will wow everyone.
I personally prefer Jambo over Kidani but it does not have 3 bathrooms but the lobby is much more impressive.
Also it will cost less points to get a 2 bedroom than two studios.

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

FYI - Jambo, VWL, and BCV are undergoing refurbishment/construction which may affect availability.

Bill

Thanks! I wasn't aware of a refurb at Jambo.

 

[Dean]

This past June my family of 5 rented points at AKV and loved everything about it. This coming July(1-8)my mom is paying for my family and my brother's family to go with her. There are 10 of us total (5 adults and 5 kids, ages 13,7,5,4,&2 at the time of the trip). Currently, we are booked in 2 rooms at CBR, but my mom is skeptical based on reviews. We stayed at POFQ in 2011and she also didn't like that, or POP the year before, but she doesn't want to pay much more than the cost of a mod.

I am trying to convince her that renting points is the way to go and I think I've finally gotten her onboard, though she says she wouldn't be able to pay the full amount until sometime next month. I'm curious, what are the odds of 2 studios that sleep 5 or a 2 bedroom at AKV or OKW (I think those are the ones that sleep 9 and aren't a ton of points) still being available a month from now? I realize none of you have a crystal ball, but I wasn't sure how quickly these are booking for that week. Last year we didn't end up renting our points until March, but had more options because YDS was still 2 the week we went and so we were able to book a studio with a capacity of 4.

Thanks in advance to anyone who may be able to shed some light on this for me. I'm just trying to get an idea of what we should do. The planning had been left up to me and I know my mom would be much happier if I could figure out a way to get us in a deluxe, based on her opinion of where she's stayed before.

Thanks! That's what I told her tonight. We loved AKV (we were at Jambo) and I really think she would love it too. However, when we first started talking about planning with my brother, he said he wasn't interested in staying there because he heard they only serve African food, which I told him is not true at all if you're eating at Mara and we won't be doing any table service (they refuse to take their two year old to sit down restaurants). I know that my brother and SIL would most likely end up loving it.

I'm seeing red flags here. The person paying didn't like anything previously plus finances are tight enough that we have to wait to do reserve. Then the brother sounds beyond difficult as well. I hope it works out but I'm be surprised if it does and goes off well as presented.

 

[circhead]

At rack rate 2 studios at CBR will cost approximately 3422
At $15 pp a 2 bdrm std view at Kidani will cost 4,305 a difference of $883.00.

Now however you have a full kitchen (you can save a ton on food even if you only have breakfast in the room 10ppl at $6 each for 7 days = 420.00, snacks and water available in the room, sandwiches for lunch you have more than made up for
that $900 difference in costs.

You now have space to put the kids to bed and sit in the living room/dining room area and have a cup of tea or whatever.


I can understand your mom not wanting to do this until January - it's Christmas this month and I personally am hemorraghing enough money to keep the US economy afloat.
It's that time of year and I like to focus on one extremely expensive thing at a time - at this time of year it's Christmas for my 2 granddaughters - Santa and I need to spoil them rotten.

Pat

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

At rack rate 2 studios at CBR will cost approximately 3422
At $15 pp a 2 bdrm std view at Kidani will cost 4,305 a difference of $883.00.

Now however you have a full kitchen (you can save a ton on food even if you only have breakfast in the room 10ppl at $6 each for 7 days = 420.00, snacks and water available in the room, sandwiches for lunch you have more than made up for
that $900 difference in costs.

You now have space to put the kids to bed and sit in the living room/dining room area and have a cup of tea or whatever.


I can understand your mom not wanting to do this until January - it's Christmas this month and I personally am hemorraghing enough money to keep the US economy afloat.
It's that time of year and I like to focus on one extremely expensive thing at a time - at this time of year it's Christmas for my 2 granddaughters - Santa and I need to spoil them rotten.

Pat

Thanks! Last year I rented for $12 pp. Is it unusual to find anything that low? Maybe it's more for a 2 bedroom? And yes, it's not that finances are tight, it's that my mom just wants to get through Christmas and is also purchasing a house and wants to be done with all that before shelling out for a rental.

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

I'm seeing red flags here. The person paying didn't like anything previously plus finances are tight enough that we have to wait to do reserve. Then the brother sounds beyond difficult as well. I hope it works out but I'm be surprised if it does and goes off well as presented.

It's not that finances are tight, it's that my mom is buying a house and wants to get through that and the Christmas season before paying for this. I can see her point. And yes, my brother can be very difficult, lol. I love him but he can be pretty spoiled. He's the type that will just not like someone or something for no real reason. But, his wife said to just book whatever I think is best and they will be happy. So, I'm going to listen to her.

Edited to add: I think my mom has not been satisfied in the past because she's more of a deluxe person in general. She said she would prefer a place that is clean and well decorated with a lot going on around the resort and would prefer interior entrances.

 

[circhead]

Thanks! Last year I rented for $12 pp. Is it unusual to find anything that low? Maybe it's more for a 2 bedroom? And yes, it's not that finances are tight, it's that my mom just wants to get through Christmas and is also purchasing a house and wants to be done with all that before shelling out for a rental.

I just picked 15 per point because that is what Disney charges members - but there is a 24 point limit. On the boards I see pricing from 12 to 15 per point depending upon what resort is their home and if they are still within their banking window.

Also I think Kidani or Jambo would be a great choice for you. Even the adults get a thrill from seeing giraffes outside the windows. I like Jambo because of it's lobby and convenience to Mara the fast food place - at Kidani the animals feel closer (IMHO) and the pool over there is great. The kids love the water playground there. Kidani 3 bathrooms in a two bedroom vs Jambo only 2
Jambo easy access to quick service restaurant (Mara) only sit downs at Kidani

Good luck with your decision.

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

I just picked 15 per point because that is what Disney charges members - but there is a 24 point limit. On the boards I see pricing from 12 to 15 per point depending upon what resort is their home and if they are still within their banking window.

Also I think Kidani or Jambo would be a great choice for you. Even the adults get a thrill from seeing giraffes outside the windows. I like Jambo because of it's lobby and convenience to Mara the fast food place - at Kidani the animals feel closer (IMHO) and the pool over there is great. The kids love the water playground there. Kidani 3 bathrooms in a two bedroom vs Jambo only 2
Jambo easy access to quick service restaurant (Mara) only sit downs at Kidani

Good luck with your decision.

Ok. Thanks again for your response. My husband, kids, and I had a Savannah view at Jambo last year and absolutely loved it. I definitely think once everyone got there, they'd be wowed.

 

[Dean]

Thanks! Last year I rented for $12 pp. Is it unusual to find anything that low? Maybe it's more for a 2 bedroom? And yes, it's not that finances are tight, it's that my mom just wants to get through Christmas and is also purchasing a house and wants to be done with all that before shelling out for a rental.

$12 is low, $13 or $14 might be better. I didn't run the numbers but don't forget there are substantial taxes on a cash reservation. IMO OKW, AKV standard Kidani and SSR all will give value over the moderates.

It's not that finances are tight, it's that my mom is buying a house and wants to get through that and the Christmas season before paying for this. I can see her point. And yes, my brother can be very difficult, lol. I love him but he can be pretty spoiled. He's the type that will just not like someone or something for no real reason. But, his wife said to just book whatever I think is best and they will be happy. So, I'm going to listen to her.

Edited to add: I think my mom has not been satisfied in the past because she's more of a deluxe person in general. She said she would prefer a place that is clean and well decorated with a lot going on around the resort and would prefer interior entrances.

That makes me feel a little better but I've still seen a lot of negatives from this type of situation. I guess we're lucky in that we don't have drama with our trips up to 40 people. If I were in your shoes I'd likely have a direct talk with the brother if you're making the plans, esp if your mom isn't one to set limits and boundaries in this situation herself. My experience is that crazy is crazy on steroids and difficult the same where Disney is concerned.

 

[kyleandconnorsmom]

$12 is low, $13 or $14 might be better. I didn't run the numbers but don't forget there are substantial taxes on a cash reservation. IMO OKW, AKV standard Kidani and SSR all will give value over the moderates.

That makes me feel a little better but I've still seen a lot of negatives from this type of situation. I guess we're lucky in that we don't have drama with our trips up to 40 people. If I were in your shoes I'd likely have a direct talk with the brother if you're making the plans, esp if your mom isn't one to set limits and boundaries in this situation herself. My experience is that crazy is crazy on steroids and difficult the same where Disney is concerned.

Thanks again! I am going to talk to my brother on Christmas day. I planned the last trip we all did in 2011 and we did 2 rooms at POFQ. He really loved it there and is just skeptical of anything else. He thinks the boat to DTD is the greatest thing ever. He really is lovable most of the time and is the type that, once he's there, he'll go with the flow and have a great time. We all had a great trip in 2011 (but have added 2 more kids since then).