Value resort or renting from a DVC owner?

[kikina9]

This is my first post!!!

I am a non DVC owner and am going to visit WDW between 9th Dec 08 and 4th Jan 09. I have a 7 day cruise starting on 14 Dec in between.

I have always stayed off property but this time i would like to stay on Disney's property..... however i am still undecided between buying points from a DVC owner or staying at a value resort, like the All Star Movies. or should i try both? Any suggestions/information?

many thanks

 

[WALTSAGOD]

Rent and you'll enjoy the deluxe amenities that the values don't offer.

 

[beautifultomorrow]

Welcome to the boards!

I was a value resort gal until I discovered renting points. I find it a great deal because you can get a deluxe room for the same or a little bit more than a value resort. I like the additional amenities the DVC resorts have to offer, but there are things to consider, like the lack of daily housekeeping and DVC books up fast, so it might be hard to get a reservation.

Speaking of, it looks like you are planning to go during an extremely popular time for DVC so it might be hard to secure a reservation. My advice would be to split your time between a value resort and a DVC, that way you can try both and it will be easier to find a reservation for a shorter period of time.

I dont think it would be too hard to get a reservation at OKW or SSR. OKW is great because it has the lowest point costs and the biggest rooms, and the studios are the only ones with two queen beds (all other DVC studios have a queen and a pullout couch).

That being said the values are fun too. Completely different atmosphere but very "Disney".

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Kurby]

it depends on your taste.

dvc resorts are all deluxe. so if you can get the deluxe resort at just a little more then the value resort why not rent the points.

take a look at all the resorts and compare them then you can make a better decision.

if you do decided that the value resort is more your style for now - i'd suggest POP - it's the better value resort over the all stars (at least imho) - that said they all have there good points and even though we own dvc now we will stay at the mod and value from time to time for our daughter even if it's just the first 2 nights of our stay.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There are already wait lists for many of the DVC resorts for Dec into Jan. You may be too late for this year to stay in a DVC resort. If you want to try to rent a reservation (you don't buy or rent points because they are worthless to you as a non-member) from a member, you need to put your request on the Rent/Trade Board immediately. You may also need to pay at the higher end of the rental scale, meaning $13-15 a point.

If you decide you want to try the DVC rental process, make sure you read all the sticky threads at the top of the Rent/Trade Board page. You need to be very specific with your request. And you need to be willing to give up control of the reservation. Only the member will be able to confirm the reservation. You will not be able to contact Member Services for any reason.

 

[crisi]

The biggest difference, IMO, to be aware of is that you should view a DVC rental as final. Its a great deal, but many owners will not refund money back if you need to cancel, some will try and work with you, but its your risk. You may be able to get insurance to cover this risk.

The other big difference is if you want to stay at a value, you can pick up the phone or log into the Disney website right now and book it. If you want to rent points you need to start looking for points and find an owner you want to work with. It can be a little bit of a hassle and people are not always successful at finding someone.

If you are willing to do the work and take the risk, renting points is a really good deal.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have to agree with Deb & Bill. I think you may be a little late for this year. That time frame is the most popular time with DVC owners, and most book it as close to the 11 month booking window as possible. I'm quite sure there are already waitlists for many locations and unit sizes now, and that will only get worse if you wait any longer.

 

[kikina9]

Thanks for your comments!!!

I think i will stay at a Value Resort for this trip. Next time i will try to buy a reservation early!!!