Why do you stay at a moderate room if you can rent DVC points?

[cgcruz]

This might be my first time renting points from a DVC owner. I was doing the math, and it might be the same cost, even if you stay at a value hotel (during peak periods). The only thing really keeping me right now from renting is trust and convenience. You really do have to trust the person you are renting for since they require you to pay before they reserve. But then again, you really do seem to get your money's worth though. DVC hotels seem more like a deluxe than moderate.

Then again... Some people can live without housekeeping.

 

[Julia M]

Well, for one reason, I have 3 kids, so I need a 2 bedroom. At the Boardwalk Villas, that's a total of 438 points (I believe that you are charged based on the date, not on your first day of reservation, like the hotels do)

At $10 a point, which seems pretty standard, that's $4280.

I'm staying at the Port Orleans for one night, and 9 nights at the Polynesian (concierge), for about $3500. By staying at a Disney hotel, I can get the dining plan.

I'd have more space at DVC, that's for sure. I prefer the benefets of housekeeping, the concierge lounge, and the dining plan.

What I think is most accurate to say is that for some people, in some cases, it can be as cost effective. Individuals have to determine what non money issues (like housekeeping and so on) matter most.

Julia

 

[cgcruz]

well, yeah, thats true. It seems to really benefit those who are looking for studio and dont mind no housekeeping

 

[k_k_100]

We are renting DVC points (for the second time) for our Dec. trip. Obviously we love it - but as is often said, "nothing in life is free".

Some of the drawbacks for us are: 1) To stay during busy DVC times you have to make your reservations 9-11 months in advance - not everybody plans that far out. 2) There is very little flexibility for change - when we made our plans there is no canceling them (sometimes you can make changes - depending on availability & your contract). 3) If Disney offers a great deal (like free dining) you are out of luck - you cemented your plans 11 months ago! 4) No option to purchase the dining plan - we really would love to have this - but the savings makes up for it for us. 5) For some, no daily housekeeping (we see this as a +, I'm not a big fan of having somebody in my room everyday) 5) It's not as cost effective on the weekends (especially for the larger units) Many people HAVE to include weekend stays during their trips to maximize vacation time.

The benefits are great! You can read all about them on the rent/trade & DVC trip planning board. Obviously we love it - this is our second time doing it. The major thing that cemented our decision was we wanted a studio w/ a Boardwalk view. The ONLY way to do this was to reserve a room at the 11-month mark.

Another thing - we have met some of the nicest people - There are some really great DVC owners out there

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Let's see, for us, family of 5...............

DVC, need a 2 bedroom...........going 11/26-12/3
need 280 pts.............that's $2,280

2 rooms at Moderate resort (we would have 2 bathrooms, but no kitchen or washer dryer )
$2093 including tax

But we chose 2 bedroom/2bathroom condo at Vistana thru Skyauction
$421

 

[robinb]

I own at DVC and I stay at moderate resorts, especially over the expensive weekend. I like the moderate and value resorts because of the food courts and superior bus service.

 

[Hopefully]

We have stayed at the DVC resorts on a cash ressie - expensive, I know. But we choose to do this for several reasons. We love the BCV for its convenience, location, theming etc. We love the extra room these accomodations offer. I believe that if I were to rent points I would be locked into the agreement (dates etc.) that I made with the owner. It is a contract, with no option to change any detail. I like the feeling of the freedom to change if necessary, so renting points has not been comfortable for me. We have never had to cancel at the last minute (knocking on wood, knowcking on wood), but I need that flexibility. Just my personality.

 

[swilphil]

1. The cancellation policy. As far as I know, if you rent DVC points you don't have one. You are just out of the money with DVC (I'd like to know more about this, so correct me if I'm wrong). With two small children, I never know if I'll have to cancel.

2. It seems like with DVC you have to plan way in advance. I was unable to find someone to rent DVC 6 to 8 weeks in advance of my trip at the resorts I wanted (BWV and BCV).

3. DVC is cheap if you stay Sun-Thursday, but because of airfare and other factors our trip never falls on those days.

Someday I'd like to rent DVC. You're right, it is a great bargain.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I am renting points for the second time...staying at BWV standard view studio during the month of Oct for 5 nights...for $110 a night. That is an incredible bargain to be so close to the F&W festival!

I did not pre plan. Sometime over the summer I decided to go to WDW in Oct, so I posted on the rent/trade board. This gentleman had already made the 5 night ressie at BWV and then had decided not to go. I was only looking for 3 nights but was "FORCED" to take the entire 5 night ressie. LOL!

The gentlemen I rented points from sent me a contract. I paid the full amount 60 days prior. He said if I have to cancel for any reason, he will try to re-rent the points, and if he can't, he will just cancel the BWV ressie that I have and let me use those points at any time before August. I thought that was fair enough.

I kind of like the fact that it is paid in full already...kinda makes it seem "free" in a weird way.

But of course if we needed to stay on a weekend it would not be worth it at all, I agree with that 100%. we will be staying at POR for Fri and Sat night. But, it is killing me to pay $125 a night for POR...after having a studio at BWV for $110, KWIM???

 

[bigbabyblues]

We wouldn't mind no housekeeping, but we liked the dining plan so well last time, we'll definitely do it again if it's still around.....can't do the dining plan with DVC.

 

[DiznEeyore]

We wouldn't mind no housekeeping, but we liked the dining plan so well last time, we'll definitely do it again if it's still around.....can't do the dining plan with DVC.

Just a note ... they're planning to announce a DVC-oriented dining plan by the end of this year.

 

[copper68]

The only thing really keeping me right now from renting is trust and convenience. You really do have to trust the person you are renting for since they require you to pay before they reserve.

we rented for the first time this year.. and we were the same way about trusting the person.. turns out everything was great!!

ask for references!!

 

[mitchwebb]

I'm excited to have the extra room with our three girls. I called and confirmed we could have a one-bedroom with the five of us. We are paying $1400 for five nights Thanksgiving week BWV perferred view.
We are spending a little more for four nights Wed- Sun at the poly before our BWV stay. I've always wanted to stay at the poly but could not spend all nine nights in the same room. It will be nice to get to have a different bedtime then the girls

 

[Callalily6]

I am renting DVC and was a little hung up on the trust issue, too. I read through a lot of info that said the best way to do is to have the DVC member call and make the reservation...then they call you and give you the conf #...you call DVC and confirm the ressie...then you mail payment. This works fine as long as you are more than 30 days out - you can cancel under the DVC terms. If you are less than 30 days out and flake out, the DVC member is left holding the bill. Anyway, that is what we did and its worked out fine. I'm all confirmed and the trip is paid off! Wahoo! BWV here we come!

 

[BurkeTribe]

We have rented points for the first time for our mid-October trip and didn't start looking for a reservation until early-mid August. Perseverance pays off. Finished the deal early this month. Paid a premium $12 a point because of last minute quest, but still only $96 total a night for an OKW studio .

We don't mind the lack of maid-service. Only negative to us is the lack of refund ability if fate cancels our trip at the last minute (in the last week before, say).

Fingers crossed.

 

[Disneyfun1]

I think renting points from dvc owners is the way to go.

this will be my 6th time renting points. I rented from a great person the first couple of times, then found another for a couple, and now i am working with the dvc owner for the 3rd straight time. I always contacted my others first, and they didnt have any to rent-used them for themselves, but my current person i rent from is great!! she always works with us and checks in before and after our trips.

I like being able to rent the bigger 1 bedroom units at boardwalk villas for sun-fri stays, then we switch to reg reservations on fri-sat nights. the one bed is great, full kitchen, washer dryer in room, whirlpool tub, and plenty of room for the kids.

 

[Eeyore2003]

I really compare DVC to Deluxe as that's what they are. For less than the price of a deluxe room for the 1 bedroom you get the washer/dryer, full kitchen, king bed, jacuzzi etc. For a really great deal, try OKW studio. Theyr'e very nice. I've been to OKW (studio) and BWV (one bedroom) and we're trying Saratoga Springs (studio) and BCV (one bedroom) in November.

I think comparing the DVC units to moderates or value is like comparing apples to oranges since they are deluxe right off the bat, and then you get more for your money with the kitchenette in the studio and even more in the one and two bedrooms. And both are far less than the price of a deluxe resort. On Sunday through Thursday, off season, a one bedroom is about $220.00 per night, where a deluxe resort will many times be over $300.00. The studios are definitely your best deal, especially OKW, which is really nice!!!

The last few years, we kind of go more "every other year". We may take 3 vacations within one year and get the annual pass, then we don't go for about a year and then do the Disney year again. That way we also get the DDE card and save the 20% on meals too, plus the annual pass discounts. In November we're combining the trip with a 3 day conference for my husband. He only has to go 3 mornings on the week-end of our 8 nights there, and his work pays for part of the bill of those 3 days. I really try to get deals where ever I can, but we do like staying deluxe and have found that DVC's are very nice and you get more for less money.

The only time that one of the deluxe were cheaper was an annual pass discount for AKL and that time we also split the cost with my sister and friend, so that only cost us $90.00 each for a Savannah view. Another good deal.

 

[freakylick]

Several reasons...
1-It seems like there are a lot of uncertainties as others have mentioned (no cancellations, trust).
2-We are only two people who will spend almost all of our time outside of the room...we just need a place to put our heads at night...We don't need a kitchen, extra bedrooms, etc...
3-After looking at all of the resorts, we like the looks/atmosphere of POR better than anything DVC. Nothing against the DVC resorts, they just weren't our cup of tea.
4-Dining plan (though that may not be a reason for long).

 

[CheshireVal]

I don't really trust people enough to do that.

 

[YetanotherMouseFan]

I can sum it up in two words: Kitchen facilities!
Knowing my DH, it wouldn't take long before he'd be suggesting that maybe we drop over to Publix and pick up a few things...and before long, I'd be cooking.

I DO NOT cook on vacation! Maybe a sandwich in the room if we're staying at the beach, or a morning cup of coffee, but that is IT! So, if the temptation isn't there, I get a reprieve!

Yes, it is good sense financially, but just doesn't suit our style.