Jillhou.
I have gotten some great deals with points. I agree its not for everyone, but if you structure you vacation right you can save a lot of money.
Here's is the key to renting points: We always stay Sunday through Friday to maximize the value. Fri and Sat points are expensive. But I for one don't like to be at the Parks on the weekend because they seem more crowded, so I don't mind arriving on Sun and Leaving on a Friday. Also with the savings we get on points we sometimes stay at the value or Moderate for those weekend nights. Also, we always stay at cheaper season, like Jan, Feb, May Sept, Oct, Nov, or Dec. Again that is when the parks are less crowded so I don't mind going during these times.
We always rent from someone who charges $10 per points, (or less) which is standard.
So our savings for our Feb Trip.
We want to stay at the Beach Club resort. So our quote from Disney is $1639.10 for our stay of 5 nights, $294.00 per night, plus tax. If I rent points for the same time period I am paying 650.00 total, or 13points per night x 5 nights x $10.00 per point. So the way I look at it I am saving a $1000.00 to stay at the same resort and use all the same amenities and location.
Now this works for me because we are a family of four and we stay in their studios. Which means we get a Kitchenette not one of those big kitchens. Those would be more points.
One Bedroom Villas from Disney is $2230.00 compared to 28 points a night x 5 = 140 x $10 per point = $1400.00. The same 1br villa at Disney's price is 2230.00 this ia a savings of $830.00 and you get to save money on food IF you choose. I prefer not to cook dinner while I am there, but I don't have a problem fixing the kids a waffle or bagel in the morning or making them a Peanut butter sandwich to take to the parks, so we save on breakfast and their lunch.
Also if you are a family of 8-9 the two bedroom is only 34 points X 5 X $10 = 1700.00. The same 2 bdr would be $3122.00. Even if you just went with two regular rooms at the BC you would pay $3280.00. See what I am getting at. Even staying at the moderates could be more expensive if you have to get two rooms.
This does involve trust between you and the renter of the points. We have been blessed to get some good renters, so I understand somebodys leariness, but if your dates can fit into these criteria I say check it out. We have found it to be very cost effective.
Just wanted to let anyone reading that we have done well with the point system. I know Disney could still come out with rate codes for the BC before Feb, But I am guessing they will not be able to match $130.00 a night for that resort. We are thrilled that we are saving money and getting a deluxe resort!
But like another poster said, decide early because the rooms types you want fill up quickly. Ok I feel better now that I have convinced myself we are doing the right thing!
Wish the email one went into Jan, 2005!
)
I have never gotten a email with a pin. Can someone tell me who the email came from? I just want to know the Sender because I am afraid I will delete it with junk mail. I sure wish I could figure out why Disney doesn't want me to come back 
