Your Ultimate Guide to Renting DVC Points: Should You Do It?

Should You, ShouLdn’t You

Your Guide to Renting DVC Points

Starting to plan a trip to Disney World? Are you considering renting DVC points? You’ve come to the right place! Let’s look at the pros and cons of renting DVC points.

Book Your Vacation

Hey there Disney vacationers! Dreaming of a magical Disney vacation but dreading the price tag that comes with staying at a Deluxe Resort? Renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points might just be the pixie dust you need to make your dream vacation affordable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renting DVC points, from the basics of what DVC is, to the pros and cons, and even how to go about renting points for your stay.

What is Disney Vacation Club (DVC)?

Disney Vacation Club is Disney’s timeshare program but with a flexible twist. Instead of buying a specific week at a specific resort, DVC members purchase points that can be used to book stays at various DVC resorts. These resorts are located not only in Walt Disney World but also in other Disney destinations and even some international locations.

Current DVC Resorts at Walt Disney World

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Offers modern luxury with a sleek design, just a short walk or monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom. The resort features impressive views of the park and Bay Lake, with access to all the amenities of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest with its rustic elegance and cozy atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the tranquil surroundings and the resort’s close proximity to Magic Kingdom.

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Combines the rugged beauty of the great outdoors with luxury accommodations, including waterfront cabins. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a serene retreat with easy access to the parks.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House & Kidani Village

Offers a unique experience with views of lush savannas and exotic animals. The resort’s African theme is reflected in its architecture, décor, and dining options, providing an immersive experience.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Captures the essence of a New England seaside resort with its charming, laid-back atmosphere. Guests can enjoy one of the best pool complexes at Walt Disney World, Stormalong Bay, and easy access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Evokes the golden era of Atlantic seaside resorts, with access to entertainment, dining, and nightlife right on the BoardWalk. The resort is within walking distance to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Features the relaxed charm of the Florida Keys with spacious accommodations. It’s known for its serene waterways, golf course, and the convivial atmosphere of Olivia’s Cafe.

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

Offers a tropical paradise with lush landscaping and themes of the South Pacific. The Bungalows provide a unique overwater stay, and the resort is a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Inspired by Europe’s Mediterranean coast, this resort offers elegance and sophistication with a Disney twist. It’s connected to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the Skyliner.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Themed after a historic New York retreat known for horse racing, this resort offers spacious accommodations, a full-service spa, and golf. It’s also close to Disney Springs for dining and shopping.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Combines Victorian elegance with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy sophisticated dining, a world-class spa, and monorail access to Magic Kingdom.

The Cabins at Disney’s ForT Wilderness Resort

Coming July 2024. Here is the concept art and room details.

Process for Renting DVC Points

Let’s take a look at key aspects of the rental process. It’s important to note that each DVC rental company has a slightly different process. This walk-through will give a rough idea of what to expect.

Determine Your Needs

Decide on your travel dates, preferred resort, and room type. Use a DVC points calculator to estimate how many points you’ll need for your stay.

Find Available Points

Use reputable DVC rental agencies to find members looking to rent out their points. Websites like DVC Rental Store or David’s Vacation Club Rentals are popular choices for their reliability and customer service.

Complete the Transaction

Once you’ve found available points via DVC rental agency, you’ll agree on the price and complete the transaction. Ensure you receive a confirmation of your booking from Disney.

Consider Travel Insurance

Given the strict cancellation policies, purchasing travel insurance is a wise decision to protect your investment. Unlike a traditional resort, canceling is not the easiest process.

Tips for First Time Renters

Embarking on the journey of renting DVC points for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here’s my three essential tips to navigate the process smoothly, ensuring you enjoy a seamless Disney vacation experience.

Book Early

Start your search as early as possible, ideally 11 months in advance, to have the best selection of resorts and dates.

Be Flexible

If your dates or resort preferences are flexible, you’ll have a better chance of finding available points.

Read the Fine Print

Understand the cancellation policy and any other terms before committing to rent points.

Pros and Cons to Renting DVC Points

Weighing the pros and cons of renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points is essential for anyone considering this option for their Disney vacation. This section offers a concise overview of the benefits, such as cost savings and resort flexibility, alongside potential drawbacks like strict cancellation policies and availability challenges. Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your Disney experience aligns with your expectations and budget.

Pros

Cost Savings: The most compelling reason to rent DVC points is the cost savings. Deluxe resorts become much more affordable, allowing you to enjoy luxury accommodations for the price of a moderate or even a value resort.
Flexibility: Renting points offers flexibility in choosing your resort and travel dates, much like a DVC member. Along with the a wider range of room options ranging Studios to 3BR villas.
Experience Deluxe Resorts: Stay at some of Disney’s most coveted resorts without the hefty price tag or long-term commitment of DVC membership.

Cons

Availability: High demand and limited availability can make it challenging to find points for your desired dates and resort.
Cancellation Policies: Renting points often comes with strict cancellation policies. Once you’ve booked, getting a refund can be difficult if your plans change.
Payment Upfront: Typically, you’ll need to pay for your entire stay upfront, which can be a significant outlay of cash.

DVC Rental Store vs. David’s Vacation Club Rentals

When planning a Disney vacation and considering renting DVC points, two names often come up: DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Club Rentals. Both companies offer services to rent out DVC points, but they have differences in pricing, payment processes, cancellation policies, and additional services that could influence your decision. Let’s compare!

Pricing Comparison

When it comes to renting DVC points, the cost is a significant factor for many vacationers. Both DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Club Rentals offer competitive pricing, but their rates and promotions can vary, affecting the overall cost of your stay.

DVC Rental Store

Offers promotions making their prices competitive.
Prices vary based on booking timing and resort demand.
For bookings within the next 7 months: $19 per point.
For bookings 7-11 months in advance at select resorts: $22 per point.
For bookings 7-11 months in advance at less demanded resorts: $19 per point.
Offers a lowest-price guarantee against certain competitors.

David’s Vacation Club Rentals

Pricing model also depends on booking timing and resort category.
For all reservations within the next 7 months: $21 per point.
For reservations 7-11 months in advance at premium resorts: $21 or $23 per point.

Payment Process

The payment process is another crucial aspect to consider when renting DVC points. Both companies offer different approaches to payment, which can suit different types of travelers based on their budgeting preferences and financial planning.

DVC Rental Store

Requires only 25% upfront payment, with the balance due 75 days before arrival.
Full payment required upfront for bookings made within 75 days of check-in.

David’s Vacation Club Rentals

Requires full payment at the time of booking, regardless of when the check-in date is.

Cancellation Policies

Cancellation policies are essential to understand, as they outline what happens if you need to cancel your reservation. Both DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Club Rentals handle cancellations differently, offering varying degrees of flexibility and protection for your booking.

DVC Rental Store

Offers a stress-free cancellation policy with travel credits for future reservations.
Cancellation credits range from 100% for cancellations made more than 120 days before check-in to 0% for cancellations made less than 4 days before.

David’s Vacation Club Rentals

Does not offer a cancellation policy but will refund if they cannot secure a reservation.

Inventory and Availability

Inventory and availability are critical when choosing a rental service, as they directly impact your options for stay dates and resorts. Both DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Club Rentals offer a wide range of inventory, but their methods for searching and booking can vary.

DVC Rental Store

Features a robust online search tool for checking availability.
High inventory with many confirmed reservations available for immediate booking.

David’s Vacation Club Rentals

Does not have a live search tool; customers submit desired vacation details, and David’s team searches for availability.
Offers a boutique service approach, with staff handling the search process.

Confirmed Reservations

Confirmed reservations are an excellent option for those with flexible travel dates, allowing you to book pre-secured slots without the uncertainty of availability. Both DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Club Rentals offer confirmed reservations, but the volume and variety can differ.

Other Services

Beyond renting DVC points, both companies offer additional services to enhance your vacation experience. From cruise packages to grocery delivery, these extra services can provide added convenience and opportunities for your trip.

DVC Rental Store

Offers additional services like Member Point Swap, vacation home rentals, Sunshine Flyer Transportation, and stroller rentals.

David’s Vacation Club Rentals

Provides cruise packages, grocery orders, and stroller rentals as part of their additional services.

Choosing between DVC Rental Store and David’s Vacation Club Rentals depends on your preferences for pricing, payment flexibility, cancellation policies, and additional services. This detailed comparison should help guide your decision on which company to use for renting DVC points for your next Disney vacation.

FAQ: Renting DVC Points

Navigating the world of renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points often brings up several questions, especially for those new to the process. To help clarify common queries and provide you with a better understanding, here are four frequently asked questions along with their answers:

Renting DVC points allows you to stay at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts at a significantly reduced cost compared to booking directly through Disney. This option offers flexibility in choosing your resort and accommodation type, providing a more luxurious experience for less.

It’s recommended to start looking for available DVC rentals 11 months in advance of your desired travel dates, especially if you have specific resorts or room types in mind. This timeframe aligns with DVC members’ booking window at their home resorts, ensuring the best selection of options.

Cancellation policies vary depending on the rental service you use. Some services offer cancellation policies that return a portion of your payment as a credit for future bookings, while others may have stricter no-refund policies. Always review the cancellation policy carefully before finalizing your rental.

Yes, purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended when renting DVC points. Given the potential for strict cancellation policies and the upfront payment often required, travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected changes to your travel plans.

Ready, Set, Rent!

Renting DVC points is an excellent way to enjoy Disney’s Deluxe Resorts without paying deluxe prices. While it requires a bit of research and planning (make sure to check the DVC Resort Refurbishment Calendar), the savings and experience can be well worth the effort. Whether you’re sipping a drink by the pool at the Polynesian Village Resort or enjoying the savanna view at Animal Kingdom Lodge, renting DVC points can turn your Disney vacation dreams into reality.

Remember, every Disney vacation is magical, but staying at a Deluxe Resort with the help of rented DVC points can add that extra sprinkle of pixie dust to your trip. Happy planning, and may your Disney vacation be as enchanting as the stories that inspire it!