Disney Planner... yes or no?

[Nelly2016]

I am an excellent planner. But to keep it on the safe side, I decided to go with an authorized disney travel agent. She's already provided us with quotes and such a couple months ago for our Jan 2017 trip but for some reason, I'm just not getting a good feeling from her. Its not that she's not friendly - she's just not very warm and sometimes, I feel like I'm annoying her with my questions (and theres not many!). I may be completely off base though, as things can get lost in translation over email. The company is recommended by one of the best Disney blogs out there so I'm confident she'll be able to do her job but I'm just not sure what to do. Any advice?

 

[DVCPluto]

Renting from and owner is risky? Not entirely true. I am an owner and have been renting my points for several years and have not had one single issue. My contract is very well written and I explain each and every word if the renter asks. I add the dining plan and make any changes they need made as soon as requested. I guess since TA's don't make commission off of DVC rentals they would say that renting from an owner is risky. I save my renters a significant amount because there is no middle man. It may be risky renting from some owners but I think you are painting with a broad brush.

You're right - I've heard nothing but good things about the whole process. My only worry is the actual process - its so confusing! I'm looking into Boardwalk Inn! Any tips?

I'm honestly not saying it is risky because I'm a TA. I'm also an owner. If renting points is the best option for someone, they should do it.

If there's a well written contract, it works. However, some people will blindly rent from someone, give them their money, and they can't reach the owner to add a dining plan, ME, or for just general vacation questions.

If you go that route, I suggest renting from a rental broker.

 

[Nelly2016]

I'm honestly not saying it is risky because I'm a TA. I'm also an owner. If renting points is the best option for someone, they should do it.

If there's a well written contract, it works. However, some people will blindly rent from someone, give them their money, and they can't reach the owner to add a dining plan, ME, or for just general vacation questions.

If you go that route, I suggest renting from a rental broker.

Thanks for your tips. The whole thing is still a bit confusing but I'm looking into it!

 

[dreamfinder]

Thanks for your tips. The whole thing is still a bit confusing but I'm looking into it!

It's really not terribly different from the process involved in paying for something with credit, be it check, credit card, or something else completely. The owner has the ability to make a booking on your behalf, and wants to be paid for that booking. That involves an element of trust. Trust that a) the owner actually made the booking on your behalf and won't cancel it and b) that your payment won't bounce. Some people prefer to go with a broker who works as sort of an escrow agent, making sure your money is good, and providing you a recourse if the owner changes the booking. By providing this service, you pay a higher cost than if you went direct with the owner, but you get that security. Just like if a store takes credit cards vs checks. The credit card costs them more than a check, but it usually offers a greater level of security that they will actually get paid.

You simply need to pick your dates, your desired DVC property, and then figure out how many points would be needed. Most of the brokers have calculators on their sites, or you can find point charts on sites like dvcnews.com The brokers have (usually) an inventory of points, otherwise you would need to find an owner on your own who has enough points to work with.

 

[DisneyJoe]

You would need to rent directly with the owner (which is risky) or go through a rental agency.

I've read many articles that speak about the risk - here is one:

http://www.mousesavers.com/other-disney-vacations/disney-vacation-club/#rentpoints - skip down to the section that says "If you are renting DVC points directly from an owner, be very careful!" - and it lists many of the possible issues. In brief, it says that it is safer to use a broker and pay a little extra.

 

[Nelly2016]

It's really not terribly different from the process involved in paying for something with credit, be it check, credit card, or something else completely. The owner has the ability to make a booking on your behalf, and wants to be paid for that booking. That involves an element of trust. Trust that a) the owner actually made the booking on your behalf and won't cancel it and b) that your payment won't bounce. Some people prefer to go with a broker who works as sort of an escrow agent, making sure your money is good, and providing you a recourse if the owner changes the booking. By providing this service, you pay a higher cost than if you went direct with the owner, but you get that security. Just like if a store takes credit cards vs checks. The credit card costs them more than a check, but it usually offers a greater level of security that they will actually get paid.

You simply need to pick your dates, your desired DVC property, and then figure out how many points would be needed. Most of the brokers have calculators on their sites, or you can find point charts on sites like dvcnews.com The brokers have (usually) an inventory of points, otherwise you would need to find an owner on your own who has enough points to work with.

Thank you for the tips!

 

[Nelly2016]

I've read many articles that speak about the risk - here is one:

http://www.mousesavers.com/other-disney-vacations/disney-vacation-club/#rentpoints - skip down to the section that says "If you are renting DVC points directly from an owner, be very careful!" - and it lists many of the possible issues. In brief, it says that it is safer to use a broker and pay a little extra.

Thanks for the tips. I'll look into the article!

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

As a couple of the other responses mentioned, if you are uncomfortable with your current travel agent you should go with another. Right now for 2017 all we can do is price out the room portion. Room only reservations can be made up to 499 days out.
Also there are no Disney authorized travel agents or Disney travel agents. The agency itself earns the accreditation of being an Authorized Disney Vacation planner, not the agent.
I have personally stayed at the Boardwalk Inn 7 times in every room category. Personally I love the stye/theming of the hotel especially during the holidays! I like the fact that they have a few different dining choices as well as Jellyrolls! This past October some of my agents and I stayed at the Boardwalk Inn for a training/girls weekend and we had a blast! And yes we did go to Jellyrolls and had a great time! If you have any questions about this hotel please feel free to pm me or you can email me directly pam@kingdomkonsultant.com
As far as DVC, while we do not get involved with any of that, I will say that if you do decide to go down that road to make sure that you do your homework and use a reputable person/company to purchase the points from.

Pam

 

[Nelly2016]

As a couple of the other responses mentioned, if you are uncomfortable with your current travel agent you should go with another. Right now for 2017 all we can do is price out the room portion. Room only reservations can be made up to 499 days out.
Also there are no Disney authorized travel agents or Disney travel agents. The agency itself earns the accreditation of being an Authorized Disney Vacation planner, not the agent.
I have personally stayed at the Boardwalk Inn 7 times in every room category. Personally I love the stye/theming of the hotel especially during the holidays! I like the fact that they have a few different dining choices as well as Jellyrolls! This past October some of my agents and I stayed at the Boardwalk Inn for a training/girls weekend and we had a blast! And yes we did go to Jellyrolls and had a great time! If you have any questions about this hotel please feel free to pm me or you can email me directly pam@kingdomkonsultant.com
As far as DVC, while we do not get involved with any of that, I will say that if you do decide to go down that road to make sure that you do your homework and use a reputable person/company to purchase the points from.

Pam

That is one resort we were really hoping for, but as we are trying to keep costs down, we didn't think it was the best idea. I think that we are too late to go with the DVC rental, as our trip is in february. Do you have any experience going at this time of year?

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

That is one resort we were really hoping for, but as we are trying to keep costs down, we didn't think it was the best idea. I think that we are too late to go with the DVC rental, as our trip is in february. Do you have any experience going at this time of year?

Yes I do. I suggest early February with the exception of holidays (Presidents Day). Later in February you start running into Spring breakers.

Pam

 

[Nelly2016]

Yes I do. I suggest early February with the exception of holidays (Presidents Day). Later in February you start running into Spring breakers.

Pam

How did you find the weather?

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

How did you find the weather?

I've been there when it was pleasant and in the 70's and also when I needed an actual winter jacket. Your best bet is to check www.weather.com
for the most up to date weather.

Pam

 

[dreamfinder]

That is one resort we were really hoping for, but as we are trying to keep costs down, we didn't think it was the best idea. I think that we are too late to go with the DVC rental, as our trip is in february. Do you have any experience going at this time of year?

@Nelly2016 I strongly suggest you reach out to one of the point brokers and talk to them directly about DVC point rental. They should be able to clear up most of the questions you have had about renting points. However, I just took a look at DVC availability, and at Boardwalk for 2/1-2/8 2017, Studio, 1BR, 2BR and 3BR all have full availability in the Boardwalk/Garden view room types, and 1BR/2BR had availability in Standard as well. Most of the month looked to be fairly open. At this point, only Boardwalk owners can book there, other DVC owners cannot book February until July. So you definitely still have plenty of time to go with the rental, just reach out to one of the brokers and get the ball rolling. Even if they don't have anyone with Boardwalk points, they should have someone who can book for you when the 7 month window opens.

 

[Nelly2016]

@Nelly2016 I strongly suggest you reach out to one of the point brokers and talk to them directly about DVC point rental. They should be able to clear up most of the questions you have had about renting points. However, I just took a look at DVC availability, and at Boardwalk for 2/1-2/8 2017, Studio, 1BR, 2BR and 3BR all have full availability in the Boardwalk/Garden view room types, and 1BR/2BR had availability in Standard as well. Most of the month looked to be fairly open. At this point, only Boardwalk owners can book there, other DVC owners cannot book February until July. So you definitely still have plenty of time to go with the rental, just reach out to one of the brokers and get the ball rolling. Even if they don't have anyone with Boardwalk points, they should have someone who can book for you when the 7 month window opens.

Awesome. I was reluctant to pay the $98 fee to check availability so that helps a lot! How exactly would I reach out to a point broker?

 

[wannabeBelle]

Also keep in mind that if you are renting DVC you wont get housekeeping or fresh towels every day unless you pay additional for it. You do get a trash and tidy on the 4th day I think it is and a full clean a few days after that. I am not sure of the cost for that though as I don't deal with DVC generally. Anyone know what the current fee is for this service? Marie

 

[Nelly2016]

Also keep in mind that if you are renting DVC you wont get housekeeping or fresh towels every day unless you pay additional for it. You do get a trash and tidy on the 4th day I think it is and a full clean a few days after that. I am not sure of the cost for that though as I don't deal with DVC generally. Anyone know what the current fee is for this service? Marie

I know that isn't necessary, but it does bother me a bit that we won't be getting regular house cleaning. We want the full vacation experience! Thanks for the tip!

 

[wannabeBelle]

I know that isn't necessary, but it does bother me a bit that we won't be getting regular house cleaning. We want the full vacation experience! Thanks for the tip!

I know the feeling. I don't care about someone making my bed and I am generally pretty neat so they aren't picking up after me anyhow, but I REALLY want fresh towels every day! Marie

 

[dreamfinder]

Awesome. I was reluctant to pay the $98 fee to check availability so that helps a lot! How exactly would I reach out to a point broker?

Go through whatever process they have on their website? I'd imagine they will either take your request via form online or over the phone. The DVC sub forum here I think lists a few of the popular ones. David's is the elephant in the room usually, but I think DVC Rental Store is another, and I know a few of the DVC Reseller agencies have started renting points as well. And if you did pay the fee, I think they handle it as deposit, so it gets applied to your vacation.

 

[ninjaprincesst]

Nothing against travel agents, but I prefer to do it myself, things live dining ADR and fastpasses I can make those "in the moment decisions" when something I wanted is not available, where as by the time the TA calls you asks what to do and calls back or logs back on all your options could be gone. For example when free dining came out the cast member could not get it to go through for Wilderness Lodge and I was able to make a quick decision and get a great deal at Animal Kingdom Lodge, a travel agent would have had to call me and find out what I wanted to do and by the time she got back through the deal would have been gone. Doing it yourself is really not hard, and it lets you make your own choices.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Nothing against travel agents, but I prefer to do it myself, things live dining ADR and fastpasses I can make those "in the moment decisions" when something I wanted is not available, where as by the time the TA calls you asks what to do and calls back or logs back on all your options could be gone. For example when free dining came out the cast member could not get it to go through for Wilderness Lodge and I was able to make a quick decision and get a great deal at Animal Kingdom Lodge, a travel agent would have had to call me and find out what I wanted to do and by the time she got back through the deal would have been gone. Doing it yourself is really not hard, and it lets you make your own choices.

That is why we allow our clients to decide if they would like to make their own which they certainly can do or if they would like us to help them. We get a tremendous amount of clients that would rather have us do it for them. And we do a good job. Unlike others, we have a game plan set in place with our clients so there is no need to waste time by contacting them.

Pam

 

[aw14]

We have used a Disney TA for the last few trips. We also recommended her to my sister and a co worker. She is great.

Rest assured, I can be the ultimate PITA when it comes to this kind of expense and she is always exceptionally helpful.