DVC rental for trip 2024

[1disneygrammy]

I am thinking of giving one of the DVC rental companies a try for our next vacation in June 2024. I need some advice and opinions about using these services. I have been to WDW 15 times and now trying to save a little cashola! Need space for 3 adults and 1 teen and 1 precocious 7 year old.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Imo the DVC rental sites are a ripoff for both the renter and the DVC member. I would go to Facebook and rent from a private individual. Don't pay more than $20 per point.

 

[monykalyn]

Imo the DVC rental sites are a ripoff for both the renter and the DVC member. I would go to Facebook and rent from a private individual. Don't pay more than $20 per point.

They certainly can be a “ripoff” yet still cheaper than cash rental directly from Disney. One of the places was offering insurance and ability to cancel/change last time we used them (although this was precovid so who knows now!)
Another option is TUG rental place or redweek to see if there is an owner who can get the villa needed. Or even the “dedicated” rentals from the rental stores which are often at a discount if the week happens to work out for you.
Happy DVC is back in Interval International again so we can use our (much much) cheaper unit to stay on property. Quick look shows still studios available thru summer at SSR and OKW (2 bedrooms were available this summer back in late Feb/early March)

 

[nickys]

I’m gonna disagree with @CaptainAmerica here. Yes, at least one of the major brokers are taking a much bigger cut for rentals.
But a broker does all the vetting for a renter and provides security in that respect. For a first time renter they offer a good service.

OP, just remember renting usually means no changes, no cancellation etc.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

OP, just remember renting usually means no changes, no cancellation etc.

See this is exactly why I would never use one of the brokers, even if they were the same price as renting from an individual. It's not just about cost, it's about service.

When you're renting from an individual, everything is negotiable because you're dealing with an actual human being and not a company that has to have fixed policies. As an owner, when I rent out my points, I always allow people to make changes (within reason). And if they need to cancel, I offer them cancellation terms that don't leave them completely screwed if their plans have to change. Not every owner offers those terms, but many/most do, and if someone doesn't, you have the option to say "no thank you" and work with somebody else.

There's huge peace of mind of having someone's personal email address and phone number so you can fire off questions like "hey, how do I make sure I get free parking at Epcot," or "hey, how do the pool wristbands work at Aulani" or "hey, do you recommend renting an umbrella at Vero Beach?" Renting from a good owner doesn't feel like a business transaction, it feels like making a new Disney friend.

 

[nickys]

See this is exactly why I would never use one of the brokers, even if they were the same price as renting from an individual. It's not just about cost, it's about service.

When you're renting from an individual, everything is negotiable because you're dealing with an actual human being and not a company that has to have fixed policies. As an owner, when I rent out my points, I always allow people to make changes (within reason). And if they need to cancel, I offer them cancellation terms that don't leave them completely screwed if their plans have to change. Not every owner offers those terms, but many/most do, and if someone doesn't, you have the option to say "no thank you" and work with somebody else.

There's huge peace of mind of having someone's personal email address and phone number so you can fire off questions like "hey, how do I make sure I get free parking at Epcot," or "hey, how do the pool wristbands work at Aulani" or "hey, do you recommend renting an umbrella at Vero Beach?" Renting from a good owner doesn't feel like a business transaction, it feels like making a new Disney friend.

I agree, but as an owner. My experience renting out my points were all people that I already “knew” through message boards, so at least they knew I was unlikely to suddenly disappear into the sunset with their money. I wouldn’t rent my points to a complete stranger either.

But for a first time renter it is very easy to get scammed doing it yourself, unless you know how and what to check.

 

[NelleBelle]

I would only feel comfortable renting points from someone on a message board (this one and the “other”)…as @nickys commented, I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable either renting from a complete stranger. I’d rather book through a broker and pay more with a less forgiving set of policies than risk my money disappearing.