Rent DVC or Mod w/ Free DDP?

[cursivesailor]

We are possibly going to be making a trip down to WDW in the fall/early winter.

I am new to renting points for DVC rooms, but am very interested. But I understand that DVC is not eligible for any DDP promotions.

Last trip, we stayed in the newly opened AoA and I absolutely hated it. I loved the themeing, dont get my wrong. But we must have been put in the room next to the worlds noisiest family. Their kid would slam the front door repeatedly when he woke up bc he was ready to go at 6am. The father was always loudly cursing and it seemed like they were in the room with us. My husband and I could hear everything they said because of the thin walls. The AC also kicked off during the night, part of the new "green" movement, and I repeatedly woke up "stuck" to my husband from sweating. I asked the front desk about it, but they said there was nothing they could do to over-ride it.

So, I think we are done with Value hotels. That being said, we don't have a lot of money to throw around. I want to get the best deal possible, but still enjoy the trip.

So, do we rent a studio at one of the "cheaper" DVC hotels and pay OOP for food... Or do we go with a moderate and hope for the free DDP that is usually during this time? Any ideas/suggestions?

 

[stevehousse]

Not sure what happened to my post? I thought it sent??? O well! Here I go again!

The savings you will get by renting points and paying for the dining plan will far exceed the saving of free dining promo.

Renting points for Grand Floridian Villas, dining plan, and tickets vs booking that same studio villa dining plan and tickets through disney is a cost difference of $3000!!!

Basically when u rent points u pretty much are paying moderate resort prices to stay deluxe!

I am in the same dilemma as u r. We r waiting on several things before we make a final decision, but we r either gonna rent points for Grand Flo Villas or keep our booking for Caribbean Beach Resort!

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

I would write out the cost for each and compare.
I would calculate food into both cost just in case the DDP isn't free and you have to pay OOP. (They aren't even offering it as a bounceback this year which makes me wonder if we have saw it for the last time.)
I would also look at which DVC resorts you like and decide if it will work for your family size, OKW with 2 queens vs a studio & a pull out bed.

We just rented points at AKL, $1300 for 7 nights! CSR was the same price so now we got to upgrade for nothing!

 

[cursivesailor]

Its just my husband and myself. I was looking at the studios at AKL.

 

[Cubfan300]

The OP is not really saving money by going with DVC rental. It is costing her more out of pocket for either the Moderates or DVC than the Value resorts she has been staying at. Yes, renting DVC does save her money in comparison to Deluxe, but the cost difference needs to be applied to Value up to Moderate, which on average, is an increase of at least $70/night.
I would say go with the Moderate and get the free DDP (which would be free to her and a savings of about $58.66 each per day for her and DH over paying OOP). The only benefits you get with the DVC are the nicer accommodations and closer proximity to the parks.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

Since it is just you and your husband, I would recommend CSR! It is considered an Animal Kingdom hotel but really has a great location. It is great for couples with no children, romantic, and quiet! It often feels deluxe without the price tag. Regardless of whether you rent points or stay moderate the price for the room will mostly likely be the same.

If you don't want to risk losing free dining then book a moderate (you will be pleased even though it isn't deluxe.)
If your budget could fit DVC and paying OOP then go for it!

 

[lunchbox1175]

The only benefit you get with the DVC is the nicer accommodations and closer proximity to the parks.

Which to me is worth it.