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The added benefits

Image: Disney (license)

Remember that staying at a Disney property includes additional benefits. You’ll have access to the parks during Extra Magic Hours. You can sign up for the Disney Dining Plan just as you normally would. You’ll enjoy the ability to set up Advance Dinner Reservations at 180 days and FastPass+ at 60 days the same as anyone else staying on property. You can even set up Magic Express to make your flight easier if that’s how you’re traveling to Walt Disney World. It’s cosmologically identical to any other resort stay. You’re simply saving money while staying at a spectacular hotel.

Where you can buy points

Image: Disney (license)

There are several great services for DVC points rentals. On a recent trip, I had to rent points even though I’m a DVC member. I had used up all my points for the year, but I wanted to stay at The Polynesian right after it opened. I rented points from The DVC Rental Store to book my room. Coincidentally, Dave’s DVC, another DVC rental company, was doing a live broadcast while we were at the resort that week. Both of them are highly recommended companies with wonderful reputations for customer service.

If you want to do some bargain hunting, there are even ways to get points for cheaper. A few popular Disney message boards include points rental forums. I’ve rented for as little as $11 per point before. In the Old Key West calculation above, $11 a point would reduce the cost of a week’s stay to $1,089, only $10 more than All-Star Movies. If you can find that deal, you’d be *CRAZY* to stay at an All-Star Resort rather than Old Key West, one of the best Disney hotels in the United States.

Words of warning

Image: Disney (license)

If you’re wondering if there’s a catch, the answer is somewhere between yes and no. Since points rental services aren’t run by Disney themselves, there’s always a small danger. Only Disney can guarantee a perfect transaction. You’re taking on a slight risk if you use a third party. That’s why I tend toward the established points rental services rather than individual renters. I’m willing to pay a few dollars more per point to guarantee a smoothly facilitated transaction. Overall, more than 99 percent of rental transactions are efficient and honest, so there’s little cause for concern. I only mention it so that you’ll research the potential dangers on your own prior to completing a transaction.

Planning a trip

Image: Disney (license)

The one thing to keep in mind about renting DVC points is that the standard rules apply. You’ll need to plan ahead of time in order to get the resort you want. I suggest having someone ready to rent for you seven months prior to your arrival. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of the room you want selling out. While there is generally availability at Old Key West, Animal Kingdom and Saratoga Springs up until three months prior to a date, you don’t want to get shut out.

In order to understand how many points you’ll need, bookmark a DVC points chart. This is the one I use. If you have additional questions about the process, please leave them in the comments section below. I’ll provide you with as much information as I can.

 
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In reply to by Carrie T (not verified)

Unlike reserving through Disney, with renting DVC points, there is no refund if you need to cancel.

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