Pros & Cons of Renting DVC Points

What Does It Mean to Rent DVC Points?

Renting DVC points allows non-members to book Disney Vacation Club villas by paying an existing member for the use of their points. This arrangement opens up the world of DVC resorts to more families, offering access to spacious villas at properties such as Disney's Boardwalk Villas and Bay Lake Tower often for less than standard hotel rates.

The process works like this: DVC members who can't use all their points in a given year rent them out to other families. You pay the member an agreed-upon rate per point, and they make the reservation in your name. Once the reservation is confirmed, you can check in just like any other Disney guest.

How to Rent DVC Points

There are two main approaches to renting DVC points, each with different advantages and considerations.

Direct from DVC Members

Some guests connect with owners through social media groups, vacation forums, or word-of-mouth referrals. This direct approach can sometimes offer lower rates since there's no middleman involved. However, you'll want to be careful about payment security and making sure the member is legitimate.

If you go this route, ask for references from previous renters and consider using a payment method that offers some protection. Never wire money or send cash to someone you haven't thoroughly vetted.

Through Verified Rental Services

Specialized rental companies act as intermediaries between members and renters. These services typically charge a fee but offer greater security, customer support, and help with the booking process. They often have established relationships with reliable DVC members and can help match you with the right property for your needs.

The official Disney Vacation Club FAQ provides additional details about point transfers and rental policies.

The Advantages of Renting DVC Points

Renting points offers several compelling benefits that make it an attractive option for many Disney vacation planners.

Significant Cost Savings

You can typically save 20-50% compared to booking the same accommodations directly through Disney. These savings are most pronounced during peak travel periods like Christmas week, Easter, or summer vacation, when Disney's cash rates are at their highest.

The savings become even more impressive when you're staying at premium DVC resorts. A Grand Villa at Bay Lake Tower, for example, might rent for $600-800 per night through points versus $1,200+ per night when booked with cash directly through Disney.

Spacious Villa Accommodations

DVC villas offer much more space than typical hotel rooms. Even a studio villa includes a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, and small refrigerator. One-bedroom and larger villas come with full kitchens, washers and dryers, and separate living areas.

This extra space makes a huge difference for families. You can prepare some meals in your villa, which saves money and provides familiar food options for picky eaters. The ability to do laundry means you can pack lighter, especially on longer trips.

Access to Exclusive Resorts

Some of Disney's most desirable accommodations are only available through DVC points. Properties like Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House put you right in the heart of the savanna, where you can watch giraffes and zebras from your balcony.

At Disney's Riviera Resort, you can take the Disney Skyliner directly to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offer monorail access and some of the most elegant accommodations on property.

Flexible Room Categories

DVC offers unique room categories you won't find when booking cash reservations. Lake view rooms, savanna view rooms, and Magic Kingdom view rooms provide special experiences that can make your trip even more memorable.

Some DVC resorts also offer Deluxe Studios that sleep five guests comfortably, which can be perfect for families with three children who don't want to step up to a one-bedroom villa.

The Drawbacks of Renting DVC Points

While renting points offers many advantages, there are some important limitations and risks to consider.

Non-Refundable Reservations

This is probably the biggest drawback. Most point rental arrangements are final once you pay and the reservation is made. If your plans change due to illness, work conflicts, or other emergencies, you typically won't get your money back.

Some rental companies offer limited protection plans or will try to re-rent your reservation if you need to cancel, but there are no guarantees. This makes renting points less flexible than booking directly with Disney, where you can modify or cancel reservations (though Disney's cancellation policies have specific deadlines too).

Limited Housekeeping Service

DVC villas receive different housekeeping service than regular Disney resort hotel rooms. For stays of seven nights or longer, you'll get one housekeeping visit mid-stay. For shorter stays, you typically won't get any housekeeping service at all.

However, housekeeping will provide fresh towels every four days upon request, and you can always request additional towels, toiletries, or other supplies from the front desk. Many families actually prefer the privacy and don't mind the reduced service, especially since you have a full kitchen and washer/dryer.

Payment and Security Considerations

If you're renting directly from individual DVC members, you need to be careful about payment security. Unfortunately, there have been cases where people have paid for reservations that didn't exist or worked with dishonest individuals.

Always verify that the member actually owns DVC points at the resort where you want to stay. Ask for proof of ownership and consider using payment methods that offer some buyer protection. Be especially cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Booking Availability Challenges

Popular resorts and travel dates book up quickly, sometimes within minutes of becoming available. DVC members can book their home resort 11 months in advance and other DVC resorts seven months in advance. By the time members decide to rent out points, the most desirable dates and room types may already be gone.

You'll need to be flexible with your travel dates or resort choice if you want the best selection. Last-minute availability does sometimes open up, but you can't count on it for trip planning.

No Disney Perks or Benefits

When you rent points, you don't receive the same benefits that DVC members get. You won't get discounts on dining, merchandise, or other Disney experiences. You also won't have access to Members Lounge locations or special events.

However, you will still be staying at a DVC resort and can enjoy all the amenities that come with your specific villa booking.

Important Considerations Before Renting

Understanding Point Values

DVC uses a complex points chart that varies by resort, room type, season, and even day of the week. A studio at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort might cost 11 points per night during Value season but 35 points per night during Magic season.

Use the DVC point calculator to estimate how many points you'll need for your desired resort and travel dates. This will help you understand if the rental rate you're being quoted is reasonable.

Timing Your Booking

The best availability typically occurs when bookings first open. For non-home resort bookings, this happens seven months before check-in. If you're flexible with your dates, you might find good options closer to your travel time as members' plans change.

Keep in mind that popular travel periods like Christmas week, Easter, and Food & Wine Festival dates at EPCOT-area resorts book extremely quickly.

Resort-Specific Considerations

Different DVC resorts offer different advantages. Beach Club Villas and Boardwalk Villas put you within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Polynesian Villas & Bungalows offer monorail access to Magic Kingdom and easy transportation to EPCOT.

Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas in Hawaii provides a completely different experience with beautiful beaches and Hawaiian culture, though it requires significantly more points than Florida resorts.

Understanding Annual Dues

While you won't pay annual dues as a renter, it's worth understanding that DVC members do pay these fees, which vary by resort. These dues help explain why different resorts have different rental rates per point. Members at resorts with higher dues often need to charge more per point to break even on their investment.

Making Smart Rental Decisions

Research Your Options Thoroughly

Before committing to any rental, review the Disney Vacation Club Checklist to understand important terms and deadlines. Make sure you're clear on exactly what's included in your rental and what your responsibilities are.

Compare multiple rental options and don't just focus on the lowest price per point. Consider the total cost, the reliability of the member or service, and any additional fees.

Plan for Contingencies

Since most rental arrangements are non-refundable, consider what you'd do if your plans change. Some travelers purchase travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, though you'll need to read the policy carefully to understand what's covered.

Also consider having a backup plan for transportation and other trip elements, since you won't have the same flexibility to modify your accommodations if other parts of your trip change.

Communicate Clearly

Whether you're working with an individual member or a rental service, make sure all the details are clearly documented. This should include the exact dates, resort, room type, check-in instructions, and what happens if there are any problems with the reservation.

Get everything in writing and keep records of all your communications and payments.

Is Renting Right for Your Family?

Renting DVC points works best for travelers who value the space and amenities of villa accommodations and want to save money on their Disney vacation. It's particularly attractive for families who plan to spend significant time at their resort or who need the kitchen facilities and extra space that villas provide.

However, renting might not be the best choice if you need maximum flexibility in your travel plans or if you're uncomfortable with the non-refundable nature of most rental arrangements.

Many families start by renting points to experience DVC resorts before deciding whether ownership makes sense for their long-term vacation plans. It's an excellent way to test different resorts and room categories without the commitment of purchasing a membership.

If you find that you love staying at DVC resorts and plan to visit Disney regularly, you might want to explore DVC ownership. The break-even point for ownership versus renting typically occurs when you're planning multiple Disney vacations over the next decade or so.

For guidance on DVC ownership options, you can explore DVC Sales' listings or connect with our team. We've helped hundreds of families evaluate whether DVC membership aligns with their vacation plans and budget.

Renting DVC points can provide excellent value and memorable Disney experiences when done carefully. Take time to understand the process, work with reputable individuals or services, and plan for the non-refundable nature of most arrangements. With proper preparation, renting points can be a smart way to enjoy Disney's most luxurious accommodations while saving money on your magical vacation.