Tips on buying points... About This Page:

[LanieLovesDisney]

I'd love to buy points for a "babymoon" this june. I read up about it on mousesavers.com and checked out the DIS boards, but I'm still not sure what I'm doing. Can anyone who has done this give me some pointers? I used the calculator and I think I need anywhere between 44 and 56 points and I don't really care where I stay. If I buy points from someone, do I have to use their home resort? I'm so confused. Please help!!!

[tjkraz]

The term you're looking for is "rent" points.

If you list specific dates and the type of room you're looking for (sounds like a studio), we can confirm your calculations. Basically there are a number of points you need for each NIGHT in a DVC room. Renting Points is the process of paying a DVC member an agreed-upon cash sum in return for him/her making a reservation in your name at a DVC resort.

IMO, it's a great way to save some money. You can often rent rooms for $100-120 per night with NO TAXES. The rack rate for such a room or any other comparable deluxe resort is usually $250-300 plus taxes.

The process goes something like this:

1. Determine your dates and the number of points you need.
2. Find someone with points to rent to you.
3. Confirm availablility and (typically) sign a written agreement with the renter. The agreement is just a document stating the terms of the deal. It's designed to protect both parties.
4. Give the renter a down-payment.
5. Renter makes the reservation and sends you confirmation.
6. Final payment to renter.

When you check-in, the reservation should be waiting in your name. You just need a photo ID to check-in and are treated just like any other Disney guest. There will be no payment due at the resort unless you charge something to your room key, make phone calls, etc.

Does that help?

[LanieLovesDisney]

You make it sound so easy!

So, when I put in my dates for a Monday to Friday on a DVC calculator and it says it will be 44 points, and someone is renting their points for $10 each, then it would cost me $440 for my entire stay, correct?

Thanks so much for your help!

[tjkraz]

[ QUOTE ]
So, when I put in my dates for a Monday to Friday on a DVC calculator and it says it will be 44 points, and someone is renting their points for $10 each, then it would cost me $440 for my entire stay, correct?


[/ QUOTE ]

You got it. No taxes. No other fees.

Assuming that the renter you pair-up with provides some sort of written contract / agreement, just make sure that you read through it and are comfortable with the terms. S/he will dictate when and where payment is due, and also set the terms for any cancellations or rescheduling. One of the minor drawbacks of owning DVC points is that we do have limiations on cancellations. Canceling on less than 30 days' notice puts our points in jeopardy, and cancellations near the end of the owners points usage period (Use Year) can also severely limit options.

I've heard of renters that will try to re-rent the points on your behalf in case of emergency, while others will leave you with few options. Understand the terms you are agreeing-to and discuss anything that concerns you before proceeding.

Good luck.
Tim