Save Money on Vacation – Renting Disney Vacation Club Points by Owner

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Have you ever heard of renting Disney Vacation Club points? This can be a money-saving option for families who want luxury accommodations, need a larger space, and require all the best Disney Resort amenities. As a family travel writer, it’s important that I’m able to bring my brood with me when adventuring. Unfortunately the costs of travel being what they are, that’s not always possible. Adding up flight costs, dining and of course, nightly hotel stays can really skyrocket the travel budget. Given that we’re a family of six, it can also be a challenge finding an affordable location for all of us to stay in one room. 

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I’ve had the chance to learn more about how to reserve a DVC rental by owner from the people at SellMyTimeshareNow and can’t wait to try this on my next Disney World trip! (SellMyTimeshareNow collaborated with me on this post with information on how to rent DVC points, all opinions are my own. SellMyTimeshareNow is not affiliated with Disney or any of its subsidiaries)

Find out more about the Disney Vacation Club, how you can stay at these locations without being a member and why it’s the best way to stay luxury on a moderate budget!

What is Disney Vacation Club?

Disney Vacation Club (or DVC) is a vacation ownership program. After buying into DVC, the member receives a percent share of an undivided real estate interest, which comes in the form of a fixed number of points. Points for DVC are awarded yearly and members can use them to make reservations at their chosen home resort. They can also exchange through Disney’s internal program for stays at another resort.

Here’s the cool part! Even if you aren’t in the market for buying into DVC, as a Disney traveler you can still take advantage of the Disney Vacation Club by renting points for vacation stays. Keep reading to find out how you can save money renting Disney Vacation Club Points.

Where Can Disney Vacation Club Points Be Used?

These are the Walt Disney World Resort locations:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Villas
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Jambo House & Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Sarasota Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney Old Key West Resort

In addition to the Orlando-area resorts, DVC members can also use points at these other locations:

• Aulani in Ko Olina, Hawaii
• South Carolina, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
• Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida
• Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa in California

How Are DVC Properties Different Than Regular Hotel Rooms?

Disney Vacation Club rooms are often referred to as “villas”. This means you’ll have more space to spread out. There are other “like home” amenities such as a kitchenette or full kitchen and washer/dryer. Many also have private balconies.

Most DVC properties are located in ideal locations close to the theme parks, along the Monorail line or within walking distance of Disney Springs. Regular guests (non-DVC members) can also choose to stay in a Disney resort villa. However the cost may be upwards of twice what would be paid through DVC points. 

Examples of Disney Vacation Club rooms:

• Deluxe Studio – accommodates up to 4 Guests.
• One-Bedroom Villa – offers separate living and sleeping areas and divided bathroom. Can accommodate up to 4 Guests.
• 2-Bedroom Villa – Roomier layouts with room to accommodate up to 8 Guests.
• 3-Bedroom Grand Villa – Gather up the extended-family to share one of these awesome spaces that can accommodate up to 12 Guests.

How Does Disney Vacation Club Timeshare Rentals Work?

Value, Moderate and Luxury – Stay Luxury at a Moderate Price

If staying on Disney property is important to you, you already know that the convenience of being closer to the parks comes at a higher cost. If you stay at Value priced resorts (like All Star Movies or Pop Century), these are lower in cost. However these resorts are also priced appropriately with less-fancy swimming areas (no water slides), smaller sized rooms and fewer frills.

Moderately priced Disney resort hotels have more options, including full-service dining and nicer pool areas, however hotel room doors still open directly to the outside. 

Book a stay at a Luxury resort and you’ll find a luxury price tag attached as well. However for many on vacation the amenities are worth the additional cost. Resorts are more luxurious, with dramatic lobbies and elegantly styled rooms. Hotel room doors are interior, there are a wide variety of dining options and pools are large and well-themed to the resort. 

How Does Renting DVC Points Save Money?

If you usually fall in the Moderate range as far as cost, then you’ll appreciate knowing you can book a Luxury villa for the cost you’re already paying for a Moderate. And if you already stay Luxury, you can book a villa by renting DVC points at the same hotel for hundreds (maybe even thousands less)! 

Here’s another great way to save, especially if you enjoy traveling with extended family or friends. Book a 3-room Grand Villa, which accommodates 12 guests, then split the cost. The Disney’s Polynesian Bungalows in particular are absolutely stunning, with views of Magic Kingdom fireworks at night and even a private splash pool on the patio!

More Ways You’ll Save Money Renting Disney Vacation Club Points

On my last three Disney World vacations, I’ve ordered groceries to be delivered to my resort. It’s such a big money saver to have snacks packed for the parks. We were also able to serve cereal and fruit for breakfast in the room instead of eating out. The ability to cook a meal in one of the kitchens at a Disney Resort Villa would be such a great savings.

And before you say, “I don’t want to cook on my vacation!” just hear me out on some of these simple options. No need to prepare elaborate meals from scratch. But consider ordering groceries to take advantage of the kitchen. Whip up scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast or pop a frozen pizza or lasagna into the oven. Quickly cook ground beef for burgers or tacos. These are quick and easy meals and can literally save you HUNDREDS on the cost of your trip.

READ MORE: More Ways to Save Money on Food at Disney World

DVC guests also receive free parking. This is a savings of $24 per night if you have a vehicle!

When is the Best Time for Renting Disney Vacation Club Points?

Of course, when choosing the best time of year for your vacation, you’ll need to consider school schedules, weather, special events and holidays. Certain times of the year are going to be more crowded and a little more difficult to rent DVC.

Disney World events:

• January/February – Disney Princess Half Marathon, Epcot International Festival of the Arts
• March through June – Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
• August/September/October – Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
• November/December – Holiday decor, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

Disneyland events:

• January: Lunar New Year
• March/April: Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
• September/October: Halloween Time, Mickey’s Halloween Party
• November/December: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Disney California Adventure Festival of Holidays

Renting Disney Vacation Club Timeshare Points – PROS & CONS

There are some pros and cons to renting Disney Vacation Club points. It’s important to do your research so you’ll know if renting DVC is the best option for your family.

PROS

• Use of complimentary Magical Express bus transportation from airport to hotel.
• Disney handles bringing your luggage from the airport directly to your hotel room.
• Being able to stay in a Luxury Disney resort for the cost of a Moderate.
• At-home amenities in Villas, like washer/dryer and kitchens.
• Accommodations for larger families. 

CONS

• Booking a room by renting DVC points often requires planning many months in advance so last-moment trips aren’t always possible.
• DVC guests do not receive daily housekeeping amenities (fresh towels & linens happen on day 4). Trash is removed on a daily basis. 
• If you are renting Disney Vacation Club points, the owner will also need to book the week you have requested, and there is no guarantee your desired week will be available at the resort you want.