Planning a Disney trip on a budget is kind of my thing. After a few trips staying in standard resort rooms, I started hearing whispers about a way to get Deluxe accommodations for a fraction of the cost. That’s when I stumbled into the world of renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points.
It sounded too good to be true—but I’ve done it multiple times now, and I’ve learned exactly how to rent Disney Vacation Club points safely, without getting scammed or wasting time.
If you’re just starting your research on how to rent Disney Vacation Club points, here’s a personal breakdown of what’s worked for me, what to watch out for, and how to save hundreds (or even thousands) on your next Disney trip without cutting corners.
Key Points for Renting DVC Points Safely
- Use a verified rental service or a trusted private owner – Don’t rely on sketchy Facebook messages or Craigslist-style listings. Vet your sources.
- Double check reservation details on My Disney Experience – Always confirm the reservation yourself after it’s made. It should show up under your account.
- Understand the cancellation policies before you book – Most DVC rentals are final. Know what happens if you need to cancel.
How to Rent Disney Vacation Club Points: Start With the Basics
Before diving in, it’s worth understanding what Disney Vacation Club actually is. DVC is Disney’s version of a timeshare, and instead of booking nights directly, members use points to reserve stays at Disney Vacation Club resorts.
These resorts are some of the nicest on property—think Animal Kingdom Villas, Bay Lake Tower, or the Polynesian. They’re spacious, come with amenities like kitchenettes or full kitchens, and often have ideal locations near the parks.
If you’re not a member, you can still “rent” points from someone who is. That means they book the stay for you using their points, and you pay them a per-point fee. It’s a win-win: they get to use their points before they expire, and you get a deluxe room at a discounted rate.
You can read a full breakdown of how Disney Vacation Club works if you’re new to the concept.
Where to Rent DVC Points (Without Losing Your Money)
There are two main ways to rent points: through a verified rental company or directly from a DVC member. I’ve done both, and each has its pros and cons.
Option 1: Go Through a Reputable DVC Rental Company
Companies like David’s Vacation Club Rentals or DVC Rental Store act as middlemen between you and the DVC member. They vet owners, handle payments, and coordinate the booking.
You’ll usually pay a bit more per point—often in the range of $21 to $25—but the peace of mind is worth it, especially if it’s your first time renting. These companies typically require a deposit to start the process, and once a reservation is confirmed, they’ll provide you with a Disney confirmation number.
Some companies also offer optional cancellation protection. It costs extra, but it can be a lifesaver if something unexpected forces you to cancel your trip.
Another bonus of using a company is that they know the rules. If you’re unsure about when to book, how many points you need, or what resorts are available when, they can guide you through the process.
Option 2: Rent Directly From a DVC Owner
This is where the deals get better… and riskier.
You might find owners on forums like DISboards, or in Facebook groups dedicated to Disney Vacation Club point rentals. I’ve had good experiences renting this way, but only after doing my homework.
Start by reviewing the person’s posting history. Have they been active for a while? Do they have reviews or repeat renters who vouch for them?
Once you’ve made contact, ask for references or past rental confirmations. Get everything in writing—dates, resort name, check-in/check-out times, total cost, and cancellation terms.
Most importantly, once the owner says they’ve booked the reservation, make sure you receive a Disney confirmation number that you can link to your My Disney Experience account. That’s how you verify the reservation is real.
If the owner doesn’t link the reservation to your account within a few days—or seems evasive—that’s a red flag. Walk away.
Spotting Red Flags and Avoiding Scams
Renting DVC points can save you a lot of money, but it also opens the door to scams if you’re not careful. Here are the rules I follow every time:
- Avoid payment apps without buyer protection. Never send money via Venmo, Zelle, or bank transfer unless you know and trust the person. Use PayPal Goods & Services or a credit card to have a layer of protection.
- Always insist on a written agreement. Even if it’s just an email chain, get the details in writing: the total cost, payment terms, resort name, and confirmation number.
- Research the person or company before you send any money. Google their name or username along with “DVC scam” or check community forums for any reports of suspicious behavior.
- Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true. If someone offers a Deluxe Studio at the Grand Floridian for $10 per point, that’s a red flag. Most current rental rates are between $18–$25 per point.
It might also help to review this breakdown of how Disney Vacation Club points work so you can spot inconsistencies when someone describes availability or point values.
Set Your Expectations: Pros and Limitations of Renting
Renting DVC points is not like booking a regular hotel room. It’s more rigid in some ways, but the savings and accommodations often make it worth it.
You’ll need to plan ahead—ideally 7 to 11 months in advance. That’s because DVC owners can only book their home resort at 11 months, and other resorts at 7 months. The most popular resorts (like Beach Club or Polynesian) book up fast.
Another big difference? You won’t get daily housekeeping. Trash and towel service is provided on the fourth day of your stay, and full cleaning is only offered on longer stays.
You also can’t cancel or change your reservation easily. Most rentals are non-refundable, especially if you go through a private owner. That means you need to be 100% certain of your dates.
But the benefits are huge. For example, a week at Animal Kingdom Villas might cost $2,000 through DVC rental—but over $4,000 if you booked directly through Disney.
If you’re curious whether Disney Vacation Club is worth it as a long-term investment, renting points is a low-risk way to experience it first.
What to Do After Booking Your DVC Rental
Once your booking is confirmed and you have a reservation number, here’s what you should do next:
- Log in to your My Disney Experience account. Link the reservation number provided to your profile so you can manage your plans.
- Add your travel party. That includes all the people staying in the room so they can access benefits like Genie+ or dining reservations.
- Make park reservations (if required). Check Disney’s current policies since they’ve been shifting over the past year.
- Review all your travel details. Double-check check-in/check-out times, room type, and any special requests.
- Look into perks. Some DVC rentals may include perks like pool access or kitchens. You won’t get all the Disney Vacation Club perks that come with being a member, but you still get access to the resort amenities.
And don’t forget to explore the official Disney Vacation Club website to browse resort options, see resort layouts, and get a better feel for the kinds of stays available.
For help choosing where to stay, you can also check out this list of DVC resorts or browse this map of Disney Vacation Club resorts to compare locations.
Final Thoughts: Is Renting DVC Points Right for You?
Renting Disney Vacation Club points can feel a little intimidating the first time, but once you understand the process, it’s one of the smartest ways to save money and stay at top-tier Disney resorts.
Just go in prepared. Stay skeptical of anything that feels rushed or secretive. Ask questions. Verify everything. And treat the process like a serious transaction.
I personally love renting points because it allows me to stay at places I wouldn’t normally splurge on—without breaking the bank. And once you’ve done it once, it becomes much easier the second time around.
If you want to go even deeper, check out this full guide to Disney Vacation Club rentals or get a better understanding of what Disney Vacation Club is. And for an overview of how the system fits into your travel goals, this article on Disney Vacation Club membership covers all the essentials.
