Disney Vacation (5 Viewers)

[guru_007]

Looks like my "party" is too big for Pop Century Resort mentioned above

got one quote through Disney and airfare/hotel/park passes are right at my tentative budget for this trip (this doesn't include food, beverage, adult beverage(s) and souvenirs). Looks like I'll have to save a bit more money.

 

[Al Czervik]

If you do EMH at night, the trick is to relax once they close to park to everyone. With a 3 year old it will be hard, but if you are willing to let him stay up late or sleep in the stroller you can do it. Let everyone rush around to the big rides while you all grab a snack at an eatery. Enjoy it and relax. Then start making your way to the rides. There will be almost no lines by then. You can blow out Test Track, Mission Space and Soarin in about 30 minutes during the 3 hour EMH at EPCOT if you wait for the initial rush to die down.

Hitting Epcot at night is good advice. We went at night and went on Test Track three times in a row because the wait was only 5-10 minutes. Soarin also had a short line.

 

[Disco Stu]

Looks like my "party" is too big for Pop Century Resort mentioned above

How many adults/kids?It costs more than most single rooms, but the cabins at Fort Wilderness are great for larger families. Sleeps six. Has a full kitchen. If you have a car, it's really convenient that you can drive directly to your door.

 

[Al Czervik]

Don't have time to add much to YankeeFan's post, but a couple "must see" things I didn't see mentioned...the Chinese Acrobats at the World ShowcaseExtreme Stunt Show at StudiosLion King show at Animal KingdomJack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial at Magic Kingdom

Couple more:Epcot - the UK had a really good Beatles band in the evenings; The BritishStudios - the Jedi Academy outside the Star Wars ride is a fun show. And if you can Fastpass the Toy Story ride, do it... was the best ride we went on all vacation.

 

[Worm]

Two best months to go (re: weather, crowds, etc)?

 

[Spanky267]

Yankee's posts have been excellent. We just went a few weeks ago and there are a few new things you will be interested in.

At the Magic Kingdom there is a new Monsters Inc interactive comedy show. It's right next to Buzz Lightyear and is pretty funny and air conditioned.

At Hollywood Studios, the Lights, Motor, Action show is a must see and if you have boys they will love it. Also, the new Toy Story ride is a terrific ride. It has long lines since it is relatively new. But get a Fast Pass or make it the first ride of the morning.

Epcot has a Kim Possible adventure game you can play with your family through the world showcase. Seems interesting especially for the kids. We didnt get to do it due to the weather.

You can carry a back pack into the parks and bring snacks for you and the kids. We brought bottled water and crackers. Saved us a good amount over getting snacks in the parks.

If your kids havent been, take the monorail and ask the attendants if you can ride with the driver. It's a unique experience and the kids enjoy it alot.

Just have fun and try not to pack too much into the days and it will be an enjoyable trip.

Someone asked about Fulton's Crabhouse at Downtown Disney. I've been but not in a while the food was very good. There is also a new place at DD. It's a Dinosaur themed eatery from the folks who created the Rainforest Cafe.

If you go to these restaraunts get the Safari Club card. It's $15, I think. But it gets you priority seating and either a discount on your bill or a free appetizer. It's also good at other places like Landry's and Joe's Crab Shack plus a few more.

 

[Disco Stu]

Two best months to go (re: weather, crowds, etc)?

Link. Keep in mind that the parks aren't open as late during slow (relatively speaking) times, which is fine since you can get more done in less time. You're also more likely to have a few attractions down for maintenance during the slow times.

 

[Spanky267]

Two best months to go (re: weather, crowds, etc)?

I've always liked to go in October and November. Weather is usually cooler and it seems as though the crowds are lighter. But that is a relative term.

 

[Team]

Looks like my "party" is too big for Pop Century Resort mentioned above

How many adults/kids?It costs more than most single rooms, but the cabins at Fort Wilderness are great for larger families. Sleeps six. Has a full kitchen. If you have a car, it's really convenient that you can drive directly to your door.

or rent points from a Disney Vacation Club owner. http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&a...une=30&f=29or... book your room only through Disney and put all 5 of you in a value resort. Buy your tickets through a broker... cheaper that way anyways.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Two best months to go (re: weather, crowds, etc)?

I've always liked to go in October and November. Weather is usually cooler and it seems as though the crowds are lighter. But that is a relative term.

My favorite time to go is the week after Thanksgiving. All the Christmas stuff is up, weather is perfect and its a slow time so the parks aren't overly packed.

 

[The_Man]

Two best months to go (re: weather, crowds, etc)?

Link. Keep in mind that the parks aren't open as late during slow (relatively speaking) times, which is fine since you can get more done in less time. You're also more likely to have a few attractions down for maintenance during the slow times.

This said for lowest attendance:The week following Labor Day until the week prior to Thanksgiving

We always go during the first week of November and love it. Not too hot, but a lot warmer than home, and the crowds are never very huge.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Looks like my "party" is too big for Pop Century Resort mentioned above got one quote through Disney and airfare/hotel/park passes are right at my tentative budget for this trip (this doesn't include food, beverage, adult beverage(s) and souvenirs). Looks like I'll have to save a bit more money.

You might want to look into renting someone's DVC points. I forgot that Pop doesn't have a room for 5 people - you could get two rooms that are adjacant (there is a connecting door) and do it that way? We've done that before and it worked great - and it was a party of 4 adults and 1 child.The moderate resorts aren't too expensive, but it all depends on your budget. You might also want to call Disney and talk to a vacation specialist. Tell them your budget and what you think you need and they will walk you through what is available.

 

[Spanky267]

Two best months to go (re: weather, crowds, etc)?

I've always liked to go in October and November. Weather is usually cooler and it seems as though the crowds are lighter. But that is a relative term.

My favorite time to go is the week after Thanksgiving. All the Christmas stuff is up, weather is perfect and its a slow time so the parks aren't overly packed.

Agreed. We are Seasonal Pass Holders and that is typically when we go to see the Christmas stuff as our passes black out a week or so before Xmas and into the first week of January. Hollywood Studios is a must see for Christmas decorations.Also, there is huge value to staying in the Disney resorts from a convenience standpoint. The free bus service and the free parking are huge. We've stayed off property the last couple of trips due to good deals on hotel rooms. But when you factor in these expenses the deal isnt so sweet. So we'll be staying on property from now on.

 

[sho nuff]

Two best months to go (re: weather, crowds, etc)?

Link. Keep in mind that the parks aren't open as late during slow (relatively speaking) times, which is fine since you can get more done in less time. You're also more likely to have a few attractions down for maintenance during the slow times.

This said for lowest attendance:The week following Labor Day until the week prior to Thanksgiving

We always go during the first week of November and love it. Not too hot, but a lot warmer than home, and the crowds are never very huge.

We went the week after Labor day and was a perfect time.That was in 2006.

Labor Day we spent at Animal Kingdom as it was not that crowded...heard MK still was. The rest of the week, really no big lines for anything. Walked on to almost anything we wanted to ride.

 

[sho nuff]

Damn, forgot about the Nemo show. That was high quality entertainment. You're basically getting to see a condensed Broadway show for the price of your park ticket. Good value there. And eating a Casey Dog while watching the fireworks over the castle =

Yeah...we liked the Nemo show a little better than Lion King...though, Lion King was great too.

 

[Team]

Looks like my "party" is too big for Pop Century Resort mentioned above got one quote through Disney and airfare/hotel/park passes are right at my tentative budget for this trip (this doesn't include food, beverage, adult beverage(s) and souvenirs). Looks like I'll have to save a bit more money.

You might want to look into renting someone's DVC points. I forgot that Pop doesn't have a room for 5 people - you could get two rooms that are adjacant (there is a connecting door) and do it that way? We've done that before and it worked great - and it was a party of 4 adults and 1 child.The moderate resorts aren't too expensive, but it all depends on your budget. You might also want to call Disney and talk to a vacation specialist. Tell them your budget and what you think you need and they will walk you through what is available.

Moderates have the same occupancy rules. The one exception is select rooms at Port Orleans Riverside that have a trundle bed. It's not a lot of rooms, so you have to get it early and be specific in booking it.

 

[Al Czervik]

Two best months to go (re: weather, crowds, etc)?

I've always liked to go in October and November. Weather is usually cooler and it seems as though the crowds are lighter. But that is a relative term.

My favorite time to go is the week after Thanksgiving. All the Christmas stuff is up, weather is perfect and its a slow time so the parks aren't overly packed.

We went the week of Nov 16 this past fall and all the Christmas decorations were up. They were also already doing the MK show at night. Only thing was the lights at Hollywood Studios were not turned on yet for some reason (but everything else was in full effect).

 

[Jobber]

Two best months to go (re: weather, crowds, etc)?

I've always liked to go in October and November. Weather is usually cooler and it seems as though the crowds are lighter. But that is a relative term.

We (myself, wife, 1yo, 4yo, 6yo) went this last early December. The crowds were very thin and there were basically no waits for any rides at WDW. The weather was nice too for us Northerners not used to extreme heat.

 

[guru_007]

Hi again

Anyone have any experience with Disney All Star Movie Resort? It seems I can get two adjoining rooms here for a reasonable cost. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks again.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Hi again Anyone have any experience with Disney All Star Movie Resort? It seems I can get two adjoining rooms here for a reasonable cost. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks again.

Fun place. I find that there are more school trip, group, big family with tons o' kids, at that All Stars as opposed to Pop. It is very kid friendly. The bus situation last time I was there was a little different because there were multiple bus stops in the resort before you got out. Don't know if they still do that. That kind of thing can be a minor pain.

 

[saintsfan]

Hi again Anyone have any experience with Disney All Star Movie Resort? It seems I can get two adjoining rooms here for a reasonable cost. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks again.

Fun place. I find that there are more school trip, group, big family with tons o' kids, at that All Stars as opposed to Pop. It is very kid friendly. The bus situation last time I was there was a little different because there were multiple bus stops in the resort before you got out. Don't know if they still do that. That kind of thing can be a minor pain.

I was just at the Sports two weeks ago.Early in the morning, buses stop at all 3 resorts before going to the park. Later on, that's not the case.As far as coming back from the park, I don't know because the bus stops at Sports first. If you're going to stay at an All Star, stay at Sports because of this alone.

 

[guru_007]

Hi again Anyone have any experience with Disney All Star Movie Resort? It seems I can get two adjoining rooms here for a reasonable cost. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks again.

Fun place. I find that there are more school trip, group, big family with tons o' kids, at that All Stars as opposed to Pop. It is very kid friendly. The bus situation last time I was there was a little different because there were multiple bus stops in the resort before you got out. Don't know if they still do that. That kind of thing can be a minor pain.

I was just at the Sports two weeks ago.Early in the morning, buses stop at all 3 resorts before going to the park. Later on, that's not the case.As far as coming back from the park, I don't know because the bus stops at Sports first. If you're going to stay at an All Star, stay at Sports because of this alone.

thank you guys.

 

[Broncoholic]

Booked our trip for 13 Feb to 22 Feb. Getting excited. I'm doing things on the cheap. I'm renting a 3bd/2ba condo (Windsor Palms) for $69/night. I rented a minivan for $199/week from Dollar, and got my Disney and Seaworld tickets on base (saved about 200 bucks). Disney experts....What am I missing or doing totally wrong?

We got back in one piece and had a blast. Ended up not breaking the bank either. I just finished up totaling all the receipts and we spent $3418 for 4 of us. Not too bad for 9 days

 

[Yankee23Fan]

We will be going down that last week in Nov into Dec. Great time. Our location for sleep will either be Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk most likely. Renting points from a DVC member to do it.

Very looking forward to it. This year has been murder already at work, and I haven't even hit the busy summer time yet.

 

[saintsfan]

We will be going down that last week in Nov into Dec. Great time. Our location for sleep will either be Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk most likely. Renting points from a DVC member to do it.Very looking forward to it. This year has been murder already at work, and I haven't even hit the busy summer time yet.

How do you rent points from a DVC member, Yankee?? What are the advantages to doing that??

 

[Team]

We will be going down that last week in Nov into Dec. Great time. Our location for sleep will either be Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk most likely. Renting points from a DVC member to do it.Very looking forward to it. This year has been murder already at work, and I haven't even hit the busy summer time yet.

Stayed at the Boardwalk Villas last May, great place... especially at night. Staying at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge this May.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

We will be going down that last week in Nov into Dec. Great time. Our location for sleep will either be Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk most likely. Renting points from a DVC member to do it.Very looking forward to it. This year has been murder already at work, and I haven't even hit the busy summer time yet.

How do you rent points from a DVC member, Yankee?? What are the advantages to doing that??

DVC members typically rent out their points. The average DVC member gets 150 points per year. They also have a home resort to stay in but they can use their points anywhere in the park. A room at Boardwalk during the weekday in off peak time would cost 8 points, for example. Friday and Saturday night are usually more, say 16 points. So if you stay from Monday to Sunday you have overnights on mon-thurs at 8 (32) fri and sat at 16 (32) meaning you need 64 points for that week.So since most members have more points then that they will rent out the points they don't need. You pay by the point. You can pay anywhere to $5 to $20 a point depending. My secretary is a member and she isn't going this year so I'm getting about 50 or so points from her at $7 per. She gets $350 and I get to stay there for a week using her DVC membership.The member, however, has to make the reservation for you. Disney does not officially recognize these transactions, though they work with everyone when it happens. It can get stressful if you don't know the person because they will all require that you send them the money first then you have to hope they follow through and make your reservations for you. Our previous experience with it was perfect though. So they make the reservation under their membership and inform Disney of the people staying (obviously, not them). When we check in we have to give them both names so that they know who we are, and then everything else from that point on is business as usual.Advantages are that you can, if you do your homework, get cheaper rates at the nicer rooms. DVC members also get priorty at their home resorts, so reservations are easier. Basically it allows you to upgrade your reservations from what you would probably do spending cash for them. We always stay at Pop because it's cheap, but the 2nd to last time we went we spend much less renting someone's points and staying at Old Key West which is worlds nicer then Pop.

 

[jeter23]

After reading all of Yankee's posts, I am left with only one question...

How did you not draft Walt in the Greatest American draft?

 

[Yankee23Fan]

After reading all of Yankee's posts, I am left with only one question...How did you not draft Walt in the Greatest American draft?

 

[snogger]

We will be going down that last week in Nov into Dec. Great time. Our location for sleep will either be Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk most likely. Renting points from a DVC member to do it.Very looking forward to it. This year has been murder already at work, and I haven't even hit the busy summer time yet.

So close.. Our family is heading down December 5th through the 12th and will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge.. Oh well, warm the place up for us.

 

[guru_007]

Just booked my first Disney trip - week of the 4th of July.

Already decimated my anticipated budget for the entire trip, my kids better enjoy the #### out of themselves.

edit to add....a whole lotta thanks to Yankee23Fan, as well as others who chimed in here. I appreciated it.

 

[sho nuff]

Just booked my first Disney trip - week of the 4th of July.Already decimated my anticipated budget for the entire trip, my kids better enjoy the #### out of themselves.edit to add....a whole lotta thanks to Yankee23Fan, as well as others who chimed in here. I appreciated it.

Enjoy the heat and lots of lines then.But still should be a good trip.Wife and I might be headed down there for Memorial Day.We have been trying to plan a 10th anniversary trip without the kids and this might just work out when my mother is able to come stay and watch the children while we are gone.We are between Disney then...or just hanging out in St. Pete.

 

[Team]

Want to try a new table service place this trip. Last couple of trips we've had Ohana(dinner & bfast), Whispering Canyon(dinner&bfast), Cape May Cafe(dinner & bfast), ESPN CLub(dinner), 1900 Park Fare(bfast), Olivia's Cafe(dinner), Tusker House(dinner), 50s Prime Time(dinner), Teppan Edo(dinner) , Tony's Town Square(dinner), and Rain Forest Cafe(dinner).

Ohana will certainly be on the list again for both breakfast and dinner. Looking for something not on the list that I may be really missing out on. Is Chef Mickey's worth it? What about Boma? ???

 

[Gator Shawn]

Want to try a new table service place this trip. Last couple of trips we've had Ohana(dinner & bfast), Whispering Canyon(dinner&bfast), Cape May Cafe(dinner & bfast), ESPN CLub(dinner), 1900 Park Fare(bfast), Olivia's Cafe(dinner), Tusker House(dinner), 50s Prime Time(dinner), Teppan Edo(dinner) , Tony's Town Square(dinner), and Rain Forest Cafe(dinner).Ohana will certainly be on the list again for both breakfast and dinner. Looking for something not on the list that I may be really missing out on. Is Chef Mickey's worth it? What about Boma? ???

Boma is fantastic!Mickey's is a good character breakfast.Last trip we hit:Crystal Palace - Character B'FastSpoodlesWhispering CanyonBomaRainforest CafeLes Chefs De FranceBiergartenChef Mickey'sWe are going to try Ohana this time, might even stay at the Polynesian

 

[Gator Shawn]

Just booked my first Disney trip - week of the 4th of July.Already decimated my anticipated budget for the entire trip, my kids better enjoy the #### out of themselves.edit to add....a whole lotta thanks to Yankee23Fan, as well as others who chimed in here. I appreciated it.

Enjoy the heat and lots of lines then.But still should be a good trip.Wife and I might be headed down there for Memorial Day.We have been trying to plan a 10th anniversary trip without the kids and this might just work out when my mother is able to come stay and watch the children while we are gone.We are between Disney then...or just hanging out in St. Pete.

FWIW. They usually offer free dining in September. Saved a bunch of money on that last year.It's still hot, but not as crowded, though the free dining makes the onsite hotels seem crowded.

 

[Gator Shawn]

Has anyone ever stayed at the All-Stars, Moderates, AND one like Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom?

We stayed at All Star last year and want to move up a class to a hotel with a hot tub available after that long day of walking.

Also, we ended up at All Star Movies which was on the end of the bus line for the All Stars. Every morning, we'd see buses arrive at or near capacity. It's not a long ride, but if I am going to be packed in like a sardine, I'd rather be standing.

So we either want a resort with it's own bus (all but the 3 all-stars) or we want to be at the first all-star on the circuit (all-star sports)

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Going March 26-April 3. How are lines and such at this time of year? We are going to MK and Animal Kingdom.

 

[Early_10]

T-25 days for us.

I'm figuring out today if it's worth it for us to buy the 7 day pass for Disney at $265 a person versus going to Disney for one day, Busch one day, a waterpark and like the aquarium and zoo. Its 8 people is whats killing me. Two grand on Disney tickets?

 

[Gator Shawn]

T-25 days for us. I'm figuring out today if it's worth it for us to buy the 7 day pass for Disney at $265 a person versus going to Disney for one day, Busch one day, a waterpark and like the aquarium and zoo. Its 8 people is whats killing me. Two grand on Disney tickets?

How do you go to Disney for 1 day? There's 4 parks and Magic Kingdom alone can really stretch 2 days unless you haul ### everywhere.

 

[Team]

Want to try a new table service place this trip. Last couple of trips we've had Ohana(dinner & bfast), Whispering Canyon(dinner&bfast), Cape May Cafe(dinner & bfast), ESPN CLub(dinner), 1900 Park Fare(bfast), Olivia's Cafe(dinner), Tusker House(dinner), 50s Prime Time(dinner), Teppan Edo(dinner) , Tony's Town Square(dinner), and Rain Forest Cafe(dinner).Ohana will certainly be on the list again for both breakfast and dinner. Looking for something not on the list that I may be really missing out on. Is Chef Mickey's worth it? What about Boma? ???

Boma is fantastic!Mickey's is a good character breakfast.Last trip we hit:Crystal Palace - Character B'FastSpoodlesWhispering CanyonBomaRainforest CafeLes Chefs De FranceBiergartenChef Mickey'sWe are going to try Ohana this time, might even stay at the Polynesian

Thanks Gator Shawn. We tried getting reservations at Chef Mickey the last 3 trips, but didn't have any luck... hopefully we can get something this time. Boma I'm really interested in because Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only WDW Resort I haven't stayed or dined at.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Want to try a new table service place this trip. Last couple of trips we've had Ohana(dinner & bfast), Whispering Canyon(dinner&bfast), Cape May Cafe(dinner & bfast), ESPN CLub(dinner), 1900 Park Fare(bfast), Olivia's Cafe(dinner), Tusker House(dinner), 50s Prime Time(dinner), Teppan Edo(dinner) , Tony's Town Square(dinner), and Rain Forest Cafe(dinner).Ohana will certainly be on the list again for both breakfast and dinner. Looking for something not on the list that I may be really missing out on. Is Chef Mickey's worth it? What about Boma? ???

Chef Mickey's is good. Never done Boma. MAke sure you hit Liberty Tree Tavern.

 

[sho nuff]

Just booked my first Disney trip - week of the 4th of July.Already decimated my anticipated budget for the entire trip, my kids better enjoy the #### out of themselves.edit to add....a whole lotta thanks to Yankee23Fan, as well as others who chimed in here. I appreciated it.

Enjoy the heat and lots of lines then.But still should be a good trip.Wife and I might be headed down there for Memorial Day.We have been trying to plan a 10th anniversary trip without the kids and this might just work out when my mother is able to come stay and watch the children while we are gone.We are between Disney then...or just hanging out in St. Pete.

FWIW. They usually offer free dining in September. Saved a bunch of money on that last year.It's still hot, but not as crowded, though the free dining makes the onsite hotels seem crowded.

Id love to go back right after Labor day...however, the boy will be starting school so we don't want to be gone then and have my mother or hers deal with taking him to school that early on into him starting.

 

[Gator Shawn]

Does anyone know if the Moderates (Port Orleans specifically) have a Hot Tub? That's the one thing we really wished we had at the All-Star we stayed at last time, but I can't justify $200/night more for a Hot Tub.

 

[Team]

Does anyone know if the Moderates (Port Orleans specifically) have a Hot Tub? That's the one thing we really wished we had at the All-Star we stayed at last time, but I can't justify $200/night more for a Hot Tub.

The only moderate I stayed at was Port Orleans French Qtr and it definitely had a hot tub near the main pool.

 

[Gator Shawn]

Does anyone know if the Moderates (Port Orleans specifically) have a Hot Tub? That's the one thing we really wished we had at the All-Star we stayed at last time, but I can't justify $200/night more for a Hot Tub.

The only moderate I stayed at was Port Orleans French Qtr and it definitely had a hot tub near the main pool.

I think we're going to try Port Orleans this time rather than moving up to the Animal Kingdon Lodge. I could definitely use the savings.Advice? Tips?

 

[Osaurus]

Does anyone know if the Moderates (Port Orleans specifically) have a Hot Tub? That's the one thing we really wished we had at the All-Star we stayed at last time, but I can't justify $200/night more for a Hot Tub.

The only moderate I stayed at was Port Orleans French Qtr and it definitely had a hot tub near the main pool.

I think we're going to try Port Orleans this time rather than moving up to the Animal Kingdon Lodge. I could definitely use the savings.Advice? Tips?

Staying there at the end of April....I know they have a hot tub at the main pool. Stayed at Saratoga Springs last year and liked it a lot as well with hot tubs at the main pool and some of the smaller pools.

 

[Gator Shawn]

My wife is really pushing to stay off-property but still doing the dining plan. We found this place, and it looks awesome and at $99 night for when we are going it's the same price as the cheapest all-stars.

Caribe Royale

I don't know, there's something, some synergy that comes with staying AT Disney....maybe I'm wrong, but that seems to be a special part of it.

 

[Team]

My wife is really pushing to stay off-property but still doing the dining plan.

I don't think you can.

 

[Gator Shawn]

My wife is really pushing to stay off-property but still doing the dining plan.

I don't think you can.

Just confirmed. You're right.Deal breaker. We love Boma and then Les Chefs De France after a long day at Epcot. The ticket for lunch at Les Chefs De France was over $100. No way I'm doing that without the Dining Plan.

 

[saintsfan]

We will be going down that last week in Nov into Dec. Great time. Our location for sleep will either be Wilderness Lodge or Boardwalk most likely. Renting points from a DVC member to do it.Very looking forward to it. This year has been murder already at work, and I haven't even hit the busy summer time yet.

How do you rent points from a DVC member, Yankee?? What are the advantages to doing that??

DVC members typically rent out their points. The average DVC member gets 150 points per year. They also have a home resort to stay in but they can use their points anywhere in the park. A room at Boardwalk during the weekday in off peak time would cost 8 points, for example. Friday and Saturday night are usually more, say 16 points. So if you stay from Monday to Sunday you have overnights on mon-thurs at 8 (32) fri and sat at 16 (32) meaning you need 64 points for that week.So since most members have more points then that they will rent out the points they don't need. You pay by the point. You can pay anywhere to $5 to $20 a point depending. My secretary is a member and she isn't going this year so I'm getting about 50 or so points from her at $7 per. She gets $350 and I get to stay there for a week using her DVC membership.The member, however, has to make the reservation for you. Disney does not officially recognize these transactions, though they work with everyone when it happens. It can get stressful if you don't know the person because they will all require that you send them the money first then you have to hope they follow through and make your reservations for you. Our previous experience with it was perfect though. So they make the reservation under their membership and inform Disney of the people staying (obviously, not them). When we check in we have to give them both names so that they know who we are, and then everything else from that point on is business as usual.Advantages are that you can, if you do your homework, get cheaper rates at the nicer rooms. DVC members also get priorty at their home resorts, so reservations are easier. Basically it allows you to upgrade your reservations from what you would probably do spending cash for them. We always stay at Pop because it's cheap, but the 2nd to last time we went we spend much less renting someone's points and staying at Old Key West which is worlds nicer then Pop.

Thanks for the info. It sounds like a great way to go if you know somebody that's a member. I don't know if I would mail a stranger my money.