Moderate resort or rent DVC?
 

Hello dibbers,

I'm torn between what the best option is for staying on site. We really like Port Orleans (planning for Spring 2022 so working on the hopefully not forlorn assumption it will be open then), but I've also seen for slight more money similar sort of prices for staying at deluxe resorts via DVC rental. Specifically Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Would the latter be worth the extra money do you think? I'm going on prices available in spring 2021 as a rough guide so appreciate I may be way off

Apologies if this is too vague a question!

Thanks

Normally I would say rent points for a DVC resort but I’m a bit hesitant after Covid. If you use a company that acts as a go between though you can get some financial protection.

I'd suggest taking a look at DVC Rental Store and their Point protection plan and factor that cost in. Obviously double check, but I believe that allows you to cancel and get a refund for any reason up to 3 days before your stay. If youre happy with that then I'd definitely go rental, like you say you're getting deluxe resorts at moderate prices

I do think it depends on any Disney offer though. If you have a specific budget and it only stretches to a moderate at full price but you get free dining then DVC rental is less of a great deal. If the moderate has a room discount like the free nights offer that’s on now then again, less of a great deal.
If however your budget stretches to a deluxe at full price then renting DVC will save a fortune.

Thanks for the replies all. I wonder if the better question would be, "Is there any specific reason to choose the moderate in normal circumstances?".

Yeah this I think is the sticky wicket, especially regarding free dining offers not being clear yet (if they come back).
With all the restrictions and certain places not being reopen it's turning this particular quandary into a dilemma!

Budget wise we'll struggle for deluxe and think I'd go DVC regardless as it seems to make more sense anyway? Am I right in thinking booking DVC around 11 months in advance is the best way to go? Or is that just for one specific site?

I started a similar thread yesterday. We are hoping to go in October 2021 so I'm not rushing into a decision yet. I'm not fussed about DDP so the main thing for me is if there are any hotel offers that come up over in the next few months as the current deals only run until September.

If there are some decent deals and some of the other hotels open up then we'll work the figures again and see what works best.

I appreciate the comments of others regarding the risk of DVC rentals although it appears using a reputable middle man may reduce those risks, albeit that they charge a little more.

Hi thanks for asking this question, this is something I’m considering for our next trip, if free dinning doesn’t come back for 2022 I do think it it’s better value to rent DVC, although I’ve never done it before so quite nervous about it as i haven’t got a clue where to start lol 😂

I think after reading the experiences people had with DVC rentals this year, I would personally avoid DVC rentals until the situation is more stable. Or only consider it if full protection is available (as mentioned by another poster) - i.e. being able to get my money back if the stay is cancelled for any reason - in which case the cost of adding on the insurance/protection would also need to be factored into the decision.