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"Which DVC resort should we rent?" is the question I get more than any other. There's no single answer, because a toddler family, a family of five and a trip with Grandma all need different things. So I've written head to head comparisons for the matchups people actually ask about. This page ties them together so you can find yours fast.
Renting points covers the room, not park tickets. For tickets we've bought through Undercover Tourist and had a great experience. Compare their price to Disney's for your dates.
New to the idea of renting from DVC owners? Start with my free DVC savings guide, then come back here to pick the resort. And if you want the whole trip mapped out, not just the room, that's my step-by-step Disney plan.
Step 1: Pick the room size before the resort
Dad logic: the room type changes your price more than almost anything else, so decide that first.
- DVC Studio vs 1-Bedroom: Worth the Upgrade? shows when the upgrade pays for itself and how to run the breakeven on your own dates.
- Family of five? DVC Studios That Sleep 5: Renter's Cheat Sheet covers which resorts actually fit five in a studio, and whether that fifth bed works in real life.
Step 2: Pick by who's coming
- Little kids: Best DVC Resorts for Toddlers and Kids ranks family-friendly resorts by nap logistics, pools and the stuff that matters at 2 PM.
- Grandparents and multi-gen trips: Best DVC Resorts for Grandparents and Multi-Gen focuses on accessibility, quiet pools, easy transportation and villa space.
Step 3: Pick by budget
Cheapest DVC Resorts to Rent in 2026 compares the value resorts night by night at broker rates. If price leads your decision, read that one first.
The head to head comparisons
These are the matchups readers click on most.
Boulder Ridge vs Copper Creek
Both live at Wilderness Lodge, so it comes down to room style, price and which pool vibe you want. Boulder Ridge vs Copper Creek: Which to Rent? has the rental math and my family verdict.
Saratoga Springs vs Old Key West
The two big value picks. Saratoga Springs vs Old Key West compares price, room size and location, and which one actually saves you more.
Bay Lake Tower vs Polynesian
Monorail resort showdown. Bay Lake Tower vs Polynesian covers point math, pools, dining and which fits your family.
Jambo House vs Kidani Village
Two sides of Animal Kingdom Lodge. Jambo House vs Kidani Village gives a clear pick by kid age.
Single-resort reviews
- Saratoga Springs Review: why it works so well for toddler families.
- Disney's Riviera Resort Review: what's great, what's overhyped, and who should skip it.
Quick FAQ
What's the best DVC resort to rent for a first trip? The one that matches your room size, your crew and your budget, in that order. Run steps 1 to 3 above and you'll usually land on two finalists. Then read their head to head.
Are studios big enough for a family? For many families of four, yes. The studio vs 1-bedroom post is the honest version.
How do I actually book a DVC rental? That's covered step by step in the free DVC savings guide linked above, plus 10 Ways to Save on DVC Point Rentals.
Keep going
- Watching the budget overall? Read save money at Disney World.
- Going in December? See the Disney World holiday guide.
The bottom line
Room size first, crew second, budget third, then read the head to head. That's how we pick every time. For the rest of the trip, the $27 Disney Plan walks through the five decisions that matter most.
More DVC math and dad logic at dadatdisney.co.