Good day, Ann!
How exciting it is to answer a question for a Guest who lives so far away! I'm delighted to hear that you are planning such a long visit to Walt Disney World Resort in 2019. There is going to be so much to see and do while you are here. Being able to stay for 18 nights sounds positively heavenly.
I have several friends who rent
Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points to pay for their Walt Disney World Resort accommodations. They do this because it can be a very cost-effective way to pay for a guest room in one of the deluxe hotels. Guests who make reservations with DVC points are eligible to add a Disney Dining Plan to the reservation whether or not tickets are purchased in conjunction with the reservation. However, the DVC Member whose points you are renting will need to add the Disney Dining Plan on your behalf since the reservation is technically under their aegis. You can purchase your Annual Passes separately online and link them to your My Disney Experience account prior to your arrival. You should do so at least 60 days prior to your vacation so you have the opportunity to make Fast Pass+ reservations at the earliest possible time. Your tickets, Disney Dining Plan entitlements and hotel reservations can all be linked to the MagicBands associated with your My Disney Experience account.
I feel it is important to note that while renting someone else's DVC points to make a reservation at Walt Disney World Resort can be a great way to save money, it does require a bit of faith, trust and pixie dust. The transaction for the accommodations would be between you and the DVC Member (or an organization representing them) who is renting you the points. The agreement would not be between you and Walt Disney World Resort. Just be sure you are comfortable with the folks with whom you are making the arrangements.
Wishing you many magical memories,
Jill