2010 news from the Magic

[bonnielynn]

Well, the renter could trash the room. Would DVC hold the owner responsible? I don't know, but, there was a story about a DVC owner whose brother stayed in DVC as his guest, and used his room key as a charge card and they contacted the DVC owner to pay the bill. The brother paid the bill as he should have but what if that error had been an anonymous renter? I am not trying to use any scare tactics but, well, I am a little scared of renting since I heard that story.

I agree with you.. it seems to be the easiest thing to do (rent points) but seems to me that a number of things could really go wrong!

 

[taysmom]

I've bought points before and it was a simple and easy transaction. Although, I did have them transferred and not made in my name under the owner. I felt safer that way since I'm already a DVC member. As a point owner, I have sold points but only to a friend and it gave them a better price than the room at the grand cal was going for at the time. I also gave points to a friend for their honeymoon as a gift and that went well too. I just learned my lesson about using points for the cruises. I used 775 points for an inside cabin on the last med cruise for 2..selling would have been 7750.00 which was a little more than the cost, but then disney started discounting the prices and cat 12's were going for 2k for 2 adults. I called DVC to find out if I was getting some points back due to this reduction and they stated that they negotiate with the cruise lines prior and the points don't change even if DCL starts to discount the price. I found this very unsettling. I could have cancelled my ressie and sold the points which would have had to be used in that year and rebooked at the lower price, but I was nervous that what if I couldn't sell all of them or people didn't pay etc. So I held out, but still had that bitter pill taste in my mouth of the transaction. BUT DVC owners should always do what works best for them. I am very happy that I bought into DVC and happily use all my points every year. I am hoping to buy into hawaii, but will skip california.

S

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I guess I am just paranoid about renting points. At least since I read about that one DVC'ers experience. I remember the discounting on that cruise. Had I not already been committed elsewhere, I would have loved to have gone on that cruise. I bet it was great and worth the points anyway.

 

[Anal Annie]

Have you had problems renting out before? I've never done it but was under the impression thats its pretty easy. If you require 100% payment up front before putting the res in the purchasers name, what can go wrong? We're planning on renting out some points within the next year - curious.

Jodie

We have never rented out our points, nor would I be inclined to do so. I think you need to be really careful about your agreement...you have to report the funds on your taxes...you could get a deadbeat renter...I have read stories on the DVC boards. Like I said before, some people do it and are comfortable with it. I am not one of them. I have read threads where people's ordeals went on & on for months with no resolution. People don't respond to messages or emails... I don't know. You might get along fine with it, but it might well turn into a hassle. I just don't think it always has a happy ending...but good luck!

 

[ibouncetoo]

Yep, I only rented DVC from someone I knew. I actually had two DIS friends offer to rent to me, but one of them had their home resort as one of the ones we wanted, so we did the deal. Renting can be risky also, as the owner can take your money then cancel the reservation! Better to rent to/from someone you know.

And now....to stay on topic....I want a 10(ish) day cruise somewhere I've never been before. Second choice....back through the PC!

.

 

[BelleEm2]

Oh, I really hope it's not Alaska. We did Alaska on Princess in August of '06. And while it was nice, it's probably not something we'd want to do again.

We left from Vancouver, our ports were Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Glacier Bay, and we ended up in Anchorage. The weather was completely awful the entire time. And it was Alaska, so I get it, but seven straight days of rain can be a little exhausting. The ports don't really stick out in my mind. I remember going on an open-train tour through mountains and wilderness, which was nice, but I'm more of a concrete girl over greenery. Then there was a lot of salmon and glaciers. The glaciers were pretty cool and Glacier Bay was absolutely gorgeous, but you see one glacier, you've seen 'em all. We didn't see any wildlife on the entire trip. Not a whale, not a bird. I think we saw a couple of sea lions while we were going through the Bay, but too far away from us to see them clearly. I did enjoy Anchorage, for the record. And the ship... well, I won't get into that. Let's just say that I wasn't a fan of the the staff... or the food... or the entertainment. Maybe Disney could do it better. But as far as weather and ports and excursions go, I don't think there's much room to improve.

I'd REALLY like Hawaii, but I don't think they'd do that during the summer. So I'm pulling for a trip back to the Med. We did it in '07 and loved it. Maybe more eastern this time around... a little bit of Greece, perhaps?

Nevertheless, it sure seems like Alaska. I have to say, I'm pretty disappointed.

 

[pillow]

Interesting about the points renting. Maybe I can find someone I know who wants them. It sure seems like I know a lot of people who are looking for good rates at Disney these days.

I don't think Alaska is a sure thing in 2010. Someone said earlier on this thread that he was told last week at the Castaway Club party that it will be the Med again (then maybe AK in 2011?). Like Steph and I were discussing - don't think I could do the Med again, BUT if it was primarily Greece I would be awefully tempted! As a matter of fact, I think I could just move to Santorini permanently.

Steph - Thinking about Greece reminds me of Brittany and Ben's adventures. Anyone out there want to read a great travel blog . . .

www.eurosatemydollars.com

Jodie

 

[taysmom]

Loved that blog! How are they doing back in the US? So jealous they got to do that.
If DCL did greece/turkey/croatia...I'd be hard pressed not to go! I would love to go to those stops..and back to capri/sardinia...I loved those two places.

 

[pillow]

Loved that blog! How are they doing back in the US? So jealous they got to do that.
If DCL did greece/turkey/croatia...I'd be hard pressed not to go! I would love to go to those stops..and back to capri/sardinia...I loved those two places.

We've emailed each other some. Think she is doing well. Her mom used to be my running coach, so I've kept up with her through mom. We're supposed to all go out to dinner soon. Think she and Ben are planning a trip to South America - not sure when.

I loved the Capri/Sardinia area as well, but the cruise is such a tease. You really need a lot more time there than just a day!!

J

 

[Mom2PrincessesLinSy]

sorry if my post spun us off topic!

We are now looking into trying to book while onboard this Nov. Just 2 weeks after the special itineraries are announced. Hopefully they wouldn't sell out too quick!!

 

[kaseyC]

sorry if my post spun us off topic!

We are now looking into trying to book while onboard this Nov. Just 2 weeks after the special itineraries are announced. Hopefully they wouldn't sell out too quick!!

If it is an itinerary you are really interested in, I suggest you book it when they are released. Not only because of possible sell outs but because of pricing. Waiting two weeks after release could put rates into the highest rate tier and even with OBC and onboard booking discount, the price may still be much higher than first tier rates.

 

[bonnielynn]

It will be a summer cruise...right?

 

[pillow]

If it is an itinerary you are really interested in, I suggest you book it when they are released. Not only because of possible sell outs but because of pricing. Waiting two weeks after release could put rates into the highest rate tier and even with OBC and onboard booking discount, the price may still be much higher than first tier rates.

I second that. Book it the day pricing comes out. Then when you're onboard, see what the price is then. You can always cancel your original booking if the onboard price is lower.

BTW, they may announce the itinerary in October, but not allow bookings till later. Thats how it worked for the Med release. If thats the case, then book your dummy date while on board and then just transfer it when bookings are allowed.

Bonnielynn - Should be spring and summer.

Jodie

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

If DCL did greece/turkey/croatia...I'd be hard pressed not to go! I would love to go to those stops..and back to capri/sardinia...I loved those two places.

So is Greece what we're looking at for 2010? Oh I hope so. That would be awesome. DH and I honeymooned there in 2005, and I would love to go back. A Disney cruise would be the perfect excuse. I also would be down for Alaska if that was the case.
When does the booking begin? I've got a 2009 cruise booked that I'll be changing over to 2010 since we're planning on going to Hawaii in 2009 and I'm really not that excited about St. Croix.

 

[gydell]

How'd we get from Alaska to Greece? Both sound good to me! Just wish they would hurry up. Sometimes I wonder if DCL doesn't drop us hints to see where WE have them going.

 

[granmaz]

Gydell, get yourself over to the WB repo thread!!!

 

[wdhinn89]

I remember being all excited last year as to what the new itineraries would be and I was greatly disappointed when they came out with St.Croix and
St. Lucia. I REALLY hope it is Alaska in 2010 so I could move my 2009 cruise to 2010. We always wanted to cruise to Alaska (bucket list ) and figure Disney would be the way to go

Not interested in a MED cruise. 1 day in each port is just a tease.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Loved that blog! How are they doing back in the US? So jealous they got to do that.
If DCL did greece/turkey/croatia...I'd be hard pressed not to go! I would love to go to those stops..and back to capri/sardinia...I loved those two places.

I'm SOOO with you on those destinations!

 

[NancyIL]

I remember being all excited last year as to what the new itineraries would be and I was greatly disappointed when they came out with St.Croix and
St. Lucia. I REALLY hope it is Alaska in 2010 so I could move my 2009 cruise to 2010. We always wanted to cruise to Alaska (bucket list ) and figure Disney would be the way to go

Not iterested in a MED cruise. 1 day in each port is just a tease.

DCL isn't going to St. Lucia. The new ports are St. Croix and Tortola.

 

[danielle782001]

I am excited to book our 2010 cruise...I will keep a look out the 1st of October