4-Day DCL + DVC = Stinks

[erikthewise]

Doh! I just figured it out.

If you try to combine a "4-day" Disney cruise with a DVC stay on points, you get soaked, because the stupid cruise uses up all the low-point weekdays and you have to pony up points for a weekend stay.

I'd decided that if we went on another cruise we'd take the 4-day cruise instead of the 3-day, but now it looks like maybe we'll stick with the 3. Or maybe go for the 7-day and skip WDW altogether. What have other people thought/done?

 

[Terry S]

We are going on our first cruise May/2003. We choose to do Disney first then go on the 3 day cruise just for the reason you just mentioned. I don't want to be in Disney on the weekend for 2 reasons, one the parks are more packed and 2 the weekend points. I would have rather done the 4 day, but it just didn't make sense.

 

[Autumngirl]

I've done both the Eastern & (just came back) Western 7 day cruises (and we weren't DVC memebers yet). My DH and I loved them both and can't wait to do it again. The service can't be beat!

We decided to join DVC because we do a week in the parks and then a week on the boat. $$$$

The 7-day cruises are great.... very relaxing...we liked the Western cruise better. Keep in mind... they are Disney focused, but not Disney saturated. There's a certain...magic... you feel in the parks that, IMHO, is not present on the cruise. That's why we eat beans for a year to do both .... so I can have my magic and my relaxation.

 

[disneychic]

well, this will be the second time that we are doing the 4 day Wonder with a stay at WDW - we "sandwhich" the cruise in between our WDW stay. We have no children yet so we have the flexibility to cruise in the Fall when the points are far less, as well as the points to stay at the DVC resorts.

 

[WDWalways]

Originally posted by Autumngirl
There's a certain...magic... you feel in the parks that, IMHO, is not present on the cruise.

I just wanted to say that I disagree somewhat (though of course you are entitled to your opinion!! ) but I do feel a "magic" of a different kind on the ships -- and if you have ever been on any other cruise line you can definitely feel the difference!!!

 

[LindaDVC]

We vote for the 7 day -- just not sure when we can do it again!
It was wonderful!
We'd never consider a 3 or 4 dayagain after that wonderful week.

Linda

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I am looking at the DCL/DVC combo next year Erik, and you are right. I figured the only way we can swing the DCL 4 day with the point totals (we have to go in summer and have either a cat. 4 or two smaller rooms, we have a 5 person family) is to pay cash for the room, so then what is the value? If we use all our points from 2002-2004 we can do 4 nights at BWV in a 2 BR followed by the 3 day DCL and it's all points. Just have to save $$ for flights and excursions, and park food (our APs will still be good). In our current $$ situation (DH's business had a rough winter) I can't justify any more cash layouts.
Robin M.

 

[padisneyfan]

Last year we did the 3 day Wonder and then 5 days at OKW, because of the point situation on the weekend. However, the 3 day is just not enough time on the boat. So we decided to do the 4 day this year and we really enjoyed it much more. With the current discounts at the resort we decided to spend 7 days at CBR. There are 4 of us (me, DH, and 2 DS). To me it was worth spending the extra money to stay the 7 days at CBR and use my points for the DCL. Next year we will do the 7 day with using points for me and DH and paying for my sons.

My only other option would be to buy more points, but would prefer not to do that right now as both my sons will be in college next year.

Nancy

 

[MdmMim]

We do DVC, DCL 7-day (cash, not points), then return to WDW, utilizing DVC. I'd rather use my points for WDW, as DCL requires way tooo many points.

 

[Dean]

Both the DCL and weekends eat up points. I recommend getting several cash prices and comparing to your points options. I'd get the cash price for the 3, 4 and 7 day cruise for the time and cabins you'd consider booked early enough to get the full discount. I'd also look at the cash prices for a weekend at WDW for resorts you might want to try or visit again as well as at least one cash DVC option. Then compare points to cash for EACH option separately. Any component with a value of your points less than you feel comfortable with, I'd pay cash. My cutoff personally would be $8 per point. You could then pick and chose points vs cash for EACH component to your advantage. My guess is that the 7 day cruise on cash or a 3 day cruise on cash along with a DVC points stay will be your best option financially. You could always rent your points if you needed If you do the 7 day, you could always tack on a couple of days at DVC.

Let us know what happens and even what you find out if you decide to go through all of the options.

 

[erikthewise]

Thanks, Dean.
I'm thinking ahead for Dec 2003, and mostly just remarking on the situation rather than making serious plans yet. I agree the point charts for cruises aren't at all appealing; if we use any points for a cruise it will probably just be for some, not all, family members.

 

[sgtpet]

I bought DVC for vacations not for how many points I can hold but to use for vacations. I spent a lot of money on DVC so I can use them for cruises or staying at a DVC resort on a weekend. I think it is silly to spend anymore dollars on disney even if the cash value is greater compared to the points.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by sgtpet
I bought DVC for vacations not for how many points I can hold but to use for vacations. I spent a lot of money on DVC so I can use them for cruises or staying at a DVC resort on a weekend. I think it is silly to spend anymore dollars on disney even if the cash value is greater compared to the points.

That's you prerogative, many feel the same. I wonder though, is it silly to rent your points and have money left over after paying cash or to look at what options are best for using ones points. Depending on the specifics and particularly for a cruise or DC room, the difference could be hundreds of dollars or even in some cases a thousand or more. Of course the difference would need to be large enough to justify the hassle and minor risks involved. To me, when I spend points I am spending cash and I look at it accordingly and make decisions based on that information. Good luck and enjoy.