?? about points and regular WDW hotels

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

We are proud owners of DVC and have our first visit "home" in April. Here's my question for you - I have often read here that staying in a WDW resort such as AKL, Poly or GF would be a waste of points. My question is, if we really want to try AKL why is it a waste of points? We pay $$ all year for DVC. and really don't want to pay more to stay in a hotel when we have our points to use. Why is it so horrible to want to stay in AKL or GF using points? The cost of staying at these hotels are high, and we really don't feel comfortable in paying more money to WDW, especially if we are paying $$ for our DVC membership every month. I know the rooms are smaller, etc., but we want to try every hotel at WDW eventually. Is it really "wasting" points? Sorry if I am rambling, but I don't know the best way to word my question to you all.

 

[Dean]

It's your choice of course, you can use your points any way you want. However, when you're return is in the $5-7 per point range, I'd consider that a poor use of points. But maybe you've got extra or have some that will expire.

 

[browniemtb]

When we first joined I felt the same way. BUt after finding out what the point requirements are its really is not a great value. Like the DCL you may be better off renting those points and use the cash for your stay. As the above op said its your choice and I for one understand where your coming from. All in all though we a very happy at the Epcot resort area.
Brownie

 

[Granny]

I have often read here that staying in a WDW resort such as AKL, Poly or GF would be a waste of points.

I don't think you've read that this is a waste of points...rather that many people feel that it is not a good value because of the high point requirements that you have to pay to book regular resorts.

Personally, I agree with those who say the best use of your points is what makes you happy. That's what you bought them for, isn't it?

 

[Esmerelda]

We just recently used our point in July to stay at the WL and then the Poly. I will agree that using points for DVC resorts is a much better value, I'm still glad we stayed where we did. The Poly was fantastic! The WL was breathtaking with its massive lobby. However, by the end of the week, we were truly missing our DVC place with all of its space. Having the kitchen and that huge bathroom/jacuzzi tub in the villas is certainly wonderful.

We are going to SSR our next trip back down and cannot wait. We missed having our space!

Esmerelda

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

Thanks for your comments. All we could afford right now were enough points for a studio during high season (don't think I can pull dd out of school anymore since she is in 6th grade), so the one bedrooms with a kitchen and whirlpool tub are not in our plans. I didn't even thing about renting out the points and using the cash for the rooms, but then again we are new to this whole situation.

 

[spiceycat]

I only stay mostly in studios. we have stayed in WDW resorts once in a while. but the last time I heard was I wish we were at OKW - several times.

well since OKW is 8 points a night, but the same time Polyn is 36 points - hey I love OKW!!!

if you can't afford a 1-bedroom then how can you afford a WDW hotel on points.

most of the time they are at least a 1-bedroom point costs in some cases a 2-bedroom.

compare them to OKW.

 

[Granny]

We just recently used our point in July to stay at the WL and then the Poly. I will agree that using points for DVC resorts is a much better value, I'm still glad we stayed where we did. The Poly was fantastic! The WL was breathtaking with its massive lobby.

Esmerelda....WL is not available to book using DVC points. How were you able to manage that?

 

[Jacky]

Its just not a good value or use of your points. When I first used my points, I booked a night at AKL-- very stupid of me. Ishould have rented the points, used the money to rent the room and then use the rest of the money for fun stuff at WDW!!

Jacky

 

[spiceycat]

Esmerelda....WL is not available to book using DVC points. How were you able to manage that?

it was before VWL was built. It was a deal - same points for it and FW cabins....

 

[Esmerelda]

Ooopps Granny, you are correct...my mistake. We paid cash for our two nights at the WL then we used points at the Poly. Good call.

Esmerelda <everything is STAT in her world

 

[1000th happy haunt]

You didn't say when in April, so I'll just pick 4/1-4/7/07 as an example.

That's Premier Season for DVC. A week's stay at BCV, BWV (preferred or Boardwalk view), or VWL will cost you 181 points for a studio or 350 points for a one-bedroom. BWV standard view will cost you 156 points for a studio or 310 for a one-bedroom, OKW will cost 147 points for a studio or 296 for a one-bedroom, and SSR will cost 163 for a studio or 316 for a one-bedroom.

For regular rooms that's Peak Season. A Garden View at the Grand Flo will cost 455 points, a Lagoon View will cost 550 points, and the Royal Palm Club will cost 765 points.

At the Poly, a Garden View will cost 421 points, Lagoon View will cost 516 points, and the King Kamehameha Club will cost 643 points.

At Animal Kingdom Lodge, Pool View will cost 328 points, Savannah View costs 369 points, Deluxe Pool View costs 430 points, Deluxe Savannah view costs 448 points, and Kilimanjaro Club costs 550 points.

If I were going to spend that many points on a stay, I'd prefer a one-bedroom unit at any DVC instead of spending the points at a regular WDW hotel and just getting a regular room.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

I should note that the point cost at DVC resorts will basically not change (although they can be reallocated). However the point cost for regular WDW hotels will probably go up every year.