Ack! 636 points?

[jelliott04]

In the past we've gone to Disney World at LEAST twice a year and bought DVC several years ago.

However, this year Mardi Gras coincided with Presidents Week and we never go when that happens since it is so busy. We also always go for F&W and Halloween but both my kids are switching schools this year so we didn't want to take them out. Banked almost all my points from this year into 2013.

When I was planning our 2013 Mardi Gras trip I realized that we'd have to buy our AP's again and of course dining isn't cheap. Which led me to look into the cruise option!

Didn't think the family would go for it but when I mentioned it to them, they were all for it! So now they all think we're going on a cruise and I have to call MS and "spend" 636 points!

I know it isn't technically a good use of points but I figure since we currently don't have AP's if we did decide to go to Disney World next year (which I don't think we will) maybe we can take advantage of free dining and a MYW package.

Just finding it hard to make the call and use up 636 points! But hey, $95 for a 7 night cruise doesn't seem so bad right (yes I know gratuities etc)?

Jen

 

[DebbieB]

In the past we've gone to Disney World at LEAST twice a year and bought DVC several years ago.

However, this year Mardi Gras coincided with Presidents Week and we never go when that happens since it is so busy. We also always go for F&W and Halloween but both my kids are switching schools this year so we didn't want to take them out. Banked almost all my points from this year into 2013.

When I was planning our 2013 Mardi Gras trip I realized that we'd have to buy our AP's again and of course dining isn't cheap. Which led me to look into the cruise option!

Didn't think the family would go for it but when I mentioned it to them, they were all for it! So now they all think we're going on a cruise and I have to call MS and "spend" 636 points!

I know it isn't technically a good use of points but I figure since we currently don't have AP's if we did decide to go to Disney World next year (which I don't think we will) maybe we can take advantage of free dining and a MYW package.

Just finding it hard to make the call and use up 636 points! But hey, $95 for a 7 night cruise doesn't seem so bad right (yes I know gratuities etc)?

Jen

Is your use year February? Otherwise, for a February cruise you can't use those banked points.

 

[jelliott04]

Is your use year February? Otherwise, for a February cruise you can't use those banked points.

No. December. Can I do it if my UY is Dec?

Jen

 

[DebbieB]

No. December. Can I do it if my UY is Dec?

Jen

So did you bank Dec 2011 points to 2012? I don't think you could have banked 2012 to 2013 yet with a December use year. This cruise would be in your 2012 use year, you could use banked 2011, current 2012, borrowed 2013.

 

[jelliott04]

So did you bank Dec 2011 points to 2012? I don't think you could have banked 2012 to 2013 yet with a December use year. This cruise would be in your 2012 use year, you could use banked 2011, current 2012, borrowed 2013.

Yes, that's what I'm doing. I get confused with the UY being in Dec. I always think they are for the next year but really they are for the previous year. Oy! Either way it is 636 points! But I didn't want to loose 250 banked points if we didn't go next year. It makes sense, but it is just a hard call to make.

Jen

 

[missycj96]

Look at renting the points and using the money for the cruise. you'll gain flexibility in cancelling the cruise reservation. If you got even a low 8 pp you'd have 5000.

 

[DebbieB]

Yes, that's what I'm doing. I get confused with the UY being in Dec. I always think they are for the next year but really they are for the previous year. Oy! Either way it is 636 points! But I didn't want to loose 250 banked points if we didn't go next year. It makes sense, but it is just a hard call to make.

Jen

Before you think too hard about it, check with member services about availability. They have cut down the number of cruise rooms available on points.

 

[jelliott04]

Look at renting the points and using the money for the cruise. you'll gain flexibility in cancelling the cruise reservation. If you got even a low 8 pp you'd have 5000.

I actually thought about that but it seems like it would just be more hassle for basically a swap. I mean, the cash price of the cruise is $6400 I think. So even if I got $6400 for rented points, all I'd turn around and spend that on the cruise AND have to deal with the renters etc. I didn't see the need for that extra step to do the same thing.

Jen

 

[jelliott04]

Before you think too hard about it, check with member services about availability. They have cut down the number of cruise rooms available on points.

I called them yesterday to confirm availability. I'll make the call to book it today. Thanks for the heads up though.

 

[ssawka]

I actually thought about that but it seems like it would just be more hassle for basically a swap. I mean, the cash price of the cruise is $6400 I think. So even if I got $6400 for rented points, all I'd turn around and spend that on the cruise AND have to deal with the renters etc. I didn't see the need for that extra step to do the same thing.

Jen

I guess it depends on the size of the family, but I always found that for three of us renting and paying cash required about half the number of points compared with going through MS.

 

[BestDadEver]

In the past we've gone to Disney World at LEAST twice a year and bought DVC several years ago.

However, this year Mardi Gras coincided with Presidents Week and we never go when that happens since it is so busy. We also always go for F&W and Halloween but both my kids are switching schools this year so we didn't want to take them out. Banked almost all my points from this year into 2013.

When I was planning our 2013 Mardi Gras trip I realized that we'd have to buy our AP's again and of course dining isn't cheap. Which led me to look into the cruise option!

Didn't think the family would go for it but when I mentioned it to them, they were all for it! So now they all think we're going on a cruise and I have to call MS and "spend" 636 points!

I know it isn't technically a good use of points but I figure since we currently don't have AP's if we did decide to go to Disney World next year (which I don't think we will) maybe we can take advantage of free dining and a MYW package.

Just finding it hard to make the call and use up 636 points! But hey, $95 for a 7 night cruise doesn't seem so bad right (yes I know gratuities etc)?

Jen

You get a big thumbs up from me . If this if your first cruise you will love it .

The points are a lot, but you will need very little money out of pocket , the only extras for achohol and excursions . Plus if you can't use the points out will be better to use them on a cruise then waste them .

Just do it have fun , you can thank me later.

 

[runmommyrun]

Don't worry about whether others think it is a good use of points. People will call me insane, but we just used 600+ points for a cruise for a family of 4. I debated whether it was "worth" it. But the whole point of us joining DVC was to use our points to take an annual vacation. And we could do it on those points. Yes, maybe if I went out and rented $10/point I could have wound up with $6,000, but that was not what my goal was. I don't want the hassle of renting points, despite how easy some say it is. I don't want to do it! I'm paying for points and I didn't want to do more work, or pay more dollars to do a vacation. I think anyone who tells you how to spend your money or how to spend your points should realize that it is an individualized decision based upon various factors. If you are ok spending those points on a cruise, then you should do it. My goal was to not spend any cash beyond my points. So if I spent all my points on a cruise, then that was fine, but I understood that. Some will say I was stupid... so be it. I had a great time and I didn't spend anything more out of pocket to have our room on the cruise. If you want to spend your points on a cruise, do it. No one else has any say in how you vacation or spend your points. What works for them may not work for you.

 

[Sammie]

They are your points, use and enjoy. The only bad use of points, is not to use them.

 

[joeyrose]

You get a big thumbs up from me . If this if your first cruise you will love it .

The points are a lot, but you will need very little money out of pocket , the only extras for achohol and excursions . Plus if you can't use the points out will be better to use them on a cruise then waste them .

Just do it have fun , you can thank me later.

totally agree, and do it NOW while you still have this option...too much analysis causes paralysis.

 

[Caren90]

They are your points, use and enjoy. The only bad use of points, is not to use them.

Well said. Just because it is "easy" for someone else to rent out their points does not mean you must as well. Use your points for YOUR family's vacation.

OP, have a great cruise!!

Stephen

 

[kylmac]

We have used points for my parents on the Alaska cruise last summer for their 50th wedding anniversary-so glad we did! No regrets!

Elizabeth

 

[jelliott04]

too much analysis causes paralysis.

I love this quote very much!

Finally yesterday evening I just called and booked it. Had to go with GTY with a Verandah but figured what the heck. I'll leave it up to chance on the room I get.

Thanks everyone for the responses and encouragement.

Jen

 

[AnnaS]

Have a great time. We have cruised four times, two cabins each time (5 people) and have used a combination of points and cash each time. There are many reasons for using/not using points at any certain time.

Enjoy!!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would get travel insurance. We always get it for cruises, and we have used it. I know that buying at a certain time means pre-existing conditions are covered when you book cash. We've cruised for points and had insurance, but this was before DVC began selling insurance. Buying insurance, or at least looking into it now, is my suggestion.

Bobbi

PS. Enjoy the cruise, our extended family has been on many cruises. This upcoming one is the 3rd with DGC

 

[GrumpyBelle]

We used our points to cruise to Alaska last year and also to book one of our rooms for our next cruise (the same one you are traveling on). We understand that you may get more by renting out the points, but I am not interested in that kind of hassle. I bought the points to use as I see fit and know that my decisions are what is best for my family. The little out of pocket expense is "worth" the convenience. As long as you are sure this is the right decision for you and your family, go for it and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Don't read through previous threads thinking you have made a mistake. You will have a great time!!!