Are dvc points usable at wdw resort hotel?

[disneylover]

Help! I'm trying to obtain information on whether dvc points can be used to book a stay at WDW resorts. I have been toying with the idea of purchasing points at a dvc, but I don't know if its worth it if I can't use them for resort hotel rooms. How would I know what points could be used for and does it change from resort to resort? Any information on this would be appreciated! Thank you.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Yes, you can, but it's not the best use of DVC points. You can probably do better with an AP discount or some other discount instead of using DVC points. Plus the DVC resorts really have it over the non-DVC resorts - laundry facilities in your room, jacuzzi tubs, full kitchens, king sized beds in the master bedroom. A moderate resort is more expensive points-wise than a DVC resort.

 

[DebbieB]

See this link for a points calculator:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/resort/dvcpoint.cfm

It differs from resort to resort. If you plan to mostly stay at non-DVC resorts, you would be better of not buying DVC. The best use of DVC points is a the DVC resorts. For example, a GF standard room is more points than a DVC 2 bedroom.

 

[CarolMN]

To put it another way:

Don't buy DVC unless you plan to stay at one of the DVC resorts most of the time. You'll find it much less expensive to just pay cash for your stays at the other WDW resorts.

 

[Disney Doll]

You can use DVC points to stay at a regular resort, but that is not the best use of the points. You use more points per night if you use them to stay at a regular resort.

That being said, they are your points to use as you see fit. You just get less "bang for the buck" by using them at a regular resort as opposed to a DVC resort.

 

[disneylover]

Thank you for the information. I just did the math and you are right - I do get much less bang for my buck!

 

[donald...really]

As Deb & Bill mentioned, the DVC units are MUCH nicer than any other Disney hotel room, especially the one and two bedrooms (and the three bedrooms go without saying!!!). Once you are a member of DVC you will be spoiled by the wonderful accomodations and won't be able to imagine ever wanting to stay at a regular Disney resort again. At least that is what happened to me!

 

[erikthewise]

To put it another way, using DVC points at non-DVC resorts on weekdays is comparable to paying rack rate. (And there is an easier way to do that!)
Doing the same on weekends is much worse, and only makes sense if you have a boatload of points you need to get rid of in a hurry!

 

[beattyfamily]

I know it's more economical for me to use my points at BWV and my DH prefers it but when I'm planning my 'dream' vacation or my 40th birthday celebration, I don't really think about that. If I have enough points, I go for it. Same thing with staying at BWV on Fri and Sat nights vs only weeknights. I do what works best for my trip. I have enough points so I don't want to stress about it.

To each his/her own so this year for my 40th, we're staying at the Cont on points and I am fine with the cost. It's a splurge without having to dish out cash.