Are points ONLY for accomodations?

[Aurora_K]

My husband and I have been thinking about DVC. I've been crunching numbers to try and determine if it is a good investment for us. The parks are the big attractions for us at Disney, so we would need tickets (and hopefully a meal plan) for every trip we take. Can they be purchased with points, or would that be an added expense on every vacation?

Also, does anyone know how many points other destinations cost (ie other places in the US, Europe, etc)? I'm just curious if anyone has experience with other places through DVC.

Thanks!

 

[harra]

As much as I wish it were so, the points are just for accomodations. I think Disney would be onto something if we could cash in our points to get meal plans or Annual Passes.

 

[RobDoc]

Yes, points may only be used for accommodations at DVC and other resort options.

Exchanges to other timeshare locations thru II will have a range from 124 - 160 fpr a 1BR and 207 - 270 points for a week in a 2BR. Concierge Collection options will have point charts for individual nights - ranging from 17 points to 181 points depending on the location and date. While these are nice options for an occasional venture outside of DVC resorts, they are far more costly than using the points within the DVC system.

From 1991 thru 1995 purchasers at OKW and VB got free park passes to use while staying on points at OKW thru 1999. There is a good discount available to DVC members for the purchase of Annual Passes, but no other admission media are included. There are also discounts available at many WDW dining options.

Any of the discounts and other perks can and do change regularly, so I would not suggest purchasing DVC because of these benefits. If the value of the accommodations is not evident for your particular situation, DVC may not be a good option for your family.

 

[Aurora_K]

I thought of another question. Can DVC points be used for other Disney resorts (non DVC resorts)?

My husband and I live in Orlando and would use DVC mostly for a lot of short stays, but I think once in a while we would want to go elsewhere. Hence, my curiosity about other destinations! Thanks for all the help so far!

 

[RobDoc]

Yes, DVC points may be used at "Disney Collection" options - all moderate and Deluxe resorts at WDW, the Disney Cruise Line, DL resorts and DLP resorts.

Points for these options are much higher than similar accommodations at DVC resorts, but the option is available for DVC members.

 

[dianeschlicht]

DVC is a timeshare with a Disney twist. If you think of it in terms of a timeshare it will help to decide if it is for you. Timeshares generally have full home type accommodations, so comparing it to hotel accommodations is not an exact apples to apples comparison. If you are vacationing at WDW at lealst once a year and usually stay in either deluxe or moderate on site resorts, then it will make financial sense. If you really prefer to stay in hotels and don't need or want the timeshare amenities, then it might not make sense.

 

[dvc_john]

As others have said, the best value is to use points at DVC resorts.
However, in addition to WDW and DL hotels, points may also be used for stays at Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland hotels.
And, at Paris and Hong Kong, park tickets are included with the hotel stay.

 

[pharmlivin]

points for things other than accomodations (i.e. park tickets, meal plans, ) . Sounds like an interesting twist. I know I would "add-on" enough points to cover, say, park admissions / meals for maybe part of my stay...those points might have a different cost structure than points for accomodations ...just an interesting idea I think.

 

[DebbieB]

points for things other than accomodations (i.e. park tickets, meal plans, ) . Sounds like an interesting twist. I know I would "add-on" enough points to cover, say, park admissions / meals for maybe part of my stay...those points might have a different cost structure than points for accomodations ...just an interesting idea I think.

Keep in mind for that to work, DVC would have to take the points and rent rooms to the general public to pay for it. They are already renting rooms for exchanges, so that would mean less points rooms available for members.

 

[JLitfin]

What's the range of pts needed to take one of the Disney cruises?

Thanks.

 

[dvc_john]

What's the range of pts needed to take one of the Disney cruises?

For 2007 sailings on Disney Cruise Lines (subject to change yearly) the following ranges apply depending on stateroom category and season (all are per person double occupancy):

3 night Bahamas: 67-248
4 night Bahamas: 82-265
7 night Eastern Caribbean: 133-428
7 night Western Caribbean: 140-428
10/11 night Mediterranean: 340-567