Benefits of DVC membership

[Lynn B]

I've just about figured this membership situation out. I have yet to figure out how many points it takes to book a cruise or the other extra vacations (adventurer collection, etc) that are offered. Somebody tell me where to look.

 

[MARCIAKAZ]

Lynn, have you received the blue book (I don't know what it's actually called)from your DVC guide yet? If not, I suggest you call right away and ask for it! It answers most everything you might want to know. There's a section for each of the other types of vacations, with charts that tell how many points are required. The book has lots more specific information than the introductory DVD. It will help you understand all your options and help you decide how many points you'll need according to how/where/how often you plan to vacation in the future.

 

[donald...really]

Also keep in mind that while the points needed to stay at a DVC resort are pretty much locked into place during the length of the program, the points needed for the cruise and the other options you mentioned will go up. So if the number of points you buy is based on points needed for the non DVC resort options, you may find yourself short of points in the near future.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Not only do non-DCV resorts go up in points, but the accommodations are less for more points, so not a good value all the time. The II exchanges stay pretty much the same as do DVC points, but Concierge Collection and Disney Collection points change annually. THey must be negotiated with the individual properties.

 

[We Love Tinkerbell]

I have found the best source for current point charts is the DVC website. Also, you can call member services for current points. They are very helpful, especially with the Disney cruise points since those change annually. There can be a pretty significant swing in cruise points between years. We have used our points several times for the cruise and I always assume that the points will go up at least 20 points per person annually. This gives me a pretty good "buffer" for my calculation.

Also, the cruise points are different for the various cruises and various times of the year. For example, the 7 night eastern cruise is less points than the 7 night western cruise.

Good Luck and enjoy DVC -- I know we do

 

[rocketriter]

I suggest you look on cruise and other offsite bookings as the gravy, not the meat. Don't choose the size of your points purchase based on them because they'll change and their value as a bargain is, well, variable. You're a good candidate for DVC if you want a relatively economical way to stay in better-than-deluxe lodgings at one of the DVC resorts at least every other year. Shape your points purchase on that basis, and be delighted if the other options sometimes work out for you.