biggest bang for my points?

[coastiewifern]

We own 160 at BLT. Planning ahead we'd like to do a Disney cruise for our next Disney vacation. It is a better value to use our points towards a cruise or rent out our points and put the cash towards a cruise? Please advise

 

[Airb330]

Can't you compare the cash costs versus what you'd receive from renting? Renting is typically netting $11 per point.

 

[CarolMN]

Typically, you will come out ahead by renting your points and paying cash for a cruise. But there are some exceptions, usually depending on how far in advance you choose to book. You'll really have to do the math for your particular cruise. For some, the convenience of booking for cash is worth the premium they pay for it.

Remember that if you use points for any portion of a cruise (book through MS), you will also owe a $95 fee in addition to the point & cash cost. Most changes after booking require payment of another $95 fee.

Cancellation policies are much more lenient if you book for cash through a TA or directly from DCL Be sure you understand exactly what will happen to your points if you have to cancel a cruise booked through MS.

 

[cwdefouw]

As previous posters mentioned, it is a better value to rent your points and use the cash for the cruise. However, remember to keep in mind that renting points requires more work and also brings along what can sometimes be a large risk component. Plus, even if you use a company like David's, you will not get all of the money for the rental, until after the renter takes the trip, 50% up front, 50% at the time of the rental.

From personal experience, there is more to "value" than dollar amount. We always just use the points to book the cruise because we find renting to be too much of a hassle and risk. Others will tell you exactly the opposite and have good valid reasons for their argument.

The bottom line is do all of your research way in advance, and remember that the points are yours to do with as you see fit, even if you choose not to wring every last dollar out of each one.

 

[luckyman_apd]

Renting is/can be work (not I've ever rented, but have been a rentee). My opinion is, if you post BLT points for rent, you won't have too much trouble...especially if find someone wanting/needing the 11 month premium booking advantage. Yes a service like David's will not give you ALL the money until AFTER the rental has taken place.....and I believe your cut is $10 per point when David's rents them.

Transferring is also an options. Once the points are transferred, you get the money, and you don't have to worry about the reservation. Me personally....even if the money was even...the ease of making changes/cancelations by booking directly with DCL or TA and not having to pay the $95 fee through MS each time if something changes what I would choose.

 

[jaulty]

I don't have a problem using my points for DCL. I would say to check out the point charts to see what your specific cruise is going to run you point-wise and then that may help you make a decision. Notice that some cruises (typically holidays) are not available to book with points. Also, some stateroom categories are not available. Check out the DCL website for current prices. The further you book out, typically, the cheaper the cruise. Last minute rates are sometimes available, but you won't be able to use your points to get those.

Either way, should you end up cruising, enjoy your cruise! Far less stressful than WDW!

 

[MercoBear]

Does anyone know if points act like cash, in that the sooner you make your reservation the less points you would be potentially paying?

 

[AnnaS]

Does anyone know if points act like cash, in that the sooner you make your reservation the less points you would be potentially paying?

The point chart is set. The only time you save about 10% of the points or so is when you rebook a future cruise on board. You also need to book your cruise with points far in advance since there are a limited number of cabins available to book with points.

You can use a combination of points and cash just be ready to pay the full amount in cash at the time of booking plus the $95 fee.

Read, know and understand the cancellation policy also.

If one does not want the hassle of renting their points and you have extra/banked points for some reason, it's a great way to burn up a few.

We have used a combination of points and cash for our last 4 cruises. Always had two cabins. Next cruise is next month. I have three cabins, two cabins (5 people) cash and dh and I, one cabin with points.

 

[NoleFan]

Much better to rent points & use cash. Can find some really great Florida Resident discounts.