Booking Disney resorts on points

[jeanninepl]

I know that if you own DVC, booking Disney resorts like the Poly or CR may not be the best use of points. HOwever, I know my hubby and I would want to stay at these resorts once in a while if we do decide to buy DVC so we'd save some points to use.

My question is, if you do that, can you get the dining plan? Also, how far in advance would you need to book them on your points - is there a "7 month window" or do you need to exchange through interval?

 

[CarolA]

I think they recently announced you can still get the dining plan.

You do have to pay the $95 exchange fee, but you don't do the exchange via Interval and I am pretty sure you can book whenever.

Since the implemenation of the fee I don't do it anymore. If I can't get a DVC resort I stay off property. (Sorry but I find Disney "Deluxe" to be a let down so I won't bother to stay there anymore)

Also, based on past history... once BLT comes into inventory you will not be able to book point stays at CR. You can't book regular rooms at places with a DVC (BC, BW, WL and AK right now)

 

[CarolMN]

Carol is correct. DVC members staying on points at one of the WDW non-DVC resorts (like the Poly or GR or CBR, etc.) can add on the Dining Plan. Cost is the same as to add the Dining Plan to a DVC resort reservation.

To make a non-DVC resort reservation, you must pay a $95 fee. You can make the reservation as soon as 11 months prior to arrival if the point charts are out for your dates, subject to availability.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you don't mind using twice the number of points that you might use for a two bedroom villa on a single deluxe room, go for it. And then there's that $95 fee for each reservation you make. But I wouldn't buy DVC to make those reservations often. I'd only use the DVC points for an occasional non-DVC trip.