Can You Use Points For...

[CamColt]

...the All Star Resorts? I was checking out the points calculator and the All Stars werent listed as a choice. Also, I didnt see DCL listed there? Can anyone tell me approximately how many points a 7 day cruise(2 adults & 2 kids) costs?

 

[CaptainMidnight]

All stars...nope.

 

[CamColt]

Thanks for the reply! Unfortuantely, ASMO is my second favorite resort so this will put a damper on us thinking about buying into this.

Also, I should specify the room category on DCL. We would want a 10 or 11. Is that allowed or do you have to go higher?

 

[drusba]

You can go as low as a category 11 room on DCL. For a 10 or 11, the points for 2002 for a 7 day cruise are between 126 and 165 per adult (2 adults) depending on season and except that the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays are substantially higher. Kid cost is about half the adult.

 

[normr]

You shouldn't be buying into DVC if all you want to do is stay in the All-Stars, DVC gives us home away from home resorts AT ALL STAR RATES.

You obviously don't understand the problem and what it provides, you need to read the FAQ here and then take a DVC tour, get the video from DVC sales and see the huge accomodations.

 

[Doctor P]

We loved ASMo also and could be content staying there, but DVC gives us much better and much more convenient accomodations (though not as good a bus service ) for the cost of staying at All Stars. It was a deal we could not pass up, based on our future vacation plans.

 

[CamColt]

Thanks Everyone!

Normr, you are right, I dont understand it all and that is why I came here to ask a question I had. I have read the FAQs, I have gone to the DVC website, and I have talked to other DVC owners. I am right now in the process of getting all the information so that we can make an informed decision. Also, I have seen pictures of the accomodations at the DVC home away from homes, and I dont particularly care for them. My idea of a vacation is not having a kitchen anywhere near me. I prefer the regular resort rooms, that is why I had that question. I have heard from another DVC owner that she has never stayed in her "home" resort, so that got me wondering.
Thanks for the advice.

 

[BraveMom3]

CamColt-

I haven't made my first trip since joining DVC yet, but, I also am not really interested in the kitchen. I think the thing I would enjoy is the in-room washer/dryer so I won't have to pack so much for three children and myself for a 2-week stay. But, I am really looking forward to the "studio" accomodations. I've always rented a refrigerator, and that gets pretty expensive. I also take my own coffee pot and toaster, and was thinking of investing in a very small microwave. So, as you can see, the studio will cut down on my appliances!! If you have young children, it really saves time and $$ to at least do some breakfast food in the room while everyone is getting ready for the day.

Good luck in your research!

200 days and counting 'til our first trip "home"!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

If you are only interested in staying in a hotel room, consider the size of the accomodations of a studio. You will need minimal points to do that and you can't beat the VWL location for embiance, if that is what you are looking for.

I would never give up my huge OKW accomodations with inroom laundry and jacuzzi for anything! The kitchen is there for convenience, but you don't have to use it. It is really nice to have the full size fridge and small appliances for convenience.

Also, don't go by pictures of resorts. We didn't care for the photos we first saw of OKW either, but LOVE staying there!

 

[TnRobin]

I too do not go on vacation to cook, but have the refrigerator for milk, really helps with the getting ready in the morning problem. Our son can have his bowl of cereal, while DH and I get showered and ready. This also helps the pocketbook. A gallon of milk and a box of cereal is a lot cheaper than paying $15 A DAY for breakfast.

As was said, you can choose to spend your DVC points on non-DVC vacations. The problem is you do not get as much value for them that way. The points required to stay in a moderate hotel will get you in a 1BR OKW equipped with a jacuzzi tub (I may not cook, but I do love a jacuzzi). This is not to say I would never use my points outside DVC. Last March we stayed in the Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland. This is something I would never pay cash to do.

If you are looking to just stay at non-DVC points, the breakeven discussions here on the board will not apply. Will you get your money's worth, probably. Will you get as good a deal as if you were staying in DVC resorts. No.

 

[CamColt]

Thanks again, for all the advice. I cant believe Im saying this, but Im beginning to think maybe DVC isnt for us. Not that I wouldnt like it, but it sounds like, value wise, it wouldnt be worth it for what we want.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by CamColt
Thanks again, for all the advice. I cant believe Im saying this, but Im beginning to think maybe DVC isnt for us. Not that I wouldnt like it, but it sounds like, value wise, it wouldnt be worth it for what we want.

Don't feel bad if you come to that conclusion. Hey, that's why you go through the process of asking questions and seeing if DVC fits for you. It is definitely not a good fit for everyone.

Maybe you should stay at a DVC home studio on cash ressies one time and see if it is worth it to you. If you are on a long stay and worried about the cost, maybe stay at the DVC home just a couple of days to get a flavor of it.

It's the only way I know to really understand if the "extras" are worth it for you. Good luck in your decision.