Challenge: can anyone answer these nitty-gritty questions?

[dis-happy]

First off, thanks y'all. When I started reading all the great information on these boards, I really didn't think that buying in would be for us. BUT.....well, you know how it goes, at least with DVC!
I still have a few questions that I haven't read the answer to (and believe me, I've been reading everything----everyone here is a wealth of information).

Maintenance fees: does Disney state what the break-down is for these? I'm wondering if they are putting enough money into reserves for major repairs now, so that down the line there isn't a huge increase or assessment when something (ie. new roof, furniture, pool) needs to be done.

Borrowing points: do I need to transfer points from the next year when making the reservation? Or just before the trip is actually taken? Bad scenario: make a ressie 11 months out, using 2 years of points. 2 months out have to cancel. Can't find a way to use the points before the end of my use year---did I just lose 2 years worth of points?

What is the rule about one transfer per year? If I buy points from someone to put in my account to use, can I only do this once per year? Or does the once per year rule only refer to your personal borrowing/banking?

Cruises: everyone says a cash cruise is better than points. Can I have a true life example? Nowhere can I find how many points a cruise will take, vs. the cost. I realize there are a lot of variables, but an example would help.

Looking forward to hearing all your wonderful expert opinions!!! TIA

 

[SSRex]

Originally posted by dis-happy
Borrowing points: do I need to transfer points from the next year when making the reservation? Or just before the trip is actually taken? Bad scenario: make a ressie 11 months out, using 2 years of points. 2 months out have to cancel. Can't find a way to use the points before the end of my use year---did I just lose 2 years worth of points?

Borrowing is done at the time of the reservation, not just before the trip is taken.

Based upon your bad scenario, yes you would lose 2 years worth of points.

That is why I feel that USE Year is more important than most say it is. I would not be taking a trip right before my use year ends.
If I had to cancel one of my trips scheduled right after my use year begins, I would be able to bank the current year points and have the rest of my use year to use the borrowed points from canceled reservation.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by dis-happy
First off, thanks y'all. When I started reading all the great information on these boards, I really didn't think that buying in would be for us. BUT.....well, you know how it goes, at least with DVC!
I still have a few questions that I haven't read the answer to (and believe me, I've been reading everything----everyone here is a wealth of information).

Maintenance fees: does Disney state what the break-down is for these? I'm wondering if they are putting enough money into reserves for major repairs now, so that down the line there isn't a huge increase or assessment when something (ie. new roof, furniture, pool) needs to be done.

Yes - in a general way. Near the end of each year we get a statement that lists the major categories that make up our dues along with the amount they will charge per point for the coming year's dues. There is definitely a category for reserves.

Borrowing points: do I need to transfer points from the next year when making the reservation? Or just before the trip is actually taken? Bad scenario: make a ressie 11 months out, using 2 years of points. 2 months out have to cancel. Can't find a way to use the points before the end of my use year---did I just lose 2 years worth of points?

SSRex answered this question and I agree with him.

What is the rule about one transfer per year? If I buy points from someone to put in my account to use, can I only do this once per year? Or does the once per year rule only refer to your personal borrowing/banking?

You may only transfer points in one direction per year. That means if you accept points via a transfer into your account, you may not then transfer points out of your account. You could still transfer points in, though. You may bank or borrow as often as needed (subject to banking deadlines and point balances).

Cruises: everyone says a cash cruise is better than points. Can I have a true life example? Nowhere can I find how many points a cruise will take, vs. the cost. I realize there are a lot of variables, but an example would help.

Looking forward to hearing all your wonderful expert opinions!!! TIA

Can't help with a specific example on cruises. Just keep in mind that those who say it's better to use cash than points, value their points at $10 (or more) each. They say that if you can rent points for $10 each and pay cash for the cruise, you will come out ahead. In almost every case that is true. Howeve, there is some risk and "hassle" involved in trenting that many people do not care to assume.

Best wishes -

 

[childsplay]

Cruises: everyone says a cash cruise is better than points. Can I have a true life example? Nowhere can I find how many points a cruise will take, vs. the cost. I realize there are a lot of variables, but an example would help.
[/B]

All though I have never cruised.....I did look into one next spring for my wife and her sister.....here are some numbers which might help......According to my handy-dandy members guide it takes 123 points for a 7 night eastern cruise in Sept. of 2004 (Cat. 11 stateroom)......now a quick check of the DreamsUnlimited travel site revealed I could book that same cruise for $800......if I take my 123 points and rent them for $10 each, I'm saving money by paying cash instead of using points. There is fluctuation in the numbers, but basically, this same senerio holds true for all times of the year.....if you can rent your points for $10 each it "costs" less points.

 

[SoCalKDG]

According to my handy-dandy members guide it takes 123 points for a 7 night eastern cruise in Sept. of 2004 (Cat. 11 stateroom)......now a quick check of the DreamsUnlimited travel site revealed I could book that same cruise for $800

Do the points include taxes and port charges? Does that cruise cost include taxes and port charges?

Thanks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you book with points the only additional money charge is the $75 to book the cruise. Unless you want to buy cruise insurance. The company that insures DVC point cruises only will reimburse $5 per point lost and that to me tells you the value of the points when you book a cruise using points.

Bobbi

 

[Laurabearz]

Originally posted by bobbiwoz
If you book with points the only additional money charge is the $75 to book the cruise. Unless you want to buy cruise insurance. The company that insures DVC point cruises only will reimburse $5 per point lost and that to me tells you the value of the points when you book a cruise using points.

Bobbi

Wanted to add..... The company that insures DVC points for DVC resort stays will also only reimburse you $5.00 per point.