DCL with point/cash combo

[rlmas]

I know much has been said about this on the boards, but I have not found much recently and did not see anything that makes this particular point.

Has anyone compared the cash prices through DVC to the cash prices through DCL?

Say you want to use points for one adult (I know not a great use of points, but say it made sense to do so.)

If you are booking early, the cash price for say another adult and two kids through DVC would be almost equal to the cash price of two adults and two kids from DCL.

The result is the points used for the first adult saved virtually nothing.

Am I looking at this correctly?

Any comments/suggestions?

 

[Dean]

It's been a while since we've had a good lively discussion on this topic. In every case I'm familiar with when comparing the early booking discount cash price to the cash price for other adults and children when booking, the DVC cash amount was a significant amount more per person. Frequently fairly close to being such that you are almost giving them your points. But even if it were the same, there are many other significant negatives to points vs cash that I'd only consider it for shorter notice choices. Do note that the cabins that are less likely to be discounted will likely measure up more favorable than the lower cabins.

 

[CarolAnnC]

When you combine points with cash through MS for a Disney Cruise, the price you will pay for the cash fare will be a contracted price that is arranged between DVC and DCL. This price is usually somewhere in between an early booking, deeply discounted price, and last minute rack rate.

I have done this in the past and been pleased with the fares charged. I cannot book my cruise over a year ahead and would never in that case be able to get the lowest possible booking tier price anyway.

For those who plan last minute to a few months ahead, the points and cash combo can be very attractive.

Good luck!

 

[MrsG]

We're doing points/ cash for the Med cruise for two reasons: 1) less cash outlay upfront and 2) we don't want to be bothered renting points and then paying cash. I'm sure it's ultimately costing us more this way, dollar for dollar, but you don't feel the cash crunch this way.

Good luck