Dec 5, 2009 -- now traveling to Tortola

[Tower]

I feel so unprepared and trying to learn as much as I can about DCL right now. I really don't know much else.

Any help your willing to share would be greatly appreciated.

WE ARE REALLY EXCITED!!!!!!

Welcome ANT2304!

Like yourself, we're DCL rookies. Christine and I (Barry) are both 44 with our DS-8, DD-6, DS-2.75 so we're pretty close in ages with our kids. (Golly you started early!)

Anyway, take your time to 'cruise' through all the posts here and get a feel for the board and the folks already here. They are a good bunch here with several veterans who have provided some good information on the cruises themselves and the activities. There is even a kids thread for this cruise (you can find the links several times in this thread).

As for excursions, everyone is different. Some are renting cars on the islands and touring, some are staying on board, others are just taking taxis or the Disney recommended transport to the beaches. Take your time. You still have a couple of months before you reach that 75-day window to actually book something.

Looking forward to learning more about you, where you're from etc.

One recommendation, don't post cabin numbers, hotel room numbers or other private information on the board. If you meet someone here that you really click with for your family, and you trust each other, then you can share that information including phone numbers via private messaging. (I've met one cruiser on this board who lives on the coast of Canada, but went to the same school as my wife! They don't know each other, but it will be interesting when we meet on board to see if they actually recognize each other.)

 

[Inkmahm]

Happy Birthday Tower!

As far as onboard credit, we won't have any unless we leave it ourselves. We booked on DVC points and we don't get an incentive of OBC. BooHoo

We didn't use points, we paid cash (out of curiosity, can I ask how many points this cruise was?).

We booked on our last cruise in Dec 2007 and got $200 OBC. Then I transferred our reservation to Dreams Unlimited and doubled our credit to $400. Chances are we'll use the $400 for massages.

 

[carmie3377]

We didn't use points, we paid cash (out of curiosity, can I ask how many points this cruise was?).

We used 397 (DH, DS, myself) for a cat 9 plus $565 cash (DD). It was suggested that we rent or transfer our points out then pay cash for the cruise, but I didn't feel comfortable doing that. I don't want to be held liable for someone's room charges or room damages (I've read where that's happened). Plus, the rent/transfer board is saturated with available points right now. When I figure what my points currently cost me (price paid + current annual dues) we're actually coming out slightly under the cost of the cruise. I'm happy with that and not having to worry about what someone would do on my points.

 

[Disney Boys]

I was able to get $150.00 OBC from Triple A. That should cover maybe 1 "foo-foo" drink for my wife per day and a couple of Coronas for me.

 

[Inkmahm]

We used 397 (DH, DS, myself) for a cat 9 plus $565 cash (DD). It was suggested that we rent or transfer our points out then pay cash for the cruise, but I didn't feel comfortable doing that. I don't want to be held liable for someone's room charges or room damages (I've read where that's happened). Plus, the rent/transfer board is saturated with available points right now. When I figure what my points currently cost me (price paid + current annual dues) we're actually coming out slightly under the cost of the cruise. I'm happy with that and not having to worry about what someone would do on my points.

Wow, that's a lot of points.

Just for future reference, if you transfer your points to a fellow member you don't have to worry what they will do with them. You have no further liability for them at all, no connection for their room charges or room damages. The belong to them after transfer, not you. That's why I will only do transfers, not ever rent to anyone.

Cash price for DH and me was $2957 for a category 5, less the $400 OBC that we received, so only $2557. I'd equate that to 258 points using an estimate of $10 per point for a transfer (although last time I got $11 per point for my VWL transfer that someone could use at 11 months to book at Christmas.)

 

[Tower]

I'd equate that to 258 points using an estimate of $10 per point for a transfer

Wow, points. Hmmm.

How do you accumulate points? Is this through a Disney Visa Card? (They don't have that card available in Canada )

 

[Inkmahm]

Wow, points. Hmmm.

How do you accumulate points? Is this through a Disney Visa Card? (They don't have that card available in Canada )

No, you buy them from the DVC- Disney Vacation Club. That's Disney's timeshare. I own points at 3 of the DVC resorts (the only reason to own at more than one resort is for the booking advantage. I can book a reservation at 11 months at any of the three instead of at 7 months when any DVC member can book there.) I"m not sure they can sell DVC in Canada, either.

 

[carmie3377]

Wow, that's a lot of points.

Just for future reference, if you transfer your points to a fellow member you don't have to worry what they will do with them. You have no further liability for them at all, no connection for their room charges or room damages. The belong to them after transfer, not you. That's why I will only do transfers, not ever rent to anyone.

Cash price for DH and me was $2957 for a category 5, less the $400 OBC that we received, so only $2557. I'd equate that to 258 points using an estimate of $10 per point for a transfer (although last time I got $11 per point for my VWL transfer that someone could use at 11 months to book at Christmas.)

Thanks, but I did consider transferring but decided against it. Our cruise for 4 of us in a cat 9 is $3501. Since I used $660 ($565 + $95 use fee)in cash, that leaves $2841 I would need to get out of points to break even. Lets say 290 points at $10/pt. Maybe more, maybe less. Some points are going at $8 point! Anyway, we know only 1 transfer per year so all 290 of those points would have to go to one owner. Sure, it can be done, but upon checking the rent/trade board, there was not a lot of demand (if any) for that many points at once plus there are TONS of available points. Also, suppose I could find someone that wanted that many points. I don't trust anyone I don't know with that much money via paypal, check, cashier check. I worked at a bank and have seen so much fraud involving those types of transaction. The only way I would accept that much money from someone I don't know is via cash or USPS money order (by taking straight to the post office before transferring goods,ect ) or with cashier's check that I can take to issuing bank (again, before any type of goods are transferred). Perhaps I'm a bit paranoid, but again, with the fraud that I've seen, I see no other way to be regarding those types of transaction.

I still feel that I got a good deal on the cruise. With the price/pt that I paid and my annual fee/pt, I calculate that I got a good deal. The price I'm paying for those points (paid at closing + current annual dues) is $6.54/pt. So, for the 397 points, my cost is $2596.38. Add in the $660 I paid in cash and I'm at $3256.38. That's $268.44 less than I would have paid book through DCL. We bought into DVC for us to enjoy Disney Vacation, not to make money.

I do appreciate your suggestion. But for me, cruising on my points is the best option.

 

[Inkmahm]

Thanks, but I did consider transferring but decided against it. Our cruise for 4 of us in a cat 9 is $3501. Since I used $660 ($565 + $95 use fee)in cash, that leaves $2841 I would need to get out of points to break even. Lets say 290 points at $10/pt. Maybe more, maybe less. Some points are going at $8 point! Anyway, we know only 1 transfer per year so all 290 of those points would have to go to one owner. Sure, it can be done, but upon checking the rent/trade board, there was not a lot of demand (if any) for that many points at once plus there are TONS of available points. Also, suppose I could find someone that wanted that many points. I don't trust anyone I don't know with that much money via paypal, check, cashier check. I worked at a bank and have seen so much fraud involving those types of transaction. The only way I would accept that much money from someone I don't know is via cash or USPS money order (by taking straight to the post office before transferring goods,ect ) or with cashier's check that I can take to issuing bank (again, before any type of goods are transferred). Perhaps I'm a bit paranoid, but again, with the fraud that I've seen, I see no other way to be regarding those types of transaction.

I still feel that I got a good deal on the cruise. With the price/pt that I paid and my annual fee/pt, I calculate that I got a good deal. The price I'm paying for those points (paid at closing + current annual dues) is $6.54/pt. So, for the 397 points, my cost is $2596.38. Add in the $660 I paid in cash and I'm at $3256.38. That's $268.44 less than I would have paid book through DCL. We bought into DVC for us to enjoy Disney Vacation, not to make money.

I do appreciate your suggestion. But for me, cruising on my points is the best option.

Sorry, it's the accountant in me. (I'm a CPA). I just can't make myself spend more than I have to. It isn't what you paid, it's the opportunity cost that I use to calculate a "good deal" or not. For me, that's the $10 or $11 per point. It may work for you, but I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I thought I'd spent so many more points than necessary on my vacation. Cruising on points will never be the best option for me, but I"m glad you're happy with it.

 

[carmie3377]

Sorry, it's the accountant in me. (I'm a CPA). I just can't make myself spend more than I have to. It isn't what you paid, it's the opportunity cost that I use to calculate a "good deal" or not. For me, that's the $10 or $11 per point. It may work for you, but I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I thought I'd spent so many more points than necessary on my vacation. Cruising on points will never be the best option for me, but I"m glad you're happy with it.

That is why DVC is great! It allows flexibility to suit different people.

And I guess that's the ex banker in me. Seeing fraud day in and day out from people you'd never expect it makes me see things differently. Heck, we even had a couple of branch managers committing fraud for a couple of years before anyone knew it. See, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I was wondering if I would be taken for close to $3,000. But hey, different strokes for different folks. It's great having a choice

I'm all about saving money. I love coupons and sales. We take advantage of Buy one/get one at restaurants all the time. But in the situation above, I also have to calculate the risk involved and to me it's not worth it.

I know most people disagree with me and feel the same way you do. But I'm okay with that .

 

[carmie3377]

Hey everyone! Not that anyone cares, but I'm about to head out for the Aerosmith concert tonight! I am so excited, been waiting to see them half my life! I became a fan when I was 16 and now 16 years later, hubby and I are finally going! WOO HOO

 

[Tower]

Hey everyone! Not that anyone cares, but I'm about to head out for the Aerosmith concert tonight! I am so excited, been waiting to see them half my life! I became a fan when I was 16 and now 16 years later, hubby and I are finally going! WOO HOO

Who are they? Any relationship to Garth Brooks?
Geez, they're so old, will they go on stage with their canes and play air guitar?

 

[carmie3377]

Who are they? Any relationship to Garth Brooks?
Geez, they're so old, will they go on stage with their canes and play air guitar?

Hey, from what I hear, they still put on a pretty darn good show! I don't know too many in their late 50s-early 60s can still do the things they do. Plus, their music is awesome!

Now, I will say that they are a bit banged up. The drummer just came back from an injury. Steven Tyler had a leg injury a couple of weeks ago. So, even though they are still Rockin' today, I don't know how long they'll be able to hold up. I'm just glad I can catch them before they are done.

And BTW, wouldn't waste a penny on Garth Brooks. Sorry, hope that doesn't offend anyone, I just don't care for the guy. Now, some other country music, I can get into, but Garth Brooks isn't one of them.

 

[Tower]

Now, I will say that they are a bit banged up. The drummer just came back from an injury. Steven Tyler had a leg injury a couple of weeks ago. So, even though they are still Rockin' today, I don't know how long they'll be able to hold up.

And BTW, wouldn't waste a penny on Garth Brooks.

Ohhhhh, ok, no canes, just their wheelchairs.

Garth Brooks was good before he 'retired', but i know there are some Kenny Chesney fans on this board. Too bad he won't be on the cruise for a nice Cruzan Rum tour concert, since we are going to St. Croix.

 

[ANT2304]

Welcome ANT2304!

Like yourself, we're DCL rookies. Christine and I (Barry) are both 44 with our DS-8, DD-6, DS-2.75 so we're pretty close in ages with our kids. (Golly you started early!)

Anyway, take your time to 'cruise' through all the posts here and get a feel for the board and the folks already here. They are a good bunch here with several veterans who have provided some good information on the cruises themselves and the activities. There is even a kids thread for this cruise (you can find the links several times in this thread).

As for excursions, everyone is different. Some are renting cars on the islands and touring, some are staying on board, others are just taking taxis or the Disney recommended transport to the beaches. Take your time. You still have a couple of months before you reach that 75-day window to actually book something.

Looking forward to learning more about you, where you're from etc.

One recommendation, don't post cabin numbers, hotel room numbers or other private information on the board. If you meet someone here that you really click with for your family, and you trust each other, then you can share that information including phone numbers via private messaging. (I've met one cruiser on this board who lives on the coast of Canada, but went to the same school as my wife! They don't know each other, but it will be interesting when we meet on board to see if they actually recognize each other.)

Our family is from Minnesota, but we are currently in Canada until the middle of September due to DH work commitments. Yes, you can say started having our kids early, can't say it was planned but we are truly blessed, we have pretty amazing kids (I might be a little biased I am their mother) .

Thank you, for the recommendation I will definately keep that in mind.

One question, I hear a lot of people talk about booking with Dreams Unlimited and onboard credits. We booked directly through Disney and our 75% paid off so we don't plan on changing but for further reference is this a better choice. We would of loved an onboard credit, but never heard anything like such when booking with disney.

 

[Inkmahm]

One question, I hear a lot of people talk about booking with Dreams Unlimited and onboard credits. We booked directly through Disney and our 75% paid off so we don't plan on changing but for further reference is this a better choice. We would of loved an onboard credit, but never heard anything like such when booking with disney.

We booked this cruise for 2009 when we were on another DCL cruise in December, 2007 (skipped 2008 as we went to Alaska instead.) We got the $200 direct from Disney. Then the extra $200 when we transferred to Dreams Unlimited once I got home. I believe you can't do that anymore and still get the extra OBC, you have to list Dreams Unlimited as your TA when you book the next cruise onboard. At least, that's what I'm planning to do in December.

 

[mrstbalt]

Disney Boys, hello and welcome aboard! Where in the Chicago area are you from? We live in the NW suburbs, not too far from the WI line.

 

[mrstbalt]

My mom (61) will be coming along with us. It will be her first cruise and thought it would be nice for her to meet up with some others traveling as a single. I know they have lunches and singles meets on board. I thought I read there are a few bringing their single parents.

 

[carmie3377]

Ohhhhh, ok, no canes, just their wheelchairs.

They put on an awesome show! I would go back in a heartbeat

Garth Brooks was good before he 'retired', but i know there are some Kenny Chesney fans on this board. Too bad he won't be on the cruise for a nice Cruzan Rum tour concert, since we are going to St. Croix.

I like Kenny Chesney too. I haven't kept up with country music in quite awhile, but I am familiar with some of his "older stuff". I wouldn't mind seeing him.

 

[Tower]

Thank you, for the recommendation I will definately keep that in mind.

One question, I hear a lot of people talk about booking with Dreams Unlimited and onboard credits. We booked directly through Disney and our 75% paid off so we don't plan on changing but for further reference is this a better choice. We would of loved an onboard credit, but never heard anything like such when booking with disney.

Hey! Welcome to Canada!

Dreams Unlimited is the main sponsor of this board. Apparently if you book through them, you get on board credits as advertized in banner ads at the top of this page.
We received on board credits by booking through the Disney website, not by phone.

Where abouts in Canada are you currently living? We're on the west side of Toronto in a city called Mississauga. (Actually, the Toronto airport is in Mississauga). If you're close by, maybe we'll grab a beer ahead of time.

Have a great weekend!