DVC before and after DCL(cash)

[RooRach0906]

Has anyone done this? Can you explain to me how this works? Do you book the cruise through the cruise line and then do your rooms and call the cruise line. Please help we are planning to do this next may 2015 but want to book the cruise when it comes out cuz I heard its cheaper.

 

[erionm]

You can't call DVC to book DCL for all cash, you would book either directly with DCL or a TA.

If you want to use DCL Transfers to/from Port, you would call either DCL or your TA depending on which booked the cruise for you.

If you want to use DME between MCO and your DVC Resort, that would be added by MS.

 

[RooRach0906]

Is it better to use a TA or the DCL #?
If a TA what company? We have never used TA ever.

 

[com_op_2000]

OP, question:
Will you have your own car?
If yes:
Parking at the port is $15 per day ($60 for 3 day cruise, $75 for 4 day, etc).
You can find cheaper offsite parking in the port area with shuttle to/from the port included. Also, there are hotels in the port area that offer breakfast, free parking, and shuttle to/from the port if you stay the night before in the hotel.
Tolls to/from the port about $5 each way.
If no:
DME from OIA to resort free, Disney transport from resort to port is $35 per person, and Disney transport from port to resort is $35 per person. Depending on the number of people in your party, it maybe cheaper to rent a car or get another service for pickup and drop at the resort/port.

 

[com_op_2000]

If a TA what company? We have never used TA ever.

I can recommend vacationstogo.com.

 

[RooRach0906]

Double post

 

[RooRach0906]

Triple post sorry phone is messing up.

 

[RooRach0906]

OP, question:
Will you have your own car?
If yes:
Parking at the port is $15 per day ($60 for 3 day cruise, $75 for 4 day, etc).
You can find cheaper offsite parking in the port area with shuttle to/from the port included. Also, there are hotels in the port area that offer breakfast, free parking, and shuttle to/from the port if you stay the night before in the hotel.
Tolls to/from the port about $5 each way.
If no:
DME from OIA to resort free, Disney transport from resort to port is $35 per person, and Disney transport from port to resort is $35 per person. Depending on the number of people in your party, it maybe cheaper to rent a car or get another service for pickup and drop at the resort/port.

OP here - sorry I was not clear. We plan on flying.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Go on the DCL board here to learn more about DCL pricing. The prices have historically been the best when they first come out, but a lot of people have noted that the 2015 prices are way more than expectations.

We have used Dreams Unlimited, a sponsor here, because they give more on board credit than DCL does. Also, they will be looking out for lower rates or discounts for you. They got us the "kids sail free" special for our DGC before I even knew about it one time.

For the Member Cruise I've decided to use DCL's transfer to port rather than renting a car for the day. I am doing it for convenience.

Bobbi

 

[RooRach0906]

Go on the DCL board here to learn more about DCL pricing. The prices have historically been the best when they first come out, but a lot of people have noted that the 2015 prices are way more than expectations.

We have used Dreams Unlimited, a sponsor here, because they give more on board credit than DCL does. Also, they will be looking out for lower rates or discounts for you. They got us the "kids sail free" special for our DGC before I even knew about it one time.

For the Member Cruise I've decided to use DCL's transfer to port rather than renting a car for the day. I am doing it for convenience.

Bobbi

Thank you. It sounds like it may be better for us to use a TA at least for our first cruise so they can watch for discounts and such for us. Do you know if we do book using a TA if we will still get 0% for 6 months on disney visa? Or if we would if we booked through dcl?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thank you. It sounds like it may be better for us to use a TA at least for our first cruise so they can watch for discounts and such for us. Do you know if we do book using a TA if we will still get 0% for 6 months on disney visa? Or if we would if we booked through dcl?

I do not know those answers. I'll bet someone on the cruise line forum can tell you!

One thing about Dreams Unlimited is that it is primarily an on line organization. I did not like that but found that e-mails were answered in a timely manner.

 

[erionm]

Thank you. It sounds like it may be better for us to use a TA at least for our first cruise so they can watch for discounts and such for us. Do you know if we do book using a TA if we will still get 0% for 6 months on disney visa? Or if we would if we booked through dcl?

From DisneyRewards.com:

As an ongoing card perk, you get a promotional APR of 0% for 6 months anytime you use your card to book select Disney vacation packages, Disney cruises, Adventures by Disney® packages, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Oina, Hawaiʻi vacation packages through Walt Disney Travel Company, your travel agent or online at Disney sites. After your promotional APR expires, your standard purchase APR will apply. For new accounts, the standard purchase APR is 14.24% variable. For existing accounts, please see your Cardmember Agreement.

https://disneyrewards.com/vacation-perks/

 

[Lizard Valley]

I just want to second the recommendation for Dreams Unlimited. I have been dealing with Tammy, and she has been fabulous right from the beginning.

Prices for Disney cruises will be the same everywhere - whether it's direct or through a TA. Dreams unlimited gives a great OBC that the others don't, and I think they're the only ones who also send a goody basket to your stateroom. And you get personalized service.

Just to add, I booked my March 2015 cruise in Dec 2013. As of today, it has gone up by almost 3000$, and we're still over a year out. I have also been tracking prices for the same cruise in 2014, and the prices have not gone down, only up (almost double). The best you might find is a guaranteed category (GVT as an example) about 40 days out for the price it was when released 1.5 yrs ago.

It's better to book ahead and cancel than to wait...

As for DVC, you just book as you normally would. There is no relationship between the two (if I understood your question correctly).

 

[thepops]

I too would recommend Dreams Unlimited. We've used Marla as our TA there and she is very good.

Since there is just the 3 of you (I'm guessing from your signature) then it is prob a wash cost wise between the Disney transfers and using a town-car service.

I also agree to go and read LOTS on the cruise forum. Lots of good ideas there. Also Disney is the only one that lets you bring your own beverages onboard (but only in your carry on), either "adult" or not.

Also if you have a suitcase or two that you need for the resorts (or an owners locker) you can leave it with Bell services while you are on the ship and they will it and/or transfer it to your second resort if you are changing places between your before and after stays.