Dvc & Dcl

[ClarabelleCow]

Okay - I called today for my first attempt of possibly going on the DCL with points, looking for the end of August, just the 4 day. Why are they more expensive then anywhere else??? Thought I'd use points for the kids and pay for us, or points for one adult (would have to borrow for 2005 because I've already tapped into 2004), or just pay cash for it all and bank. I would have thought they would have been less money than anywhere else, sounds like I'd be better to book elsewhere and just bank my points? Anyone else encounter this, not necessarily the point issue, but the overall price issue?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think ANY trade to outside of DVC accommodations is costlier than staying within DVC. That is why many folks here advise not to use DVC points for any exchanges. DCL, while it is Disney, is still an exchange, because it is not a DVC property. All non-DVC properties negotiate their own costs with DVC. I am not surprised that the cruise costs a lot of points.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I understand the points, but why is the over all price higher??? This was through MS, I wonder if the Disney Cruise Line Direct, would be less, Expedia, was less, as was Cruises only?? I would of hoped you would get the best deal from disney.

 

[Keggy]

I am 100% with you! I think it was here that I posted this a little while ago, but we have cruised before with our DVC points. We were planning to take the Western Cruise in 2005 using partial points. The price for the second person in the stateroom was almost the price that our travel agent had quoted us for both of us to go. I don't understand why the prices are so outrageous either. Hopefully, someone will know why! So, we are back home at OKW for May instead!

Kelly

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I contacted DCL, DVC, AOL/TRAVELOCITY and ORBITZ

DCL
CAT 4 - $4,114.40
CAT 5 - $3,714.40
DVC
CAT 4 - $4,083.00
CAT 5 - $3,683.00
AOL/TRAVELOCITY
CAT 4 - $3,717.40
CAT 5 - $3,317.40
ORBITZ - could only give me a cat 5
CAT 5 - $3,301.73

this is for 2 adults and 2 children ages 4 and 11, sailing on the 4 day Wonder cruise 8/22/04

I really would have hoped Disney would have given the best prices, you would think they would be better than the wholesalers!!!

 

[ripleysmom]

If you are a Costco member you should also try theit Travel service. www.cruise411.com might also have some good pricing but you have to call for it.

 

[Dean]

We have discussed this so many times I thought you would have seen the info and negatives by now. Realize how DVC and DCL does this. DCL gives DVC a set price and it's usually a slightly discounted rack rate. DCL can't take the chance that they will gave a great price and that a lot of people will go during times they can sell for more. DCL then must take the points given up and secure a room which they rent through CRO to get the cash to pay DCL. I've always assumed CRO took a cut of those proceeds as well. Since the various dates vary widely in discounted price, DCL doesn't give DVC that much of a break. Expect the cash price through DVC to be far more than the early booking discount prices. For certain weeks and for later in the process, DVC may be cheaper but that is because one has missed the boat on the early booking discounts, not because DVC is a good deal.

You're best deal will be to book early, at least 12-15 months out when possible. If you want to "use" the points, renting them is the best. When you decide when and what cabin types you're interested in, you can then get prices and points and compare directly to make a final decision.

There are negatives for doing this through points other than the "cost" comparisons. With cash you don't pay until the last 2-3 months other than the deposit and can cancel without penalty until the final payment date. With points, you pay any cash amounts in full up front and if you cancel, there are substantial penalties no matter how early you cancel.