DVC Points versus Cash for Cruise

[brasey]

We just bought into the DVC and are planning 1 trip this August and then we are going on the cruise in 2008. We will be going with 4 other families and they are going to get the land/sea package. I was wondering if it works out better to sell the points and pay for the land/sea package.

 

[tic-toc-croc]

We just bought into the DVC and are planning 1 trip this August and then we are going on the cruise in 2008. We will be going with 4 other families and they are going to get the land/sea package. I was wondering if it works out better to sell the points and pay for the land/sea package.

You can only use DVC points to book the cruise only, not land/sea package. Members can book no sooner than 11 months from sail date. We did a few DCL using points. One time, DVC soldout the stateroom category we wanted. Another time, we booked at 11 months out, and the room choices were not good. We took what was available, but still enjoy the trip.
I think if you rent your points out and use cash to book as soon as Disney releases the 2008 rates, you'll have better choice of room and get a good price.
BTW, I'm a newbie to the DISboards. We're looking for info about WDW on New Years's eve. Thinking about a trip there this year. Since we used our points for cruises, we don't get to WDW much, we have alot to catch up on.

 

[debloco]

First off~
to the DISboards! and

Welcome Home! to you both!
DVC is wonderful!

That said, it is better to pay cash for the cruise than use your points. Whatever deal DVC cuts with DCL just isn't that great.

If you add up the number of points you need to cruise (in whatever category you want) and then use the average going rental rate for points ($10 per point) you can come up with a dollar figure. Then take that amount and compare it to the rate you can get from Dreams Unlimited, or another travel agency or even possibly booking yourself with DCL.

Just to give you an example, my DH and I did a 4 day Wonder cruise in Oct '05. To cruise on points in a Cat 6 (Dlx w/Verandah) would have been 366 points for the two of us. Convert to cash= $3,660.

We booked through Dreams Unlimited and paid $1796. So we saved over $1,850.

Rent out the points to cover the cash cost, or even rent out a few more to cover the bill that comes at the end of the cruise!

And what tic-toc-croc said is correct as well. Cruise only-no land/sea.

 

[keishashadow]

Agree w/above posts.

Our Dec. cruise would have cost us 173 points. Cash purchase, we paid about $400 less w/early booking discount. Of course lots more w/excurs & bar bill .

Usually, it's cheaper to pay for land & sea pkgs. separately. However, when pricing out Feb '06 last year, category 7 & the Poly, the pkg was significantly less (assumes need to buy MYW tix - not w/an AP).

You can make your own "pkg" and stay in a cat 7 and DVC or the GF - lots more flex. IMO.

The Cruise/DVC threads are a great source of info -

Enjoy the magic.

 

[canwegosoon]

I think it is better to do since you can get a discount(early booking or other promo)- and rent your points(since you are new you might want to consider transfering your points to a member...I think it is a little safer transaction)

 

[tic-toc-croc]

Thanks for the warm Welcome!
I first heard about this board last month on DCL from a nice lady. Wish I found you guys sooner. Now, I just have to learn how to rent out points. If you see me asking dumb questions, hang in there with me.
I'll work up some nerves and try the DVC threads.

 

[byoung]

Have a great cruse.

 

[brasey]

Thank you for all your great advice. It is so nice how helpful everybody is.
Have a magical day.