Is 4/3 offer right for me? DVC twist . . .

[anonymousegirl]

I was looking to go down to WDW solo March 8-15. Disney website quoted me Pop for $799 on this offer, which includes park tickets (non park hopper I assume). Since I am an AP holder I keep these tickets unused and apply the cost to next years' AP and of course I would get the $200 gift card. So the costs are $799 plus $317.00 airfare=$1116-$200=$916 for a week at WDW, not including the $226 savings on next year's AP.

Looks good, right? The monkey wrench in the works is I am buying DVC this December or January and will have 160 points that must be used by Oct 3 at SSR or DLR. On top of that, depending on when I get my regular points, I could have 320 points by Dec.1st.

I was thinking of using some of those DP for a 4 night solo trip in March (the exact dates as above) and then using the rest in September at SSR. If I do the special offer I will get more days at WDW (in a markedly smaller, inferior room, of course) and then I could splurge a bit for the Sept trip and get a 1bdrm villa.

My DH thinks I am crazy and he won't want me to spend money when I could get my accomodations for "free".

Opinions anyone?

 

[delmar411]

I looked at the offer because it was tempting but I also could not get past that I'd be paying for a room when I could use DVC for free. And the fact that we'd need 2 rooms too.

 

[spiceycat]

believe me this considering it.

you pay for 4 get 7 days - and that includes the tickets.

would put the tickets aside - might need them some day - of course using a pass ticket this time...

just don't know.

would not use the 7 day tickets for the ap - because you would only get credit for the actually money you spend. not the entire value of the tickets.

have 50 points - my problem my birthday is on Friday in March.

so was getting the package to stay there then.

 

[delmar411]

you can also bank your points so you won't have to use them by Sept. You'll just have one set since they go by use year not actual calendar year (buying in Dec 08 won't get you '07's points, just '08's points the Oct use year runs Oct 1 08-Sept 30 '09).

 

[helenk]

you can also bank your points so you won't have to use them by Sept. You'll just have one set since they go by use year not actual calendar year (buying in Dec 08 won't get you '07's points, just '08's points the Oct use year runs Oct 1 08-Sept 30 '09).

I think the OP is talking about the developer points which must be used within a year of your contract date. I have to use mine by August 29th or somewhere along that date.

 

[anonymousegirl]

HelenK is corect, I was referring to the Developer points of 160 that I need to use sometime this year at SSR or DLR. I guess I could try to sell those points and use my regular points for the September trip.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I would use the DPoints right away. They need to be used by 10/3 or you will lose them. I would not wait until the last minute to use them since you cant bank them. A bird in the hand and all that.......

You will get the DVC Discount on your AP next year which is $125. You could upgrade your tickets from the pkg, but I would subtract the $125 from the $226 to calculate your real savings=$101.

So, leaving the airfare out (which you will have either way) 799-200=599-101=499 for 7 nights at POP in March or $71 per night.

A DVC studio room would cost you 97-134 points depending on where you stay for the week. Your points cost you about $6 per point (low dues at BLT amortized over 50 years). So if you average those points, 116 pts and multiply by $6=$693 dollars or $99 a night for a DVC studio.

So pay $500 to stay at POP for 7 nights
or the DVC equivalent of $700 for 7 nights in a studio

For $200 more I would take the DVC studio especially solo, I'd rather have a balcony and the amenities of a deluxe. Also, your package does not include Dining, so a micro and fridge of a studio could help cut food costs.

Now all this is subject to availability:rotfl

ETA: Your DPoints will have to be used at SSR so your week would be 123 points X$6=$738

 

[anonymousegirl]

Thanks Liferbabe for reminding me I will get a DVC discount on my AP (unless of course they discontinue that particular perk).

I hadn't considered staying the whole week at SSR since the weekends are so expensive, but I would enjoy having the fridge/micro/internet included with the studio (fridge and internet would add another $20 a day or more to the Pop price)

If he knew where you lived, my DH would kiss you for talking me into spending less money

 

[LIFERBABE]

Thanks Liferbabe for reminding me I will get a DVC discount on my AP (unless of course they discontinue that particular perk).

You are Welcome!! Glad to help That was a fun exercise and shows what a great value we receive as DVC members. We can go head to head with a 4+3 offer and still make out! Even if my numbers were off by a couple hundred, you really can't compare a value to a DVC studio.

If he knew where you lived, my DH would kiss you for talking me into spending less money

Sent you a PM!

 

[anonymousegirl]

So I just booked the March airfare since that was the cheapest price I've seen for March, April, May, July and September 2009.

Now my final worry is whether BLT will open on time.

I am planning on going September 27-Oct 4 with a girlfriend and I want to use 80 of my regular points for a studio at OKW for a week. If I use my DP for March (160-123=37) and BLT does not open as scheduled Sept. 1st then I am screwed.

Should I just go ahead and do this 4/3 offer for the peace of mind of having points for Sept no matter what, or do I risk having expensive airfare to WDW and no place to stay in September?

 

[permavac]

Should I just go ahead and do this 4/3 offer for the peace of mind of having points for Sept no matter what, or do I risk having expensive airfare to WDW and no place to stay in September?

I wouldn't worry too much about "no place to stay" for September if you end up using your points sooner. While there is no guarantee, September is typically a slower time of year with the free Disney dining packages (4 years in a row now) available so you could probably get as good as a deal as the 4/3 during that timeframe. Just something to think about...

 

[LIFERBABE]

I wouldn't worry too much about "no place to stay" for September if you end up using your points sooner. While there is no guarantee, September is typically a slower time of year with the free Disney dining packages (4 years in a row now) available so you could probably get as good as a deal as the 4/3 during that timeframe. Just something to think about...

I agree! September is primetime for free dining pkg and you would do better with Free Dining since you are an AP holder if you needed to book thru CRO.

I am confused as to why you would not have a place to stay if BLT does not open on time. You will be able to book early next year for stays after the opening date. If you plan on booking at OKW, your reservation will not be affected. If you booked at BLT and they did not open on time, they would relocate you. You start paying dues Sept 1 2009 so your points will work regardless of the construction schedule. Is that what you mean?

 

[anonymousegirl]

I am confused as to why you would not have a place to stay if BLT does not open on time. You will be able to book early next year for stays after the opening date. If you plan on booking at OKW, your reservation will not be affected. If you booked at BLT and they did not open on time, they would relocate you. You start paying dues Sept 1 2009 so your points will work regardless of the construction schedule. Is that what you mean?

Yes, that is exactly what I mean. I thought that if the DVC property wasn't open then I could not use my points.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I am confused as to why you would not have a place to stay if BLT does not open on time. You will be able to book early next year for stays after the opening date. If you plan on booking at OKW, your reservation will not be affected. If you booked at BLT and they did not open on time, they would relocate you. You start paying dues Sept 1 2009 so your points will work regardless of the construction schedule. Is that what you mean?

Yes, that is exactly what I mean. I thought that if the DVC property wasn't open then I could not use my points.

In this situation, you would be able to use your points. You have a contract and by then your deed will be issued. DVC wants their Sep, Oct, Nov and Dec Dues, so they will make it happen

All the units may not open on Sep 1, 2009 but if your contract says Sep 1 you dont have anything to worry about. You will be able to book and stay after Sept 1. Your points won't turn into a pumpkin

With AKV, we had the opposite situation where units opened early. The first to purchase had later contract dates and could not stay until their contract date. Those that purchased later, were given the earlier opening date on their contract. They could stay in July while everyone else had to wait til September. So it's all governed by your contract. I stayed in July for 1 night just to check it out and because I could

So if your contract says Sept 1 then your points will be good on Sept 1.

 

[anonymousegirl]

That makes me feel much better. Now I can book a week at SSR in March and not worry about the September trip