Just a friendly warning and reminder - cruising on points

[Jhalkias]

Last week, I cancelled my DCL reservation for a 3 day cruise, cancelled my DVC reservations, and booked a cruise on points and cash for 7 days (to take advantage of the $99 sail and sail again offer when sailing in January). I was given all the DVC warnings about cancellation - no complaint about that.

THEN DCL drastically dropped the price of my cruise! But NOT for me. I was paying $2500 PLUS 198 points. I could book the same stateroom equivalent for $2500 an NO points if all in cash. I tried in vain with both DVC and DCL to get some kind of discount - to no avail. I will NEVER do such a booking again on points in any fashion.

I cancelled to save my points, but even though within the past 60 day limit, they are now RESERVATION points, and cannot be used at a DVC resort. They also must now be used by the end of my use year or they are GONE. All of this is SOP, but, still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. All this happened in the span of 10 days.

I should have NEVER assumed that deals extended to Travel Agents would also be extended to DVC. I will be wiser next time. This does nothing but reinforce my belief that using your points at DVC resorts is the best value and you need to fully check out other options before booking outside of DVC property - even if it is Disney.

Since we are somewhat new, we are still learning the ropes. Just disappointed that we cannot stay in a one-bedroom before and after our cruise - we will be staying at the GF instead.

 

[PamOKW]

I'm sorry to hear about this. You are right that we need to price things out before using points....especially with the deep discounts the travel industry is being forced to offer.

 

[Dean]

This point has been made several times lately in the "is using points for other things worth it" arena. Whether it's WDW hotel rooms, CC, DCL, or whatever; DVC gets a set price and that's what it is. Occasionally they will offer a special to DVC members like the fall cruise special and the Keystone ski lift, I think it was 2 for 1. This is why I've recommended a number of times to those interested in buying DVC but also interested in the exchange options, buy less points and save the other money to pay cash. The best I've seen is that in certain situations, using DVC points for other options is break even and that's rarely the case. I'm paying $169 a night for a savannah view at AKL Thanksgiving as an example.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by Jhalkias
Since we are somewhat new, we are still learning the ropes. Just disappointed that we cannot stay in a one-bedroom before and after our cruise - we will be staying at the GF instead.

Experience can sure be a painful teacher!

But I did have to chuckle at your last line.....disappointment in staying at the GF! You certainly underscore our love of DVC homes with that statement!

 

[Caskbill]

Don't forget to look at the brighter side of it also.

You now have 198 points you originally didn't expect to have. Even though they've been reclassified as "reservation" points, you've still got them and there are places they can be used.

So get creative and find a place to use those points, and enjoy that 'Extra' vacation somewhere that you originally never expected to have.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

I don't think anyone expected the huge travelling discounts that are suddenly occuring after our entering a war post sept. 11th. Perhaps a glitch in the system didn't let you take the most advantage of newly available discounts, but you did get the extra 198 points for the year that certainly can be used somewhere, that you previously didn't have. How about a Broadway Play excursion and stay in one of the two New York hotels? That might be rewarding on many levels. I was there visiting my friend Sept. 8th through 10th, and saw a great Broadway play, Rent. We went to a comedy club, went to Central Park, street fairs, shopping, visited the NBC studios, all kinds of fun things. Might be worth considering with your newfound 198 point gift........

 

[Jhalkias]

Everyone is making good points, yes, I do appreciate the fact that I do have 198 points (126 of which will be used at the GF for a Friday and Saturday night stay). Never thought of how funny it really is that I am disappointed at staying at the GF! We were REALLY looking forward to a stay in our "home" instead of at a hotel- it is just not the same!

Sigh . . .

I do however like the suggestion of a couple of days in NYC - great idea that I will have to look into further - we had a great time the last time in NYC, and now more than ever may be a good time to go and support the town AND have fun too!