Newbie with question re: using points for tix/dining

[kschick]

I believe I saw elsewhere on this site that non-members can only rent points from DVC owners for stays at the DVC qualified resorts/villas and NOT for park tickets or dining (ie: Magic your way plus dining). Is this correct? Thanks!

 

[5forDiz]

DVC points may only be used for accommodations either for members themself and their guests or for accommodations arranged by a member who makes a reservation for a non-member. DVC points cannot be used to cover dining plans or park tickets. A member can note dining plan on a reservation that they make for a non-member however that must be paid for by that non-member either by cash or cc upon their check-in.c

 

[vicki_c]

Correct - points are related to the room stay only. This is true for members/renters/all - we can't use our points for anything but the lodging.

The dining plan can be purchased for cash - the member has to add it to your rental and then you pay for it on arrival. Tickets you have to purchase yourself, either through Disney or a reseller.

 

[kschick]

Thanks to you both for the clarification.

 

[Caskbill]

Points can be used for things other than DVC-resort stays. For example they can be used for some regular WDW hotels such as the GF, Poly, etc.

They can also be used for the Cruise Line, or to stay at a Disneyland Hotel.

In addition to the points there is a $95 fee due to Disney. Note however that many of the point requirements are fairly high for non DVC resorts so renting points for some of these accommodations could easily cost more than going directly through CRO.

 

[kschick]

Great - thanks for this info. Is there a DIS site/board which lists all of the 'regular' DW hotels for which one can use the points? But I agree, if it's more points - one is better off to stay at a DVC property. We're big fans of BCV - we've stayed at the Beach Club Resort before but this is our first dive into the DVC angle. For now, I simply want to educate myself via the boards. Thanks again!

 

[chalee94]

Great - thanks for this info. Is there a DIS site/board which lists all of the 'regular' DW hotels for which one can use the points?

it's pretty much all the mods/deluxes that don't have a DVC attached.

it's a nice option for owners with a lot of DVC pts, and the point charts are on the members site.

but nonmembers don't realize that you are paying about double in point costs than you'd pay for a DVC studio for a moderate like port orleans plus a $95 fee...and you would usually lose any option to cancel... (and that's for a smaller room than a DVC studio.)

it's just not a good deal.

 

[chalee94]

found a link to the 2007 point costs for wdw hotels if you're curious.

i think they've gone up for hotel trades since then, though.

edited to add link to 2009 trading costs.

 

[kschick]

Thanks, Charles! Much appreciated. I think it makes the most sense to use the points for a DVC resort - most bang for your point-buck. A follow up question for you (sorry, I'm still working my way through rookie status!) - How does one book the Disney Dining since you can't purchase this without proof of staying at a Disney resort. Do I wait until the DVC member makes the reservation and I have a confirmation number and then contact disney reservations? We did the Disney Dining three years ago and it was worth eveyr penny - we thought. Thanks again!

Kurt

 

[erionm]

Thanks, Charles! Much appreciated. I think it makes the most sense to use the points for a DVC resort - most bang for your point-buck. A follow up question for you (sorry, I'm still working my way through rookie status!) - How does one book the Disney Dining since you can't purchase this without proof of staying at a Disney resort. Do I wait until the DVC member makes the reservation and I have a confirmation number and then contact disney reservations? We did the Disney Dining three years ago and it was worth eveyr penny - we thought. Thanks again!

Kurt

The DVC member you are renting from would need to add the DDP to the reservation. This would have to be done at least 48 hours prior to your check in date. All persons on the reservation must be on the same plan for all nights. You pay for the DDP when you check in to the resort.

 

[chalee94]

We did the Disney Dining three years ago and it was worth eveyr penny - we thought. Thanks again!

i'm sure you are aware of the changes in the DDP in the last 3 years, but if not, be sure to check out the dining boards to be clear what you are paying for.