Please help the new guy

[Ohiodisneyguy]

Can one stay at a regular resort(ie. Contemporary, Polynesian) using DVC points? If so, how can I find out how many points are needed and how to make reservations for nonDVC resorts? Thanks

 

[Chuck S]

I see it is your first post, Welcome to the DIS boards!!!


You can stay at many, but not all, Disney resorts on points. But it is not a good choice economically. Points for Disney resorts are very high. The best use of points is at DVC resorts.

 

[Ohiodisneyguy]

Thank you so much for the info. Looking forward to learning the ins and outs. Trying to decide if DVC is right for us.

 

[Sammie]

Welcome.

This site has a very helpful planning tool called a Points Calculator. You can put in your dates, choose your location including the nonDVC resorts and it will tell you how many points are needed. Here is the link:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/resort/dvcpoint.cfm

As to whether it is good choice to use your points to stay at nonDVC resorts such as the Polynesian that is certainly a personal choice as to what the value is worth to you.

Certainly you can get larger accommidations such as a 2 bedroom villa at a DVC resort for fewer points than a standard room at some resorts such as the Grand Floridian, but it might be worth those extra points to you. Just as it would be worth it to you, to use them to book a stay in New York City in a small hotel room.

As to making reservations. If you are a DVC member you book everything through Member Services. They can book your stays at any DVC resort including Vero Beach and Hilton Head and they can also book your stay at any Disney resort such as the Polynesian. There are times that the Disney resorts might not be available to book using points.

If you have any other questions please ask, this is a very knowledgeable group around here.

 

[JimC]

Let me add a welcome to our little community as well.

Ask lots of questions as there is a wealth of experience and knowledge here and folks are very willing to help out. Many of us made our decisions based on what we learned here.

Remember that many of these decisions are personal preferences as to what works best for your circumstances. If you have a range of views to educate yourself then you can feel more comfortable with your own choices.

We have used points for Disney resorts and DL resorts, but not DCL or any of the other collections. But we do not use the points outside of DVC unless we are comfortable with the value. As we have also used AP codes when they met our needs better.

 

[paults]

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Ohiodisneyguy,

Have you ordered the free DVD and sales literature.The booklet shows how many points are needed for DVC resorts, as well as other WDW resorts, DL resorts, and DCL?

But as others have said, it's not the most economical use of points.

A stay in a one-bedroom in early December at VWL is 22 points for each weeknight (Sunday thru Thursday) and 45 points each for Friday and Saturday night (a studio would be 12/22 points). A one-bedroom at OKW for the same time period is 16 points each weeknight and 40 points each weekend night (a studio would be 8/20 points). A stay in a regular garden view room at the Poly (which is more like a studio minus the kitchenette) for the same time period is 35 points for each weeknight (Sunday thru Thursday) and 63 points each for Friday and Saturday night.

I wouldn't advise buying in to DVC just to use your points at non-DVC resorts.