Points for Hotels?

[phillybeth]

Thinking of joining the DVC, actually we've pretty much made our minds up to go for it as soon as we have the money (hey, we just bought a HOUSE!). The only question I have that I haven't been able to get answered is this: I know you can use points to stay at other Disney resorts besides DVC resorts. Assuming I buy in at 150 points, what will this get me in terms of purchasing power at a 'regular' Disney resort, say in Sept/Oct? Thanks in advance and I just can't wait to join!!

 

[renessa]

There is a points calculator on the home page (wdwinfo.com). It allows you to put in dates, resorts, views, etc. and then gives an itemized listing of which nights require which points. Weekend nights are more. I looked into renting points and going with this option for a hotel room, but it seemed to be really expensive to me. Best of luck with your new purchase!

 

[Tiggeriffic]

Using your DVC points at non-DVC hotels is generally not considered to be the 'best' use of points. It can be fairly expensive point-wise to stay at regular WDW hotels. For example, a one week stay at the Carribean Beach Resort during the Adventure Season, which September is part of, is 128 points. The Grand Floridian would be 210 points during that same time. However, a studio at OKW during that same time would be only 80 points, a one bedroom would be 160 points and a two bedroom would be 218 points. The Villas at Wilderness Lodge are slightly higher point costs 104 for the studio, 210 for the one bedroom, and 270 for the two bedroom.

I believe that most people would rather pay less points and get a studio at OKW or VWL, than stay at CBR. Some people don't mind the higher point costs for the (non-DVC) WDW hotels because they only stay their occassionally and figure that their points are there to be used for their vacation. However, I think that most people would agree that buying in to DVC and planning on staying at non-DVC resorts regularly is probably not the best use of your money.