Questions @ DVC

[Connie of Trenton]

Hubby and I had a packet mailed to us about DVC. We already have a 7 day Land & Sea Cruise booked through DCL for October 2003. When we called to request the packet it sounded like we were being encouraged to sign-up before 2002 ended so we could take advantage of points in 2002 and 2003.....so does this mean we would have to pay for fees both years-seems like it. Also it sounded like we would have to cancel our currently booked cruise and rebook through the DVC. Does this mean we would beable to have the same stateroom and hotel we orginally selected? I also do not recall seeing the Land and Sea in the DVC info mailed to us-does anyone know if it is an option or not?

 

[Chuck S]

Well, I can answer about the dues - the 2002 dues would be pro-rated - so the 2002 dues would be like "extra" points for your first year if you buy in December - having to pay a minimal amount of dues. As for your cruise, I can't answer that - I haven't done a cruise (yet).

 

[RobDoc]

DVC purchases made directly thru DVC will have the dues prorated- so a purchase made today would have dues only thru Dec 31, 2002 and then the 2003 dues would start for the next year. (So, you wouldn't be paying for 2 years of dues in any case.)

You would also likely get the 2002 points now (depending on the use year being sold at this point) and the 2003 points when your use year month comes up in 2003.

DCL Land/Sea packages are not available thru DVC- you can book the cruise and then a resort stay using DVC points. In this case, you would have to cancel the cruise reservation you already have and make a new reservation thru DVC. Your original stateroom may or may not be available. If you have a good price already and a stateroom you like, you may be better off keeping that package.

Many have found that DVC is most economical when using points to stay at DVC resorts. The other choices are certainly a nice option, but not always the best use of points.

Enjoy!

 

[Lisa P.]

IIRC, if you book a cruise and a DVC resort stay (using points), it does not generally include the transportation between DVC & the port. I believe the Land & Sea package may include this. Just be sure of what you would get either way, including any surcharges taxes & fees, then compare your rates and decide. A few people have said the cruise was worth using points. Many others have found it to be a poor value... and this may depend upon when you are going and what deals are available for your time frame. HTH!