Questions for those who have used points to cruise:

[FredS]

I am comparing cash price to points and it is a bit tricky since I need to be clear on what the cash price includes as compared to paying with DVC points. I am sure I can dig through the written info and make some phone calls, but I thought it might be more effective to ask those who have been there. What "hidden" charges are there when paying with points? Are there any perks which are missed, penalties which are more heavily assessed, etc.? Any problems making reservations or changes when paying with points. Whatever pros and/or cons you know of first-hand would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I have been doing the same thing today, I made to calls and am very confused. The best rates were the ones given to me from DVC, but the price makes it almost not worth it to use points!!! for example: I priced out the 8/9 Disney Magic 7 day cruise cat. 6. For the four of us it would be 666 points, 2 plus 4 and 11 year old. The prices given to me were 1822.00 for the first two, then 727 for the 4 year old and 742 for the 11 year old. So 5113.00 plus the 75.00 fee. The lowest price I could get was about 6200.00!! I was shocked that MS was less expensive!! Even less than calling DCL direct, so I don't get this. If I used points for the two kids it would save me $1469.00 but use 192 points, if I rented them for the $10.00 I would be up 451.00. Now very confused and not sure what to do!!

 

[FredS]

My quote was $6111, while the point price cost was 670. I didn't really feel like working up other comparisons which won't relate to our situation, but was surprised at how comparable the apparent cost is. That is why I am trying to find out what I am missing, or if for the accommodations and time period which we are looking for there truly is little difference.

I would like to use points, but not if it does work out that it is significantly more expensive due to some factors of which I am not aware. Once 2004 point charts come out, are there certain categories which book up quickly? (Particularly since you can book a cash cruise for 2004 now.)

 

[Rock'n Robin]

My experience is colored by the fact that I have a family of 5--so we either have to get a category 4, or two rooms of a lesser category (although we would have to pay adult points for 4 people).
I used points for everyone but DS, who I paid almost $600 for, I think. I have no points at BWV until 2005 now, and only 141 of 175 left at VWL for 2004.
But if I had shown DH the cash cost for a category 4 we would NOT be going!!
I am hoping he likes it so much we can do a 7 day later, but I may rent out my 2004 points to help pay cash for it.
Robin M.

 

[FredS]

Although there are only four of us, but we may have to compromise a bit. I just don't know about that small a space for four people for a week! And since I love the resorts so much I don't picture us doing a cruise again for a while I would like to get a bit more space and definitely the verandah.

I think I'll call member services to get some idea of prices, paying points for all and also partial cash. I agree that stomaching the cash price is difficult! Points, even if you can translate them into a dollar value, just aren't as traumatic to deal with.

 

[ennisb]

We cruised in November of 2001 on DVC points, a family of four. I used points for my wife and I and payed cash for the two kids. We did this for two reasons

1) I joined DVC so I can take nice vacations and DVC offered a great selection besides the disney properties which includes the cruise

2) Money. The kids cost something like $600 so it was a "cheap" vacation since I base the DVC as payed for after a three trips to WDW therefore it's payed for.

It was great, did borrow points and will do it again.

The only costs was the $75 DVC fee for booking outside of the DVC resorts.

 

[CarolAnnC]

You may find that booking through DCL for cash, the prices will be higher for summer which is peak travel time with children out of school. The price DVC contracts with DCL is a flat fee which is sometimes more (if you compare to very early booking discounts) and sometimes better!

I say just do what works best for you! I have cruised on all points, on points and cash combined both through Member Servcies and I have booked direct with DCL as well as with Dreams Unlimited Travel, which is the best way to go for cash ressies, IMHO.

I advise checking and getting as many quotes as possible before deciding!! But, definitely do the Disney Cruise! It is by far, my very favorite vacation!!

 

[FredS]

It is one of those situations which obviously varies greatly depending on timing of cruise, as well as length and room type. I did a couple of other "calculations" and can see how at some points it would not be wise to use points, but it appears that our scenerio "works" as a financially sound use of points, for some if not for all four of us. I will get additional specifics from member services as to cash cost for one or more of us, although I want to be sure that we are all "in the same boat" (no pun intended) as far as cancellation policies, trip insurance and so forth.

I am curious -- if one or more of us pays cash, will we get a first-time cruise credit?

 

[ennisb]

We used points for my wife and I and cash for the kids and received the on board credit so I don't see why not.

 

[FredS]

Originally posted by ennisb
We used points for my wife and I and cash for the kids and received the on board credit so I don't see why not.

I have heard of a couple of people getting the credit. Did member services help you with this, or did you ask once you were on board? Thanks. It looks like our best best will be using points for my husband and myself, and paying cash for the kids.

 

[Dean]

I just compared for 6/19/04. Using the early booking discount the value of points is about $8.22 for cat 11 with 2 people and $8.77 for Cat 6 with 2 people. If there is a FL resident discount, the price will go down for cash.

 

[mickeyc]

We went on the Disney Cruise Wonder Jan. 5 thu the 8th. I used points which totaled 168 plus the $ 75 processing fee. In retrospect the day after I booked the cruise the price dropped dramtically and I could have booked the same room using cash for $399 plus receive a $ 100 on board credit.

My son was a cast member at that time and he received a better room for less money.

I was advised by member services that they have no way to track when cash discounts are going to be offered. It would have helped if I had this information in advance. Notwithstanding the above we had a nice time and I would recommend the cruise to anyone. To use points or not use them depends upon the circumstance. I advised MS they should consider discounting the points when cash discounts are offered.

In MHO with the technology that Disney has they should have a better way to coordinate this issue. Enjoy the cruise- -it was our first.