*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* From Spain to Space Mountain-Taking the Magic Home

[3canadianslovedisney]

As long as you are not a 100% sure; rent points! The cheapest way for doing WDW-trips without getting yourself into a decades long contract many times. Allthough it depends; which times of year would you travel? Do you plan on staying in Europe or perhaps going back to Canada? For us Europeans the best deal around can be by booking through WDTC UK during the free dining + 42% off at OKW and SSR. I've found it's cheaper than booking a mod with 40% PIN-code as soon as you find yourself looking at a oneBR or two-BR versus 2 mod rooms. Depends a bit on your eatingcosts, but you can easily do that match.

I've also found this promo in 2010 was cheaper for us than renting points (situation; me and mom travelling, both wanting own room AND bedroom, so ended up with a 2-BR which was cheaper than 2 studios). It was a bit over $5200,- for the 2 of us for the 2BR, and 3 weeks of "free" standard dining program. Now that I'm back to solotrips, renting points is by far the cheapest. Even the WDTC UK promo is WAY more expensive.

PS; it often isn't known, but you do NOT have to be from the UK. They call it a "UK-resident" promo, but in reality it is for all of us from Europe. Same goes for the MEO-discount for this cruise and many other so called "UK-resident"-promos. Same goes for the parktickets, so if going for a longer time; take the UK-tickets!! Cheaper per day for long trips and the only ones that come in a 14 and 21-day version.

For my upcoming trip I'm paying €1540,- for 2 weeks in a studio at OKW. Can not beat that with even a 40% discount unless staying at a value. (I only do mods or above)

Pointrental is a great way for getting to get a feel of the resorts, enjoy the better price but not being tied in yet before you are sure if it will even fit your families future. As pointusage isn't the best value when going on a cruise, you could even still do those on money.

Just one heads up; just scanned the DVC-boards (need to keep up with info about OKW for my next trip ) and learned that resales DVC will no longer be allowed to use their points towards DCL for sales made after...... I think the 20th of march? Might be something to look into when pricing out selling through DVC and buying resale.

Thanks for all the info. What do you mean rent points?

We are DVC members too and are happy to answer any questions you have, Leanne. Should you decide to join DVC, my main tip would to be buy points at the resort that you wish to stay at the most.

Do you know if they have point to buy in DLP?

Does DVC offer anything in exchange for listening to their sales pitch like they do at the resorts? I feel like they offered like a $200 credit or something at WDW if you take time out of your day to go listen to the pitch. (I'm thinking more OBC!)

That would definitely be great!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Point rental is basically "renting points" from a DVC-owner. Can be done through this boards, amongst others, called "dvc rent and trade". You hook up with an owner that wants to rent, and inform them what you'ld like (and 2nd and 3rd option). You agree together about the details of the rental. Prices tends to be around $10,- per point needed for the ressie, although can sometimes be a bit lower or higher depending on timing, demand etc. The "renter" wil own the reservation but make it in your name. You thus vacation on their points and pay them a rental price for that. It does take some trust, but when doing your research on this board it can be very worthwhile. When renting, you get the same roomservice as belongs to a DVC-stay, so not daily but on day 4 trash and towel, 8th full service etc. None of the DVC-member perks though, which is just logic IMHO. It's great enough to be able to stay so cheaply using somebodies points but it's not as if you're an actual member as a rentee.

There are some great tools on the homepage (www.wdwinfo.com) to calculate how much points are needed for stays at all of the WDW resort, which gives you a good idea of the cost. Be aware though that DVC doesn't really know a season like the normal resorts do, many will book up. If having your hart set on a specific resort, it is smart nto to wait until "last minute" to find a renter.


As far as I know you can use points to stay at some of the hotels at DLRP, but no real DVC-resorts there. All of the non traditional DVC-resorts are a lot more expensive pointwise, as far as I've understood it. Either way, if I were you I'ld read up on the info on the DVC-board on here, the DVC website, do some looking into what your future vacation wishes could be, do the math on what they'ld cost and do the math on what buying into DVC would cost you. Next, fire off all of the questions you've got on the DVC-board and don't stop searching until you find the answer. Do the same thing with the DVC-rep if you do decide to attent a meeting aboard, let them work for there money. It's a huge investment so making sure it fits your family is very much worth while.

 

[GA-yaya]

Thank you - that is both great details and good news. So only stopping at the port check-in to see if any upgrades are available? Any idea of how early they were at the hotel for check-in?

We checked in to the Hilton the day before the cruise. The Disney Check-in table was already busy when we arrived at the hotel at about 11AM - they were still there at about 4PM that afternoon - they were also there the next day (the day we boarded the cruise). I don't know whether the table is available everyday or only on days near cruise departures. Hope that helps!

 

[Tod&Copper]

This video was taken by my friend Lynne who was on last year's WBTA as she was being sand blasted by a jet at Maho Beach ....

and for those who were interested in the StarWars museum in St Maarten:

That was hilarious watching Lynne's clip, we watched it live and it was certainly one of the highlights of our cruise

Check out Tony posing

DH & I have tried on every cruise to see dolphins and whales and we have never seen one. Does anyone know when the best time to see them? I hope we will be able to see some on the tour.

We saw dolphins last year when we were leaving Gibraltar

Thanks, we are interested, but not sure if it is right for us, so we'll have lots of questions.

Leanne

Don't know if you had realised that StephenKay is my DH he doesn't say much on here cause he can't get a word in with all my chatter

We have been DVC members for a long time and there seems to be a few DISers on here who are DVC veterans as well. Have a chat with any of us during the cruise and, if it ticks all the boxes for you, take of one the US DISers with you and sign up and say they recommended you. Unfortunately any UK resident is not allowed any DVC perks for recommendations, our government sees the monetary gifts as taxable and we are not allowed to benefit hence why we always get magic fastpasses etc at WDW for all the friends and family we have recommended - would rather have the $$$$

Does DVC offer anything in exchange for listening to their sales pitch like they do at the resorts? I feel like they offered like a $200 credit or something at WDW if you take time out of your day to go listen to the pitch. (I'm thinking more OBC!)

Again, we British aren't allowed to get any monetary benefits, we get hats instead

Mind you, we usually go along to the talks on the cruise purely to get entered into the draw. Our BFFs won the $300 OBC one year

 

[Tod&Copper]

Thanks for the info there! It sounds brill. I'm hoping it will give Paris a bit of independance in a safe environment

Mel

I forgot to mention the other day when you were talking about your DDs birthday. If you go to guest services (main reception desk) on her birthday or beforehand, they will make up a Happy Birthday badge with her name on it and she will be delighted when wearing it as everyone will wish her a happy birthday and again will make a fuss

 

[Goofy Adpi]

i'd love to go see maho beach too, so thinking maybe an early morning ride, before it gets too hot, then hop over to maho beach afterwards. we're not really sit on the beach all day kind of people, so not sure what else there is to do on the island.
there seems to be two stables doing this on the island:
http://www.baysideridingclub.com/ website has been under construction for a while
http://www.stmaartencruiseexcursions.com/StMaartenHorsebackRiding.htm#Reservation

I like your idea, and the rates for the second place look reasonable. I'm not a sit on the beach all day kind of girl either.
Last time I was there my friend and I spent a couple of hours at Orient Beach on the French side, then we walked around Philipsburg for a little while (shopped) and went back to the ship for a port day spa special. It was a really good day.

 

[melonz]

Just a question regarding the Fish Extender. Will we be allocated families or do we buy stuff for everyone?

 

[karentan]

you buy gifts for everyone. some people choose to give one gift per room, some do one per person.
depending on how big the group gets closer to the cruise, we may decide to split it up into more than one group, or if its manageable we may leave it as one group.

 

[Tod&Copper]

OMG Claire !!!!

You have got me sooooo mega excited

Your trip report on the Dream is amazing I can't wait until August until we do our 5 night double dipper

There are 8 of us travelling on the Dream cruise, just one quick question - are the booths in Enchanted Garden big enough to seat 8?

Pink looks brilliant, as you know, I like the odd glass (or bottle) of champagne, so looking forward to some of that Pink Tattinger

Cannot wait to ride the aquaduck

I thought as it was a 5 night we are doing that it would be one semi-formal night and the rest cruise casual. Did your cruise have a formal simply because it was the inaugural or is it the normal to have a formal on the short cruise on the Dream?

Oh I could have a million questions for you

 

[karentan]

What do the FE participants think? Other than finally deciding that I'm mental. That is no news at all. Would you prefer just being totally surprised, making your own pic or telling a preferred color and be done with it?

i think it'd be great either way but it might be less hassle to find out people's favourite colours beforehand, that way you wont have to use up your precious holiday time meeting with everyone to give out FE gifts

 

[Chirpee]

Do you know if they have point to buy in DLP?

No DVC resort at Disneyland Paris

The majority are at WDW. There's also one at Disneyland California and 3 non-park associated DVC resorts - Hilton Head (SC), Vero Beach (FL) and the newest one in Hawaii. Here's the link to the DVC web site with details on all the resorts: http://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/destinations/resorts/
There are links from this page that show other ways that points can be used, such as for Disneyland Paris and DCL.

When you buy into DVC, you purchase points at one of the DVC resorts. This is your home resort and you can book accommodation there 11 months out. You can use your points at other DVC resorts 7 months out. It can be difficult to get the type of accommodation you require at some of the resorts at popular times of the year, such as NYE, at the 7 month booking window. That's why it is important to purchase points at the resort that is your favourite and where you want to stay at the most often.

DVC is a long term commitment and as previous posters have said isn't the best fit for all families.

Check out the DVC section of the Disboards for lots more information on DVC (both purchasing and renting points).


Hope this helps.

 

[PFlamingo]

We've been to a couple of DVC presentations over the years. We'd love to buy in, but when we do, we'll either have enough to pay cash or finance no more than half. We also would use alternative financing. Our equity lines (I still own my house from before we were married) have much better interest rates than Disney offers. And we'll probably go thru resale as we know we want points at VWL and BCV. We're not that concerned about the new restrictions on the resale buyers, as we really don't see ourselves using the points for anything other than WDW visits. With the maintenance fees, DVC doesn't really work out that much better for us than just booking with pin codes or military discounts. But we do like the idea of having the kitchen in the one-bedroom when we're there at times other than F&WF. And, admittedly, we like the idea of being part of "the club!"

 

[GA-yaya]

Was just reading someone's February 2011 blog about Castaway Cay. They said that they have an unannounced Happy Hour on Castaway Cay that is ALL alcoholic beverages are Buy One Get One Free! You need to ask the Bar when the happy hour is that day, since they change it for each cruise.
This just keeps getting better!

 

[PFlamingo]

Was just reading someone's February 2011 blog about Castaway Cay. They said that they have an unannounced Happy Hour on Castaway Cay that is ALL alcoholic beverages are Buy One Get One Free! You need to ask the Bar when the happy hour is that day, since they change it for each cruise.
This just keeps getting better!

October 2009, Castaway Cay. We were on our honeymoon cruise. I decided to get a Konch Kooler for the walk back to the ship. It just happened to be Happy Hour. Dennis doesn't like "girly" drinks. Picture me, walking back to the ship, snorkel gear over my shoulder and a drink in each hand. And they say Disney is "just for kids!!"

 

[MandyGirl]

Just a question regarding the Fish Extender. Will we be allocated families or do we buy stuff for everyone?

you buy gifts for everyone. some people choose to give one gift per room, some do one per person.
depending on how big the group gets closer to the cruise, we may decide to split it up into more than one group, or if its manageable we may leave it as one group.

A rough count of the names who are listed (grand total) is about 65 so far. Such as we have four in our cabin... but just my screenname. It starts adding up when counting all the names in each stateroom!

 

[Chirpee]

Was just reading someone's February 2011 blog about Castaway Cay. They said that they have an unannounced Happy Hour on Castaway Cay that is ALL alcoholic beverages are Buy One Get One Free! You need to ask the Bar when the happy hour is that day, since they change it for each cruise.
This just keeps getting better!

I love these boards ...always learning new tips!

 

[Namsupak]

3canadianslovedisney- Another DVC member here. We bought in 2006 when we were planning our WDW wedding. Now that we have the DD it's perfect because we always get a 1 bedroom so we can put her to bed and go watch tv in the living room. Definitely go to the presentation on board. You get entered for different prizes but also it's the best discount they ever give. And believe me DH has checked. The deals they give on the cruise are better than on land. Any questions feel free to PM us, catch us on the ship, or ask any of the other DVC members. I think you'll find that DVC members love to talk about it...the same way people that have been on DCL love to talk about DCL

 

[PFlamingo]

A rough count of the names who are listed (grand total) is about 65 so far. Such as we have four in our cabin... but just my screenname. It starts adding up when counting all the names in each stateroom!

Here's the count from my list, which is up to date:

27 cabins: 52 adults, 13 children - 8 girls (8mos - 16yrs) & 5 boys (3 - 12yrs). (I think this is accurate. I had a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, and Dennis kept talking to me while I was trying to count! )

Most of the adults are couples, but some are friends or relatives (e.g., Sarah & her mom). I'm probably going to do one gift per cabin, or one per adult for non-couples, and something for each of the kids.

Remember, the FE gifts don't have to be from Tiffany's (although I wouldn't object ). I think we all know we have different budgets and weight allowances for travel. The point of the FE is to just have fun - kind of like trick-or-treats on Halloween. I know one of my favorite FE gifts on our October cruise was a little bag of sweets from a family from England. (Love that Cadbury's!) They were little things that we can't get where we live, which made them very special to me.

 

[MandyGirl]

LOL, Pat! You and I are alike... had the wine, kids asking questions, but you and I both came up with 65 people total. I had ordered mine a week or so ago, and thought 100 should cover it, but when seeing the thread tonight I then started thinking "uh oh, if we are to do one gift per person, I may need to do an additional order".

BTW for anyone interested - VistaPrint has tshirts on sale - half price Sat/Sun - and you can upload your own images for no charge. Not sure of the cost, but it is less than $5 per shirt (if printing on one side only). Haven't got far enough into it to see shipping costs.

 

[PFlamingo]

LOL! Yeah, in Dennis' defense, we were going back and forth b/w tornado watches and warnings tonight, and he was a bit worried about it. As for me, I was out on the back patio grilling dinner between cells of thunderstorms. I figured if the dogs weren't freaking out, we were fine.

I wasn't concerned til we had a report of one spotted a couple of miles NW of our house. Then I went out, looked at the sky, shrugged and said, "nah, looks okay to me." Ten years of living in the midwest (five in a mo-bile home - hey, it was grad school) desensitized me to tornadoes.