Thinking of DC

[SorcerorM]

I am thinking of going to DC with DW DS(16) and DD(10). I see a few people have been to DC on their points, however I tried to look up places to stay in DC on the RCI site and didn't locate any. How do you know where you can go. also can you use your point's on non Disney cruises and where do you find that information. Thank you in advance

 

[5forDiz]

Off top of my head I know we can use points at Mandarin Oriental (part of Concierge Collection) which ranges in 2009 anywhere from 37 - 71 points per night depending upon time of year/day of week/view. There is $95 fee added to reservation ( because points will be used at non-DVC resort ) and if you make any change to ressie additional $95 is charged and you cannot both book & travel to it during last 4 months of your Use Year so you'd have to book it more than 4 months before end of UY if you do want to travel during those last 4 months of your UY.

We considered using points for Mandarin Oriental as our family made a trip this summer to DC but then decided to keep our points ( as wonderful as I'm sure Mandarin Oriental is I just couldn't bear to part with all those points ) and so instead I bid on Priceline in Convention Center/Capitol Hill area (bid 3.5. star level or higher) and for $65 per night (approx $83 with tax/fees) got Marriott Metro Center which was really very nice property, it's closer to Whitehouse than Capitol actually at 12th St & G and easy walk to many, many attractions ( Smithsonian museums, Whitehouse, Spy Museum, Lincoln Theatre, Chinatown among others ) & places to dine or Metro Center station was located directly adjacent to hotel. Valet parking with unlimited in/out privileges is $40 per day which is typical at DC hotels and we were allowed to keep our car with valet until 5pm on check-out day too with no additional fee so we spent that day sight-seeing as well & picked up our car around 5 to drive home.

Best wishes on your planning

 

[robert@dvcstore]

At the current time, the only cruise option is with Disney Cruise Line. In the past there was an option for an Alaskan cruise with Holland American Cruise Line, but that is not available now.

With 2 new Disney ships coming within the next few years, I would bet that the new itineraries will be available to DVC members.

Robert

 

[ldo]

there are not really any good DC options with RCI. You can try to get the Wyndham Alexandria (good access via metro) and maybe a Hyatt, but otherwise, there are not any TS near DC. The closest is going to be West near the Shenandoah mtns (at least 90 minute drvie) or South at Presidential Resort in Fredericksburg (1 hour drive or access via commuter rail--VRE), or farther south at Williamsburg (3-4 hr drive).
The best option is to use points at the Mandarin, save your points and find a good deal on a hotel, or wait a few years and then stay at the Disney hotel that they are building.