Using DVC points vs. paying cash

[FredS]

I need advice! Some on the DVC board say that it is never a good idea to use points for a cruise, but in looking at the cash price as compared with the points needed using points doesn't look like a bad deal. (Perhaps it varies based on the time of year and category??) Has anyone got actual comparisons on this, that is, actual cash price compared to the points it would take for the same cruise?

Maybe I am missing something else (like the cash prices quoted can frequently be discounted, or there are significant problems in getting point reservations or making changes/cancelling reservations?) And what about using points for part and paying cash for part? I am getting more confused!

Thanks!

 

[shelly3girls]

We booked our first cruise using points simply because we had the points to use. We paid cash for the kids because it was much cheaper to pay for the kids than use points. We are checking into another cruise probably in 2005. Just for comparison we checked out 2003 prices. We compared a Cat. 4 room. I think I remember if we rented our points for $10 we would have been a little ahead than if we used the points to cruise. I believe the price difference was about $200-$300 for our family of 4, not really enough for me to rent the points considering the hassle/risks. In the end we still have decided to rent the points though so that we can book further in advance and secure our room and dining time. Maybe there is a bigger difference in different categories and different times of year. This comparison may also not have included an early booking discount, I don't really remember so that may make a big difference. I am sure there are people out there that actually have experience and can add much moe.

 

[FredS]

and the prices worked out to about the same as renting. I did not know if there were problems with promotions (such as the first time cruise credit) which are not available to those using points. Also, how do you find out how much the cash price would be for kids?

Thanks for your help.

 

[AnnMorin]

The whole reason we bought DVC was to cruise-never have seen our home resort yet. With points we are able to go on a seven day cruise once a year, stay in a Cat. 6 and pay only about 1600.00 (use points for one child and one adult pay cash for the other) I have no interest in the hassle of renting and love getting a 3000+ cruise for basically "half price". I say just do what you want with your points and don't worry about what the "best value" is. To us the best value is to have the best vacation and for us the best vacation is cruising!

 

[FredS]

Can a travel agent handle booking a cruise with part cash payment and part points, or does that have to be set up with member services?

 

[AnnMorin]

No it all must be done via member services.

 

[zurgswife]

We are cruise on a 4 day in just 2 weeks...and because of the size of my family 6 I think I will always pay cash over points...

March2-6 cash....cat 10 2 rooms.....$3500
March 1-6 points..cat 10 2 rooms.... 602 points...


In my case I could never see spending 2 years worth of points for a 4 day vacation.....


It really depends on your family size and the amount of points you own and the time of year you are sailing.....

 

[rae519]

We became DVC members only because of the cruise. We wanted our vacations to be (for us) hassle free and for us that means everything is taken care of (food, entertainment). The worst part is the drive to the airport and flight to MCO. Otherwise, it's perfect!

Rae

 

[Gillian]

I've seen comparisons for peak cruise times (summer, mostly) where points cash is pretty close to points, if you use the $10 per point rental as a guide (not everyone does). During lower cost times when school is in session or the weather is iffy (Fall), the points don't go down as far as the cash rates.

It clearly depends on the time of year, and even the exact week! Cruise prices are much more variable than resort rates.

It sounds great to say rent out your 400 points for $4000 and pay $3000 for the cruise, but many don't want to deal with it, even though there are honest, reliable renters (like me!) to be found here on the DIS.

 

[CWD]

I have to agree with the other DVC members that have already posted. We have taken one 7 day cruise on points and have another booked for this fall. Sometimes it seems like the value is not as good and if Disney keeps raising the points required to cruise it will become much more obvious that cruising on points is not the best value. Example Cat 7 cabin for 7 day Eastern 12/2001 for 2 adults 290 points (250 with Fall Fantasy), Cat 7 Cabin for 7 day Western 10/2003 for 2 adults is 398 points. The required points are definitely increasing faster than the cash prices, but the ability to call and pay $75 bucks for a seven day cruise is FANTASTIC. If you have the points to use, and you enjoy cruising, then use them there and don't worry about the value. If you are concerned about getting the absolute best value for your points then rent them (much more hassle) or just stay at a DVC resort, where your value is maximized.

CWD