Using our first DVC points for... a cruise

[tidefan]

OK, OK, I know. Everyone says that using your DVC points for the DCL cruise is not the best use of your points. However, let me give everyone our situation and let me know if you think we made an OK decision.

When we purchased 200 SSR points a couple of weeks ago, we received 200 UY 2006 points, MF free. So, since we were already at Disney (I was at CSR for a conference) for a week this year and we are going on another already planned trip this November, we wouldn't be using any points until our 2007 UY anyway, so we figured that we had 400 points to play with in UY 2007.

OK, so we also have a DD3, who will start Kindergarden in August 2008. We have always wanted to do a 7-night DCL cruise, but realized that once our DD starts school, our options would be really limited. Now, looking over our book that we received after our tour and purchase, it was pretty evident to me that if we were ever going to go in the "Value" season, we would need to do it this January. SO...

To make a long story short, we used 327 points for myself, DW, and DD (133, 133, and 61 pts respectively) to do the 7-night Eastern Caribbean. We still have 73 pts available next year as well to take a short trip to WDW. After this, we plan to use our points primarily at WDW (though I sure would love to go to DisneySea one year - we all can dream...) after this.

So, was this a good, or at least reasonable use of points?

 

[momtotanmanandraerae]

I think it sounds great!! When you have those extra points, you might as well use them for whatever you want. When we bought into DVC a few months ago, my mom and grandma did too. They both purchased 200 points and got the 200 points from MS. Those 200 points have to be used within the year too! They decided to take the 12 day Mediterrean cruise this July! It was 408 points per person so they just had to borrow 8 points from the following year. My mom is divorced so my mom and grandma travel everywhere together. They are so excited about the cruise! I also looked at how much to just book the cruise with money and it was $8,000 for the two of them! I think it is a good use of their points!

You and your family have a great Disney cruise!

 

[fknaut]

We purchased in June 92 and have used point for numerous trips to WDW, a family reunion at HHI, a DW Cruise 3 summers ago and since moving from FL to GA last summer, plan on going to WDW area for 4 days this summer and SB 2008 doing the 4 night DW Cruise again, all on points.

 

[CarolAnnC]

I have used points and points/cash many times for Disney Cruises. I have never regretted it. I find the cruises, which are all inclusive except for alcohol, souvenirs, tips and excursions to be a good use of my points.

In fact, we are off on the Mediterranean cruise this summer -- four of us cruising on DVC Points! Enjoy!

 

[Granny]

We have always wanted to do a 7-night DCL cruise

So, was this a good, or at least reasonable use of points?

Sounds like your points are allowing your to do something you've always wanted to do. If using your points allows you to do something like this, and you are happy with it, then it sounds like you are using your points to make yourself happy.

Isn't that the point of purchasing DVC?

 

[bradpga]

They are your points. Sounds like a great vacation. Don't worry about "everybody else".

 

[Shenandoah Mickey]

Have to agree with all...everybody uses their points differently. We currently like to use all of our points for 1 week a year and bring along some relatives or friends. It's so nice when they ask how much they owe us for the room and we can say "don't worry about it...it's paid for". From reading these boards, it is clear that there are tons of different ways to use points, none are wrong as long as you are having Disney vacations the way you want to have them! Enjoy your cruise!!

 

[slindamood]

SUre it is a good use if that is what brings you the most pleasure.

From an ecnomics perspective: You have the points, now your goal is to get "maximum utility" from them. So, even if the points would have greater "dollar value" at a DVC property, if they bring you greater pleasure on a cruise, you should use them on a cruise.

Only you can determine "maximum utility."

 

[gppnj]

OK, OK, I know. Everyone says that using your DVC points for the DCL cruise is not the best use of your points. However, let me give everyone our situation and let me know if you think we made an OK decision.

Ultimately they're your points. If what you use them for makes you happy, you've used them well. I hope you have a wonderful time.