Using points at a non-dvc resort (at WDW)

[supersuperwendy]

I'm curious...how many DVCers have already, or plan to use their points to stay at a non-dvc resort on Disney World property?

We are thinking about using some points at CSR..we've never stayed there and our daughter has been begging to stay there for a long time! I'm sure with deals like buy 4 get 3 free it works out cheaper to buy a package and save points, but I like the ease of using points. I'd love to hear other opinions!

 

[Chuck S]

I have not used points for non-DVC resorts. However, if there is a special occassion, or if, like in your case, there is a resort you really want to stay at basically "one time." I don't see any problem with, just realize that it will not give you the same "bang for your buck" as a DVC resort, and it would probably be cheaper to stay on cash, as you've already noted.

But, if they are YOUR points, and if you find it more convenient, or better that it is "pre-paid" rather than having to pay out additional cash, it may be what is best for you.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

I'm curious...how many DVCers have already, or plan to use their points to stay at a non-dvc resort on Disney World property?

We are thinking about using some points at CSR..we've never stayed there and our daughter has been begging to stay there for a long time! I'm sure with deals like buy 4 get 3 free it works out cheaper to buy a package and save points, but I like the ease of using points. I'd love to hear other opinions!

I'm drawing a blank.... what is CSR?

We visited Caribbean Beach (CBR), and Dixie Landings (DLR now POR) before DVC, but I can't figure out what CSR is.

 

[Chuck S]

I'm drawing a blank.... what is CSR?

We visited Caribbean Beach (CBR), and Dixie Landings (DLR now POR) before DVC, but I can't figure out what CSR is.

Coronado Springs Resort.

 

[kimberh]

We stayed at CSR during Free Dining 3 years ago, we missed our DVC resorts badly. The beds were uncomfortable, they are double beds not queen beds. The restaurants were good, but I really didn't think the resort begins to compare. If your heart is set on staying there, then give it a try, but once was enough for us. I realize that this resort has a tremendous following. I am sold on DVC. It would be cheaper to use cash, but they are your points. We had a preferred view or whatever their upgraded view is called, the grounds are very nice for a Moderate resort. I did love the Pepper Market on the DDP, it was a great value for counter service, I don't know if it works the same way now or not. The food selection was very good. It is the best CS restaurant that I have eaten at.

 

[Sandisw]

I have wanted to be part of DVC for years but only like to stay at the Contemporary when we go.

I knew that I could trade out points to stay there, but it never made any sense since it would have been so expensive. I told one of the guide 4 years ago that I would probably only buy in if they ever turned Contemporary into DVC (this was before the North Wing was torn down).

So, when there was rumor a few years ago that DVC was buing built there, I was so excited. Now I own at BLT and very happy--no need to use points for non-DVC!!!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Coronado Springs Resort.

Thanks.

 

[5forDiz]

DH & I have thought about a trip for just the two of us using points for GF but don't know if I could really enjoy it thinking of all those points spent !!
I think I'd sooner go with a DVC studio or 1 bedroom and maybe would pay for daily mousekeeping to feel more pampered.

 

[JasonDVC]

Interesting question you pose...I have always wanted to stay at GF and am still holding out hope for a DVC there some day, however, if it doesn't happen, or is not rumored to be happening, in the next 3-5 years, I may use my points for a 1-3 night stay there. Or I may rent my points and pay cash to stay there. One way or another I would like to vacation at the GF

 

[CarolA]

Well, my response would have been.... used to do it but now that Disney wants $95 if I cant' get DVC I stay offsite.

I used to book moderates if I couldn't get DVC but at $95 that's one night off site!

Disney "Deluxe" is just not worth it IMHO. Maybe if they let us book the Four Seasons?

 

[mecllap]

Not to go off topic -- but can't you stay at a DVC resort (or show your member card) and still go to CSR for the pool and Pepper Market -- won't they let you thru the gate to park there for that?

I'm a newbie to DVC, and am hoping to use some points for Disneyland, but doubt that I would use them for non-DVC at WDW (I want the kitchen and laundry) [well, maybe for one or two Contemporary nights, if I couldn't get BLT].

 

[Deb & Bill]

We used our points for the DCL 4 night cruise once. We used someone else's points to stay at the CR several years ago (fire sale, already were reservation points and we bought the reservation- no $95 fee at that time). Would not do it again, especially for a moderate resort. Though CSR does have queen sized beds now.

Like mecllap said, just stay DVC through MS and visit CSR to pool hop and dine.

We stayed at CSR once before our DVC trip started. We added one night, then added a second "one night" before the trip when we decided to drive all night and arrive a bit earlier. We thought it was a very nice resort with a very nice pool.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

I voted "we are considering it." I would love to try a couple of the other resorts, but I have to admit, the $95 fee for trading for Disney properties really bothers me.

 

[liznboys]

I voted "No way" because we never have and have no plans to.

However, you never know what the future holds and if for some reason that turned out to be a good value to us, then sure, we'd consider it.

 

[hematite153]

Not to go off topic -- but can't you stay at a DVC resort (or show your member card) and still go to CSR for the pool and Pepper Market -- won't they let you thru the gate to park there for that?

Yes, you can (as long as it's not during the peak holiday seasons). We've done this many times and generally speaking take at least one day during each DVC vacation to take advantage of our pool hopping privileges and hang out at another resort for the afternoon.

 

[Anal Annie]

Why? That's all I can think.

CSR was our last non-DVC stay. You're not missing anything if you don't ever go there. The pool was nice enough I guess but it's a big spread out resort. We were pretty far from the front (read: 10 min. walk just to go get a cup of coffee in the morning!) When we were there it had double beds...apparently they've upgraded to queens now according to another poster. (Is that for all moderates?) It had a lot of bus stops. Didn't care for that. It was OK. But previous to that we'd stayed at AKL and we could definitely "feel" the step down to a Moderate resort. That is pretty much what convinced us to buy DVC - so we'd never have to do a Moderate again!!

 

[DebbieB]

I've done it but would not again. I stayed 1 night at POFQ in 2007 as an add-on to a business trip (18 points), no DVC resorts were available. That was before the $95 fee. With the fee, it would not make sense, I could have got the room for $125 AP rate.

 

[SusieBea]

We have used points at the GF, Poly, Yacht Club, Ft. Wilderness cabins, and GC, mostly before the $95 fee was institued. We enjoyed all of them except the GF. We probably won't do it again though, because we miss the space and the conveniences of a 1 bedroom.

 

[DVC Mike]

We've used cash for stays at WDW resorts, but never points.

 

[CarolMN]

I'm curious...how many DVCers have already, or plan to use their points to stay at a non-dvc resort on Disney World property?

We are thinking about using some points at CSR..we've never stayed there and our daughter has been begging to stay there for a long time! I'm sure with deals like buy 4 get 3 free it works out cheaper to buy a package and save points, but I like the ease of using points. I'd love to hear other opinions!

It seems like everyone is missing the fact that your daughter "has been begging to stay there" for some time. Even though CSR is not the best use of points and will even be more expensive than a DVC villa, maybe you just need (want) to grant her wish.

If you just can't bring yourself to give up the DVC amenities & pay more on top of it, then I agree with mecllap. Take a day to pool hop and eat at the Pepper Market. Maybe the pool is the real attraction. It's recently been redone and is very nice.