Using Points at Non-Disney Properties

[bevotex]

One question from one that intends to make a purchase within the next week:

I understand that the total number of points at each resort will not increase ever. My question is about the non-disney resorts. Will the points needed for a non-disney resort rise annually (or can it rise)?

For example, if I wanted to stay at the Dorchester in London the last week in June this year,would it be possible for that same week to increase at the same resort the next year or year after that?

Thanks.

 

[Granny]

One question from one that intends to make a purchase within the next week:

I understand that the total number of points at each resort will not increase ever.

Actually, the total number of points at each DVC resort will not increase. This only applies to the DVC resorts...not the other Disney resorts.

My question is about the non-disney resorts. Will the points needed for a non-disney resort rise annually (or can it rise)?

Yes, those can and do rise pretty much every year. Not only can they rise, but Disney can also raise the cost of reserving at any non-DVC resort. We've seen that recently where they've started charging to make reservations with DVC points at other non-DVC resorts owned by Disney such as the Polynesian, Port Orleans, etc.

For example, if I wanted to stay at the Dorchester in London the last week in June this year,would it be possible for that same week to increase at the same resort the next year or year after that?

Thanks.

Yes, it could increase every year. Or it could be eliminated altogether from the options for reserving with your DVC points.



I think you can see why the common advice is that DVC can be an excellent purchase if used primarily for staying at DVC resorts. Using the membership to trade out to other vacation options is possible but the consensus is that it isn't a good value for the points.

 

[Caskbill]

Here's the history for the Dorchester in London for the last 7 years. The rate applies Jan 1st thru Dec 31st. There are no 'seasons'

These are points for a 'Superior' room, which is the lowest room class available. Points for a 'Deluxe' room have been higher, each year.

Hope this helps.

2007: 95 pts/night
2006: 95 pts/night
2005: 93 pts/night
2004: 73 pts/night
2003: 66 pts/night
2002: 59 pts/night
2001: 57 pts/night

So if you got a week this past June, 7-nights, it would have run 665 points.

Or for that many points you could have gotten 39 days in a Studio at SSR. May 23rd thru June 30th. And if you avoided weekends, you could get a lot more nights. (Off season Studios at OKW are 8 pts/night weekdays, so 665 points equates to 83 nights.

Or if you want to splurge, you can get a Grand Villa at OKW for Christmas (weekdays) for 66 points/night.

But if you really want to stay there, I looked on line and the rack rate is $582/night. (£410.00) I don't know about taxes. The dues on 95 points is probably around $420, so it'd still be a savings (if you don't consider the initial purchase price).

Just FYI

 

[bevotex]

Thanks. That helps tremendously.

 

[jgphillips7]

Is the Dorchester a concierge level resort? All the World Passport resorts require a minimum 7-night stay, right? I thought those point totals would not change. If it's 160 points for a peak stay in a 1-bdrm, it will always be 160 points. We're new to this so please correct me if I'm wrong. Our understanding, and the big attraction to DVC for us, was that we'd be locking in today's rates for the next 50 years. Thanks.

 

[bevotex]

The Dorchester is a hotel in London. Not sure if it is in the concierge collection or not. Since my first post, I talked with MS, they said that any non-DVC resort can require more points annually.

 

[Lynne M]

The ONLY resorts that that the 'total number of points can't increase" applies to are the DVC resorts.

For any other Disney resorts at WDW or Disneyland, the Concierge Collection, DCL - anything at all outside of the DVC resorts - the points can go up at any time. They can also take the ability to stay at these other resorts away at any time.

So, if your primary interest is in staying at non-DVC resorts......DVC is not a good choice for you.

 

[Dean]

Is the Dorchester a concierge level resort? All the World Passport resorts require a minimum 7-night stay, right? I thought those point totals would not change. If it's 160 points for a peak stay in a 1-bdrm, it will always be 160 points. We're new to this so please correct me if I'm wrong. Our understanding, and the big attraction to DVC for us, was that we'd be locking in today's rates for the next 50 years. Thanks.

The WP points certainly could change. They have not since the current arrangement was introduced where it is a set # of points and I think one can put a mental cap at around that of the same size unit for a week at your home resort as I think it's unlikely the exchange costs would go above that level.

 

[CarolMN]

The WP points certainly could change. They have not since the current arrangement was introduced where it is a set # of points and I think one can put a mental cap at around that of the same size unit for a week at your home resort as I think it's unlikely the exchange costs would go above that level.

I agree - I think it is likely that the $95 fee will increase, though.

 

[Dean]

I agree - I think it is likely that the $95 fee will increase, though.

I'd expect the exchange fee to be somewhat based on the general II fees. The current DVC exchange fee is $75 going to $95 in Jan. II general exchange fees are $139 for domestic and $154 for International with Marriott internal exchange fees currently being $89. The exchange fee when DVC joined II for regular members was $89/$109.