Using points/cash to cruise????

[maminnie]

I need some advice and clarification from some DVC cruise experts.

I called DVC to get a quote for the 11/19/05 western cruise. This is Thanksgiving week.

The points per adult were 346 and per child were 189 for a Category 6. Total 1070 for 2 adults and 2 children. At a $4.25 condo fee rate that's $4547.50 to use these points. Wow! Although I read the thread on the boards about what DVC does with our points when we cruise, I would love to know and understand more about this. I would still like to think after purchasing DVC points and believing many people love to go to Disney like us (and prefer not to stay in a regular room) that DVC is able to command some decent money for 1070 points worth of rooms. (And remember, I paid the condo fee/maintenance.)

To book on cash the cruise was $5983 through the DCL web-site.

The cash rates by DVC to combine with points were $2572 per adult and $1252 per child. The total if I add this up for 2 adults and 2 children; $7648. Wow again! The adult rate of $2572 was the highest rate on the DCL web-site range for a Category 6. Because this is Thanksgiving week, we are given the highest rate, I guess????? If DVC is really the largest "travel agency" for DCL why is the cash rate to combine with points so high? Shouldn't they be able to negotiate a better price then this? I know I'm beyond the eleven month window but I would like to think the negotiated rate for DVC members would be somewhat better even if it's two Disney companies negotiating with each other and in reality both striving for Disney profits. I also recall the cruise being a pretty key part of the DVC sales process/pitch.

Any thoughts, comments, clarification would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

*****
Oh regarding renting points to cruise, I guess this may be why - 1070 points at $10.00 per point is $10700 versus $5983!!!!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Shouldn't they be able to negotiate a better price then this?

Yes they should, but they don't. DVC is a cash cow for Disney especially when we use our points for things other than DVC resorts.

You really don't need the clarification you've asked for. You understand what's going on. You say it all when you said it's "two Disney companies negotiating with one another". What they have come up with is a system that benefits both branches of Disney, not DVC members. NO one ever said they were negotiating for our benefit and all you have to do is look at your numbers and it is painfully obvious.

However that being said. I love my DVC, but for DVC only. As long as this type of system is in place, I will never use it for anything other than staying at one of the DVC resorts.

HBC

 

[Dean]

You ask some very complicated questions.

The basic process is that DVC negotiates a cash price with the vendors ( DCL, DC, CC, etc). They then turn units secured by exchanged points over to CRO to rent for cash. Not all units will be rented and it's LIKELY CRO takes a cut of 25-35%. There are many snags like the price negotiated by DVC for with the venders, the cash secured for the units by CRO, etc. IMO, DVC is not aggressive enough in getting us good deals. And unless DVC shows a backbone in these negotiations, DVC members will continue to be taken advantage of by the rest of Disney. DVC has also chosen not to go after the high ticket times of year leaving those rooms for members, the proper choice IMO.

I think the $6 pp price you saw is about the usual. It gets down under $5 pp for FL resident specials. The only times you're likely to see more reasonable terms are for cruises or cabins that are not being discounted or if you're cruising short notice where you've already given up your potential savings due to a delay in booking.

DVC is not really a full functioning travel agency plus I personally doubt that statement about DVC having more DCL activity than others. But rember that the cash price for DCL through DVC is good if they give you a room even if the regular cash price goes up (or down). DVC's control lies mostly in the upfront negotiabtions. And until the time DVC is willing to tell DCL or a Disney hotel, "No Thank You", and walk away; this will not change.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by maminnie
Oh regarding renting points to cruise, I guess this may be why - 1070 points at $10.00 per point is $10700 versus $5983!!!!

Thats why you should rent 600 of your pts and pay cash for your cruise. It will save you 470 pts.

 

[maminnie]

Having an actual example like I got for the 11/19 cruise, makes me better understand why people do rent to cruise. Before I consider renting I will have to research these boards, etc. to get a better understanding on how to rent without subjecting my points to too much risk. I must say the process does intimidate me a bit at this time.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[RuthnPaul]

Maminnie:

There are many posters who feel very strongly about using your points for anything other than the DVC properties. While we don't disagree that you can get the most "bang for your buck" at DVC resorts, there are others (in addition to my husband and me) who feel that your points should be used in whatever manner makes you the happiest! Don't forget to take that into consideration, as well, when making your decision!!

Happy planning!!

RuthnPaul

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Originally posted by RuthnPaul
Maminnie:

There are many posters who feel very strongly about using your points for anything other than the DVC properties. While we don't disagree that you can get the most "bang for your buck" at DVC resorts, there are others (in addition to my husband and me) who feel that your points should be used in whatever manner makes you the happiest! Don't forget to take that into consideration, as well, when making your decision!!

Happy planning!!

RuthnPaul

RuthnPaul: While I am one of the ones who constantly harps on the fact that points used for cruises are not a good deal and I wouldn't do it, I agree with you that it's important to be happy with your decision. I wouldn't use my points for a cruise for my family but I believe that you should do whatever makes you happy with your points. That is one of the greatest things about Disney points.

HBC