Using Points for Cruise

[weich1001]

I bought my DVC in April, 2008 from the Timeshare Store. Now on the points charts it says you can't use them for Cruises if purchased from other than Disney. It mentions the date March, 2011

Am I safe to still use them for cruises or is it referring to DVC purchases made after March, 2011 date?

 

[erionm]

If you purchased resale prior to 3/21/2011, your points are not restricted.

 

[weich1001]

If you purchased resale prior to 3/21/2011, your points are not restricted.

Thanks, that s what I thought it meant!

 

[Tramp68]

Even at $10 per point you will come out WAY ahead if you rent your points and book the cruise for cash.

Points are quickly renting at the $12 level so you could easily put a lot of spending money in your pocket by renting your points...

Never book a cruise with points! (IMHO)

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Did I miss where the OP asked about renting points?

I use my points on cruises. I did not buy them to run a business or help dis board sponsors profit.

 

[Tramp68]

Did I miss where the OP asked about renting points?

I use my points on cruises. I did not buy them to run a business or help dis board sponsors profit.

No you didn't miss it. You missed the part where I suggested an intelligent alternative to using points. I did not realize that you had so much money that you could afford to throw it away.

September 20th 7 day carribean cruise costs $2500 cash for 2.
The same cruise is 300 points.

I can rent my points EASILY (not paying a Disney sponsor!) for $12 per point. That puts $1100 in my pocket. (I could try for $13 and make $1400) That is a lot of shore excursions, alcohol (for those that like to drink) or enough to pay for a few days at Disney before or after cruise. Or maybe, I splurge on a big room upgrade.

But, you continue to book on points, I will continue to save money.

For those that I have offended by offering a suggestion on how someone can save money, I apologize. I thought that was the purpose of the boards...

 

[mjl1969]

No you didn't miss it. You missed the part where I suggested an intelligent alternative to using points. I did not realize that you had so much money that you could afford to throw it away. September 20th 7 day carribean cruise costs $2500 cash for 2. The same cruise is 300 points. I can rent my points EASILY (not paying a Disney sponsor!) for $12 per point. That puts $1100 in my pocket. (I could try for $13 and make $1400) That is a lot of shore excursions, alcohol (for those that like to drink) or enough to pay for a few days at Disney before or after cruise. Or maybe, I splurge on a big room upgrade. But, you continue to book on points, I will continue to save money. For those that I have offended by offering a suggestion on how someone can save money, I apologize. I thought that was the purpose of the boards...

LOL How could you. Offering a way to save money, it's not like DVCs primary benefit is to do that right? Oh the horror !!!

 

[Disneydebbie1]

I only wish I realized this 3 years ago when I used points for 2 cruises. This year I very easily and quickly rented 388 points and had enough to pay cash for Alaska on the Wonder this summer. Plus about $1200 for airfare, hotels own each end and shore excursions. It was so easy I regret not bring this smart earlier!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

And as usual the rent cheerleaders have to tell those of us who choose not to that (a) they somehow know our financial status and (b) how much smarter they are

 

[Tramp68]

And as usual the rent cheerleaders have to tell those of us who choose not to that (a) they somehow know our financial status and (b) how much smarter they are

Not at all, Just take the extra $1200 that you have lying around and donate to a homeless shelter or food pantry. If your financial status is other than it appears to be based on your being adamant about not renting because you don't want to, then maybe we are smarter than you...

Just because you choose not to, does not mean that other people might not want to hear about the possibility.

If you think that it is smart to not rent your points so you can "use them" then yay for you. I personally get a TON of satisfaction from HELPING the people that I rent to have an awesome vacation. I help them plan, give ideas and every single one has been grateful. It gives me joy.

And out of curiosity, if you ever find yourself in need of extra points one year, are you going to get a CRO room rather than rent?

 

[SnowWhite2]

Renting is not risk free. If you feel comfortable with it, great. If not, enjoy your cruise.

 

[Tramp68]

Renting is not risk free. If you feel comfortable with it, great. If not, enjoy your cruise.

The only risk a person renting out their points has is if the guest trashes the room. Otherwise the person who is paying for points has 100% of the risk...

 

[Tramp68]

It is funny how irrational some people are about their points. My parent's friends have 200 points at BWV. They have not gone to Disney or used their points in 6 years. Every year they let their points rot. They don't even bother banking them anymore. I once offered to rent them out for them and they responded by saying that they didn't want anyone else using their points and their room...

 

[SnowWhite2]

The only risk a person renting out their points has is if the guest trashes the room. Otherwise the person who is paying for points has 100% of the risk...

That is not the only risk. If the person puts a credit card on the room and it turns out to be rejected after they charged to their room, it becomes your debt.

Also, if the renter asks for an upgrade to another room during check in or during their stay, the points for the upgrade come out of your account.

What people do with their points doesn't matter as long as the owner gets satisfaction from them.

 

[AnnaS]

It is funny how irrational some people are about their points. My parent's friends have 200 points at BWV. They have not gone to Disney or used their points in 6 years. Every year they let their points rot. They don't even bother banking them anymore. I once offered to rent them out for them and they responded by saying that they didn't want anyone else using their points and their room...

Yes, I know someone like this also.

They know it's theirs when they want to use it. It's like people who own a cabin, condo, second home in the woods, beach, etc. They pay all the expenses of keeping it up and use it once, twice, a month out of the year. There are those who rent it for whatever reason and those who choose not to. My inlaws used to use their condo two months out of the year and the rest of the year it sat there - period. It was their choice.

I understand there are always newcomers coming and asking various questions - it is good to know the possibilities, scenarios, options, etc - it is great information for everyone either way. The renting/direct/resale threads become so heated sometimes. One is not better than the other - it's what works/prefers/feels comfortable for the individual.

 

[Dean]

Renting is not risk free. If you feel comfortable with it, great. If not, enjoy your cruise.

Neither is using points for a cruise without significant risk. Done well in advance the risk of renting points done reasonably is FAR less than those of using points for a cruise, IMO. If someone choses to use points for a cruise, that is their choice. It's rarely a reasonable $$$ return but if someone is comfortable with giving away hundred's or even thousands of dollars, that's their choice where applicable. I realize there's a line where it becomes micromanaging and everyone has to ultimately decide for themselves what that point is. I think the only time one can be 100% adamant on the issue is buying with the intent of using for cruising periodically, it's a bad idea 100% of the time in that situation as are ALL exchange options outside DVC itself.

 

[CarolMN]

Since the OP has his/her answer (thank you, Michael), I am going to close this thread. It's become an Off-Topic debate over the advisability of using points for cruising.