Using Points for Disney Resorts?

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Has anyone used their points at one of the deluxe resorts? Did you feel you got a good deal? We're looking at going down in January and staying at VWL in a 1BR, or staying at the GF on points. The point difference is 66 to 111-180. We have the points, but it seems like there is just so big of a difference. We've never stayed at a DVC resort before, just the regular WDW resorts.

Thanks!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by CaliforniaDreaming
Has anyone used their points at one of the deluxe resorts? Did you feel you got a good deal? We're looking at going down in January and staying at VWL in a 1BR, or staying at the GF on points. The point difference is 66 to 111-180. We have the points, but it seems like there is just so big of a difference. We've never stayed at a DVC resort before, just the regular WDW resorts.

Thanks!

Yes, I have used points to stay at the Poly concierge, lagoon view.
Indeed, it was a lot of points. Was it worth it???... it depends on how you define that. If you are going to stay at the GF anyway, then you must compare cost of staying on points (approx $6 per point) vs cash cost. If you are comparing using points for a GF visit vs DVC resort, the answer is likely it is not worth it.
Personally, I feel it is worth it, if that is what you want to do. What makes you happy is all that counts. After all, that's what DVC is all about.
That being said, if you have yet to stay in a DVC villa, you don't know what you are missing. You may never choose to stay at the GF again.
My wife and I were HUGE Poly fans (still are), and we thought we would miss it terribly. Even though we will visit the Poly now and again (can't get it out of our blood), it is clear that the DVC villas are the clear-cut superior place to stay.

Good luck!!!....

 

[Dean]

IMO it's not worth it. If you want to regardless or have points you will lose, go for it, they're your points.

 

[ilovediznee]

We have stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, GF and Coronado with our points. We like the variety and it was nice to have a room cleaning every day.

What you might miss is the laundry facilities, but each resort has them. We knew when we planned the trips that we would have to eat breakfast out (just broke my heart I didn't have to cook) so we knew what we were going for.

Try it at least once and do so during the year when the points are less, so if you have some left, you can go to a DVC resort as well.

Email me with any questions.

Dianedisney

 

[PamOKW]

Using points for non-DVC resorts is nice for a change of pace without having to lay out additional $$. A lot of people are reluctant to buy into DVC because they worry about not being able to stay at their "favorite" or try new resorts that open. DVC has given us the ability to do that.

However, you are getting less for your points. Since you have joined DVC without ever experiencing it, I think you would be cheating yourselves not to stay in a one-bedroom or larger. I also think you'll be pleasantly surprised. You don't necessarily have to stay at VWL. Go with the DVC resort that most appeals to you.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

We will stay a Friday or Sat. on cash at the Poly, but only if we get a great discount cash rate. It saves a lot of points, and lets us sample our pre-DVC favorite resorts. That being said, we miss the DVC 1-BR everytime we set foot into another WDW hotel room. If it were me, I'd save my points for DVC and use cash for other lodging. IMO, Disney skims way too many points off the top on the Disney collection trades.

 

[JimC]

We have used points for AKL SV in December. It was a use it or lose it situation with a "beat the price increase" add-on and we could not get DVC unit for the dates we could travel. Generally if I can get a great AP rate I will use that (as we did at the Poly in June). For us, the decision to use points or cash at other resorts depends on the comparison each time the opportuity comes up. The Poly was better with cash for that trip.