Using points for the cruise - is it really that great?

[Cinderella]

I have ressies for VWL and Vero in September but, I am still contemplating doing VWL and the three or four night cruise instead - part cash and part points. I have read so much about the cruise but, is it really a truly wonderful experience, or will I regret the waste of points?

Also, I know Dreams have some great rates for the cruise in September. If I use part points, will the cash part of the booking be as reasonably priced through DVC? Has anyone used part cash and part points for the cruise in December? Were the cash rates good?

I really do want to visit Vero but, I won't be taking another WDW trip for 20 months after this one and I am worried that I will be missing out on something special if I don't do the cruise. Thanks.

 

[Renee']

Well, I can only tell you we are going on our 4th Disney cruise in September using all points. In '99 we bought another contract which had over 350 banked points with it - we'd never cruised before and decided we take a 3 night just to see how everyone liked cruising. We enjoyed it so much we've taken 2 7-day cruises since then and will be on our 3rd one in September. Our kids are currently 9 & 6 and think the cruise is it. We visit VB every year (usually twice) and while they love the ocean and the pool there it isn't the cruise. If you haven't taken one possibly you should give it a try. My only suggestion would be is to go for the 4-day as the 3-day is over in a blink.

BTW, when paying with points (even for one person) you will not be able to combine any specials through anyone else, even DCL. Your entire cruise will have to be booked through MS. They are offering a special on points with an onboard credit during the month of September for all three (3, 4 and 7 night cruises).

Happy planning!

 

[DVCinderella]

DH and I bought into DVC in March 2001. They had an incentive which back-dated our 'Use Year' to September 2000. So we got 300 pts in March 2001 (which I immediately banked), and we got another 300 pts in September 2001.

We took the 4-day Wonder on 9/23/01. We stayed in a Cat-6 for 234 pts (117 x 2). We then stayed at BWV for 4-days afterwards (58 pts).

We had a wonderful time on the cruise, and I do not regret spending 234 pts over 4 days. However, the fact that we had 600 pts as of September 2001 made it a lot easier to use up 234. Now that we've been members for a year, and I have a better understanding of the value of points, I can understand the mantra of this board...to spend your points wisely.

On the other hand, if I have the points to spend, I wouldn't hesitate taking another Disney cruise. It was one of the best vacations we have taken.

Whenever a discussion regarding how to spend points comes up on this board, I am always interested in the responses. Some people are conservative and will only use DVC facilities to get the most bang for their buck. Others look at their DVC purchase as pre-paid vacations...it's not necessarily the quantity of days so much as the quality of the experience.

I think it's all a matter of personal preference. No one can tell you how to spend your points. I think most people who have bought in at lower point amounts are obviously more conservative with their points. Those who have the luxury of a higher annual allotment can afford to be more carefree.

When we bought in at 300, I thought we would have points to spare...now I'm considering an add-on (mostly due to the addiction to this board). I am planning to take my parents on the 4-day Wonder next year, followed by a week at BWV, and with 300 points, I do not have enough to do so (without borrowing, which I don't want to do). I am thinking of paying cash for the cruise and points for BWV (2-bedroom).

Also, you can not book higher than a Cat-4 with points, and since I wanted the 2-bedroom (Cat-2), I'd have to pay cash. Ends up, I can't book a Cat-2 either because Cat 1 & 2 can only be booked as part of a "Land & Sea" package. I explained that we are DVC members and will use points for the "land" portion of our vacation, but it doesn't matter. The only chance I have of getting a Cat-2 is 30-days-out from the cruise date. At that point, if no one has booked a Cat-2 as part of a "Land & Sea" package, it can be booked as "Cruise only".

Right now, I am holding a reservation through Dreams Unlimited. I have never used a travel agent in the past to book a Disney vacation, but I like the idea that they keep an eye out for specials, and if something comes up that lowers the cost of your cruise, they attempt to get the new price for you. So far, I have been very pleased with their customer service...friendly and prompt responses to my e-mail inquiries.

Since I can't try for a Cat-2 until 30-days-out, I have reserved a Cat-3 (1-bedroom) with adjoining Cat-4 (Deluxe Family Stateroom w/Verandah).

 

[Gillian]

We looked into this a bit. The cruise rates in september are some of the lowest of the year. We were going to pay for one adult & an infant on points, and pay cash for the other adult (for a 4 day). The cash price for the 1 adult was really rather high. I don't remember the exact number, but I do remember that it bothered me that it was so much! But you do get the onboard credit, which helps offset that somewhat.

We've never been on a Disney cruise so we chose the 4 night to see how we like it. The 3 night seems too rushed. We are expecting to have a great time!

 

[SAKPEG99OKW]

I would just take the view of 10.00 per point. That's what you would rent them for. if the cruise costs 234 points then you would be spending 2340.00. If you call Dreams and they can beat the 2340.00 price then I would pay cash. and bank the points for rent them and use part of that money for the cruise. If money is an issue then use the points.

Either way have a great trip.

Scott, Peg and Tyler

 

[Tink Fans]

Our first cruise (3 day) was all points and I also don't have any regrets. It was great. For our next cruise 2/2003 I was going to do points and cash for kids but I thought it was really high for that week (presidents). Also, I believe you have to pay the cash part in full. So for a little more $$$ and lots of thanks to all on the DIS boards for the great information, I booked through Costco.

 

[Cinderella]

Hi Tinkfans,

Could you tell me the email address for Costco please?

Thanks.

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

www.costco.com membership runs $45/year.

"Gold Star members qualify by being current or retired employees of selected employers, members of approved associations, and professional licensed individuals."

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Why don't you get a free quote from Dreams for the time you are looking at, and the level of cabin. Then figure out your cash/point cost and see how you do better.
We can only go in summer and need a cat. 4, so if we want to cruise we may as well pay with part points, since specials in that category and season are very, very rare.
Let me know how you like it--we are doing a 3 or 4 day in July, 2003.
Robin M.

 

[dvcer97]

To me using pts was definately worth it when I did the 4 day cruise after all I paid lots $$ for these pts. now I am planning on doing the 7 day cruise in a cat 6 for a family of 4 all pts. I can't spending all that cash for the cruise when my pts will cover it. It is worth it for me not to use cash at all. I love just paying $75.00 per cabin.

jackie

 

[imgoingtodisney]

DH, DS10 and I are cruising Nov 30th on the Magic. We are using all points. We stayed 9 nights at the Wilderness Lodge in Oct, bought DVC in Nov. DH has always wanted to go on a cruise so we are using our points to cruise this year. After DVC is paid off, who knows?

 

[SnowW's Mom]

We go to WDW at least once a year, own points at OKW and BDWK. This Spring we took the 7 day, all points and all 5 of us have decided that we really don't care if we EVER go to a park again!
Think of it this way.... if you are using points for the cruise, you are getting all your entertainment and food included.
The other thing is, that after a park vacation you are exhausted from all the running around all week, and after the cruise we were all very rested and everyone had a awesome week. My kids are 16, 12 and 9 and they ALL loved it!

Have fun!

 

[gscott8075]

It all depends on what you are looking for. Some people cannot or do not want to drop bgi bucks on the cruise - they bought the points for vacations and that's what they are there for. More power to them!

It is unarguable that in a dollars to value comparison, the DVC resorts are the best point value.

However, we seem to have established that $10 per point is the perceived value. So, if you are deciding to use dollars or points, compare the costs both ways. At some points of the year, points are definitely worth more.

In my often used example, we used 370 points for two adults. We paid cash for the kids ($629 each) + $75 for the DVC fee. The cash price of the cruise was $5000. (June 2002 - Cat 8)

So, the value of the points in the comparison is $10. Based on that, we used points this time.

You have to look at the whole enchilada - for some reason, the DVC cash price was $629 for the kids and the DCL cash price was $799. So, between the 2 kids, we saved $340.

Anyway, next year's points have increased yet again. If you want to use points, use 'em. If you are trying to evaluate using points or cash, work out the math and see if it makes sense. At some times of the year, the value per point is very low ($5 - $6) and at other times, you can get it to $10. For me, $9 - $10 is the sweet spot when deciding to use points for non-DVC stays.

In the final analysis, what's important is that you are comfortable with your decision.

 

[DCL-Fan]

Maybe I am doing something wrong, but I have always calculated the value of a point to be in the $5-$6 range regardless of what time of year you use it.

Tell me if this makes sense:

I take the original investment plus the dues for 40 years divided by the total points that you get over the 40 years. (I know I am not factoring in the value of money over time, but this was the simplest way for me to know whether it was a good investment or not nevermind the enjoyment factor. )

160 X $65.00 = $10,400

160 X 40 = 6,400 points

160 X $4.00 (dues per point) X 40 (years) = 25,600

$10, 400 + $25,600 = $36,000

$36,000 divided by 6,400 = $5.62 per point

I guess I never viewed as bring based on season. I always do it strictly on what it would cost if you paid the going rate at that time of year for the cruise or a hotel plus tax vs. the number of points times the per point value.

I have always found that it is a huge savings over the cash price whether it is the cruise or one of the resoirts.

Regardless of all this financial stuff we love this and have gotten so much our of it that we have added on 4 times. We own at HH, VB, OKW and are the proud new owners of points at the BCV!

I would be interested in how others calculate it out.

Kevin

 

[gscott8075]

Folks have the ability to rent points. The value in the rental market is $9-$10 per point.

In addition to DCL-Fan's method, you could also value your points by using $5 since that is what DVC trip insurance reimburses you.

Or, you could divide the best cash rate for the DVC rooms by the number of points needed.

I think the $9-$10 is the most commonly used number for members to determine the relative value of an exchange outside the 5 (6!) DVC resorts.

Again, you have to do what's right for you. For many people, the value of the points does not matter. Its the ability to take a vacation.

 

[Laurajean1014]

We do 3 days at Vero Beach with the 7 Day Magic cruise. It's great!

We use all points each year to do this. We are a family of three! I 've read 4 is the best amount to have in a cabin to make the most out of it financially.

I've looked at many deals but prefer to use my points!

Last trip, a family of three next door to us paid over $5600 for their cash trip. I told them that we spent 524 points (which I guess everyone equates too $5240 plus the $75 transfer charge would equal $5315.

The next day, I saw my neighbor and they told me they bought 350 points so they can take another cruise next year.

I think that says alot.

 

[Tigger1]

How many points does it take for a trip in the summer? What are other times of the year during, school vacation, best to go?

How much extra cash is needed?

Tigger

 

[Michelemouse]

I understand the $10-per-point amount which is based on fair market value for renting points. For us, however, the hassle of renting out points is not worth it. We also use the $5-6-per-point value as a guideline. That's approximately what we have paid for our points so any use of points that works out to more than that amount is a good value to us.

For our upcoming Nov. cruise we used 607 points (plus some cash for other travelers). Booking these same passengers on cash would have cost us, according to the DCL site, $4,872.40. That works out to just over $8 per point. Yes, we coul have gotten $10 per point by renting them out, but we feel we are still getting a great value by using them for the cruise.

Just another opinion.

 

[gscott8075]

I hope you have a GREAT time.

We went on our first cruise two years ago and it has definitely turned into our favorite vacation option. Each member of my family loves it and since the kids have some freedom with the clubs, if we want to do our own thing - we can!

We talk about other destinations - and the cruise keeps coming back up. Since the kids are growing up fast, we want them to have awesome memories of their family trips -

So, whether you pay points or cash is not important - what is important is going!

It is a grand adventure. ENJOY!

 

[DCL-Fan]

Gscott,

Thanks for sharing that. I had not looked at it from the point rental perspective. I don't think I will ever find out how much I can get by renting them...I am having too much fun using them! We never seem to have enough.

The reason I use the $5-6 is to see what I would have to pay if I was paying cash. If I had to pay the going rates for some of the rooms at the resorts vs. using the points, I would probably never stay there. Now I have made it a life's goals to have stayed at everyone one of the Disney Resorts in Orlando.

We love our DVC membership!

Kevin