Wannabe DVC Cruiser - Best way and when to book Spring 2024?

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

Booking for DVC Members for Spring 2024 cruises opens this Wednesday, Dec 14, 2022. What is the best way to book? Can I book online? What time does this open? TIA

 

[dznyacct]

8 am for online booking

 

[bcwife76]

If you are using points you have to book with member services. If paying cash then online is fastest and opens around 8am eastern, sometimes a bit before.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

And note that when you book with points they are permanently converted to "reservation points," so reschedules, changes and cancellation becomes exponentially more complex and confusing.

 

[MomOTwins]

And note that when you book with points they are permanently converted to "reservation points," so reschedules, changes and cancellation becomes exponentially more complex and confusing.

Yep just to underscore it is almost always more cost effective to pay cash for the cruise and rent out your DVC points. Unless you have unique situations that make rental not an option (e.g. international and don’t want to deal with the tax implications).

 

[SandyinMonterey]

Booking for DVC Members for Spring 2024 cruises opens this Wednesday, Dec 12, 2022. What is the best way to book? Can I book online? What time does this open? TIA

We've used points twice for a Disney cruise only because we had to use them fast. DVC handles everything related to cash. Anything else, you're referred to DCL. But, many times I've gotten stuck with DCL saying it's DVC and vice versa. It's a real pain. Can't even get something from DVC saying you're paid in full. And DCL can't/won't help with that. Last time I spoke with DVC, they're trying to change their system and make it easier. I'll never use points again for a cruise. And....also because it's not a good use of points.

 

[dwg]

Used our points several times and never had a problem. Of course we never cancelled using the points but we did take the DVC Travel insurance which is good for the entire use year and includes all guests on the same trip (may be a limit to number of guests allowed to be included on the insurance policy).

If I ever had questions regarding the cruise including verifying personal requests I was always able to call DCL directly. If the questions included actually making changes to the reservation like dropping the third guest for a cash refund (paid for this guest in cash) I would have to go through DVC not DCL.

We choose to use our points directly and do not want to deal with renting them out.

 

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

Thanks everyone. To clarify, this would be a cash reservation. It's just that booking opens on Wednesday to DVC members. I will try to book online via the DCL site on Wednesday morning. Thanks again!

 

[JWelch62]

Thanks everyone. To clarify, this would be a cash reservation. It's just that booking opens on Wednesday to DVC members. I will try to book online via the DCL site on Wednesday morning. Thanks again!

I've found that the website is live before the phones.

 

[Isabelle12345]

Does it open early for resale DVC members too or just blue card?

 

[dwg]

Does it open early for resale DVC members too or just blue card?

I thought we are talking about DCL 2024 early bookings. Really has nothing to do with DVC.

Per DCL website: Advance Booking Open for Platinum Castaway Club Members and Golden Oak Members. Bookings open to the general public on 12/15/22.

 

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

I thought we are talking about DCL 2024 early bookings. Really has nothing to do with DVC.

Per DCL website: Advance Booking Open for Platinum Castaway Club Members and Golden Oak Members. Bookings open to the general public on 12/15/22.

Eligible DVC members can book Dec 14

 

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

Does it open early for resale DVC members too or just blue card?

Whatever “Eligible DVC members” are

 

[Isabelle12345]

Whatever “Eligible DVC members” are

That’s exactly what I am wondering!
But from reading the website, looks like only DCL stays booked with points will be available on the 14th.

 

[Frugal Fairy Tales]

That’s exactly what I am wondering!
But from reading the website, looks like only DCL stays booked with points will be available on the 14th.

You’re right, thanks. I just read the DCL site more closely. Bummer! I’m no better than the general public