whats my best use of points here - please give suggestions

[newholidayx2]

We have enough points left from 04 to get us Sun-Sat (21st-27th) at the Beach Club Villas this Aug - we're paying cash for 6nights at Pop (13th-18th) and 3nights at WL (not villas, 18-21)

rolling over all 170 2005 points to 06 supposingly for a Disney cruise - add to 170pts for 2006 - (2) ad, (1) 14yr - not sure if we want 3/4/7day cruise - borrow from 07/etc

would it actually be better to use some of those pts for this Aug (if I could get us a studio at this late date) and pay cash for part of the cruise (maybe use pts for 1 adult?)

am i doing the right thing this August?

 

[JimMIA]

I have seen so many posts saying "don't use points for a cruise" that it is hard to believe that is your best option.

The two problems people cite with cruising on points are:

1. If something happens and you have to cancel, those points cannot be used for a DVC property. They become "reservation points," which can only be used for another cruise or one of the Disney Concierge resort bookings. Look on the Rent/trade board and you'll see folks desperately trying to unload those points.

2. The cost is higher - maybe much higher - to cruise on points.

First of all, you can usually get much less expensive cruises booking through a travel agent (either online or regular) than you can get through the cruise line itself. That is not unique to Disney, it's true of all cruise lines. Cruise specialists and consolidators sell the same accommodations for much less than the cruise line itself does. Booking through the cruise line is the equivalent of paying "rack rate" at a hotel.

Secondly, even if you pay cash through Disney, you can pay cash and rent enough points to cover your cash outlay and come out way ahead.

If you don't want to rent points, your better option may be to use the points for your DVC stay and pay cash for the cruise.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think Jim's last option is the best idea. Pay cash for the cruise and use points for all the WDW trip.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We've used points for a cruise and I can honestly say that it wasn't the best use of points. We were in a crunch, though. Pay cash if you can.

 

[Mary Anne]

I too have used points for a cruise. While I would say it was easy, fast and no hassle, I don't know if I would do it again. If I could I'd either rent my points or just pay cash.