Which is better for Disney Cruise.......cash or points?

[ncligs]

I know this has been discussesd here before but DW and I are planning on taking our first ever cruise(4 days) and I was wondering which is the better way to go(cash or pts)?
I know we can't book it until 11 months out through DVC. We are looking to go in late 2003 or early 2004. I also know we can book it now with cash through Dreams Unlimited. Is there any advantage of booking it this far out with cash?
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[tiffany123]

Nick and Cindy-----I was getting ready to post the same question. We're looking at a 7 day Eastern cruise in either summer 2003 or summer 2004. Can't decide whether to use points or pay cash.
Hopefully we'll get some good answers and suggestions from your thread.

 

[Doctor P]

I think it depends on your situation. The typical advice is that you are much better off renting your points and paying cash for the cruise. We are using points for our July 2003 cruise (in fact, we bought a few more points so we would have enough). Didn't really want the hassle and uncertainty of renting, and, though we could have done better, didn't feel ripped off using points.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

The only cruise on points that I would consider would be the 3-day. And that would be ONLY if I were combining it with a 4-5 day DVC resort stay. A catagory 10 (for 2 persons) is marginally more points than a BCV 1-BR for a Thurs-Sat stay.

For the 4 or 7-day cruise, you would do MUCH better renting points for $10.00 or more/pt. Since your planning in advance, you should have plenty of time to rent points and get the exact cruise reservation/cabin you want.

We rented, and booked a 7-day western in 2003. We got the secret porthole Catagory 10's and early booking savings. We saved 170pts by renting and paying cash. We will be a family of five by then and needed 2 connecting rooms.

170 pts is well worth the trouble of renting. Also, I don't like the cancellation policy when you use points. It is much riskier than cash.

Also if your booking in 2004, you will have know idea what the DCL point cost will be as it has been increaseing dramatically every year.

 

[Dean]

When you reserve your cruise, you get your cabin. The pickins could be slim by 11 months out.

 

[ripleysmom]

If you are a Costco member call them for your cash cruise. They have some of the best prices on the Disney Cruise.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

When I first booked our Nov 30th cruise on Dec 31st at the 11month window I couldnt get us in a secret porthole or any cat 10 on deck 5 or 7. So using Dave's list I booked us in a cat 10 on deck 2.
However at 5 months to go we were able to switch from deck 2 to a secret porthole deck 5 (thanks michelle). So keep trying. And no there was no extra $75 transaction fee.

 

[CarolAnnC]

imgoingtodisney-could you please fill us in on how you were able to change your DVC ressie for the cruise without paying an additional transaction fee? Inquiring minds want to know, lol

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Sorry CarolAnn I have no idea. I did ask when I switched cabins/decks (same cat) and they said no for this type of change there is no extra fee. I only had to pay the original $75 fee to book in the beginning.
I asked for new paperwork and I do have it in hand as it was sent only a few days after making the room change.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by ripleysmom
If you are a Costco member call them for your cash cruise. They have some of the best prices on the Disney Cruise.

Ripleysmom,
What is a "Costco" member?

Everybody else thanks for the advice.

 

[Towncrier]

Costco is a "warehouse" club like Sam's Club.

 

[gscott8075]

Agree about Costco. We used to get a 5-6% rebate - now they take it off the price. They actually rebate a large part of their commission.

As far as points, I have used my examples many times before. Work it out both ways. Compare the total cost - in my case, the DVC kids cash price was much less than the DCL price.

I went in June and our deal worked out to $10 per point, so I did not worry about the rent issue.

To each his or her own - the important thing is to have fun.

 

[CarolAnnC]

I have booked DCL with points only through MS. I have also booked with points and cash combination through DVC also.

I have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line and I have booked with Dreams Unlimited also.

I have had all positive experiences, and would not hesitate to use any of the above to book my cruises in the future! Whatever it takes! LOL!!