Who has used DVC points for a Europe trip?

[Teachckg]

For the most part we will use our points for WDW, but at some point I would like to go to Italy. I would like to hear about peoples experiences going through II or other situations.

How far out did you put in your request?
How soon did you hear you got it?
Where did you stay?
Did you like it?
How easy was the process?
etc...

TIA

~Courtney

 

[eva]

We did the Viva Italia trip through Adventures by Disney with our points this year. We reserved 13 months out. They have early booking point discounts if you book early enough. I can't help too much with II trades. But many here say that you need to try trading as early as possible. That would be around the 2 year mark.

 

[smep013]

We used points for an II trip to Italy.

We called in January 2008 and gave them a timeframe for the trip of any week between June 23 - August something (it was based on my husband's work schedule, he is a teacher, so we gave them all of the weeks in between when school ended and when it would be back in session).

We selected three resorts to chose from. There was not an instant match.

We found out they found a match for us, via letter, in February.

Our travel dates were June 27-July 5 - and we stayed at the Palazzao Catalani in Soriano (near Viterbo).

It was a studio (large), one King Bed, 146 points (or very close to that amount).

It was AMAZING!

I hope that helps.

 

[eliza61]

I used my points through the concierge collection to London. Royal garden hotel
It was extremely easy and simple.
Loved it. Definitely plan on doing it again.

 

[Candace]

I used my points through the concierge collection to London. Royal garden hotel
It was extremely easy and simple.
Loved it. Definitely plan on doing it again.[/Q

So glad to hear of someone using points to stay at the Royal Garden. I have considered doing this......What did you think of the hotel? And how was the location, amenities, etc? Thanks

 

[Teachckg]

We used points for an II trip to Italy.

We called in January 2008 and gave them a timeframe for the trip of any week between June 23 - August something (it was based on my husband's work schedule, he is a teacher, so we gave them all of the weeks in between when school ended and when it would be back in session).

We selected three resorts to chose from. There was not an instant match.

We found out they found a match for us, via letter, in February.

Our travel dates were June 27-July 5 - and we stayed at the Palazzao Catalani in Soriano (near Viterbo).

It was a studio (large), one King Bed, 146 points (or very close to that amount).

It was AMAZING!

I hope that helps.

That is great news.... I am a teacher so it sounds like something similar to what we would need!

 

[Liljam]

We've talked about doing this but we're both so afraid to fly. We may actually fly to WDW next trip just to see if we could do Europe. I'd probably only go on points though because it just seems "easier" for me, even though some say it isn't cost effective. But I'd definitely get travel insurance just in case I could go and I'd have a back up travel person to go in my place if I chickened out! I just would love to do it!

 

[SusieBea]

I used my points through the concierge collection to London. Royal garden hotel
It was extremely easy and simple.
Loved it. Definitely plan on doing it again.

We booked the Royal Garden for our daughter and her husband for their honeymoon in July, 2007. They've both stayed in many lovely hotels and said the Royal Garden was top notch. Apparently, the staff also treated them well. They would love to stay there again.

 

[CraftyMouse]

We've talked about doing this but we're both so afraid to fly. We may actually fly to WDW next trip just to see if we could do Europe. I'd probably only go on points though because it just seems "easier" for me, even though some say it isn't cost effective. But I'd definitely get travel insurance just in case I could go and I'd have a back up travel person to go in my place if I chickened out! I just would love to do it!

One thing I've learned is to face fear head on and don't let it keep me from enjoying the one life I have. The thing that helps me the most is to look at my fear realistically. Flying is far safer than driving so you will be taking less of a risk getting on a plane than you do getting in your car every day.

I'm not meaning to debate the issue or tell you what to do, it's just that it makes me sad to see people avoid doing something that they'd love to do because of fear. You can do absolutely anything you want to do as long as you don't let the fear win. And usually once you face the fear it disappears.

I think taking a flight to Orlando would be a great first step. I say go for it!

Good luck!