DVC points for other destinations

[ParentsOf4]

If a DVC membership is purchased directly through Disney, those points can be used at many destinations. If the points are purchased through a reseller, those points can only be used at a DVC resort. A DVC evauation on Mousesavers.com (http://www.mousesavers.com/dvc.html) states:

"Those who have purchased their DVC points directly from Disney (or purchased resale DVC points prior to 3/21/11) can also use those points at Disney resort hotels in California, Florida, France, Hong Kong, Japan, the Disney Cruise Line, and other (non-Disney) vacations. While Disney likes to emphasize the flexibility of the points system and your ability to use them outside of Disney, the reality is that the most cost-effective use of DVC points is at the DVC resorts. Using points for cruises or regular hotel rooms just doesn't give you as much "bang for your buck." For that reason, DVC membership generally is not worth considering unless you plan to stay at a DVC resort at least every other year."

I'd like to see some numbers to better understand this statement. I'd greatly appreciate it if someone could post:

1. How many points are needed for a 3-night DCL Bahama cruise for 3 in late September?

2. How many points are needed for a 4-night stay in London in late September?

(September is our anniversary month.) I'm just trying to get a ballpark idea of the cost.

 

[DisneyPhD]

A 3 night cruise in September is anywhere from 75 to 116 points per person depending on room category. There is also a non-refundable $95 transaction fee required to book a Cruise. Sorry, I don't have anything handy about places in London.

 

[Lynne M]

Another important thing to note about DCL - or any of the exchange options, really - you won't necessarily have access to all available inventory for the cruise or resort.

For example, DCL only makes a certain number of cabins available for DVC points reservations. I called this fall to ask about booking a cruise with my points, and was told that there were *no* cruises on points available, for any ship or itinerary, for more than 1 year from the date I called. There was plenty of cash availability during that time period.

I remember a couple of years back, DCL decided to stop taking points reservations for several months. It really upset people who had planned to book cruises with their points.

 

[Cubs Brian]

Another important thing to note about DCL - or any of the exchange options, really - you won't necessarily have access to all available inventory for the cruise or resort.

For example, DCL only makes a certain number of cabins available for DVC points reservations. I called this fall to ask about booking a cruise with my points, and was told that there were *no* cruises on points available, for any ship or itinerary, for more than 1 year from the date I called. There was plenty of cash availability during that time period.

I remember a couple of years back, DCL decided to stop taking points reservations for several months. It really upset people who had planned to book cruises with their points.

Wow! We called in early October and booked a 4 night Dream cruise for this past Feb. We must have had perfect timing!

 

[flynnibus]

Given the # of DVC owners I saw on the dream.. my guess is your limited availability may have been due to a few factors. I spoke with other DVC members who take cruises all the time while on board.