Figuring out when to use points vs. when to use cash

[thisismyusername]

We bought into DVC in 2013, so we are still very new to using our points. Since we had two years' worth of points to use in 2014, I didn't need to think too much about how to best use our points or getting the biggest bang for our buck since we had so many to use. But planning for next year is proving to be challenging as I'm still debating how to best use our limited number of points (100) over the trips we have planned.

Right now, we have three definite trips planned for 2015: A short stay in March (3 nights) and a short stay (3 nights) in December. I can use my year's worth of points to stay for these 6 nights.

Currently, I am holding a 4-night reservation at our home resort (GFV) for a summer trip. I have a few points left over, and was hoping to purchase a few more points to get the fifth night when my 7 month window opens.

I am thinking about moving the points from the summer trip to use during the March and December trips since I get 6 nights use out of them vs. 4. That seems like it makes the most amount of sense, yes?

There's so many potential cash-reservation discounts and other variables that are clouding my decision-making on this that I feel like I just need some help on figuring out the best strategy. Thanks for any input!

 

[bwvBound]

'Moving' points around isn't a completely easy process and could mean losing a reservation. To me, it is often too much risk. Speaking of risk, your trips are pretty spread out (March, Summer and December) and could put some points at risk if you needed to cancel a trip that was beyond your banking deadline.

So ... I use my points for reservations that are close to the beginning of my UY and when I absolutely want to be on property. For trips beyond my banking window -- I'll often use cash at an off-property timeshare location booked through RCI/II, Worldmark, WinPointVIP or other timeshare alternatives. (I still want a large, spacious unit with full kitchen and in-room laundry!)

 

[Dean]

We bought into DVC in 2013, so we are still very new to using our points. Since we had two years' worth of points to use in 2014, I didn't need to think too much about how to best use our points or getting the biggest bang for our buck since we had so many to use. But planning for next year is proving to be challenging as I'm still debating how to best use our limited number of points (100) over the trips we have planned.

Right now, we have three definite trips planned for 2015: A short stay in March (3 nights) and a short stay (3 nights) in December. I can use my year's worth of points to stay for these 6 nights.

Currently, I am holding a 4-night reservation at our home resort (GFV) for a summer trip. I have a few points left over, and was hoping to purchase a few more points to get the fifth night when my 7 month window opens.

I am thinking about moving the points from the summer trip to use during the March and December trips since I get 6 nights use out of them vs. 4. That seems like it makes the most amount of sense, yes?

There's so many potential cash-reservation discounts and other variables that are clouding my decision-making on this that I feel like I just need some help on figuring out the best strategy. Thanks for any input!

I'd suggest you book the stays you can reach with your points and keep an eye on discounts and distressed points on the rent/trade board or other locations rentals are placed. Then if you can get something that works and is a good deal, you can cancel and roll those points forward to future reservations. To take the idea bwvBound mentioned a step further, you might consider a non DVC timeshare for supplement and non Disney trips or simply adding on to your DVC holdings.