Mississippian
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2001
- Messages
- 765
We just finished our second stay at VBR a couple of weeks ago and we all love this resort. Just for fun I looked at the cash reservation site (which is not advertised very well) to check on availability on Thanksgiving weekend. Long story short, I just booked a 2-BR for four nights for $275 per night, which is 25% off the rack rate. (The rate on a studio after discount is $138.75 per night; to me the 2-BR seems a better value.
By comparison, the rack rate at OKW or SSR for the same dates is $650 per night; after discount it would be $487.50.
Right now I'm stuck in a dedicated 2-BR. Whent he 7-month window arrives I hope to change the first day of my stay to points in hopes that that will allow us to get a lock-off (better view and chance of ocean view).
The debate never ends concerning the advantages of staying at one of the WDW resorts that is within walking distance to the parks. Many people say they don't care because they just like to "hang out" at the resort. Well, if you want to "hang out," I think this is the best resort of the bunch.
HHI also has some cheap rates for Thanksgiving. We felt it would be too cold to swim and so chose VBR instead. I can't imagine trying to battle the crowds at WDW at Thanksgiving, but I'm sure looking forward to VBR. For those interested in HHI, a 2-BR is shown as available for $194 per night. If the discount is available, that comes to $145.50, which isn't much more than a Hampton Inn. A few days ago HHI grand villas were showing up on the public rental list; they're gone now, but might be available for rental to members, and they were cheap, too.
I just thought I would pass this information along. Clearly at these rates you should always check the cash rate at HHI and VBR before booking on points, even during the week. If we were staying on points, we would have to pay 194 points for this stay. The cash rate reflects a point cost of $5.67, so we are staying for less than the maintainance fees.
The 25% discount is a sometimes forgotten perk of DVC membership, and if available these rooms can be booked outside the 7-month window. While a good deal at the WDW resorts on weekends, it's an unbelievable deal at VBR and HHI year round.
By comparison, the rack rate at OKW or SSR for the same dates is $650 per night; after discount it would be $487.50.
Right now I'm stuck in a dedicated 2-BR. Whent he 7-month window arrives I hope to change the first day of my stay to points in hopes that that will allow us to get a lock-off (better view and chance of ocean view).
The debate never ends concerning the advantages of staying at one of the WDW resorts that is within walking distance to the parks. Many people say they don't care because they just like to "hang out" at the resort. Well, if you want to "hang out," I think this is the best resort of the bunch.
HHI also has some cheap rates for Thanksgiving. We felt it would be too cold to swim and so chose VBR instead. I can't imagine trying to battle the crowds at WDW at Thanksgiving, but I'm sure looking forward to VBR. For those interested in HHI, a 2-BR is shown as available for $194 per night. If the discount is available, that comes to $145.50, which isn't much more than a Hampton Inn. A few days ago HHI grand villas were showing up on the public rental list; they're gone now, but might be available for rental to members, and they were cheap, too.
I just thought I would pass this information along. Clearly at these rates you should always check the cash rate at HHI and VBR before booking on points, even during the week. If we were staying on points, we would have to pay 194 points for this stay. The cash rate reflects a point cost of $5.67, so we are staying for less than the maintainance fees.
The 25% discount is a sometimes forgotten perk of DVC membership, and if available these rooms can be booked outside the 7-month window. While a good deal at the WDW resorts on weekends, it's an unbelievable deal at VBR and HHI year round.
