Manipulating Best Use Of Points

sjcampbl

The FASTPASS Volunteer
Joined
Sep 9, 2004
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I have read people recommending manipulating one's stay so as to minimize the number of points. For example, arrive Tuesday and reserve 3 days in a one bedroom (for comfort), then switch to a studio for the weekend (different resort? to minimize points), then switch back to a one-bedroom for another 2-3 days before departing midweek. Are there any rules regarding minimum stay or otherwise manipulating the system this way?
 
Nope - if you've got the points, you can use them how you wish, within the 11/7 windows and, of course, room availability.

However, there is the issue of moving [and moving, and moving....] While some folks enjoy a trip that encompasses multiple resorts, others do not - and if you're talking about different rooms in the same resort, that could be even more annoying. Remember, you have to pack up and check out in the AM, and DVC check-in time isn't [officially] until 4 PM.

Also, the comfort issue may be important; I've read many posts about people leaving 1- or 2-BR Villas for a Studio - or WDW Resort room - and missing the size, convenience, and the jacuzzi!
 
Another option is to try to pay cash for the weekend nights. I've done that at OKW in a 1 bedroom. Last year I got the member discount (25%) for Friday and Saturday, then used points Sunday to Thursday nights. This year, we arrived Sunday and used points Sunday to Thursday and then I got an AP discount (30%) for Friday night. In both cases, we did not have to switch rooms (but no guarantees). I paid about $300 with tax for 1 night this year, it would have been 48 points.
 
The AP rate on a one bedroom after Aug. 15 at SSR was around $270, I think. You can sneak in several smaller trips, besides the large vacation, if you do a combination of cash and points. I have never had to switch rooms, and I have been a member since 1997. I go down at least 3 times per year, including Christmas, but there are no guarantees--still, they call it "customer service" for a reason...;)
 

I think that paying cash for weekend nights is a better option than borrowing points if you're trying to conserve the points for another trip.

The cash cost of a room is no more on weekends than weekdays. Go figure.
 
Originally posted by ScottNBecky
30% off of $270 is still a high price to pay for cash though.

I look at the price per point. I paid $300 (OKW 1 bedroom) and saved 48 points (weekend night in May), so that's about $6.25 per point. Maintenance is over $4.00, then you figure the initial per point cost of an add-on, it breaks about even. For personal reasons, I don't want to add-on, so this is a good alternative. I haven't had a problem getting a weekend night in early/mid-May at OKW for cash with either an AP or member discount.
 
I wouldn't mind arriving Friday or Saturday (we usually arrive Friday) and spending the initial weekend on cash at a different resort. Saves points and allows us to visit old favorites (haven't done it though). But I personally wouldn't want to hop more than once in a trip - or move from a one or two bedroom into a studio or regular hotel room.
 



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