Member cash discount, for HHI?

[bobbiwoz]

Yesterday we booked a 2 night stay at HHI through Disney Reservations for one of our drives down to FL. I was surprised that a studio was available, but now I wonder if we should have called DVC to try to get a better rate. Should we cancel what we have before calling DVC, or are those 2 sorts of cash reservations also out of different inventory. A point room was not available. I had one previously, but let it go when DH swore he would never drive to FL again. Now he has changed his mind about that.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I wouldn't cancel but I would inquire to see if there are any other rooms at DVC discount.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I wouldn't cancel but I would inquire to see if there are any other rooms at DVC discount.

No other rooms, we'll keep what we have!

 

[CarolMN]

I am not surprised that there were no rooms available for the member cash discount.

Since member cash discounts come from the points inventory, it is not likely that there would be a cash discount available if there are no rooms available for points. DVC only offers the cash discount if it believe there are rooms that will not be booked for points. (Probably not too likely for studios during HHI's busy spring - fall).

Most of the rooms available to the general public for cash come from rooms DVC used to off set member trades for cruising.

 

[slaclandry]

I am not surprised that there were no rooms available for the member cash discount.

Since member cash discounts come from the points inventory, it is not likely that there would be a cash discount available if there are no rooms available for points. DVC only offers the cash discount if it believe there are rooms that will not be booked for points. (Probably not too likely for studios during HHI's busy spring - fall).

Most of the rooms available to the general public for cash come from rooms DVC used to off set member trades for cruising.

I'm not sure this is altogether true. We have an upcoming stay at BCV in a 2 bedroom. We used all our points regardless so had to book 2 additional nights when we decided to stay longer. There were no 2 bedrooms (or anything) available with points but we were able to book the 2 nights with the discount. They also had other rooms available that I could book elsewhere (poly), that weren't discounted...We have also been able to book HHI with a cash discount in the height of the summer when there was no point availability. Anyways, I think it isn't clear when they give a discount....

 

[disneybirds]

We also tried to use the cash discount this summer on a Saturday night stay since it is so many points. There were available rooms to book with points, but there weren't any cash discount rooms available, only rack rates. It was the Saturday night of Memorial Day, so perhaps that is why. I also seem to remember that they only have 2 bedrooms available for the cash discount.

 

[Judique]

We also tried to use the cash discount this summer on a Saturday night stay since it is so many points. There were available rooms to book with points, but there weren't any cash discount rooms available, only rack rates. It was the Saturday night of Memorial Day, so perhaps that is why. I also seem to remember that they only have 2 bedrooms available for the cash discount.

I have often gotten cash discounted rooms of all types and in all seasons. Last year I had 2 nights in a one bedroom in summer, plus my points nights.

Cash discounted studios used to be a real bargain but they at some point changed the cash cost in some seasons such as Thanksgiving week. I only have 50 points at Hilton Head but stay there often, including this past July in a one bedroom. Because of this I am often paying member cash rates.

But I am guessing once they are gone that's it and I have been lucky.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I am not surprised that there were no rooms available for the member cash discount.

Since member cash discounts come from the points inventory, it is not likely that there would be a cash discount available if there are no rooms available for points. DVC only offers the cash discount if it believe there are rooms that will not be booked for points. (Probably not too likely for studios during HHI's busy spring - fall).

Most of the rooms available to the general public for cash come from rooms DVC used to off set member trades for cruising.

I'd think there is a possibility there could be member cash discounted rooms available even when there aren't any rooms left on points. My understanding has always been that the member discounted rooms are those that are moved over to the cash side by DVC to compensate for trades. Then they offer some themselves and others are given to CRO for booking. I don't know that I'd expect member discounted rooms to be available though if CRO has booked up everything they have - I guess I'd expect DVC to turn anything left over in order to give greatest exposure to getting the room rented out.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Since member cash discounts come from the points inventory, it is not likely that there would be a cash discount available if there are no rooms available for points. DVC only offers the cash discount if it believe there are rooms that will not be booked for points. (Probably not too likely for studios during HHI's busy spring - fall).

Surprisingly, that's not always the case. We were once Waitlisted for a room at HHI. Finally, after being on the WL for several months, we were getting antsy and I called MS and asked if there was a villa available on Member's Cash. The CM responded "Yes, there is", as if of course and why hadn't I asked before?

 

[MickeyBobby]

From what I understand, DVC sets aside rooms on a cash basis during certain times of the year they historically have availability. This is determined well in advance, over a year. Based on past availability and historic bookings by DVC members, cash rooms and member cash discounts are available. It all averages out in the end to balance points and cash throughout the year. For example: I would imagine during summer there are no cash rooms, or very little cash or member discount rooms available, whereas during a typical week in the fall or winter, the availability is much higher.