Paying cash for part of my stay

[RSoxFan]

I just called DVC to book next July's trip at BCV, my home resort. By borrowing all of my points from 2008, I have enough to stay in a one bedroom for six nights. I told her I wanted to pay for three nights in cash. She said I can't book cash nights until I get to the resort in July, and then I can only use them if the "inventory is available." Well, obviously I am not going to be able to walk into the Beach CLub and get three nights. I just don't understand why I just can't make the whole reservation at once. When we signed up, we were told our cash is just as good as points. In fact, our guide said "The Mouse always takes cash."

If this is the case, I'll just stay in a studio and go on the waiting list to buy more points in October.

 

[castleri]

You need to call back- You may not be able to get the member discount for your nights but you should be able to book for cash. How about dividing the stay between a 1BR and studio - the studio over the weekend to use lower points - maybe you can stretch the points to cover your whole stay that way-or do a 5 nights 1 BR at BCV and switch to OKW or SSR and a studio for 4 to make your 9 night total or flip and do the 1 BR at OKW and the studio at BCV. Of course as you said you could also just do the studio for the whole trip and not change resorts or be out the cash. The cash cost of the 1 BR may be enough to buy some more points for you that you can then use on your next trip. Good luck!

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you have an Annual Pass, you might also book with CRO and hope than an AP rate comes out later next year.

You will need the reservation for each reservation noted on the opposite reservation and let them know when you check in so you don't have to move. You'd have to check out and back in (two different reservations) but it can be done.

 

[RSoxFan]

Thanks for your help guys.

Deb, that's a good idea. I didn't think of using the AP to get a discounted room rate.

 

[Tigger7570]

RSoxFan:
Definitely call them back. I have booked on cash for a weekend that falls in the middle of our vacation several times when we didn't want to use vacation points for the weekend and I have always done it at the time of booking. Fortunately, I have always been able to get the member discount. So, you should be able to book it and then keep checking to see if the member rate becomes available. Also, when you book it, make sure to ask them to link it together. This is what I have always done and we have never had to move. They just link it, even though you will have two reservation numbers. I actually end up with three when I book it in the middle. I just make sure I have all the confirmations with me and I always check before arrival to make sure that it is linked.

 

[WDWNewbie]

If you book a cash reservation via member services with the DVC Discount, and then a waitlist night comes thru right at the last minute to use points, can you cancel the cash ressie without penalty?

 

[RSoxFan]

RSoxFan:
Definitely call them back. I have booked on cash for a weekend that falls in the middle of our vacation several times when we didn't want to use vacation points for the weekend and I have always done it at the time of booking. Fortunately, I have always been able to get the member discount. So, you should be able to book it and then keep checking to see if the member rate becomes available. Also, when you book it, make sure to ask them to link it together. This is what I have always done and we have never had to move. They just link it, even though you will have two reservation numbers. I actually end up with three when I book it in the middle. I just make sure I have all the confirmations with me and I always check before arrival to make sure that it is linked.

Thanks Tigger. That's what I thought we could do. I'm going to try again tomorrow. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

 

[DebbieB]

If you book a cash reservation via member services with the DVC Discount, and then a waitlist night comes thru right at the last minute to use points, can you cancel the cash ressie without penalty?

You can cancel up to 6 days before without penalty.

Chances are this will not happen. DVC only rents cash rooms with the member discount if they anticipate they will not be needed for points. If you are on waitlist, that night should not be available for DVC discount.

 

[WDWNewbie]

DVC only rents cash rooms with the member discount if they anticipate they will not be needed for points. If you are on waitlist, that night should not be available for DVC discount.

Good point! Thanks for the info.