Pls Help - Cash over Weekend vs. Using Pts?

[DutchsMommy]

Hello, I am new and hoping someone can give me some insight.....

We are planning on staying at WDW from Nov 11-18 of this year. We have a150 pts contract as well as banked points of 74 from 2006. OUr use year is October. We would like to book a 1 or 2 bdrm villa, doesn't really matter where, for our stay. What I am not sure about is whether we should put the whole stay on points or consider paying cash for the more expensive Friday and Saturday night.

I am sure, like everything, this is a personal decision. BUt I am hoping with some input it would make my decision a bit more informed. If I wanted to figure out the cost of paying Fri and Sat with a member discount (not sure what this is/if it is always available?) would I call MS? Is it a certain % off rack?

All info is appreciated!

 

[jdvm]

We've switched from points to cash a LOT on weekends over the years. It's easy to do these days because they link the reservations. Member Services can help you with this. Just tell them you want the weekend nights for cash with a member discount. I'm not sure of what governs when member discounts (25%, I recall) are available. But even if they are not available for all of the nights you want, keep trying.
John

 

[Figment2]

You're right - it is a personal decision. I, for one, feel I bought points to use. I use my points even on the weekends (for our trip in Oct. it's over two weekends). Friends and I do a lot of long weekends and even then we use points rather than cash.

Cyn

 

[JimC]

Find out what the rate equivalent of your points is -- probably $2 - $3 per point plus the maintenance fees. Multiply that times the number of points for a weekend stay. Compare that to the cost quoted for your cash reservation (make sure they gave you a total with tax).

 

[I'mNoPrince]

I have done the math a few times on this .

Even if it's because I don't want to use my points or have to borrow from the next UY ,It still makes sence to just use my points.

Then the year I need those points I can have them transfered in from another member here on the board for about the same price as it cost on cash.

I just did a weekend in June . It was $800+ so about $600 after the discount for BCV studio. The points are about 29 each night.

When I need enough to book an entire vacation I will have them transfered in from a resort I want to try at the 11 month window so I get that benifit as well.

Now if I'm going for just an extended weekend anyhow I just try to get an AP rate at a mod thats good for a couple of days.