Points and Cash Combo

[tiffany123]

We are DVC members and are starting to plan next summer's vacation. We are considering a week at HH using points and/or a points/cash combination. How would we go about making a cash reservation for the 2 weekend nights (so that we can save some of our points for additional DVC nights)? Right now we have 7 nights in a 1 bedroom reserved for June 2003. Can we pay cash for Fri and Sat nights and if so, do we make the change through DVC or CRO? Would our DVC, Disney Club or AP's qualify us for a discount for those weekend nights? Would codes be useful? Sorry for so many questions but we're new at this!

 

[Lew]

Call MS and CRO for cash night rates. We have found rates from each can be quite different depending on their respective room inventory. Ask both whether AP or DC discounts are available during your timeframe...I kinda' doubt they would have this info so far in advance.

If you do make a cash night reservation, be sure to have it linked to your points reservation.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

Can we pay cash for Fri and Sat nights and if so, do we make the change through DVC or CRO?

If you are planning on dropping the Fri/Sat nights from your DVC reservation I would probably try the following:

1. Call CRO and reserve those nights at your resort. You may have to book at rack rates this far out, but there is a good possibility of DC/DVC/AP discounts closer to your travel dates. Mary Warings MouseSavers site is an excellent source for this type of information, as is our own DIS.

2. With confirmed CRO reservations in hand, call member services and request that only the Friday & Saturday nights of your DVC stay be dropped. Write down who you talked to and when, and any new confirmation and/or cancellation numbers. Also, without knowing the status of the points used in making the reservation, verify whether the points returned to your account by deleting those nights will have any banking or use restrictions.
I usually request an updated copy of the reservation be mailed to me for my records.

3. In my case, add five extra nights with those "weekend" points !

4. Wait for discount(s) on your weekend room, and save !

5. GO TO WDW. At check-in, show the CM your 2(3?) reservations, and request that they be linked to allow you to stay in the same room. You will have to come in that Friday to "ckeckout/checkin" (points ==> cash ressie) and the following Sunday (cash ==> points ressie).

BTW, since the Fri/Sat stays are cash, you are entitled to full cleanings on those days. Your other cleanings during your stay will be trash/towel.

Have Fun !

 

[sparkysfriends]

I actually just did what you are asking about. I booked a 2 bedroom for the FEb. school break. I booked 5 nights using points and 1 night with cash. I was able to do the whole thing through MS. The night we are paying cash for had a DVC member discount available. The regular rate for a 2 bedroom at this time of year is $165. The DVC member discounted rate is $124. CRO couldn't do any better. By booking through MS the reservation is linked. It couldn't have been easier. They only offer a certain number of DVC member discounts per night, so IMO it's better to try to book it earlier rather than later.

Good luck-
Alyson

 

[Lew]

At check-in, show the CM your 2(3?) reservations, and request that they be linked to allow you to stay in the same room.

I would strongly recommend that you have MS link the reservations prior to your arrival at the resort. It will make things go much more smoothly...front desk CMs will have access to all your information upon your arrival.

You will have to come in that Friday to "ckeckout/checkin" (points ==> cash ressie) and the following Sunday (cash ==> points ressie).

Actually, we have not had to do the checkout/checkin drill. With the reservations linked this is no longer necessary.

BTW, since the Fri/Sat stays are cash, you are entitled to full cleanings on those days. Your other cleanings during your stay will be trash/towel.

If you would like, the full cleanings you are entitled to for the cash nights can be moved to whatever days you wish. You'll get two full cleanings and one trash & towel on the days you select. You'll need to inform housekeeping soon after your arrival.