Points vs Cash

[mello]

There's been so much talk about using cash on weekends, but it all seems rather mind-boggling. Could someone please explain the options and the ways to go about it? I've heard people talking about booking through MS and through CRO. I've heard of people getting member discounts and AP discounts, or none at all. I've heard that sometimes the cash ressies are linked to the points ressies, and sometimes not. It just all seems rather random, and like a big hassle, yet I can see where it might be advantageous from time to time. Would someone be so kind as to offer a Cash Reservations for Dummies course?

 

[denecarter]

Sorry, never done a cash stay at DVC... but, a few days ago I happened to be searching Travelocity (or something similar). For the time period we will be there, they priced SSR Studio at $270 for a Tuesday night. Ouch! Of course the 4 weekend nights we're going to be there on points are also Ouchies...

 

[Mike]

I just posted this on the Cash Nights vs Points nights thread. Maybe it will help.......

It is technically 2 separate reservations, but since they are both made through Member Services they will link them together so you will be able to stay in the same unit without the possibility of having to move. If you book Sun-Thurs on points but then use an AP discount for Fri and Sat, then that cash reservation has to be made through CRO so the reservations cannot be linked. You can note the other reservation on your original reservation and there is a good chance you will not have to move, but that is not guaranteed.

It is also worth noting that when staying on the Member Discount, you still do not get daily housekeeping. But when you are staying on the AP discount, you are considered a cash customer and you will get daily housekeeping.

The Member Discount is based on availability, but it is easier to get on weekends than weekdays. For the past two July trips, I've been able to get the Member Discount about 10 months out, once for a 1BR and this year for a 2BR.

 

[mello]

That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

Am I right in assuming that you can book on cash through MS for any dates without a discount, but the member discount is based on availability? Or are there some dates that you can't get on cash, even at rack rate? How do they figure availability for those? If you call at exactly 11 months out, there'd be availability, wouldn't there?

If you book cash at rack rate, how would you ever know if the member discount becomes available? Do you have to keep calling all the time to check? And would you be able to get the discount after already booking at rack rate?

Also, I'm really curious about this: can cash ressies be changed back to points if you wind up renting some extra points, or buying more, or whatever?

I'm thinking that if I were to book two back to back Sun-Thurs on points, and not book the Fri-Sat at the same time, waiting for a discount of some sort, that we could wind up in a pickle with no place to stay right in the middle of our trip. Guess I'm trying to figure out how to minimize that risk, even if it meant paying more than I would really like to, kwim?

 

[CarolMN]

That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

Am I right in assuming that you can book on cash through MS for any dates without a discount, but the member discount is based on availability? Or are there some dates that you can't get on cash, even at rack rate? How do they figure availability for those? If you call at exactly 11 months out, there'd be availability, wouldn't there?

Both rack rate and member discounted rooms are subject to availability - but it's not availability in the sense you seem to mean. The rooms that MS books are from member inventory. MS only books those for cash if they determine that not all of the rooms will be reserved for points. They have some type of "formula" that determines that - no one here is sure how they do it. Weekends are more often available because many members do not want to use their points for the more expensive weekends. Anyway, sometimes you can get a cash discount at 11 months, but that is not common. You are more likely to get one closer to your arrival date.

If you book cash at rack rate, how would you ever know if the member discount becomes available? Do you have to keep calling all the time to check? And would you be able to get the discount after already booking at rack rate?

Some have reported that MS automatically applied it to their rack rate reservation (Not sure I would ever count on that). However, most call periodically to see if the discount hs become available. Yes, you can have a rack rate reservation changed to a discounted one later if one becomes available.

Also, I'm really curious about this: can cash ressies be changed back to points if you wind up renting some extra points, or buying more, or whatever?

You can always cancel the cash rservation and book a points reservation later (subject to availability). However, if there is a waitlist (it does happen), I do not think you can just "convert" a cash night to a points night. Ask MS how far in advance you can cancel the cash night without penalty - I think it might be as little as 48 hours in advance. You don't pay until you check out - the credit card is just a guarantee.

I'm thinking that if I were to book two back to back Sun-Thurs on points, and not book the Fri-Sat at the same time, waiting for a discount of some sort, that we could wind up in a pickle with no place to stay right in the middle of our trip. Guess I'm trying to figure out how to minimize that risk, even if it meant paying more than I would really like to, kwim?

Many make cash reservations elsewhere and actually stay at one of the deluxe resorts or even one of the values or moderates for the weekend. Others move off site for the weekend - if you are visiting US or SeaWorld or other Orlando attractions and want to stay nearby, that is the time to do it.

Best wishes -

 

[jdvm]

We always stay at Old Key West and book through Member Services. We very often switch from points to cash for Friday and Saturday nights. Moving for us is a nightmare scenario. Most often we get a member discount for the cash nights but sometimes we don't. They either have a formula or a dartboard. Not sure which. We always have the reservations linked and have never had to switch rooms. there's probably some sort of way to betterplay the system but I don't have the time to try to figure it out.

 

[mello]

It's becoming more clear to me now.

. They either have a formula or a dartboard. Not sure which. .

 

[SuzanneSLO]

If it helps any, I just made a reservation for back to back Sun-Thur stays using points for 11 months from now. I wanted to book the same room for cash for the Fri-Sat between but MS told me they had nothing loaded in the system for those dates and so I couldn't book it. One CM told me they only had cash dates loaded thru 4/25/07.

I remain optomistic because I was able to book weekend discounted cash nights for this Oct even when I had to waitlist to use points for the same nights. My waitlist has since come thru.

Best of luck -- Suzanne