Possible Split Stay - PO-R and SSR

[hayesdvc]

I again need expert advise.

Prior to purchasing DVC in December (SSR, August UY), after our stay at the Contemporary in October 2015, we took advantage of the current bounce back offered at the time; "free" dining. We have never stayed at a moderate before but DW had heard great things about PO and Riverside qualified for the offer (part of the deal was having to buy park tickets too) for this 10 day September 2016 stay (3 adults).

We had decided we will keep our PO-R / "free" dining reservation, if for no other reason we thought we can go back to see the mouse more (LOL) using DVD points!

As mentioned, the contract has an Aug UY. The contract is for 160 SSR points and has all the points available from 2015. As the deadline is March 31st, I will be banking those points ASAP once I receive my membership number (deed already on OCC). I will be making reservations for our first DVC stay in December 2016.

After the December 2016 stay, I am unsure if we will be able to get back to WDW prior to the balance of the banked points expiring on 7/31/17 (will have to.

What I am thinking is to take part of the banked points and use them during our September 2016 stay. We would move for part of our stay from PO-R to SSR.

Here are my questions:

1. As soon as we move out of PO-R, will the free dining stop? I assume it will. We surely can eat more economically and would have the DVC discount.
2. Based on the bounce back offer, does the order matter whether we move from PO-R to SSR or vice versa?
3. Would I simply be better off to rent the unused banked points? Since it will be SSR points, there would be no rush to rent them at the 11th month mark.
4. DW and I plan on upgrading tickets to AP. Since tickets are part of the package (3 adults), will this be effected?
3. With what I have laid out, what would you do?

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

1. Yes. DVC on points never gets free dining.

2. Maybe. Dining offers always depend on check-in date and it would depend on the offer terms and dates.

3. That is really a choice you would need to make.

4. You have to keep the tickets in the BB package, but they don't expire and you could hang onto them.

I would likely rent the 2015 points, realizing they would net you non-premium rates as SSR points at 7 months, keep your existing reservation and deal, and then book your December trip as soon as you have your login, since you are already within 11 months and even SSR gets full in December.

 

[hayesdvc]

Thanks for your reply.

I have a follow up question to #4.

My plan is to upgrade two of the three park tickets, bridging them to an AP the first day after using them.

Will that be a problem ?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Not sure. I think it is a maybe when associated to a BB.

 

[Deb & Bill]

With the rise of Disney Springs, your SSR points might be a premium for some guests wanting a view of and being close to DS. Someone who wants to golf, spa and visit DS and not the theme parks so much might value them.

 

[Dean]

I again need expert advise.

Prior to purchasing DVC in December (SSR, August UY), after our stay at the Contemporary in October 2015, we took advantage of the current bounce back offered at the time; "free" dining. We have never stayed at a moderate before but DW had heard great things about PO and Riverside qualified for the offer (part of the deal was having to buy park tickets too) for this 10 day September 2016 stay (3 adults).

We had decided we will keep our PO-R / "free" dining reservation, if for no other reason we thought we can go back to see the mouse more (LOL) using DVD points!

As mentioned, the contract has an Aug UY. The contract is for 160 SSR points and has all the points available from 2015. As the deadline is March 31st, I will be banking those points ASAP once I receive my membership number (deed already on OCC). I will be making reservations for our first DVC stay in December 2016.

After the December 2016 stay, I am unsure if we will be able to get back to WDW prior to the balance of the banked points expiring on 7/31/17 (will have to.

What I am thinking is to take part of the banked points and use them during our September 2016 stay. We would move for part of our stay from PO-R to SSR.

Here are my questions:

1. As soon as we move out of PO-R, will the free dining stop? I assume it will. We surely can eat more economically and would have the DVC discount.
2. Based on the bounce back offer, does the order matter whether we move from PO-R to SSR or vice versa?
3. Would I simply be better off to rent the unused banked points? Since it will be SSR points, there would be no rush to rent them at the 11th month mark.
4. DW and I plan on upgrading tickets to AP. Since tickets are part of the package (3 adults), will this be effected?
3. With what I have laid out, what would you do?

Thanks for your feedback.

The DP will go through MN on the change day if you start there or through MN on the last day if you do SSR first. I will start at the time of check in so I'd go over early to "check in" even though the room won't be ready for some time in all likelihood. I can't speak to any nuances of the BB but I doubt it matters. You could even save the tickets for a future trip and just buy passes if you so chose as I understand it. I'd either cancel the trip if you can and do it all at SSR possibly adding the DP depending on specifics or I'd rent them out which likely means you're renting some of the non restricted points as well. I wouldn't mess with the current reservation as you'll likely lose your FD and I wouldn't have duplicate accommodations unless being orphaned during part of one day is a major issue for you.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The DP will go through MN on the change day if you start there or through MN on the last day if you do SSR first. I will start at the time of check in so I'd go over early to "check in" even though the room won't be ready for some time in all likelihood. I can't speak to any nuances of the BB but I doubt it matters. You could even save the tickets for a future trip and just buy passes if you so chose as I understand it. I'd either cancel the trip if you can and do it all at SSR possibly adding the DP depending on specifics or I'd rent them out which likely means you're renting some of the non restricted points as well. I wouldn't mess with the current reservation as you'll likely lose your FD and I wouldn't have duplicate accommodations unless being orphaned during part of one day is a major issue for you.

I thought Minnesota? Then I realized midnight. Duh.

 

[hayesdvc]

The DP will go through MN on the change day if you start there or through MN on the last day if you do SSR first. I will start at the time of check in so I'd go over early to "check in" even though the room won't be ready for some time in all likelihood. I can't speak to any nuances of the BB but I doubt it matters. You could even save the tickets for a future trip and just buy passes if you so chose as I understand it. I'd either cancel the trip if you can and do it all at SSR possibly adding the DP depending on specifics or I'd rent them out which likely means you're renting some of the non restricted points as well. I wouldn't mess with the current reservation as you'll likely lose your FD and I wouldn't have duplicate accommodations unless being orphaned during part of one day is a major issue for you.

Thanks as always for your advise !

 

[hayesdvc]

I wanted to get clarity in #4 of OP. Can I bridge only 2 of the tickets (DVC members) to get AP ?

 

[erionm]

Can I bridge only 2 of the tickets (DVC members) to get AP ?

Yes.

Package tickets are considered discounted tickets, so you will want to use them at least once prior to upgrading them to APs.

 

[hayesdvc]

Thanks for all the advice.

I am conflicted because I really want to stay at SSR. We as a family had decided we would not purchase the DDP again. Our thinking was that we can do better paying out of pocket than the $62 a day average cost of the DDP.......then came the bounce back offer..........then subsequently finally made the decision that DVC meets our needs (wished we had done this sooner).

To see how "free" the dining actually is, I called Resort Services this week to see the current cost of our trip to PO-R with matching request as the reservation in place (3 adults, tickets, etc). The new reservation was a little over $1800 more; the cost of the dining plan for 3 adults.

On the subject "I should have known better", since I have the "free" dining at PO-R, my thought was to change the reservation to one of the AS resorts (I remembers they were part of the bounce back offer). Since the cost per night at AS would be far less than $180 DDP would cost (you see where I am going), I would book there, check in on line and never physically stay there. We would stay at SSR and get the DDP for much less than the $62 per day cost. I was told changing to PO-R to AS would be no problem, however, the DDP would change from the standard plan to the quick service plan.

It was an idea, just not a good one.

Since I am still not a card carrying DVC member, I know about the 10% DVC discounts at certain restaurants and TIW cost/discounts. If a DVC member adds the DDP to a DVC reservation, is the cost the same for the DDP as it would be for a non-DVC member adding it to a normal resort reservation?

 

[Dean]

Thanks for all the advice.

I am conflicted because I really want to stay at SSR. We as a family had decided we would not purchase the DDP again. Our thinking was that we can do better paying out of pocket than the $62 a day average cost of the DDP.......then came the bounce back offer..........then subsequently finally made the decision that DVC meets our needs (wished we had done this sooner).

To see how "free" the dining actually is, I called Resort Services this week to see the current cost of our trip to PO-R with matching request as the reservation in place (3 adults, tickets, etc). The new reservation was a little over $1800 more; the cost of the dining plan for 3 adults.

On the subject "I should have known better", since I have the "free" dining at PO-R, my thought was to change the reservation to one of the AS resorts (I remembers they were part of the bounce back offer). Since the cost per night at AS would be far less than $180 DDP would cost (you see where I am going), I would book there, check in on line and never physically stay there. We would stay at SSR and get the DDP for much less than the $62 per day cost. I was told changing to PO-R to AS would be no problem, however, the DDP would change from the standard plan to the quick service plan.

It was an idea, just not a good one.

Since I am still not a card carrying DVC member, I know about the 10% DVC discounts at certain restaurants and TIW cost/discounts. If a DVC member adds the DDP to a DVC reservation, is the cost the same for the DDP as it would be for a non-DVC member adding it to a normal resort reservation?

I think the days where it's cheaper to get a stay just for the DP itself but not use the room are gone though one might find a specialty situation where it makes sense.

 

[hayesdvc]

I think the days where it's cheaper to get a stay just for the DP itself but not use the room are gone though one might find a specialty situation where it makes sense.

Since I am still not a card carrying DVC member, I know about the 10% DVC discounts at certain restaurants and TIW cost/discounts. If a DVC member adds the DDP to a DVC reservation, is the cost the same for the DDP as it would be for a non-DVC member adding it to a normal resort reservation?

 

[NJDIZGIRL]

If you decide to do the split stay, I think you would have to do PO-R first or you would be checking into SSR and have no park tickets until you go to PO-R.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Since I am still not a card carrying DVC member, I know about the 10% DVC discounts at certain restaurants and TIW cost/discounts. If a DVC member adds the DDP to a DVC reservation, is the cost the same for the DDP as it would be for a non-DVC member adding it to a normal resort reservation?

If I understand correctly you are asking what the price is for DVC DDP? The plan with QS, CS and snack is $61.84 for adults and $20.96 for ages 3-9.

You've always stayed deluxe so I'm not certain if POR is really going to satisfy. Moderates are nice, but, they are moderates. You've also made the commitment to DVC and I'd probably just start using it. For dining it takes a bit of calculations because much will depend on the type of dining you like to do. You can still add the plan to your reservation or else look at either buying TIW if you do a lot of sit down meals or alcohol, and then take a look at the discounts offered to DVC and if those locations are ones that you like to eat at and can take advantage. There really isn't a fixed answer because all dine differently. For us, the meal plans have offered too much food and required too much regimentation. Just for those reasons we don't do them. TIW or out of pocket is the way we go.

 

[hayesdvc]

Thanks for the advise and yes we have never stayed at a moderate.

The main reason I am asking is our family vacation is in September and taking DW back in December. Trying to make the points work. I assume if we were not planing on staying at SSR at this late date, it probably would not matter anyway.

Current PO-R reservation is 9/21-10/1. Part of the family will not arrive till 9/25. What I am thinking is staying at SSR at a studio from 9/21 till 9/25. I would simply move the entire package at PO-R to 9/25-10/1; that includes the tickets and free dining. Go to member services and add on the days for the park tickets for the family members I need prior to check in at PO-R (just as if we were staying off site). I then want to bridge two of the tickets to AP using the DVC discount for me and DW. I think that would be the cleanest path if we keep the PO-R reservations. Do you agree that should work?

Also, on AP renewals, does the AP renewal date start when you activate the AP renewal voucher or does the renewal AP always have the expiration date of its original AP?

 

[brittanidp]

If you do split stay, end at the deluxe. I've never heard people loving a downgrade even if POR is really nice (I've heard that it is)

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks for the advise and yes we have never stayed at a moderate.

The main reason I am asking is our family vacation is in September and taking DW back in December. Trying to make the points work. I assume if we were not planing on staying at SSR at this late date, it probably would not matter anyway.

Current PO-R reservation is 9/21-10/1. Part of the family will not arrive till 9/25. What I am thinking is staying at SSR at a studio from 9/21 till 9/25. I would simply move the entire package at PO-R to 9/25-10/1; that includes the tickets and free dining. Go to member services and add on the days for the park tickets for the family members I need prior to check in at PO-R (just as if we were staying off site). I then want to bridge two of the tickets to AP using the DVC discount for me and DW. I think that would be the cleanest path if we keep the PO-R reservations. Do you agree that should work?

Also, on AP renewals, does the AP renewal date start when you activate the AP renewal voucher or does the renewal AP always have the expiration date of its original AP?

The AP renewals just continue your current for another year. It's been years since you could renew and get a new AP date if you're running across that information. Regarding picking up the package tickets prior to your stay I've forgotten how that can work. But if you can get them early then you would be able to upgrade to the AP on the 2 tickets you wish to.

 

[Dean]

Since I am still not a card carrying DVC member, I know about the 10% DVC discounts at certain restaurants and TIW cost/discounts. If a DVC member adds the DDP to a DVC reservation, is the cost the same for the DDP as it would be for a non-DVC member adding it to a normal resort reservation?

It's the same price, the only issue is that once they raised the price midyear and did not raise the DVC price.

 

[AulaniNutz]

Thanks for the advise and yes we have never stayed at a moderate.

The main reason I am asking is our family vacation is in September and taking DW back in December. Trying to make the points work. I assume if we were not planing on staying at SSR at this late date, it probably would not matter anyway.

Current PO-R reservation is 9/21-10/1. Part of the family will not arrive till 9/25. What I am thinking is staying at SSR at a studio from 9/21 till 9/25. I would simply move the entire package at PO-R to 9/25-10/1; that includes the tickets and free dining. Go to member services and add on the days for the park tickets for the family members I need prior to check in at PO-R (just as if we were staying off site). I then want to bridge two of the tickets to AP using the DVC discount for me and DW. I think that would be the cleanest path if we keep the PO-R reservations. Do you agree that should work?

Also, on AP renewals, does the AP renewal date start when you activate the AP renewal voucher or does the renewal AP always have the expiration date of its original AP?

I'd be worried about going SSR first, I'd be surprised if they gave you your park tickets before your POR reservation arrival date...