Using Points for Cruise

[rillsung]

I understand that you can book on points by paying with points for 1 person. We will be 2 adults and 2 children in 1 room. Can we pay with points for 1 adult and 1 child and cash for the other adult and child?

 

[erionm]

If you were to mix points and cash, you would be better off using points for the adults. The first two passengers booked on points require the same number of points per person regardless of age.

 

[rillsung]

OK that is what I was wondering. We have a contract that I'm impatiently waiting for Disney to get into their system (resale- closed last Thursday). I know some of the days I need for my next trip are already booked up for the studio I want I was wondering if I should borrow against my current contract to at least get some of the days and take our chances on the rest of the days. The contract we're waiting on currently has all points that were banked last year and all points for this year. If I wait and use the points for this trip then there's no issue. If I go ahead and book now, then we have points to use or lose (or rent or something) next year. We're past our 11mo mark now so maybe I can get what I want through waitlists at 7mo?

 

[Dean]

I understand that you can book on points by paying with points for 1 person. We will be 2 adults and 2 children in 1 room. Can we pay with points for 1 adult and 1 child and cash for the other adult and child?

The rules that are applicable are that you must pay for one adult to use points and you must pay each person either in total with points or cash, not a combo. Also, there must be availability for points reservations which often isn't the case when there is cash availability. Look at each scenario and decide including paying cash and renting your points or using them in other ways. The specifics will vary depending on circumstances so look at your real situation. As a general rule points will return you about $6-7.50 a point compared to early booking discounts. Any cash portion is due in full. The $95 fee must be repeated if you make even the smallest change.

 

[rillsung]

The rules that are applicable are that you must pay for one adult to use points and you must pay each person either in total with points or cash, not a combo. Also, there must be availability for points reservations which often isn't the case when there is cash availability. Look at each scenario and decide including paying cash and renting your points or using them in other ways. The specifics will vary depending on circumstances so look at your real situation. As a general rule points will return you about $6-7.50 a point compared to early booking discounts. Any cash portion is due in full. The $95 fee must be repeated if you make even the smallest change.

Hmmm that is interesting. I didn't realize that we'd have to pay the $95 fee to even change anything. Yes definately things to consider.

Thanks!

 

[Dean]

Hmmm that is interesting. I didn't realize that we'd have to pay the $95 fee to even change anything. Yes definately things to consider.

Thanks!

Yes, change the name for a person, change cabins, change categories. However, I think that's the least of the worries. The big issue is what if you have to cancel and can't reschedule, it's already happened to at least one person that I recall and I'm sure there are others in the same boat. I try to keep my risks and costs as low as possible just in case.

 

[nyck]

I had to cancel someone on a points/cash reservation once and they CAN waive the extra $95 fee if you are persistent

 

[speakupjc]

They do not charge you the fee to change cabins if it is in the same category.

 

[rillsung]

Thanks everyone... All good information going forward. I think we're going to plan for paying cash for the cruise and hoping for the best for our points coming through and being able to book what we want for our upcoming trip. Our first resale contract took about 1 week to be in the system and tomorrow will be 1 week for this contract. Both purchases were started last fall. I was able to use our points last time starting about 6 weeks out for SSR so hopefully we can get BWV at almost 11mo even if I have to waitlist.