Using points for Poly??

[sesame_123]

We just decided to do a cruise this december, and we were going to come in Thursday night and spend friday at Harry Potter before leaving for ship on sat. Long story short we have plenty of points left for our use year (june) called to book a studio for thurs and friday and NO availablity for both nights anywhere. (yes I know busy time) So the very nice CM at member services (I think his name was Oliver) looked for 1 bedrooms as well and we are booked in a 1 bedroom at Sarasota, which is my least favorite resort, actually after our last stay we all vowed that only in need would we stay there again (No flames please,(or attempts to convert) just our taste)

Soo I know the points are outrageous at the Poly, costing us an addtional 30 points for smaller accomadations but we have always wanted to stay there and for only a couple nights I think now is the time but we are new (ish) members and have never booked anything but DVC resorts so any info you could give me would be appreciated.
Does this need the $95 booking fee?
Should I wait until all things are finalized because it would cost more to change things?
Do I need to cancel my existing reservation at SSR first?
Could the Poly also be booked full for DVC members?
Anything else I should know?


Thanks in advance
Tracy

 

[hakepb]

I am 99% sure there's the $95 dollar fee, and you would have to pay it again if you change anything with that Poly reservation.

I would probably w/l for a DVC location before booking the Poly. (You cannot call to book the Poly when you are in the last 4 months of your UY). Once that window approaches, switch to Poly if you do not have another DVC.

It is certainly not the best use of points, and once those points leave DVC, you can't bring them back. But they are your points, and if it makes you happy, go for it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Once you use your points to book the Polynesian (if it is available for points), those points become reservation points. You can't use them for DVC if you waitlist for those two nights and they become available. You can only use them for a non-DVC Disney stay (or a few other things, but the smaller number of points might not account for any other stay). You will pay $95 to book that stay. So figure the number of points, plus $95 and see if you still want to do it.

You might just try waitlisting another resort instead.

 

[missycj96]

Even if its not the best use of points, the margin is only 30 pts (that you said you have to spare) and just a $95 cash outlay to make you happy. In the scheme of a cruise vacation, thats a drop in the bucket. Do what makes you happy. Poly is fantastic and will be great with the cruise.

 

[Sandisw]

I would make sure that things are final before going that route because, as mentioned, those points will be converted to reservation points and will no longer be good for DVC resorts if you had to cancel.

 

[CarolMN]

Why not stay at one of the Universal resorts since you are mainly going to see Harry. You can either save your points for another time (and splurge) or perhaps transfer / rent some to get the $$ for the Universal resort.

 

[sesame_123]

We thought about staying at a universal resort but we are so unfamilar with it we just feel more comfortable staying at disney. Plus we have never tried to rent out points and wouldn't know the first thing about it.

I think we have decided to try the Poly, we are hoping to watch the special christmas fireworks from the beach and try Ohana for breakfast on the day we leave.

My sister is unsure if she will make it late thursday or early friday. Can I just have her on the reservation for both nights and she show up when she shows up??? I'm thinking yes. I would rather have her on and her cancel then not and have her want to join right? (because that would add another $95 fee to change right?)

Thanks for all your great advice!!

 

[CarolMN]

We thought about staying at a universal resort but we are so unfamilar with it we just feel more comfortable staying at disney. Plus we have never tried to rent out points and wouldn't know the first thing about it.

I think we have decided to try the Poly, we are hoping to watch the special christmas fireworks from the beach and try Ohana for breakfast on the day we leave.

My sister is unsure if she will make it late thursday or early friday. Can I just have her on the reservation for both nights and she show up when she shows up??? I'm thinking yes. I would rather have her on and her cancel then not and have her want to join right? (because that would add another $95 fee to change right?)

Thanks for all your great advice!!

Yes, you can have her on the reservation and unless you are getting a dining plan, there would be no reason to worry. If her name and address are on the reservation, she can even check in without you being there and you can even have/make separate ME reservations if you and she are flying (but it sounds like you both are driving). All that assumes adding her won't put you over the max occupancy for the Poly room.

 

[sesame_123]

Ok, Thanks!!!

One last question (hopefully) I am planning on calling member services tomorrow to do this. Do i need to cancel the SSR resservation first so those points can be used for this or will the disney collection person be able to do that? (I do have enough points to book it without those points but don't those points need to used now?) Ok maybe 2 questions.

Thanks to everyone for your advice!

 

[chalee94]

Do i need to cancel the SSR resservation first so those points can be used for this or will the disney collection person be able to do that?

MS will cancel the SSR reservation first.

 

[sesame_123]

Thank you all for your advice and knowledge but it was all in vain as I called today and the Poly is booked for members for my dates.

I will just have to make due with SSR and this will give SSR a chance to change our minds. (still hoping my waitlist will come through though)

Again Thanks!!

Tracy