Why can't we use discount codes?

[mhmcduff]

I have a reservation in November- the 5-11th
Two nights on points
Two nights paying cash - 322.00 a night for a one bedroom at SSR
and Two nights points all tied. I did it this way as I don't have enough points for the weekend nights. They said this is the reduced rate but could not give me the regular rate. I asked them if I could use some of the codes I saw on mousesavers and they said they are only good for "regular reservations" not ones through DVC and if I wanted to do that I would have to call WDW reservations and if they could book the two nights of the one bedroom at SSR that would be fine but I would likely have to change rooms as they could not guarentee that the reservations would be linked? She said it is two different companies DVC and WDW reservations?
Has anyone else had this happen? Is 322.00 a night for the 7th and
8th of November or am I getting ripped off? New to this so thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Blahnde]

I have a reservation in November- the 5-11th
Two nights on points Two nights paying cash - 322.00 a night for a one bedroom at SSR and Two nights points all tied. I did it this way as I don't have enough points for the weekend nights. They said this is the reduced rate but could not give me the regular rate.

If you book through DVC Member Services there are only two cash rates available: Member Discounted (25% off) or rack rate. If they told you it was discounted, then they should have been able to tell you the regular rack rate, too. I checked online and the cash rate for those nights is $430 + tax, so $322.50 would be 25% off. Sounds like you have the discounted rate.

I asked them if I could use some of the codes I saw on mousesavers and they said they are only good for "regular reservations" not ones through DVC and if I wanted to do that I would have to call WDW reservations and if they could book the two nights of the one bedroom at SSR that would be fine but I would likely have to change rooms as they could not guarentee that the reservations would be linked? She said it is two different companies DVC and WDW reservations?

This is absolutely correct. The ability for DVC members to book cash reservations through our Member Services and have them linked is a convenience. DVC and CRO have completely different inventories, policies, and booking systems. The reason that you cannot use the "codes" is because DVC's booking system has no place to put them.

It seems you got a "good" DVC Member Services person who not only got you a member discounted reservation, but prevented you from having to move by linking your points and cash reservations. Now if you want to try to get a better deal by using the codes that is up to you, but you will probably have to move. You have gotten the best deal DVC has to offer you.

Blahnde

 

[vicki_c]

Well, that's correct - they're two separate things - DVC Member Services and Walt Disney World Travel (I think that's what it's called).

If you book them separate - cancel the 2 cash nights with MS and rebook through Disney (of course, they may not be available, with or without the discount), you could see about adding a discount code to those 2 nights.

I know the rack rate for a 1 BR at SSR for your dates is $430 (per Mousesavers), so you're already getting over $100 off - sounds like you might have the 25% DVC discount already. I think it would be unlikely you would get a better discount with one of those codes, but I haven't checked them - sometimes they do offer 40% discounts through the regular reservations line.

With 2 separate sets of reservations (one DVC and one not), I've heard they can sometimes combine them at the resort, but it's not guaranteed that they can, so you might have to move.

 

[mhmcduff]

Thank you both- I will keep my reservation as we dont want to move during our stay and now I feel better that I wasn't missing some better deal and can relax and can look for to my trip- thank you!!

 

[Dean]

Thank you both- I will keep my reservation as we dont want to move during our stay and now I feel better that I wasn't missing some better deal and can relax and can look for to my trip- thank you!!

As noted, you were given the absolutely correct info by MS. The truth is that for SSR had you booked through DVC on points and CRO for cash, you likely would not have had to move. But you could have, twice. Regardless, you would have had to check out and then back in again twice, even that without moving would not be worth if for what can't be more than a 15% savings if you could get the 40% off. Now the discount and free dining might be another matter as they have offered for SSR and OKW for some times, though not likely in your situation with a sandwich stay.

 

[DebbieB]

I did OKW one time 5 nights points plus 1 AP rate through CRO. I had to get new keys for the last night but we did not have to move. I had both reservations noted and reminded them at check-in.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I did OKW one time 5 nights points plus 1 AP rate through CRO. I had to get new keys for the last night but we did not have to move. I had both reservations noted and reminded them at check-in.

Same for us at BWV. Had to check out and back in again. Got new keys but didn't have to move.

HBC

 

[CarolMN]

I think you were lucky to get the Member Cash Discount of 25% for November 6 & 7 - those are "Jersey Week" nights. I'm surprised MS had them available for cash at all!

FWIW, there may not be a discounted rooms left for those nights even if you do call CRO / WDWTC to check. I would think any that were available were snapped up pretty quicky by the many NJ families that go to WDW that week. That said, maybe the 1 bedrooms don't go so fast - you never know until you call.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Chic]

I just booked an AP discount rate at SSR for $184 a night using code PWE when booking through the Walt Disney Travel Company. I confirmed a "studio" for December 19 & 20 at this rate. Just for giggles, I called DVC Member Services and their discount rate was $304 a night. I do plan to link this cash reservation to my current DVC reservation continuing on December 21 but was told I will need to wait until check in to make this request, Even if by small chance I have to change rooms, I consider it well worth the savings. You may want to check your possibilities regarding my discount code above.