StephPlum
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2011
I’ve been burned too much having to cancel trips that I always go with the refundable option these days (pandemic, broke my ankle in my yard, older parents getting sick, …). I value that more than the redemption value. But that’s me. What is important to you will help you decide. Maybe you could do nonrefundable but get travel insurance to cover you (additional cost).Hi all! Long time no post...I see some new usernames in here as well as many familiar ones. I dropped out of churning when my husband got laid off and I had a baby in quick succession, and just needed some time away from thinking about MSRs and such. I think that was all a couple threads ago. I'm back now because I'm planning my first return trip to a Disney park in 4 1/2 years and I need some help figuring out redemption strategies!
My best friend and I plan to take my toddler to Disneyland for 3 nights in July. I have 49K UR points to play with. I have specific United flights I want to take, which would require 57,000 United miles (I currently have zero), or $550 cash. I have narrowed our options down to two hotels across the street from Disneyland - the Fairfield Marriott Anaheim, booked on points through the CSP portal, or a cash rate at the Anaheim Desert Inn.
What do you think is the better/wiser use of these two redemption options?
Option 1 - Use all my URs to book the nonrefundable Marriott through the portal + the $50 CSP hotel credit for a cash cost of $50. Pay cash for my and my son's nonrefundable flights. Total OOP expense: $600
Option 2 - Transfer all my URs to United and buy the last 8000 miles to book our flights on points - est. $260. Split the cash cost of the Anaheim Desert Inn room (free cancellation) with my friend - $348. Total OOP expense: est $608.
Option 1 gets us a slightly nicer hotel, is a 1.25 cpp redemption rate, and I'd like to treat my friend (and TBH I'm not sure if the $348 for the other hotel is in her budget - I need to talk with her about it, which is one reason I wanted to get some input on my options here). But I think Option 2 would be more flexible in case something, like a sick toddler, means we can't go at the last minute.
I never fly United so I'm not sure about all their policies regarding rewards redemptions. Hoping one of the brilliant minds here can chime in with some feedback!
Either way, I hope you have a great trip!