Use year question

[AliciaG]

I understand the basics of "use year"...I think. :shock: If I'm correct it is when you receive your new allotment of points each year. Does it also matter as far as your window to be able to bank between 25% - 100%?


We still aren't sure if we'll be buying thru Disney or a resale. We're planning on most of our vacations taking place in October when the kids have a two week break. There is also the chance that we could visit in the summer sometimes too. With most of our trips being in Oct., what would be the best use year month for us, and why would it make a difference?

Can somebody explain how this works in laymens terms? :? Thanks!

[Tagrel]

I'll try. Anyone correct what I don't get right! :D

Let's see, they sell use years for the following months:

Feb, Mar, Apr, Jun, Aug, Sep, Oct and Dec (so not all months)

The banking deadline is the last day of the month. Remember to call early if the last day falls on a weekend or holiday when Member Services is closed.

for percentages that can be banked, an example helps:

If you have a June use year:

You can bank 100% up until Nov 30
You can bank 50% up until February 28 (29 on a leap year)
You can bank 25% up until Mar 31
You can bank 0% from Apr 1 - May 31

I'm not positive about what is best to have, but it was explained to us like this. Its good to have your 100% deadline AFTER you typically travel.

We go in the summer, often in August, but definitely before school starts back up in Sept. We have a March use year that lets us bank up to 100% by August 31 (after we typically travel) So if you travel in October, using this method - then June would be a good use year so you could bank by the end of Nov. So far it has worked well for us. I typically bank anything left right after our summer trip is complete.

OK other more experienced DVCers, what else is good to know about use year? :D

[AliciaG]

Thank you, Tagrel. That does help. So it doesn't really matter that I wouldn't get new points until June? How would I make the reservation 11 mos. in advance? Would I have to borrow June 2003 points, to make an Oct. reservation in November? :? Gosh do they give you paperwork to figure all this out? I'm gonna need one heck of a spreadsheet to make sure I take full advantage, and don't lose anything.


One positive note...we got all the stuff together for our refinance, and are taking it in today. Guess how long it takes to close? 3 weeks. Guess how long until my visit to BWV? 3 weeks! :wink: I've started having this bad feeling that I should really be paving the driveway, or putting more in college savings though. :?

[Tagrel]

You don't need to borrow as long as your vacation arrival date is after the start of your use year. I know its confusing. I have the same problem! The software to handle this must be very complex. So many rules... I think I understand why it takes so long to train new Member Services personnel! :)

As to the money, we went through the same thing. We should do this. We should do that. At the end, I'd rather look back on good times shared with my family. I really don't think I'll be looking back and thinking, BOY that new siding was a good choice! :)

On the plus side - I started bagging my lunch after buying. One of my concessions when we decided to buy. I save enough to pay the dues each year, and I eat MUCH healhier! Win-Win! :-)

[Joe]

You are correct Tagrel, both in the banking example and in the borrowing advice. The date you borrow points is based on your check-in day. If that day is after the first of your use-year-month you are fine, all of your points will be available for your stay.

HTH
Joe

[John]

What Tagrel said :D If you have a June use year, and you are going in June, it is not considered borrowing. I am the king of borrowing. I have an August use year, but 2002 points are gone. So, when we go in late July my 26, 28, 29, 30 , and 31 July points are considered borrowed, while my August 1 points are not. Unfortunately I only have 71 left. Good thing I can start borrowing from 2004 on August 1. :shock:

John

[Joe]

Weclome Home John! Great to have you with us. Always like having a new DVC member to consort with! :lol: