A few last minute questions...

[tink2020]

Hello! I'm calling our guide tomorrow to finally start the DVC purchase process! I have a few questions. I tried to use search, but almost all my questions provided no results (even though I KNOW there are threads here answering them!). Apparently even words like 'after' are too short or common to search for Also, the things I did find typically ended up being resale, or a different incentive, etc. So I apologize in advance for any repeat questions!

1) How long does the process take from start to finish? We will be buying directly through Disney, at SSR. How long until we can make our reservations?

2) We're planning on using the $8 credit, but not 'reselling' our 2005 points for the $15 credit... any word on whether or not there are still UY available with 2005 points? I read somewhere that they are on February, but can I ask for a later date? It would really stink if we didn't get the 2005 points -- that's one of the factors we were counting on. Teach us to drag our feet!

3) Darn it! I know there was a third question It's past my bedtime though, so this will be it for now. I'll get back with you when I remember the next one!

Thanks in advance!

 

[tjkraz]

1) How long does the process take from start to finish? We will be buying directly through Disney, at SSR. How long until we can make our reservations?

If you are prepared to actually give them an initial deposit over the phone (about $500 will do, on a credit card), you can normally book the same day!!!

2) We're planning on using the $8 credit, but not 'reselling' our 2005 points for the $15 credit... any word on whether or not there are still UY available with 2005 points? I read somewhere that they are on February, but can I ask for a later date? It would really stink if we didn't get the 2005 points -- that's one of the factors we were counting on. Teach us to drag our feet!

You will definitely get 2005 points since we're still in 2005. The only question is whether they will be February '05 points (with '06 coming in just a few months) vs. something like December '05 which aren't even available yet.

Ask which Use Years are available and I suspect they'll have at least 2-3 to choose from.

If your trips tend to come around the same time each year, I'd suggest thinking more carefully about the limitations imposed by banking deadlines. In the long run, that's a lot more important to some than getting your points 6 months earlier each year.

Good luck!!!

 

[tink2020]

If you are prepared to actually give them an initial deposit over the phone (about $500 will do, on a credit card), you can normally book the same day!!!



You will definitely get 2005 points since we're still in 2005. The only question is whether they will be February '05 points (with '06 coming in just a few months) vs. something like December '05 which aren't even available yet.

Ask which Use Years are available and I suspect they'll have at least 2-3 to choose from.

If your trips tend to come around the same time each year, I'd suggest thinking more carefully about the limitations imposed by banking deadlines. In the long run, that's a lot more important to some than getting your points 6 months earlier each year.

Good luck!!!

Well that's fantastic news about booking! And you answered my question before I could even pry myself away from the computer!

As far as UY, you mean we are still in '05 for all use years? That was one thing I thought I had figured out, that seems to confuse so many!

This was my understanding: - for example - people with December UY would still be waiting on their 06 points, so only 05 points would currently be allotted to them. But February UY people should have already received '06 points this past Feb, no? So they are in the middle of the 2006 points, so someone would only receive the current allottment? I thought that was what I had read, since we're in calendar year 2006. I thought that in order to get 2005 points, the UY had to be in a month that had not happened in this calendar year (since those people haven't gotten 06 points yet anyway).

 

[BeccaG]

1) How long does the process take from start to finish? We will be buying directly through Disney, at SSR. How long until we can make our reservations?

2) We're planning on using the $8 credit, but not 'reselling' our 2005 points for the $15 credit... any word on whether or not there are still UY available with 2005 points? I read somewhere that they are on February, but can I ask for a later date?

You mean 2006 right? Because it is 2006 right?

We just purchased through Disney we got the $8 per point credit with our UY beginning in February 2006. I don't know about asking for a later date but February worked for us. We were able to "bank" those points, which was our big concern, the day after getting our paperwork but I think we could have done it the second we had our member number. We are not using Disney financing so I could not give you an idea on that aspect. However, we made our deposit on Friday afternoon and had our paperwork and guide book in our hands on Monday (courtesy of FEDEX). We actually had to make a correction on the paperwork and we had the new copies I think by Thursday. We signed the papers and fedexed it back (all paid by Disney). Now we just have to send them a check for everything to be official!

Well that's fantastic news about booking! And you answered my question before I could even pry myself away from the computer!

As far as UY, you mean we are still in '05 for all use years? That was one thing I thought I had figured out, that seems to confuse so many!

This was my understanding: - for example - people with December UY would still be waiting on their 06 points, so only 05 points would currently be allotted to them. But February UY people should have already received '06 points this past Feb, no? So they are in the middle of the 2006 points, so someone would only receive the current allottment? I thought that was what I had read, since we're in calendar year 2006. I thought that in order to get 2005 points, the UY had to be in a month that had not happened in this calendar year (since those people haven't gotten 06 points yet anyway).

There are people on this board with WAY more experience in me, but they say the best way to learn is by teaching so I thought I would tackle your question. If I get it wrong I know someone will correct me!!!

2006 points are available for you to make ressies as soon as you are booking 11 months out. So using your example above with a December use year, someone in that "boat" could currently make reservation for December-June of 2007 at their home resort because we are less than 11 months out. They do not need to wait until they "get" their new points in December, because the points are there to use between December 06-November 07.

 

[greenban]

Well that's fantastic news about booking! And you answered my question before I could even pry myself away from the computer!

As far as UY, you mean we are still in '05 for all use years? That was one thing I thought I had figured out, that seems to confuse so many!

This was my understanding: - for example - people with December UY would still be waiting on their 06 points, so only 05 points would currently be allotted to them. But February UY people should have already received '06 points this past Feb, no? So they are in the middle of the 2006 points, so someone would only receive the current allottment? I thought that was what I had read, since we're in calendar year 2006. I thought that in order to get 2005 points, the UY had to be in a month that had not happened in this calendar year (since those people haven't gotten 06 points yet anyway).

I believe that you are correct.

It is the July 2006 UY (actually January and July UYs don't exist, but sskip that now). Thus everyone with a UY before AUGUST has their 2006 points. If you get a UY before AUGUST then (unless there is a special running that I am not aware of, you will only get your 2006 (and forward) Points. If you get a December UY, you would get your December 2005 points as that is the CURRENT UY for August-December. So if you have a choice choose a use year of August or later based on your projected travels.

I know the above from my last SSR purchase.

Good luck!

-Tony

 

[tink2020]

I believe that you are correct.

It is the July 2006 UY (actually January and July UYs don't exist, but sskip that now). Thus everyone with a UY before AUGUST has their 2006 points. If you get a UY before AUGUST then (unless there is a special running that I am not aware of, you will only get your 2006 (and forward) Points. If you get a December UY, you would get your December 2005 points as that is the CURRENT UY for August-December. So if you have a choice choose a use year of August or later based on your projected travels.

I know the above from my last SSR purchase.

Good luck!

-Tony

Ok, that's what I thought! Thanks

 

[tink2020]

You mean 2006 right? Because it is 2006 right?

We just purchased through Disney we got the $8 per point credit with our UY beginning in February 2006. I don't know about asking for a later date but February worked for us. We were able to "bank" those points, which was our big concern, the day after getting our paperwork but I think we could have done it the second we had our member number. We are not using Disney financing so I could not give you an idea on that aspect. However, we made our deposit on Friday afternoon and had our paperwork and guide book in our hands on Monday (courtesy of FEDEX). We actually had to make a correction on the paperwork and we had the new copies I think by Thursday. We signed the papers and fedexed it back (all paid by Disney). Now we just have to send them a check for everything to be official!



There are people on this board with WAY more experience in me, but they say the best way to learn is by teaching so I thought I would tackle your question. If I get it wrong I know someone will correct me!!!

2006 points are available for you to make ressies as soon as you are booking 11 months out. So using your example above with a December use year, someone in that "boat" could currently make reservation for December-June of 2007 at their home resort because we are less than 11 months out. They do not need to wait until they "get" their new points in December, because the points are there to use between December 06-November 07.

No, I did mean 2005 As in 2005 UY, because that's what you are getting "free" from Disney right now if you are in certain months.

Thank you for the info! I really appreciate it!

 

[deedeetoo]

When we were there during the first week in July, they were selling Feb UY, with $8 discount off the "list" price of $101, so you would pay $93. You would get all 2006 pts but only have to pay half the 2006 maintenance fees. There was no mention of 2005 points. At the time they were not charging closing costs, but I think the deadline on that was July 10th.

 

[BeccaG]

When we were there during the first week in July, they were selling Feb UY, with $8 discount off the "list" price of $101, so you would pay $93. You would get all 2006 pts but only have to pay half the 2006 maintenance fees. There was no mention of 2005 points. At the time they were not charging closing costs, but I think the deadline on that was July 10th.

That is what we got in July as well.

 

[tink2020]

Well, bummer! I hope my guide calls me back soon! Others were talking about getting the 2005 UY points, if the month hadn't happened yet. Hopefully that's still an option

I'll let you know what happens if I ever get ahold of him!

 

[LisaS]

This was my understanding: - for example - people with December UY would still be waiting on their 06 points, so only 05 points would currently be allotted to them. But February UY people should have already received '06 points this past Feb, no? So they are in the middle of the 2006 points, so someone would only receive the current allottment? I thought that was what I had read, since we're in calendar year 2006. I thought that in order to get 2005 points, the UY had to be in a month that had not happened in this calendar year (since those people haven't gotten 06 points yet anyway).

You are correct, though I want to correct one thing that you stated in your post. People with a Dec UY are not waiting for their '06 points -- they are already in their accounts, available to use to book stays from Dec 1, 2006 - Nov 30, 2007 or to be borrowed into their '05 Use Year if needed for trips from Dec 1, 2005 - Nov 30, 2006. It's a point of confusion for many new members. I've seen posts where people with a Dec UY state that they want to book a trip for early 2007 but "they have to wait to book the trip until Dec 2006 to get their '06 point allotment". In fact, members can book a trip 11 months in advance of their check-out date regardless of their Use Year, provided they have the points available in the Use Year in which the trip will occur.

As far as your original question about whether you would get 2005 points with your purchase of points at SSR, you are absolutely correct that it depends on which Use Year you purchase. If you purchase August (by the end of July!), September, October or December Use Years, you would be in your 2005 Use Year so you would start out with 2005 points. If you purchase February, March, April or June Use Years (or August if you purchase on/after Aug 1st), you are in your 2006 Use Year so you would start out with 2006 points. It sounds like they are currently selling February UY, but I remember seeing some posts where people were successful in requesting a different UY than the one currently being sold.

Good luck!

 

[tink2020]

You are correct, though I want to correct one thing that you stated in your post. People with a Dec UY are not waiting for their '06 points -- they are already in their accounts, available to use to book stays from Dec 1, 2006 - Nov 30, 2007 or to be borrowed into their '05 Use Year if needed for trips from Dec 1, 2005 - Nov 30, 2006. It's a point of confusion for many new members. I've seen posts where people with a Dec UY state that they want to book a trip for early 2007 but "they have to wait to book the trip until Dec 2006 to get their '06 point allotment". In fact, members can book a trip 11 months in advance of their check-out date regardless of their Use Year, provided they have the points available in the Use Year in which the trip will occur.

As far as your original question about whether you would get 2005 points with your purchase of points at SSR, you are absolutely correct that it depends on which Use Year you purchase. If you purchase August (by the end of July!), September, October or December Use Years, you would be in your 2005 Use Year so you would start out with 2005 points. If you purchase February, March, April or June Use Years (or August if you purchase on/after Aug 1st), you are in your 2006 Use Year so you would start out with 2006 points. It sounds like they are currently selling February UY, but I remember seeing some posts where people were successful in requesting a different UY than the one currently being sold.

Good luck!

Thank you! I don't think the first information applies to us today - as all the trips I'm planning in my head aren't for a little while , but it's great to know in the future!

As for getting a different UY, now I'm on pins and needles! I hope it's not a problem. I, too, have seen others do it successfully. I inadvertently have 2 guides attached to our account with DVC, so I left a message for both of them. (They both know they are each listed.... long story ) I dont really care who I talk to, as both have been very good in the past. I just want to get this done!!

It's a good thing I don't have a lot of other work to do today!

 

[tink2020]

Ok, new question -- but I don't want to start another thread and clog up the board (it's really not very pertinent), so maybe someone will come along to this one and help me out (yet again).

And no, this is not the 3rd question from last night..... I STILL have no idea what that was going to be!

How long does it take the guides to get back with you?! Patience is not a strong suit of mine. I called at about 9:05 this morning, and one of the guides was definitely already in. The other came in at 11, so I called him around 11:30. I gave them my home number, so I feel like I can't leave until they call.

Is it possible that it won't even be today? I guess Mondays could be busy with weekend phone calls to catch up on? Can I just call and see if anyone is around that can sell me some stinkin' points?

I guess I just thought I'd be waiting a bit for papers, but that I could have done the phone/deposit portion first thing this morning! I didn't really anticipate a several hour wait.... those poor guides must be busy as all get out!

ETA: I realize that there can be quite a bit of waiting around with DVC.... sometimes for reservations, if you fax/email MS, etc..... I promise I won't be this high strung in the future I just want to get this ball rolling!

 

[Boston5602]

I know on calls to my guide , I'd sometimes call 10-11 am and not get called back till 7 or 7:30 pm that night. Sometimes it would be the next day.

When I was ready to buy , my guide returned my call at 7:30 pm and I gave deposit then I was able to make a ressie the next afternoon.

Good Luck

 

[tink2020]

I know on calls to my guide , I'd sometimes call 10-11 am and not get called back till 7 or 7:30 pm that night. Sometimes it would be the next day.

When I was ready to buy , my guide returned my call at 7:30 pm and I gave deposit then I was able to make a ressie the next afternoon.

Good Luck

Thank you! At least I know this is fairly typical. I just should have prepared myself for the wait before I called this morning. When I played it out in my head, we were members by 9:30am!

 

[tink2020]

Ok, well here are the official answers (at least for my situation! I'm thinking "offiical" is a little strong, since it seems things change with every person you talk to!) --

A March UY is being offered when you call now. So you get March 2006 UY points, then they come again next March and so on. You can sell back your March 2006 if you want, for the magical beginnings credit.

However, with a little questioning, talking about when one vacations, etc several other UYs do open up! I was able to get our second choice (December), which gives me all of 2005 points and my 2006 UY points will come this coming December. Just as I thought, but I wasn't sure about availability. But it's there!

The only discrepancy between the boards and my guide is the whole banking guidelines thing. According to actual policy (and my guide), if I call right now I can bank 50% of my 2005UY points since I'm so many months out. I've heard that doesn't apply to new members, and that you have until closing, until a certain later date, etc. We'll see what happens when I call MS.

And as far as when I can book, we'll find out shortly. I asked my guide and he gave me the standard "you'll have a temporary card in your packet that should come in 3-5 days" answer. That's probably fine, but I think I'll still call MS and see if they can find us, since I already know what I need to book for a few trips. I thought it wouldn't be appropriate to call them 15 seconds after hanging up with my guide, though, so I'll try them a little bit later, or even tomorrow.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[LisaS]

I was able to get our second choice (December), which gives me all of 2005 points and my 2006 UY points will come this coming December.

Congratulations on getting a December Use Year. And, actually, your 2006 UY points are already available -- you do not have to wait until Dec '06 for them. Your points don't "drop" into your account the first day of your UY, they are already there. It's just that each set of points has a set of dates associated with them:
Dec '05 UY points are valid for stays from Dec 1, 2005 - Nov 30, 2006
Dec '06 UY points are valid for stays from Dec 1, 2006 - Nov 30, 2007
Dec '07 UY points are valid for stays from Dec 1, 2007 - Nov 30, 2008
Dec '08 UY points are valid for stays from Dec 1, 2008 - Nov 30, 2009
etc.
So your Dec '06 points are in your account already and can be used right now (well, once you are "in the system") if you want to book a stay between 12/1/06 and 11/30/07, and can be borrowed for stays between now and 11/30/06. Similarly, your Dec '07 points are also available to you to borrow, if needed, for stays between 12/1/06 and 11/30/07. (Technically, given the 11 month window you can only book now for stays through 7/24/07.)

The only discrepancy between the boards and my guide is the whole banking guidelines thing. According to actual policy (and my guide), if I call right now I can bank 50% of my 2005UY points since I'm so many months out. I've heard that doesn't apply to new members, and that you have until closing, until a certain later date, etc. We'll see what happens when I call MS.

In just about every case where a new member in your situation wanted to bank their current-year points, the guide said "no" and MS said "yes". If you know you won't be using those points for a trip between now and 11/30/06, then when you call MS to find out whether you are in the system, you should be able to bank those points at that time. I don't think you have to wait until you close.

And as far as when I can book, we'll find out shortly. I asked my guide and he gave me the standard "you'll have a temporary card in your packet that should come in 3-5 days" answer. That's probably fine, but I think I'll still call MS and see if they can find us, since I already know what I need to book for a few trips. I thought it wouldn't be appropriate to call them 15 seconds after hanging up with my guide, though, so I'll try them a little bit later, or even tomorrow.

Thanks for all your help!

I joined DVC by buying a resale contract so I don't know how long it takes. I know for add-on purchases, the points are in the account within 24 hours of paying the deposit so maybe give MS a call Tuesday afternoon?

Congratulations and Welcome Home!

 

[tink2020]

Congratulations on getting a December Use Year. And, actually, your 2006 UY points are already available -- you do not have to wait until Dec '06 for them. Your points don't "drop" into your account the first day of your UY, they are already there. It's just that each set of points has a set of dates associated with them:
Dec '05 UY points are valid for stays from Dec 1, 2005 - Nov 30, 2006
Dec '06 UY points are valid for stays from Dec 1, 2006 - Nov 30, 2007
Dec '07 UY points are valid for stays from Dec 1, 2007 - Nov 30, 2008
Dec '08 UY points are valid for stays from Dec 1, 2008 - Nov 30, 2009
etc.
So your Dec '06 points are in your account already and can be used right now (well, once you are "in the system") if you want to book a stay between 12/1/06 and 11/30/07, and can be borrowed for stays between now and 11/30/06. Similarly, your Dec '07 points are also available to you to borrow, if needed, for stays between 12/1/06 and 11/30/07. (Technically, given the 11 month window you can only book now for stays through 7/24/07.)
Congratulations and Welcome Home!

Thank you! That's what I meant, I guess is that in December I'll have 150 more at my disposal. I plan on trying to call tomorrow afternoon, or Wednesday. My packet might be here by Wednesday. My guide said a few days, but that's what they said for our original paperwork and it was here the next day!

Thanks again!

 

[LisaS]

Thank you! That's what I meant, I guess is that in December I'll have 150 more at my disposal. I plan on trying to call tomorrow afternoon, or Wednesday. My packet might be here by Wednesday. My guide said a few days, but that's what they said for our original paperwork and it was here the next day!

Thanks again!

Let us know what happens re: banking those 2005 UY points. MS has been letting people bank them, even those who were only a few weeks away from the end of their UY at the time.

Also, when MS confirms that you are in the system, ask them for the info you need to log in to the member's website (www.dvcmember.com). You need a Club ID (which is different from your membership number) and a password. That info gets you into the site the first time and then you can set up a username and password of your own.

 

[tink2020]

Let us know what happens re: banking those 2005 UY points. MS has been letting people bank them, even those who were only a few weeks away from the end of their UY at the time.

Also, when MS confirms that you are in the system, ask them for the info you need to log in to the member's website (www.dvcmember.com). You need a Club ID (which is different from your membership number) and a password. That info gets you into the site the first time and then you can set up a username and password of your own.

I will definitely let you know! Thank you for the reminder about the dvcmember website info. I hope I don't forget to ask that! I guess you are supposed to receive it a week or two after closing, but that's quite a ways away -- not to mention that I've read several threads where it takes even longer, even though MS knows it right away! I'm making a mental note, although I'm pretty sure that will stay at the front of miy mind. I can't wait to log in and see it!