A members perk I hadn't heard about

[thepops]

I was looking through the DVC web site and took a peek at the member benefits guide. They have a section about being able to stay in one of the new properties before they officially open! That's one I've never seen talked about here. So I could switch my reservation to stay at Kidani in April, even though they don't officially open until May?
Has anyone ever tried this one?
(Text from the member guide follows)
DVD has established a special plan called the PreOpening Program (“PreOpening Program"). DVC Members may reserve accommodations at a DVC Resort ("DVC Accommodations") and exchange those accommodations for a reservation of accommodations being constructed by DVD or which have not yet been declared to the condominium form of ownership. Accommodations reserved through the PreOpening Program do not include theme park admission.
DVD is currently constructing Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® (“PreOpening Resort(s)”) which is included in the PreOpening Program. The following is a description of the accommodations and the amenities available:

 

[LisaS]

This was discussed about a month ago. Thanks to the boards' new search facility, I was actually able to find the thread for you!! Here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2103477

 

[RobDoc]

The "Preopening Program" doesn't mean you can stay there before the building opens, it means DVD is willing to allow DVC members to stay in undeclared inventory - meaning villas not yet declared for sale by DVD.

At all DVC resorts, the "member inventory" is the villas which have been declared available for sale and traditionally, those were the only villas available for use with DVC points. The remaining inventory was only available thru CRO for cash reservations.

This program seems to be offering villas at BLT, SSR, AKV and VGC in exchange for reservations made using points at other DVC resorts - but nothing would be available for stays until the resort is ready for occupancy.