Another question from new dvc member!

[newmommy]

I posted another question regarding BCV or WLV... we own in AKV (as of yesterday!!!) and want to travel in September. I was originally not wanting to wait for May to try to get AKV, as this trip has been planned for a year, dates cannot be changed, etc. The only thing changing is using points now instead of cash
So, if I want to stay at AKL, but more than that, just want to stay somewher in DVC, can I reserve something else now and then in May change it to AKL, if I can get in there? Is it allowed to do this, and if so, what would happen to any extra points I might use to reserve something now, if I end up "spending" less points to go to AKL? Thanks for your help!

 

[CarolMN]

I posted another question regarding BCV or WLV... we own in AKV (as of yesterday!!!) and want to travel in September. I was originally not wanting to wait for May to try to get AKV, as this trip has been planned for a year, dates cannot be changed, etc. The only thing changing is using points now instead of cash
So, if I want to stay at AKL, but more than that, just want to stay somewher in DVC, can I reserve something else now and then in May change it to AKL, if I can get in there? Is it allowed to do this, and if so, what would happen to any extra points I might use to reserve something now, if I end up "spending" less points to go to AKL? Thanks for your help!

Generally, you can book anywhere you like as long as you are within the booking guidelines - up to 11 months in advance for your home resort and up to 7 months in advance for a non-home resort. There are no penalties for changing and many members book one resort, and then cancel it to book another. No problem as

In general, if you cancel a DVC resort points reservation at least 31 days in advance, the points are simply returned to your account. You can bank them (subject to the banking rules), rent them or use them for another reservation.

 

[newmommy]

Wow! Now I am very confused. Maybe you can help me to clarify some things. I don't have my paperwork yet, so I am relying at this point on what I have been told by my guide.
1- We have March '07 use year. So, in my understanding, we have 160 points available now, to be used by Feb. 08, with more points coming on March 1, 2008. These (March '07) are the points we were going to use for Sept. '07 vacation.
2- I was told that AKL could be booked on May 16 for stays beginning on Sept. 1st. Has this changed?

Please, please tell me if you know these things to be incorrect, as we have made our decision based on these factors, & have yet to receive and sign contract, etc. If I can't use points in September this year, I probably would not have purchased right now, as this puts us in the position of having to pay cash for that trip, as well as pay for DVC membership. We can't afford to do both right now...

 

[CarolMN]

I was mistaken about the October start date and edited my post. Sorry to have caused you concern. You can use your points for a September stay.

 

[newmommy]

No worries, but thanks for putting my mind at ease! Now, we just have to decide which resort to book "for now"...

 

[Deb & Bill]

You also have to remember that the 7 month non-home resort booking period has already started for the resorts you want in Sept and availability may be limited.

Any points left over after getting a resort that uses fewer points can be banked if (1) they are current year points and (2) you are still within your banking deadlines and (3) you are not changing the reservation less than 31 days before the start of the trip (those points go into holding and would have to be used by the end of the year and could not be used to book a reservation more than 60 days ahead of time).

 

[newmommy]

Thank you. Based on that, I think we will be okay. I was a little concerned about availablity, but our guide already has something on hold for us - we needed to be sure we would be able to reserve somewhere in September, and so that is taken care of. I am just trying to figure out what my preference would be, IF it is available!