Are there any special "rules" for Grand Cal points while the resort is not open?

[anomamatt]

I have some points (about 160 left) at Grand Californian that were transferred from another member to me (in mid-2019). The points are June UY2019. I banked them into UY2020, of course, but they now expire May 31, 2021.

I have a reservation mid-May that will use the points, but it's not clear that DL will be open.

Does anyone know if Disney has any special "rules" for points like these that will expire while DL (and the resort) is closed? I think for WDW they extended a few final deadlines, right? Is there anything for Grand Cal since it's been closed for so long?

Do I have any hope other than putting these points in RCI? (And bonus question: when is the deadline to put points into RCI?). I do realize that other DVC resorts have been open, but I've been holding out hope for using them at Grand Cal. I won't begrudge DVC if there is nothing that can/will do, but just want to make sure I know if there is any option other than RCI.

Thanks for any insight and/or suggestions!

 

[Sandisw]

There has been no exceptions made specifically for VGC points at this time. People have called and escalated their issue to supervisors who have granted a few exceptions on a case by case basis.

Most of the ones I read it was people being allowed to book something in the future but if they canceled that trip then the points wouod expire.

Given that you still have months to go and those points are already banked, I would doubt it..plus they are transferred in points so I can see them being less willing.

RCI is 45 days prior so I think around April 17th. All you can do is call and ask.

 

[anomamatt]

Given that you still have months to go and those points are already banked, I would doubt it..plus they are transferred in points so I can see them being less willing.

Thanks! I'm going to hold out hope DL and Grand Cal are open by my reservation. But if not, I'll plan on the RCI route. I *might* call and ask if they will do anything, but I'll expect them not to (for reasons you said). I cannot fault DVC, even if I wish I wasn't in this situation. Hopefully the third reservation with these points will be the charm and it will re-open soon-is!

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

Another option would be to rent your points since you have time on your side. Then you would have a nice chunk of change you could use for a cash room or cruise or... anything.

 

[taaren]

Thanks! I'm going to hold out hope DL and Grand Cal are open by my reservation. But if not, I'll plan on the RCI route. I *might* call and ask if they will do anything, but I'll expect them not to (for reasons you said). I cannot fault DVC, even if I wish I wasn't in this situation. Hopefully the third reservation with these points will be the charm and it will re-open soon-is!

It is highly likely the VGC will be open by May; I'm doubtful that the parks will be. I'm a VGC owner with 48 points 2019 UY expiring 5/31, currently holding a weekend in May that we plan on going to parks open or not (plus more expiring in my other contract at the end of Sept). Under current California rules, the VGC and other timeshares can technically open under any color (or at least they were open in purple last fall), just not when a Shelter-at-Home order is in effect, but all theme parks can't open until California is in yellow, which is a positivity rate of under 1 person per 100k ... that is extremely unlikely to happen before summer/fall. They might change the rules if vaccination rates are high enough, but I wouldn't count on it.

So the question to ask yourself is, would you rather do a resort-only vacation at the VGC in May or rent your points/deposit them into RCI?