Banking points question

[jocin3]

We will be taking our first trip as DVC members in November (after purchasing a resale contract). I want to make sure I have the concept of banking points correct.
Our UY is August. After this trip in November, we will still have 107 points left in this use year.

(1)Is it correct that if we are not planning another vacation until Oct or Nov. 2012, I should bank those 107 points by March 31st of 2012.

(2) When I call in December (11 months prior) how should I indicate to MS that I want those 107 points used towards my Oct/Nov 2012 trip---in other words should I bank them PRIOR to calling and making my reservation at 11 months out?

Thanks in advance!

 

[drusba]

To determine what points you will use for a trip and whether you need to bank, you always look at time you will be at WDW not time you call to reserve. Points issued August 1, 2011 must be used for a trip that ends by July 31, 2012 unless banked. Thus, for any trip in Oct or Nov 2012, you would need to bank Aug 2011 points. You can call to reserve 11 months and you can bank points at that time or even before. Important: you must bank before you reserve but can do both in the same phone call. Once you bank, MS will use those banked points first for any Oct or Nov 2012 trip.

 

[magicaldisney]

Don't assume they will use the banked points first. Thought they should, it has been reported that some CMs have not. Just tell them when you make your reservation that you want the banked points used first, just to cover yourself.

 

[jocin3]

Thanks so much. That makes it so much clearer!

 

[Sandisw]

You can also bank the points online. They do have to be banked prior to being used and as mentioned, you can do it in the same call as the one in which you will make your reservation. However, if you are concerned about the reservation you are making, then I would call prior to that date to bank or just do it online. This way, its one less thing to worry about that morning.

And, as suggested, be sure that you mention to the CM to use the banked points first to ensure things are booked that way.

 

[jocin3]

One other question if I can..the points that i will be banking (from my Aug 2011 UY-how long will they be good for? Do I need to use them within a certain amount of time in case we by some chance do not travel Oct/Nov of 2012?
thanks so much again. I am sure I will get the hang of things eventually!

 

[drusba]

Banked points must be used for a trip that ends no later than the end of the use year into which the points are banked. Thus, if you bank Aug 2011 points into 2012 use year, they must be used for a trip that occurs between Aug 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013.