Can someone explain this to me?

[rusafee1183]

Hi! We are new members and I just made my 1st reservation for November, but it was for family members - not for us. My use year is Dec, so we had to book or bank by July 31st. If they decide to cancel AFTER the July 31st deadline, do I lose those points?

They said something about a holding account, but I don't know what that means yet.

Thanks!!!

 

[chalee94]

I just made my 1st reservation for November, but it was for family members - not for us. My use year is Dec, so we had to book or bank by July 31st. If they decide to cancel AFTER the July 31st deadline, do I lose those points?

per the member site:

Disney Vacation Club Resorts

Changing a reservation 31 or more days prior to check-in:
If the new reservation uses fewer Vacation Points than the original reservation, the remaining Vacation Points will be returned to your account in the Use Year in which the reservation falls.


Changing a reservation 30 days-1 day prior to check-in:
All Vacation Points will be placed in the Holding Account. If the new reservation uses fewer Vacation Points than the original reservation, the remaining Vacation Points will stay in the Holding Account until the end of your Use Year.


Changing a reservation on the check-in date:
If the new reservation uses fewer Vacation Points than the original reservation, the remaining Vacation Points will be forfeited.


Cancelling a reservation 31 or more days prior to check-in:
All Vacation Points used to make the reservation will be restored to your account in the Use Year in which the reservation falls.


Cancelling a reservation 30 days-1 day prior to check-in:
All the Vacation Points used to make the reservation will be placed in the Holding Account in the Use Year in which the reservation falls.


Cancelling a reservation on the check-in date:
All the Vacation Points used to make the reservation will be forfeited.

if they cancel after july 31, you still have a reservation. if you or another family member or friend can use the reservation as is, you can change the names and go with it.

alternatively, you can try to cancel and rebook for something you or a friend can use, but if you are past the banking window at july 31, it would have to be for a stay that ends before dec 1.

They said something about a holding account, but I don't know what that means yet.

it means you can't book anything more than 60 days out from today. it can be very limiting during busy periods like november.

as the member site says, you only lose everything if you have to cancel on the check-in day...but actually finding an alternative reservation can be a challenge which is why we typically encourage people to travel early in your use year if possible. (for a dec UY, you'd like to travel in dec through march to give you the most options if things change and you need to cancel.

edited to add: if you cancel before july 31, the current pts used for the reservation can be banked forward to your 2012 UY (but keep in mind that if you used any banked 2010 or borrowed 2012 pts to make the nov 2012 reservation, those cannot be banked to 2012 and will expire at the end of your 2011 UY on nov 30, 2012 if not used for a stay by that date.)

 

[Sandisw]

Traveling at the end of a UY can be tricky for the exact reason you mention--if someone cancels after the banking deadline, you have to use up those points before the UY ends.

Booking a November trip with a Dec UY would not give time to rebook so as mentioned, you would want to find someone who could take over the reservation or go yourself if they cancel after July 31st.

I'd be sure that they understand how important it is for them to be sure about things and what will happen if they back out.

Good luck!

 

[rusafee1183]

Thank you both! This is what I thought but my DH was convinced that we only had to BOOK something by Dec, and I was sure we had to travel by Dec.

One time I WISH he was right.

Thanks again!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thank you both! This is what I thought but my DH was convinced that we only had to BOOK something by Dec, and I was sure we had to travel by Dec.

One time I WISH he was right.

Thanks again!!

And you need to tell the relatives that if they don't plan to use the reservation and they don't tell you in time to do something with it, they may owe you something. Lots of relatives don't understand and they think you can go anytime you want, no matter what.

 

[ajf1007]

And you need to tell the relatives that if they don't plan to use the reservation and they don't tell you in time to do something with it, they may owe you something. Lots of relatives don't understand and they think you can go anytime you want, no matter what.

Good point!!! Lots of people don't get it and think its "free" not really understanding you PAID for those points and there is a cost associated with it. Not just a cancellation fee like most hotels. But hopefully that won't be the case for the OP! So far, it hasn't happened to me but I do have a big trip in September with the family and my BFF and her family, all booked on my points. Fingers crossed (for more reasons than one )

 

[disneynutz]

Thank you both! This is what I thought but my DH was convinced that we only had to BOOK something by Dec, and I was sure we had to travel by Dec.

One time I WISH he was right.

Thanks again!!

Now you can see the importance of having the correct UY for when you like to travel.

My DW is always right, even when she is wrong!

Bill