Choosing What Use Year

[jmchone0830]

My husband and I are not members yet but are seriously thinking of making the purchase. I have been trying to research and am still all new to this. My question is, and probably a silly one, is what use year do you choose? If we would typically travel in June or July would we want a use year of June? Not sure how all that works. I've read posts of folks losing their points because of not having the correct use year and just want to make sure we don't make that mistake.

 

[Crystal_27]

I think that a June use year would probably work out well for you. Do keep in mind, however, that your vacation habits will (likely) change in your 50 years of ownership so use year probably will not be as important as you continue to own your membership. For example, we have a February UY yet we have traveled in March and September (and have upcoming trips scheduled for September, 2010, December, 2010, and June, 2011). Just remember that, in order to not lose any points, the most important thing you have to do is just remember to bank them within your banking window and you will be fine. Good luck!

 

[chalee94]

also, you might want to think about when you would never travel. (i would never travel in july/august/september - so october is a good use year for me.)

if you primarily travel in june or july but might also travel during spring break in march occasionally - then a march UY might be a good choice.

it only really becomes an issue if you have to cancel.

here is more info on use year if you need it:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1942668

 

[Sandisw]

The rule of thumb is to try and get a UY that starts just prior to your typical travel since it give you a lot of flexibility with what to do with your points if you have to change a vacation, or cancel it.

Points can be banked during those first 8 months of a UY so if you are traveling during that time and change/cancel the reservation (31 days or more in advance--less than that the points go in to a holding accoung and then the rules for using those points are different).

So, with your typical June/July travel, having a June UY would be ideal. And, remember, you UY has no affect on when you can call to book a trip. You can always do that 11 months ahead of time at your home resort, and 7 months ahead of time at the other ones.

Good luck!

 

[mikron]

I like UY's that start in Feb.

 

[bookwormde]

A use year that you do not travel in the peceeding 3 months is best.

bookwormde

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

IMHO, the debate over use years is an overblown one. DVC contracts are for up to 50 years. What may be a good use year for a person now, may not be in 10 or 20 years. Life changes, plans and vacation trends do too. While June sounds great now, in 15 years will an April trip to the Flower and Garden Show be on your radar? Find something that works for you but don't worry too much about it.

HBC