Double Developer points--what is the booking window

[Enna]

If we take the Double Developer points, what is the booking window for Disney (non-DVC) properties such as the hotels at WDW and DL?

I've read both 11 months and 7 months. Anyone know the real deal?

Thanks for being kind to this DVC newbie!

 

[nucpharm29]

If I'm recalling correctly, you have 12 months to use the points, but you can only bank 7 months out. Correct me if that's incorrect

ETA: I meant book 7 months out, not bank

 

[isyt]

If I'm recalling correctly, you have 12 months to use the points, but you can only bank 7 months out. Correct me if that's incorrect

Yes and no. You do have 12 months to use but I think you mean you are only allowed to book within 7 months (not bank).

 

[nucpharm29]

Sorry, yeah, that's what I meant. Duh!

 

[ScottakaMickey]

If we take the Double Developer points, what is the booking window for Disney (non-DVC) properties such as the hotels at WDW and DL?

I've read both 11 months and 7 months. Anyone know the real deal?

Thanks for being kind to this DVC newbie!

This question hasn't been answered from what I've been watching. I think its a question for your Guide or MS if your already a member. My guess is that you could use them pretty much right away as from what I understand normal booking, 11 month/7 month don't really apply when using points outside of the normal DVC resorts. So, I think if you wanted to use your points for a cruise next July that you could probably do it right away, the same may apply for other Disney resorts, but as stated above, check with your guide for the official answer.

 

[Disneylovers]

This question hasn't been answered from what I've been watching. I think its a question for your Guide or MS if your already a member. My guess is that you could use them pretty much right away as from what I understand normal booking, 11 month/7 month don't really apply when using points outside of the normal DVC resorts. So, I think if you wanted to use your points for a cruise next July that you could probably do it right away, the same may apply for other Disney resorts, but as stated above, check with your guide for the official answer.

No, you can only book a cruise at seven months from your sailing date. I know this for a fact, as last week, I booked a cruise for next June, booking two state rooms (one for our daughters, one for DH and I) and two days later, MS called me to tell me they cancelled one of the reservations (the one I used the developer points for). The CM I spoke with was less than magical (wished I got her name, but I was SO upset, I didn't), telling me I should have read my member handbook to know what I was doing. (there's nothing in the member handbook about developer points!). I called back and spoke with another CM who was nicer, but the bottom line is, as of now, I have one state room (which actually, the way DCL would book it, has my DH and our older DD on the reservation, me and our younger DD are without a reservation as of now). DH did call our guide, and he was going to be sure that there is something on our reservation so that when I call on November 15th, and change things around (when I see what rooms are still available) I won't get charged any more fees, since it was their mistake.

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

I am getting so confused and frustrated!
My guide is giving me the impression that you can book at the 11 month window with your developers points, (as long as you use them at your home resort).
We have been wafflling between getting the discount or the points for some time. And my guide is aware of this. I basically told her we only want to get the point incentive if we can use it for a 2 bedroom at AKV in July. So she said when we are ready to sign the deal, she will call inventory and "put it on hold" for us! Is she just trying to make a sale or what!

 

[Enna]

I asked the guide this question today. He said that ALL reservations using Developer points need to be made starting at 7 months out.

For us, that made the money off look like a better value.

 

[global_mom]

OK - I am now totally confused.

If we decide to take DDP on our add-on purchase we have 12 months to use them, that part I am clear with.

But....we cant make a reservation for more than 7 months from the date of that check-in?

Example: if I purchase on Aug. 30 and want to use the DDP for a trip in July of 08 do I have to wait to book that trip until exactly 7 months before the check-in date in for the July of 08 trip??? If I want to use the DDP for a trip in March of 08 then I can make that reservation right now???

 

[GoofysGal33850]

OK - I am now totally confused.

If we decide to take DDP on our add-on purchase we have 12 months to use them, that part I am clear with.

But....we cant make a reservation for more than 7 months from the date of that check-in?

Example: if I purchase on Aug. 30 and want to use the DDP for a trip in July of 08 do I have to wait to book that trip until exactly 7 months before the check-in date in for the July of 08 trip??? If I want to use the DDP for a trip in March of 08 then I can make that reservation right now???

You are correct. It was 7 months to use them until a few weeks ago when they relaxed the restriction and made it 12 months to use from contract date. You can still only book 7 months out to preserve the HRP.

 

[LisaS]

If we decide to take DDP on our add-on purchase we have 12 months to use them, that part I am clear with.

But....we cant make a reservation for more than 7 months from the date of that check-in?

Think of them as "generic" DVC points, not home resort points. It's just like booking a non-home resort -- you can make a reservation 7 months prior to your checkOUT date (not check in) when booking at a DVC resort.

Example: if I purchase on Aug. 30 and want to use the DDP for a trip in July of 08 do I have to wait to book that trip until exactly 7 months before the check-in date in for the July of 08 trip??? If I want to use the DDP for a trip in March of 08 then I can make that reservation right now???

If you want to use developer points to book a stay at a DVC resort in July 2008, you can call in Dec 2007 to make that reservation, 7 months prior to your check-out date. If you want to book a stay at a DVC resort for March 2008, you can call in August 2007, 7 months from your checkout date. It's exactly the same as if you owned at, say, BWV and wanted to book at VWL -- you could do so starting 7 months from your checkout date.

I do not know what the booking window is for non-DVC resorts, cruises, etc.

 

[global_mom]

Thank you for the clarification! Now I understand....