How do OTU points work?

[Jennasis]

For our trip next December, it looks like we will need to purchase a couple of points to fill in the gaps point-wise. Having never done this before, what is the process?

Do we buy the points before (like days before) trying to make the reservation so they are already in the account ready to go when I go online in the morning to try to snag the reservation?

Do I go online to make the reservation and it will alert me I'm short X number of points and give me the option to purchase them to make the reservation?

Do I have to just CALL MS right when they open to book the reservation and purchase the points at the same time?

I don't want to lose precious time missing out on the online system opening, as we are booking first week of December at 7 months...with Galaxy's Edge likely having just opened. So It's a risky time!!

Help!

 

[keaster]

You must call member services to purchase OTU points, it cannot be done online. And you do it at the time you make your reservation. Hope that helps!

 

[Jennasis]

You must call member services to purchase OTU points, it cannot be done online. And you do it at the time you make your reservation. Hope that helps!

It does...but it stinks that I will be an hour behind folks who were able to go online and make reservations for the busiest DVC week of the year.

Are we allowed to buy points ahead of time?

 

[zavandor]

Since you have to call MS to buy the OTU points and you're looking to book for the busiest weeks of the year, you should book as many days as you can when the reservation window opens at 8:00am, then you can call MS to add one day purchasing OTU points.

 

[keaster]

It does...but it stinks that I will be an hour behind folks who were able to go online and make reservations for the busiest DVC week of the year.

Are we allowed to buy points ahead of time?

Unfortunately no, they must be bought at the time of the reservation.

 

[Jennasis]

Ooh yes! Good tip!

 

[CarolynFH]

Since you have to call MS to buy the OTU points and you're looking to book for the busiest weeks of the year, you should book as many days as you can when the reservation window opens at 8:00am, then you can call MS to add one day purchasing OTU points.

Ooh yes! Good tip!

Yes, that’s exactly what I’ve done on the three occasions I’ve bought OTU points in the past - book what we can at 8:00, call at 9:00 to add!

 

[Frederic Civish]

You can make a reservation starting 2 or 3 days before when you really want it, and buy the One Time Use Points then. Then you can just walk it the 2 or 3 days into what you want.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

You can make a reservation starting 2 or 3 days before when you really want it, and buy the One Time Use Points then. Then you can just walk it the 2 or 3 days into what you want.

This is what I would try even though walking at 7 months is easily broken. I'd think it's worth a shot.

 

[CMNJ]

You can make a reservation starting 2 or 3 days before when you really want it, and buy the One Time Use Points then. Then you can just walk it the 2 or 3 days into what you want.

Does this actually work? I ask because if you purchase OTU points and then have to cancel the reservation you cannot see the points online in your point bank. They are treated like transferred points and not visible online. The only way to use them is to book on the phone with MS (unless something changed since the last time I needed them). I wasn’t sure if when you modify online if the booking system can see and use those points since they don’t normally show up online for booking. If so that’s a nifty way around the issue of not being able to book online with OTU points.

 

[MeridaMonkey]

Do you have to be out of points in order to purchase OTU points?

I'm thinking ahead to January 2020 (Dopey Challenge.....yes, I'm crazy ).....I'll have 81 points banked by then and will be dipping into my Dec 2019 points a bit but I'd like to buy the max # of points to avoid using too many of my Dec 2019 points. I'll have guests for Dopey weekend and they'll be paying for the points as their contribution to the accommodations, and this will allow me to save more of my 2019 points for my annual family vacation later that year.

Is buying OTU points when you've still got contract points available doable?

Booking at 7 months out is understood, I'd be booking then anyway because where we want to stay is not a home resort for me Also planning on a 1-bedroom which are usually available at the 7 month mark without issue.

 

[bumbershoot]

Since you have to call MS to buy the OTU points and you're looking to book for the busiest weeks of the year, you should book as many days as you can when the reservation window opens at 8:00am, then you can call MS to add one day purchasing OTU points.

Good idea.

Do you have to be out of points in order to purchase OTU points?

Nope.