Importance of picking the right use year????

[susanreed]

Another question from a novice trying to get all of this information right before I take the big plunge!!! With our childrens busy school schedule, we typically vacation in mid to late March.
We plan on going to Disney every other year or so. The banking/borrowing will be very important so I want to make sure I have everything right. If I purchase a March of 2004 contract of 150 points I assume I will have until February, 2006 to use the points. In March of 2005 I will obviously receive another 150 points. I assume I can also borrow the 2006 allocation. At that point, I theoretically could have 450 points. Correct! Or would an April use year be better! I am sure this is basic to you DVC pros, but a little overwhelming to a newcomer!! (My guide wasn't too helpful with this and I just want to make sure I am not mistaken as this is so critical!)
Thanks to all!

 

[HookdonWDW]

You can bank one year and borrow one year, so if you own 150 points, you could bank and borrow to have 450 points available during a UY.

Going by your title, I think that the importance of your UY is somewhat overstated... as many have said on this board, people's vacation habits change over time, and what is a convenient vacation time now, may not be convenient 10 years down the road.

If you purchase a March UY, you will have until 2/28/29 of the next year to use your points. Therefore, if you are looking at a current scenario, you could bank your 2004 points. In March of 2005, you can borrow your 2006 points (you can actually do this 11 months before you want to use the points, so if you're planning a vacation for 3/05, you can borrow the points in 4/04 for use at your home resort or 8/04 at a different resort).

If you need to cancel the reservation for any reason, it's important to remember that your '04 and '06 points can't be moved back to their original use year, and will need to be used between 3/01/04 and 2/28/05.

HTH! Good luck making your decision!

 

[Dean]

Use year is very important for some, not as much for others. It is more important than many realize though. Think of it as insurance if you have to change your plans. Since you have the opportunity to plan for a use year, it sounds like Feb or March would be the best with Dec next and April the worst. Dec to March will allow you to book the times you state plus summer with near maximum protection and options. The Dec use year will also allow for Xmas break trips without much issues. Good luck.