Logic of two UY

[Bjaiken77]

I wanted to keep my same use year (October) for all my contracts, but I also want to make quick trips during my banking period. I’m looking at purchasing a small contract at VGF. I know if something goes wrong between June and September, I can still use VGF points at SSR, etc. But I’d rather bank them for a longer trip or better accommodations in a future year. Nothing against SSR (I own 225 points), but I’m not paying VGF prices to stay at SSR.

This leads me to my current idea. I’d like feedback, but I’m thinking June would be a perfect UY for this small VGF contract. That allows me to travel June-Sept (likely will go every Sept when a bit cooler and those low early Sept point charts). Also, if I want to combine it with a trip October-February (based on my 325 October contract), there will be an overlapping period where none of my points are at risk of being outside my banking window. If I go June-Sept, I’d likely only bank/use/borrow from my VGF contract to keep that process clean.

Is there any fault in my logic? Please point out any flaws that I may be missing. Thanks!

 

[supersnoop]

As soon as you say "if I want to combine...," then the whole argument for a second use year goes out the window. What's the likelihood that you'd cancel that September trip with less than three months notice?

I own two use years, but the second contract is for a very specific trip; a food and wine weekend that I book at 11 months every year. I'll never combine those points or use them for a different purpose. COVID-19 threw a wrench in my plans this year and wreaked havoc on my plans, showing me the frustration of managing two use years. I don't expect that to ever happen again, but I'd never recommend someone pursue two use years if they even had the slightest idea that they might want to combine points.

 

[Bjaiken77]

As soon as you say "if I want to combine...," then the whole argument for a second use year goes out the window. What's the likelihood that you'd cancel that September trip with less than three months notice?

I own two use years, but the second contract is for a very specific trip; a food and wine weekend that I book at 11 months every year. I'll never combine those points or use them for a different purpose. COVID-19 threw a wrench in my plans this year and wreaked havoc on my plans, showing me the frustration of managing two use years. I don't expect that to ever happen again, but I'd never recommend someone pursue two use years if they even had the slightest idea that they might want to combine points.

Thanks! I don’t really want to combine - the main reason is to perhaps have a longer stay with my other points than the small contract would allow. As far as the odds of cancelling three months or less, I really can’t say what would cause it. Life happens. Illness, family, urgent obligations. No biggie if you’re in your banking window AND have other vacations booked at Disney with different points. In that case, I’m just banking those premium points and trying again next year.

I appreciate the feedback. I just wanted to post some of my thoughts so people can play off them with their own views or opinions. I’m just having a hard time understanding how two use years is that hard to juggle. Yes - I can’t see maybe 4 or 5. But two use years with banking windows that don’t overlap!?! Maybe I’m wrong.

 

[supersnoop]

Life happens. Illness, family, urgent obligations.

The problem with illnesses or urgent issues is that they typically happen within 30 days, so your points would be stuck in holding status anyway. Sure, an appropriate use year, you have a while to use them, but with the additional inconvenience, I'm not sure it's worthwhile.

The difficulty isn't in managing the banking windows; it's when something goes wrong and you get stuck with an awkward number of points in one account and no good way to use them. You cancel one reservation and try to rebook for later, but it takes more points? Where do they come from? You have 3 points left over? What can you do with them? It can get very frustrating.

 

[The Jackal]

Look at it this way, your points go further at SSR than they do VGF over 1/3 more. VGF is very nice. Stayed in a 2 bedroom there in 2019. The only way I would have 2 separate use years for separate resorts, the contracts would never be combined. One contract would be for spring trip and the other a fall/Christmas trip.

 

[Bjaiken77]

Look at it this way, your points go further at SSR than they do VGF over 1/3 more. VGF is very nice. Stayed in a 2 bedroom there in 2019. The only way I would have 2 separate use years for separate resorts, the contracts would never be combined. One contract would be for spring trip and the other a fall/Christmas trip.

Ok, very good! I can see that seems to be a popular opinion, which I really appreciate hearing. Thank you!

 

[Sunnyore]

I struggled with understanding the difficulties of having different use years as well and tried to look into it more when I was having trouble finding a small BWV contract in my uy. I think your logic would work well if like what others have said, that you don’t plan to combine. Also if you buy enough points that allows you easily make bookings without the struggle of missing a few points each booking. Also helpful if you’re a planner and have set dates that you travel. I can tell you I already struggle with my small contract at BLT since I’m flexible with my travel dates and I would like to play around with dates, but can’t because I ran out of points for my 11 month advantage. Once 7 months rolls around I know it’ll be easier since I can combine my points but will have to play around with what’s available then. I imagine my BLT struggle would be similar to having a separate uy since that’s all the points I have to play with for that particular booking and it would be like that all yr unless I transfer the points. And transferring points sounds like it can get complicated because they have their own rules once transferred. I think if your goal is to travel in that 4 month period then your plan would work.. but buy enough points so you don’t need to ever combine.

 

[RoseGold]

VGF has gone through the roof in the last couple months. Your timing is not great. I wouldn’t be in a hurry on VGF.

 

[Bjaiken77]

VGF has gone through the roof in the last couple months. Your timing is not great. I wouldn’t be in a hurry on VGF.

Thats true, but I’ve seen it start to come down or those super high requests start to sit. It’ll be interesting to watch. The high price matters less to me on a small contract, but it’s true, it’s never fun to buy high.

 

[macman123]

I have 13 contracts but all the same UY. I wanted to be able to log in and see one membership with all contracts. I didnt want to have to call MS and be able to handle all my booking trips in one place.

For me it made sense. Less difficult, but does it mean I have to wait for my ideal contract - sure.

 

[RyanDisneyDad]

I have 4 UY. Theres certain things I want in my contracts which aren't always available.

 

[princesscinderella]

Two UY allows you to create more waitlists, two for each UY.

 

[Sandisw]

Two UY allows you to create more waitlists, two for each UY.

This is true, but not using the same points, Just don’t want people to misunderstand that it increases your odds for the same trip you have booked, unless you have it booked on both.