Made the phone call... have a few questions.

[MichiganMouse1967]

I received the DVC video Friday afternoon and couldn't stop watching it.
After reading about the new incentives and getting a member referral, I called DVC yesterday (Saturday) and spoke with a very friendly member. She asked me a few questions and said a guide will be contacting me on Monday to talk about DVC membership in more detail. What kind of details will he be talking to me about? I've already decided that I want my home resort to be AKV and I will probably start with 225 points. Since we'll most likely vacation during May and/or October (occasionally during other months), which would be the best UY for us?

 

[rsinj]

.

 

[Mirthrindr2]

Since we'll most likely vacation during May and/or October (occasionally during other months), which would be the best UY for us?

Unless I am misunderstanding the question (and please correct me if I'm wrong oh wise DVC'ers), you cannot 'choose' your UY though. If you are purchasing directly through DVC, you get what they are selling which at this time for AKV, I believe happens to be a June UY, at least that's what I was just told tonight by the guide we have been talking with. Of course, one could always hold off buying in till DVC direct was finally selling the UY you wanted, but not sure what kind of guarantees that idea holds.

Of course with resales made outside DVC, you can search and wait for a contract with the UY you want, if you did have a preference.

Jim

 

[4Pluto]

Although DVC may be "selling" June UY now, they have prior UYs that may be available to new members (you have to ask) and you can ask to delay purchase until a later UY is available (but that puts your use further into the future). Remember that for current members, DVC assigns the same use year, so in some respects all use years are available. When I bought, I wanted an October Use Year for SSR and they were "selling" December Use Years.

If you intend to make reservations 7 months or less, then it doesn't matter what your Use Year is. If you make reservations more than 7 months in advance and want to travel in October and May, then an October Use Year makes sense from a cancellation and banking perspective. Your points are issued on October 1. You have until June 1 to bank those points. You have until the following September 30 to use unbanked points.

If you make an October reservation and cancel (more than 30 days in advance), then you have 8 months to bank and almost a year to reschedule your trip. If you make a May reservation and cancel (more than 30 days in advance) you still have until June 1 to bank your points and until September 30 to reschedule your trip.

Having said that, your travel plans may change completely in 10 years and you may travel in February and August, so its wise not to get too hung up on which Use Year to choose!

 

[Mirthrindr2]

Ahhh... I see. Man there is SOOO much to understand about this DVC thing. Thanks for the helpful info 4Pluto.

Jim

 

[tjkraz]

Having said that, your travel plans may change completely in 10 years and you may travel in February and August, so its wise not to get too hung up on which Use Year to choose!

I assume DVC doesn't go into too much detail about the Use Year because it would just confuse and frustrate most people. IMO, it would be comparable to a car salesman trying to discuss seat belt safety or gas mileage in great detail with a prospective customer--I'm sure some do ask, but they aren't discussions the salesman will typically initiate.

DVC will usually market one or two specific Use Years at a time. Those who are convinced a particular UY is more appropriate for them can inquire, and DVC will often accommodate the request.

 

[farmergirl]

Although DVC may be "selling" June UY now, they have prior UYs that may be available to new members (you have to ask) and you can ask to delay purchase until a later UY is available (but that puts your use further into the future). Remember that for current members, DVC assigns the same use year, so in some respects all use years are available. When I bought, I wanted an October Use Year for SSR and they were "selling" December Use Years.

If you intend to make reservations 7 months or less, then it doesn't matter what your Use Year is. If you make reservations more than 7 months in advance and want to travel in October and May, then an October Use Year makes sense from a cancellation and banking perspective. Your points are issued on October 1. You have until June 1 to bank those points. You have until the following September 30 to use unbanked points.

If you make an October reservation and cancel (more than 30 days in advance), then you have 8 months to bank and almost a year to reschedule your trip. If you make a May reservation and cancel (more than 30 days in advance) you still have until June 1 to bank your points and until September 30 to reschedule your trip.

Having said that, your travel plans may change completely in 10 years and you may travel in February and August, so its wise not to get too hung up on which Use Year to choose!

So if you don't mind me asking ...Did you end up getting the October UY???

 

[MichiganMouse1967]

farmergirl - not sure if your question was for me, but I haven't done anything yet... still waiting to talk with a guide.

However, if I'm understanding how the UY and 8-month banking window work (someone please correct me if I'm wrong), I'm figuring that the following UYs would work best for me:
March
April
October
In each case, whether I travel in May or October, I'm covered (I think).

 

[4Pluto]

So if you don't mind me asking ...Did you end up getting the October UY???

Yes, but I made it more complicated for myself by buying an October resale at the same time, so I waited until that closed and then bought the SSR as an add on. If I had not wanted to wait, at least according to my guide, I could have gotten the October UY without it being an add on.

It can never hurt to ask.

 

[farmergirl]

I think we will try for the UY which would suit us best. I don't know if it will work but all they can say is no .... so we will wait and see what happens I guess....

 

[wildernessDad]

When we purchased through Disney, we purchased VWL, not SSR which was selling at that time. Because we wanted to vacation in May, the guide chose an April UY for us and it has worked out well.

If you feel confident that you can plan well-ahead and go when you plan, then UY does not really matter that much. For us, the April UY fits. Given the new banking rules starting in 2008, we will have until the end of November to bank our points if need be. The only time when this is going to be a problem for us is if we book a vacation for after that time, December for example, and have to cancel on short notice. DVC works best for those who can plan ahead and stick to their plan.