MS almost gave me a heart attack!

[HookdonWDW]

I called MS to clarify a few questions I had for tomorrow... I didn't want to waste any time when I go to put in my ressies!! I had two questions... one had to do with whether or not I could borrow points for a November ressie, since we won't have closed yet. I kind of knew that the answer was going to be "no", but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask - the only difference is that we would need to rent 2 studios instead of a 2 bedroom, but we've been going back and forth on that one anyway.

Well, you can imagine my surprise when the CM told me that not only could we not borrow, but, we wouldn't even be able to make November ressies tomorrow! Needless to say, the panic began, since we have already invited my bil and his family to come with us! She said that since we won't have closed, we were subject to the same 7 month window as all other DVCers.

I told her that this was directly opposed to what my guide had told me, and from what other guides had been saying. She said that they knew it, and they were prepared for the reaction tomorrow. Then she put me on hold, and said she wanted to make sure nothing had changed.

She came back a couple of minutes later, and asked for our Membership Number. She plugged it in, and said that we COULD make November ressies.

Apparently the problem is that they've begun selling October use years, and some people have been requesting August and December. She said that since you can't borrow points to make ressies yet, that these people won't be able to make ressies, since they won't have received their 2002 points yet, and would have to borrow the points.

So, if you have a use year at BCV that falls later in the year, you might want to check to see whether or not you can make ressies. I didn't pursue the issue, since it didn't effect me.

 

[chip1]

As I write this, I am on with MS trying to clarify this. When we purchased on 2/3, we were given a Feb use year. Last week we requested an Aug use year, which we were told would mean a re-write. We also, at that time, purchased another 15 points, bringing our total to 225. However, before we authorized the process to begin, I asked at least three times of our guide if this would affect our making Dec reservations on March 6th. We were told NO. Your thread bothered me, because I did not want any problems tomorrow when everyone would be calling. I have been told each case is done as a case by case basis. Since we have paid cash, we will be able to make our Dec reservation.

 

[PamOKW]

I don't think I'd want to be working at MS tomorrow.....those folks will need a little TLC by their bosses.

 

[kem330]

I think the key here is when you plan to visit and when your use year is. Tomorrow, if you are a BCV owner, you may call for a reservation up to 11 months in advance. Your stay must fall within your current use year and current years points, since no banking or borrowing is allowed until closing. So Feb - July use years can book a stay using # of points purchased for a stay July 1- Feb 6, 2003. ( Feb owners would have to use 2003 points for stay 2/1-6/03). Aug use years couldn't book a stay before Aug 1, Oct. before Oct 1, etc. This is why the hotel incentive was offered, for those who want to visit before July 1 or who won't get points until later in the year.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Kem330,

So, if I follow your logic, a person with a December use year could not make a November reservation, but they CAN make a December ressie... is that right? If that's right, it sounds like Chip will be okay

 

[kem330]

I hope it's right! I have a Dec use year and I'm calling tomorrow for Late Dec ressies. Wonder how long I'll be on hold this time!

 

[Minybear]

So this is how I get this. I changed from Feb use year to August use year. So I cannot make our January resv's until August right? I thought we could make resv's for BCV 11 mths out?

 

[Tinker Bell]

MB - You are fine. You can make the ressie tomorrow. The 11 month window is not impacted by your use year. The only requirement is that you are not borrowing -- which you wouldn't be for a Jan ressie with an August use year.

 

[Minybear]

Tinker Bell
Thanks for the info. That makes me feel much better. As soon as all the paperwork goes through and I get approved I will make resv's.

 

[kem330]

Minybear- sorry I didn't make my post more clear. What I was saying is every BCV owner can book on March 6 for a stay that falls in the parameters outlined. So with an Aug use year, you can call MS on Mar 6 and make a ressie for anytime between Aug 1 and Feb 5

 

[Cookie57]

I sent the paperwork in on Saturday for our BCV membership. We have purchased 235 points and have a February use year. I am planning to call MS at 9:00 A.M. tomorrow and book our July 4-12 2002 vacation. My guide told me that I can borrow points from 2003 as we will need 390 total for 8 nights in a 2 bedroom BCV. Was I misinformed? We put 20% down and filled out the paper for financing but should be able to pay it all off by June 1 and avoid paying any interest. My heart is sinking. I thought I had everything all figured out.

 

[kem330]

Cookie- This will be a good question to ask tomorrow. My guide mentionned something about advancing points (vs borrowing) but since I have enough, I didn't ask more about it. It has never been "officially" verified what the policy will be- just assumptions based on rules for previous resort purchases- that is no banking or borrowing until closing. With the almost 4 months delay in closing BCV purchases (normal closing is 1 month) maybe they are making an exception?