Need suggestions

[CarolA]

This Saturday I closed on 50 add on points. I think there was some confusion (I know there was!) and I now have 50 points that have to be used by 3/1. I called to book a room for next weekend, but no go. I have called my DVC rep for advice, but I am afraid I am just going to lose these points. Does anyone have any ideas? Also, do you think I could get them to swap out some points I have used for a friend next week. I had to borrow those from 2001 so... if I could swap the 50 points then that would helpl

Thanks.

CarolA

 

[NancyDVC]

Have you considered a trade into the Concierge Collection? That's what we did a few years ago to use up expiring points. We stayed at The Plaza in NYC for a long weekend. There are some B&Bs and other hotels that may be available for a quick getaway.

NancyDVC

 

[MikeBW]

Have you considered staying in one of the hotels at WDW? I know this is not a good value compared to a DVC resort, but it is better than losing them.

 

[CarolA]

I have considered a stay at a hotel, but I thought you had to book that 30 days in advance. I may call and see what I can do on that idea!

Thanks.

CarolA

 

[PamOKW]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think we can make reservations in the last 60 days of the Use Year for anything but DVC resorts. If the points expire 3/1 they're past that deadline. I've got a similar situation of possibly not being able to make a planned trip but I don't think I've got many alternatives.

Carol, did you buy direct from DVC or a resale? In a direct sale I'd think they would be able to work something out.

 

[CarolA]

This was a direct sell. I still have have not met my rep since he was off Sat! Oh well. Anyway, I currently have a studio booked for Tuesday 2/20 which uses 11 points. I am going to call daily and see if something opens up for Sun and Mon. If not, these may just be a loss. There is no way I can get away the weekend of 2/23 so I am out of time!

CarolA

 

[mikek]

I suppose since there's condusion you assumed you were only getting points starting on 3/1?

think of it this way- They gave you some BONUS points.

Imagine you didn't close till 3/1- you wouldn't have any of those points, any that you can use before then is just a bonus.

Although they will bill you for dues/taxes for the few weeks (math could be off, but I think ~$17)- If you can get them to credit you that, in reality you didn't "loose" anything.

Even if you just used one night of points, surely that's worth $17.

I say the glass is half full.

Mike

P.S> dont get me wrong- if you can find A way to use them GREAT, but on the off chance you cant- you can pretend they are extra anyway.

 

[Mperry]

Just recently, my husband decided he wanted to take a vacation so, he requested the time off and called me. He asked me to plan a trip in 18 days. I called and found NO AVAILABILITY. I called back and found scattered availability. My husband called and found availabilty at the WLV for four consecutive nights!

My advice... call every five minutes! I don't think things change that quickly. I think it makes a difference what CM you talk to and what they are willing to do for you.

The other thing is perhaps you could stay off-site your first night. We found a place for $38.76 with a microwave, fridge, and a continental breakfast. When we woke up, we drove 1.5 miles and into a park until our room at the WLV was available.

In any case, good luck. I'm sure it will work out just fine.

 

[CarolA]

Thanks for all your ideas.

Here is my current plan. I have a room at the Marriott Courtyard for Sun and Mon and then have a Studio at OKW for Tues and Wed. So right now I have used about 1/2 the "bonus" points. Pretty good! I will keep calling for Sunday and Monday!

CarolA

 

[Dumbo]

Boy I'm confused on this one. If these 50 add on points expire on Feb. 28 then that means these add on points have a March use year. Not sure how to help you out, but look at the bright side. You should get 50 more points on March 1st.

Dumbo

 

[Caskbill]

It might be too drastic, but if you don't think you'd ever need it again, you could use your once-in-a-lifetime special banking provision. I do understand they're very strict on that and that would be it for you for the next 41 years. If you manage points well, it may not be an issue, but if in the future at some time you had several hundred points in jeopardy, you wouldn't have that special banking option available to save them.

Just a thought.

Caskbill

 

[CarolA]

Well, I have now managed to use 33 of the 50 points. I think that may be the best I can do unless by some miracle a studio opens up for Sunday! However, between President's Week and the Daytona 500 Sunday looks pretty bad!

CarolA