New DVC Member - help me make my 1st rez

[DJJimmy9]

OK - we just closed on our 3rd and final (well for now) resale contract. We now have 310 pts at BLT and all FEB U/Y.

We are planing our first trip for SEP-2015. I have already banked all of our 2014 pts (which were somewhat stripped). And for this trip we will need all of our 2015 pts and a few of our 2016 pts.

I know i can't book until October, but i am curious on a few items. My questions...

1.) When I call 11-months in advance to book in my home resort, they will only let me book for 7-Nights. We are actually staying 8-nights. Do I call the next day and modify my 7-night rez or wait another day so I can book all 8-nights at once. Don't think BLT will be sold-out in SEPT, but this question is for future use as well.

2.). Also, I just want to confirm that when I call in OCT-2014 to make my SEP-2015 rez that they will allow me to book with all of my 2015 pts (that do not arrive until 2/1/15) and borrow from my 2016 points (which do not arrive until 2/1/16).

Thanks for all your help in advance!!!!! Can't wait until OCT to actually book my first rez.

-Jimmy

 

[DenLo]

OK - we just closed on our 3rd and final (well for now) resale contract. We now have 310 pts at BLT and all FEB U/Y.

We are planing our first trip for SEP-2015. I have already banked all of our 2014 pts (which were somewhat stripped). And for this trip we will need all of our 2015 pts and a few of our 2016 pts.

I know i can't book until October, but i am curious on a few items. My questions...

1.) When I call 11-months in advance to book in my home resort, they will only let me book for 7-Nights. We are actually staying 8-nights. Do I call the next day and modify my 7-night rez or wait another day so I can book all 8-nights at once. Don't think BLT will be sold-out in SEPT, but this question is for future use as well.

I think you already understand this one. We usually will book online at the 11 month mark (or 7 month if book at another resort). And then call member services (MS) the next day to add a day. Or if we have 4 more days we will often wait until we can book the last 4 days all at once. However during Food and Wine and in December, I'd probably call as soon as I could.

2.). Also, I just want to confirm that when I call in OCT-2014 to make my SEP-2015 rez that they will allow me to book with all of my 2015 pts (that do not arrive until 2/1/15) and borrow from my 2016 points (which do not arrive until 2/1/16).

Thanks for all your help in advance!!!!! Can't wait until OCT to actually book my first rez.

-Jimmy

Your points are in your account at the 11 month mark for any banked points you have left from last year, current year, and next year, e.g. for this year that would be banked 2013 points, current year 2014 and you can borrow 2015's points. You can use all three years of points on one reservation.

So for your reservation, you will be able to use your current year points, 2015 for your September 2015 reservation and borrow any or all of your 2016 points.

BTW, the online reservation is available one hour before MS opens. You could book online the first 7 days. But you will have to call MS to add the eighth night. Good luck.

 

[Msmithmd]

Your points for 2015 are already there. 2020 and 2030 as well. You only have the limitations of use year as to when you actually use them for travel reservations. But as long as you keep current with your dues, the points are always there, and you don't need to wait for a new UY to begin to "receive" anything at all.

This is an important concept to get very clear about your use year. It relates to travel dates, NOT booking dates. Booking dates are 11/7 months...

 

[DebbieB]

Once your online account is setup, you should see February 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 points. You never have to wait for points to "arrive" to make a reservation after your account is setup.

 

[DJJimmy9]

Got it. Thanks all! Can't wait to book.