Question about using points near the end of use year

[ReneeQ]

I have 99 "reservation points" that will expire on 8/31. My use year is Sept. I had made a reservation for the Grand Californian, which I had to cancel.

My question is, to use these points to stay at a Disney hotel, do we have to check out by 8/31? Or, since all points being used for a stay are considered "spent" on your check in day, do we only have to check in by 8/31, but possibly stay until 9/3 or 9/4? Does this make sense?

We don't usually travel in the summer, so I've never thought about this before.

Thanks!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I am almost certain that in this case, the date that matters is the check-IN date (but not 100% positive). I also am relatively certain that reservation points fall into the 60 day rule. If I am correct on this, you must make your ressies prior to 6/30, in order to stay within the last 60 days of your use year.

Good luck, and enjoy those points....

 

[Doctor P]

I believe reservations are considered on a day by day basis, so you will only be able to use the points through the night of August 31.

 

[Poorman]

I believe you have to make the ressie within the 60 days. IOW if you want to go Sept. 1st you make your ressie AFTER July 1st.

Not sure on the other one. I believe it is in the book though. Good Luck. Rich

You may be able to trade with II. Not sure on that one either.

 

[PamOKW]

These points can only be used for stays through 8/31. For 9/1, you'll need to use newer points.

If you cancelled this trip 31 days or more from the check-in date, they are not in a holding account and you don't have to wait until 60 days before check-in to book a reservation.

They can't be used to book a DVC trip. They can be used for any other option.

One point to keep in mind:

You can't make a non-DVC reservation once you are into the final 60 days of your Use Year. You can take the trip but you can't make the reservation.

In your case, these points are already out of the DVC system so that may not apply. I think I'd e-mail MS to get clarification rather than just assuming that is the case.

 

[ReneeQ]

The reservation for the Grand Californian was for 6/15 - 6/18. I canceled on March 30th. (Did not want to cancel, long story, but I broke my left femur (thigh bone) while on a trip to Chicago. Slipped and fell on the ice. A trip to CA is not in the cards right now, as I still can't walk. I am actually giving these points to a friend to use.)

When I canceled, member services said since the points were already changed to reservation points, I could make the reservation for a Disney hotel (or cruise) at anytime, right up until the points expire. I didn't have to do it 60 days in advance, as they are already reservation points. BUT if I needed to change a few more vacation points to reservation points, I would need to do that before the last 60 days of the use year.

The question about the trip possibly being 8/31 - 9/4 just came up yesterday, so I thought I'd ask if anyone knew for sure. I'll let you know what I find out. Thanks!

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by ReneeQ
...(snip)...The question about the trip possibly being 8/31 - 9/4 just came up yesterday, so I thought I'd ask if anyone knew for sure. I'll let you know what I find out. Thanks!

Reservation points expire at the end of the use year.

In your situation, they must be used for a stay that ends (check out date is) on or before 9/1/2003. You will not be able to use the reservaton points for stays beginning the night of 9/1/2003 (check out 9/2/2003) or later.

 

[BillPA]

I would call MS and explain what happened and what you plan on trying to do in Aug/Sept. I have found that MS will work with you to 'bend' the rules when things like this happen. You are only looking to make a 4 days adjustment in using the points.

Good luck with MS, they will work with you, that's all part of the MAGIC

 

[ReneeQ]

Thanks everyone! I got the following email from MS:

"Thank you for submitting your e-mail inquiry. In answer to your question, the
Reservation Points must be used for a check out date of September 1st with the
last vacation night being August 31, 2003. If not, the points will expire."

So that answers that!

Thanks again!