Rookie Point Mistake-Please help!

[MerriH807]

At the beginning of our October 2011 use year we had 211 point available. At my 11 month window, I booked a two bedroom at my home resort, BLT for a family celebration for Sept 2012. Since booking, the rest of the family is unable to go. Such a waste of points for a 2 bedroom for just the 4 of us and airfare is too high from NY to invite someone else because it is a four day weekend due to the Jewish Holiday. I bought our 4 airfares as soon as Sept went on sale.

I missed my banking window and have 49 points that must be used as well before Sept 30, this year....UGH!!

I was thinking of changing the two bedroom to a studio but obviously at whatever's available and then taking a last minute trip this summer as well!!! Again at whatever is available....

Any advice from more experienced DVCers.....My husband is no help. His response is Disney is your thing....just let me know where I need to be and it can't be a lot of money.....UGH!!

ANY and all advice would be appreciated....
Merri

 

[mjc2003]

you could try to rent out the points for a reduced rate, maybe $9-$10 a point, in the event that somebody has a need for points that have to be used before end of September. It's still a little ways off. Some people plan "last minute" trips and need extra points.

 

[Homemom]

you could try to rent out the points for a reduced rate, maybe $9-$10 a point, in the event that somebody has a need for points that have to be used before end of September. It's still a little ways off. Some people plan "last minute" trips and need extra points.

This was going to be my suggestion, too. Good luck!

 

[DenLo]

First of all, if you are not going to make another reservation for this summer, I'd call MS and tell them your rookie mistake in forgetting to bank your points. Sometimes they will allow a one time late banking, so that could save your 49 points, but you might want to wait until you change your reservation to a studio to see if you have additional points to bank.

As to switching to a studio and taking another trip this summer, I would first check the online reservation system and see what is available. I'm not sure of your dates since there are two Jewish holidays in September, but both appear to be towards the second half of the month. The last week of September might be hard to book though.

As to making a last minute summer vacation reservation, it's possible but not probable at BLT, BWV or BCV. But you might be able to get a reservation at OKW, SSR or AKV. Then there's the airfare--that might be expensive for a last minute vacation and how would your hubby react to that.

Or you could just enjoy your 2BR for the four of you. And in future tell your guests they must notify of you an cancellations (except for medical emergencies) by the 7 month mark.

Good luck.

 

[chalee94]

At the beginning of our October 2011 use year we had 211 point available. At my 11 month window, I booked a two bedroom at my home resort, BLT for a family celebration for Sept 2012.

ow. 2 things: 1) booking for family and 2) staying at the end of your use year.

good to learn lessons on those early. family and friends almost never understand the risks you take in booking DVC stays for them, so don't be surprised when their plans change. and to the extent that you can do so, try to avoid travel in july-aug-sept with an oct UY...too much risk if you need to cancel (remember that you can book 11 months in advance without having to wait to "get" your pts - you can book an oct 2013 stay with oct 2013 pts when you call in nov 2012.)

I missed my banking window and have 49 points that must be used as well before Sept 30, this year....UGH!!

you may have the option of calling and begging MS to give you a one-time-only late banking. historically, they have been willing to cut you slack if you miss a banking window once. it's worth a shot anyway.

as for trying to rearrange a 2BR to a studio, depending on availability, i might just chalk that up to a learning experience and enjoy the extra room...might be tough to go back to studios in the future, though...

 

[permavac]

There seems to be a "real" though unadvertised policy of a "one time" late banking for members. Just call MS and don't be discouraged if the first person you speak to says no. The last few times I've called the MS agents actually brought this up themselves so it is definitely something most of them would be willing to do for you. You could change your reservation to a lower room (studio or 1 bedroom) then bank whatever points you have left over.

Now, if you're more interested in taking that extra trip in summer then just call MS to change your 2 bedroom to something else. Usually they can hold what you have while booking the new reservation in order to ensure you still have some place to stay if for some reason the new availability disappears whilst canceling the old reservation. Second, you will then have points available to book something in summer. There is still availability the 2nd week in July (I know because I check every day even though I already have my reservation booked ) and I'm guessing you could still find something for other dates as well.

Good luck with your decision!

Terri