Should I purchase a usage year for the month I am most likely to use it ?

[FreshAir]

I am considering purchasing into DVC. I was told that if I plan to visit most routinely in March then I should purchase a usage year for March.

What are the pros and cons of doing this? Our school district seems to take spring break every year the last week of March, regardless of when Easter Day actually falls.

Would purchasing a March usage year be to my advantage?

Thanks for your help

 

[Dean]

Sandy, some people think use year is pretty important and others do not. I happen to think it's important but more so for some than others. If there's a chance you'll have to cancel your trip at 6 months or less out, it is important. That means you should have a use year 6 months of less before your usual travel dates. For March travel, Dec, Feb or March would be ideal. October would be a little early but workable and I don't think they have November.

If you're buying from DVC directly and can get Feb or March, that's your best bet. Those use years will work for you and you would get your points quicker than if you had a later use year. For resale, I'd get the best deal and resort for you but given the choice, I'd still prefer the use years just before my travel.

For those like me who travel all times of the year or those who rarely have to change their plans, it is less important.

 

[Lyndarella]

We bought an Oct. use year for going any time but summer. I thought if I had a change of plans and ended up with points left over, I would still be interested in using them at the last minute in Sept. Now that we are really members, the idea of having left over points seems somewhat unlikely!

 

[drusba]

Just to make sure you are clear on the issue. Your use year has absolutely nothing to do with when you go, which is any time of year, and when you can call to make a reservation, which is 11 months out at your home resort and 7 at others. Having a use year beginning anytime up to 6 months before the usual time of year you may go is often recommend but that is solely as a hedge against your having to cancel a trip. Because you can bank all of your points from one year to the next only if you call and do so by the end of the six month of your use year, having a use year that begins 6 months or less before you usually go assures you will be in a position to bank your points if you must cancel the trip.