SSR 3/05 Point Question

[artvandelay]

We bought SSR Phase II and do not get our points until 3/05. My question is can I borrow those points for a trip in Februaury? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[tjkraz]

We bought SSR Phase II and do not get our points until 3/05. My question is can I borrow those points for a trip in Februaury? Thanks in advance for your help.

Unfortunately no. Your building is not set to open until March '05. Since the unit you own will technically not be part of the program until March, you cannot participate in the program until at least that date.

We bought into SSR's Phase One in the Fall of '03 and were in the same boat. We have a February Use Year with the first points issued in Feb '04. However, since our building did not open until May 17, '04, we were not permitted to schedule a trip until after that date.

 

[artvandelay]

Thanks, TJ. Did DVC compensate you for the loss of 3 months?

 

[tjkraz]

It really wasn't a "loss" in the way you might think. Our dues didn't begin until the resort opened, so there really was no financial loss.

I'm still not entirely certain how DVC was able to issue points for a Use Year prior to the opening of the buildings. Probably has something to do with shuffling points that DVC owns. But, look at it this way--the alternative would have been that nobody in our building would have had a UY prior to May '04. So, compared to that alternative, we are actually getting our points 3 months earlier each year.

Hope that makes some sense...

We also got a $10 discount per point (bringing us down to $79 each for the full 50 years), so that could certainly be labeled compensation IMO.

 

[wtpclc]

tjkraz - I think I'm ok, but just wanted to verify with you.

We bought SSR PI, August use year. We sold back our first year's points, so we do not offically get points until this August. That wll not effect our ability to borrow and use them this year, will it? Because our bldg is opened and we have closed and are paying dues, I can borrow, right? TIA!

 

[tjkraz]

Based upon what you've said, yes, you absolutely should be able to borrow. As long as the building you own is open (which is the case if you are in Phase 1) and you are paying dues, you should have no problem borrowing your August '05 points into what would effectively be the '04 Use Year.

Just realize that the points will be borrowed as soon as you make a reservation. And, if you should have to cancel or re-schedule for any reason, those points stay in your '04 UY and will be forfeit if unused by 7/31/05. (The CM making the reservation will explain all of this to you again.)

 

[wtpclc]

Holy cow you're quick! Thanks! And thanks for the reminder that they would expire this year.

 

[FamilyGuy]

tjkraz - I think I'm ok, but just wanted to verify with you.

We bought SSR PI, August use year. We sold back our first year's points, so we do not offically get points until this August. That wll not effect our ability to borrow and use them this year, will it? Because our bldg is opened and we have closed and are paying dues, I can borrow, right? TIA!

I am highly confident that you will be able to do what you are asking above. It's not that you can't travel using points the first year, just that they will be borrowed from the following use year.

Unfortunately no. Your building is not set to open until March '05. Since the unit you own will technically not be part of the program until March, you cannot participate in the program until at least that date.

We bought into SSR's Phase One in the Fall of '03 and were in the same boat. We have a February Use Year with the first points issued in Feb '04. However, since our building did not open until May 17, '04, we were not permitted to schedule a trip until after that date.

I asked this of the "product understanding representative" when I made that call (after receipt of initial paperwork) and was told that I can plan a trip prior to closing, and technically I am reserving using "developer points," however I would not be able to travel until after the closing, as stated above.


Our closing will occur May, with a June use year. I was thinking of travelling in June for 9 days (which would involve '05 & part of '06 points). Now comes the interesting part - unfortunately my DW would like to save the points for a larger trip in '06! I am planning to contact MS in the next few days to see about availability - I am sure my wife will win this one though. For June I'm thinking we'll stay at a moderate resort (cash), and maybe just the last 2 or 3 days at a DVC resort.

Are there any discounts for DVC members when booking non-DVC resorts on a cash basis?

Edit: WOW tjkraz was very quick... beat me to the punch by far!

 

[tjkraz]

Our closing will occur May, with a June use year. I was thinking of travelling in June for 9 days (which would involve '05 & part of '06 points). Now comes the interesting part - unfortunately my DW would like to save the points for a larger trip in '06! I am planning to contact MS in the next few days to see about availability - I am sure my wife will win this one though. I'm thinking we'll stay at a moderate resort, and maybe just 2 or 3 days at a DVC resort.

If you do decide to travel in June '05, be sure to ask the CM about borrowing your '06 points. There is a line in the DVC agreements that states you cannot borrow points until the closing has occurred.

DVC doesn't seem to be very rigid in applying this clause--particularly for members who are buying into resorts months before they open. But you might as well ask rather than risk disappointment. If they stand by the clause, you won't be able to borrow those '06 points and complete your reservation until May.

 

[tjkraz]

Are there any discounts for DVC members when booking non-DVC resorts on a cash basis?

Nope...just the 25% discount on DVC accommodations.

AP holders typically get good discounts. If you decide to stay on cash in '05 and points in '06, try to schedule the two trips so that they occur within a 365 day span. Then you can get an Annual Pass for just over $300 with the DVC member discount. It's a great deal!

Watch mousesavers.com for AP holder room-only discount codes. When they are released, just call CRO and book with the code. They should ask to see your AP when you check-in at the discounted cash rate. If you still need to buy it they will give you 24 hours to return to the desk and present the newly-purchased AP to keep the discounts.

 

[wtpclc]

Family Guy - I'm obviously not an expert, but I believe we only get disocunts on DVC cash ressies. As you're probably aware, though, you can do Disney non-DVC hotels (mod's & deluxe) on points. Some will argue as to whether it's wowrht it or not, but it is a possibility.

Thanks again to both of you. I just had a sudden panic attack thiniking that I may have missed a clause about the buy back. It's been so long since we purchased (4/04)!

Edited to add: Should have known tjkraz would be me too!

 

[FamilyGuy]

Nope...just the 25% discount on DVC accommodations.

AP holders typically get good discounts. If you decide to stay on cash in '05 and points in '06, try to schedule the two trips so that they occur within a 365 day span. Then you can get an Annual Pass for just over $300 with the DVC member discount. It's a great deal!

Watch mousesavers.com for AP holder room-only discount codes. When they are released, just call CRO and book with the code. They should ask to see your AP when you check-in at the discounted cash rate. If you still need to buy it they will give you 24 hours to return to the desk and present the newly-purchased AP to keep the discounts.

Our family purchased APs in December and stayed at the contemporary wing for only $151 nightly. I also booked POR for June, but at rack rates ($149 nightly), no AP codes available as yet. I'll certainly keep an eye out for them!

Edit: just booked BWV standard view 1BR for the last three nights of our stay - can't wait, it's our first DVC trip, even if only for a few nights!