Technical point question

[ClarabelleCow]

I have a March use year, (first problem), we like to go down for a few days to either Vero or WDW in February for the Daytona 500. If I use my 2003 points and book it - no problem, but, what if something happens and I need to cancel, basically I will loose the points, because its too late to try to plan something else, same if I borrow them, my understanding is there is still banking time by the end of November if I use this years points, but if I borrow from next, I'm in trouble with those points and will loose them?

Also, if I book the first few nights, and as it gets closer and we definately confirm all arrangements and are going, (say October), what is the likely hood of getting something anywhere Presidents week 3-4 months in advance (at this point I would be comfortable borrowing because the trip would definately be a go?

 

[PamOKW]

Booking a trip at the end of the Use Year is always the trickiest in cases where you also end up cancelling last minute. If this is a trip you really want to do and really expect to do, I'd just jump in and do it. After all, how many times have you had to cancel last minute? If the unforseeable happens, you cn deal with it then.

To work through the scenario with you.

If you book using March 2003 points, you have until August 31 to change your mind and still bank 100%. November 30 you can still bank 50% of your total allotment and by New Year's Eve (12/31) you have to decide whether to bank up to 25% of your total.

If you bank or borrow points for the trip, they must be used by February 28/29, 2005. If the trip is cancelled they must still be used by this deadline.

If you have to cancel and want to use the points for something other than DVC, be sure you make those reservations before January 1. You can travel to non-DVC options during the last 60 days but you can't make reservations.

There is also a way to put the points toward an II exchange. I'm a little fuzzy on this but I think you put them aside for up to 2 years to try for a trade. If you face points expiring this is somethingn to look into.

And, of course, you can also try to rent the points. The week you'll be holding is a good one and you'll probably find someone to rent it if you allow enough time (60 days might work).

I was successful this year making quite a few last minute reservations for February and March. It was nerve wracking and required staying on the wait list and having lots of options, but it did work out in the end. An Inn room at Vero Beach would be easiest to book (since there are more of them). Other size units could be difficult but not necessarily impossible. My guess is that you work from October-February you will get something if you have a lot of flexibility on size unit and resort.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Pam - thanks, I have 63 points left of my 225, so I may book as many nights as I can now, (not planning on canceling, but DH does an all expense paid golf trip usually in Jan or Feb, they don't have the dates yet, so that is the problem), at least I have till November if I have to cancel and I can bank those points without a problem. Then just wing it the extra days!!! There is always a Days inn or something if all else fails!!!

 

[PamOKW]

Sounds like a plan!

 

[todsue99]

ClarabelleCow,
I am confused here. I hope it is just me, but you said your use year is March and you are talking about your 2003 points. If you did not bank those points you would have lost them already since it is April 2004. I hope you talking about 2004 points and not 2003 points. If that is the case then everything you talked about would be correct. If not and you banked your 2003 points into 2004 they must be used by Feb. 28th 2005. I hope am making sense here.

The way I see it your DH has a golf trip not you. Who says you can't take someone else with you. I am sure you can find a few takers from this board.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

DAH - stupid me, yes its my 2004 points.

I thought about taking someone else But since I get 2 weeks in the caribbean every year out of him, I better not push it, plus I squeezed in my DCL cruise in August, then convinced him we should go to VWL a few days before to get ready!!!

I have learned what buttons not to push, and his golf trip is one of them!! Cause when Daddy get to play golf in Arizona for a week, everyone is happy!!!

 

[todsue99]

Good I feel better that it was 2004. I hope everything works out for you.

I am a Dad too and I am happy when I go upnorth for my golf weekend too. It is a win-win for all.....hehehe.