Trading for the Grand Floridian

[Be1021]

I know...not a good use of points, no flames please! but I really need an answer.
If I have points that expire April 31, 2009 and want to book the grand floridian for November of 2009, is it correct that I can use those points that are expiring as long as I book before December 31, 2008(four months before the end of the use year)?
I know I will need to pay the $95 fee.
TIA

 

[RobDoc]

No, if the points expire on April 30, 2009, they must be used by that date. They could not be used later unless you are still able to bank them and you have until 4 months before they expire to bank them.

Since there is no May Use Year, you likely do not have points that expire at the end of April. If your Use Year us April, they will expire on March 31, 2009 unless banked earlier and you are already past the banking deadline of November 30, 2008.

If you have an April Use Year with current points or banked points, they can only be used for DVC stays since you are already within the 4 month deadline for non-DVC reservations and banking.

Otherwise, as long as you make a non-DVC reservation prior to the last 4 months oif your Use Year, you are able to travel during the last 4 months of the Use Year - the policy just doesn't allow members to make a non-DVC reservation for travel during those last 4 months.

If you are past your banking deadline, it can't hurt to ask MS for mercy and still allow banking. The worst that can happen is that will tell you no!

Good luck!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

There is one exception to the four month rule - you are able to use your points to stay at one of the three Disneyland hotels. Perhaps a trip to CA?