Using points on non-DVC resorts

[KelleyGirl]

My husband and I found ourselves in the lucky position of having a few days in Disney. We just realized that we also have some points that are going to expire (and we haven't had luck renting or trading these points locally - haven't gone so far as to post on these boards yet.) So, we happily booked Polynesian Concierge level!!!

Interesting point, though, was the DVC Reservations Cast Member told us we couldn't do this. We had to point him to the points chart to assure him that we can use points for Polynesian stays. I guess this might not happen too frequently!

I know the points exchange on these resorts is CRAZY, but we would have lost them anyways! So I'm thrilled!

 

[Sandisw]

Sounds like fun!!! As you say, even though the point level is higher than a DVC stay, points that will expire are the best ones to use for them!!!!

We stayed at the Poly prior to owning DVC and really liked the relaxed atmosphere. Have a wonderful time!!!

 

[DebbieB]

One thing to keep in mind - you must book a non-DVC stay at least 4 months before the end of your use year (except Disneyland). Your date of stay can be in the last 4 months but the reservation must be made before that.

 

[KelleyGirl]

My husband is so happy to not be wasting the points! He doesn't care that they are overpriced, as long as he is not handing them back to Disney. And I didn't realize about the 4 month rule. There was also a $95 fee to book a non-DVC resort, but that was still okay to be Concierge level at the Polynesian!

 

[pamickey]

Several years ago, we were in Tampa for a Quarter Horse show from Dec. 26 through Jan. 6th. With a 2 day break between the 2 show circuits, we hopped over to Orlando for 2 nights. We had banked points to use, so we booked a castle view room right on the point by the boat dock at the Grand Floridian. It was wonderful to sit on the balcony and watch the lagoon "wake up" in the morning (watch the monorails start the day, the boats coming out of the back waterways, and hear the steam engines fire up).

Our home resort is BWV and I like the boardwalk view there for the same reason - I love to watch the world wake up in the morning. And I could see some of the MK wake up in December last year while at BLT. But the GF was really special, even though it took 2/3 of our points for the year. Well worth the premium points!

Terri