Why do we have to pick a month and "home" resort?

[Erie Islands]

This is probably a really stupid question because I can't seem to find it anywhere. Why do we have to purchase a certain month and "home" resort if we're able to switch around?

 

[Deb & Bill]

You are purchasing a real estate interest. The Use Year is when you get new points each year. Your dues and fees are based on the resort where your points are purchased - your home resort. The home resort gives you an 11 month head start on making reservations at that resort only. We have three home resorts because we own points at three resorts.

 

[Erie Islands]

Thanks...I think I get it. So then you basically get a four month head start on making reservations at your "home" resort versus everyone else who has to wait 7? Then the incentive to buy into your favorite resort is that your chances increase to stay at that resort. Cool. Thanks!

 

[OneMoreTry]

Others can give you better explanations. When I have time I'll try to post later if no one else does.

But my WARNING is:

Do NOT think about purchasing until you thoroughly understand the answer to your question.

 

[spiceycat]

Thanks...I think I get it. So then you basically get a four month head start on making reservations at your "home" resort versus everyone else who has to wait 7? Then the incentive to buy into your favorite resort is that your chances increase to stay at that resort. Cool. Thanks!

you have got it.

bcv & bwv can be very hard to get. So if you want them during the food/wine festavial it is best to buy there. bcv during the summer can be hard.

if you want the standard view at bw at any time- it is best to buy there.

vwl during december, and during summer.

you can generally get either OKW or SSR in the last couple of months - except for December and Thanksgiving.

 

[Granny]

Thanks...I think I get it. So then you basically get a four month head start on making reservations at your "home" resort versus everyone else who has to wait 7? Then the incentive to buy into your favorite resort is that your chances increase to stay at that resort. Cool. Thanks!

This sums up the home booking advantage nicely. I think you understand this well.

As for Use Year, as has been mentioned, it has nothing to do with when you can vacation. It is the month each year that your points are replenished, and the banking deadlines are set according to it.

 

[Erie Islands]

Thanks everyone! We're going down in March and will tour SSR. I've been spending hours researching this on these forums and will definitely make sure all my questions are answered before purchasing. All of you are really a fountain of knowledge.

 

[crisi]

This sums up the home booking advantage nicely. I think you understand this well.

As for Use Year, as has been mentioned, it has nothing to do with when you can vacation. It is the month each year that your points are replenished, and the banking deadlines are set according to it.

It does, however, factor into how easy it is to reschedule reservations.

We have an April use year. We usually travel in October. If we have to cancel an October trip, as long as we cancel it more than 30 days out, we can use those points until March 31st. (30 days out the points go into holding and there are more restrictions). We'd probably switch the vacation to January. If we travel in Feburary, and need to cancel a trip, we only have until March 31st to make the trip.

 

[Granny]

It does, however, factor into how easy it is to reschedule reservations.

We have an April use year. We usually travel in October. If we have to cancel an October trip, as long as we cancel it more than 30 days out, we can use those points until March 31st. (30 days out the points go into holding and there are more restrictions). We'd probably switch the vacation to January. If we travel in Feburary, and need to cancel a trip, we only have until March 31st to make the trip.

Agreed. But I think that very few people will vacation at the same time of the year for the next 35-47 years. But certainly if someone knows they will travel in a particular month for the foreseeable future, it makes sense to get a UY that is just prior to that month to provide maximum flexibility.

As you point out, it really only comes into play for cancelled vacations.