BEWARE OF USING POINTS IN DVC COLLECTION ETC.!

[NewEngland47]

When our recent Vero Beach cottage stay in March was cancelled due to the closure, we opted to roll the points into an ABD trip instead. The ABD trip ws subsequently cancelled and I've been informed that:

1. The points cannot be converted back into DVC points and therefore cannot be unborrowed.
2. The points can only be used on Disney Collection or DCL.
3. As of today nothing is bookable in either and the points expire on 11/30.

No exceptions.

So because rather than take the refund and run we chose to stick with Disney, we are now likely out over 500 points. I'm on hold to speak with a supervisor but I'll tell you after speaking with MS a few times these past few weeks (after a decade of never having a single negative experience with DVC MS) - these member service reps are starting out super punchy/angry and rude and only getting worse from there. I have tried to be extra nice, sympathize with them, etc. but they are starting out super defensive and really no matter what you say they obviously have been coached to be human walls. Such a sad situation.

 

[teawar]

I hope this gets worked out in a positive manner.

 

[NewEngland47]

I just got off the phone with a super nice supervisor. She was heads and tails better than the rep - who apparently is not trained on this - just on vanilla DVC. However unfortunately for now it looks like other than a few domestic hotels in the Disney Collection, nothing is bookable. However in the pst they have made exceptions for people in my boat - apparently they let the earlier use years extend so hopefully they will do the same for DEC UY. However at the rate I'm going.... Lol! It's like I'm in an old "Choose your own adventure" book and I keep guessing wrong!

 

[Bellecruiser]

DCL May be cruising by mid September.

 

[NewEngland47]

Based on what my doc friends tell me I'm not super optimistic but let's hope!!

 

[Sandisw]

I am so sorry and it is too bad that the CM did not review the rules with you regarding reservation points when you converted them to ABD.

Hopefully, Disney will open up reservations at their hotels soon and you can book something before they expire.

 

[NewEngland47]

They did review the policy when I booked but then ABD cancelled the trip and refunded everyone. However my "refund" is - unfortunately - in essentially unusable form. It's annoying bc cash does change hands, but then DVC says it's converted so not on their watch and ABD says it's a DVC transaction. My first time ever using points in this way and it is totally not worth the risk imho now bc really these "reservation points" essentially bc the orphaned child - which means in times of pandemic no one can easily make an exception or apply a policy etc. BC they kind of exist in a vacuum between the two corporate subsidiaries.

 

[Sandisw]

They did review the policy when I booked but then ABD cancelled the trip and refunded everyone. However my "refund" is - unfortunately - in essentially unusable form. It's annoying bc cash does change hands, but then DVC says it's converted so not on their watch and ABD says it's a DVC transaction. My first time ever using points in this way and it is totally not worth the risk imho now bc really these "reservation points" essentially bc the orphaned child - which means in times of pandemic no one can easily make an exception or apply a policy etc. BC they kind of exist in a vacuum between the two corporate subsidiaries.

Yes, it is always a risk when you exchange and in most times, it isn’t this type of situation that causes things to cancel...

I still hope that something happens soon so you have more choices!

 

[OKW Lover]

I'm sorry you found this out the hard way. The restriction has always been that way and hopefully others will learn from this experience.

 

[New Mouse]

I would think once you cash in points for a Disney collection property, your reservation should now have some equivalent cash value.

 

[Sandisw]

I would think once you cash in points for a Disney collection property, your reservation should now have some equivalent cash value.

It doesn’t work that way. When you trade, it converts the points to reservation points. DVC then sells the equivalent villas for cash and uses the cash to pay for the trade.

That is why you can not book and travel in the last 4 months of your UY for these collections...they need time to rent the DVC room.

Once done, points can’t be converted back to DVC because in essence that room was already used by the cash guests.

Normally, it is not an issue because Disney hotels are open and taking reservations. It is just right now, Disney is not for 2020...so, those can’t be booked until they do.

 

[starry_solo]

Does Vero Beach have a hotel side? Or just DVC?

 

[Travel60]

Given your online name, I'm wondering if you are from New England. The Disney collection includes several resorts up that way - some on the coast, some in ski areas. Even if they are not on your bucket list, you might find a nice getaway. (I'm unfortunately familiar with the offerings because I have points from a canceled cruise and am in somewhat same boat although a later expiration date.)

 

[kmorlock]

It might not be your cup of tea but, I wonder if somehow they could do Ft Wilderness Cabins for you since they are clearly open? I thought the cabins were on that DC list?

 

[erionm]

Does Vero Beach have a hotel side? Or just DVC?

Vero Beach is all DVC. As are HHI, OKW, Riviera & SSR.

 

[erionm]

It might not be your cup of tea but, I wonder if somehow they could do Ft Wilderness Cabins for you since they are clearly open? I thought the cabins were on that DC list?

Cabins & Campsites at Fort Wilderness are part of the Disney Collection.

 

[starry_solo]

Given your online name, I'm wondering if you are from New England. The Disney collection includes several resorts up that way - some on the coast, some in ski areas. Even if they are not on your bucket list, you might find a nice getaway. (I'm unfortunately familiar with the offerings because I have points from a canceled cruise and am in somewhat same boat although a later expiration date.)

I was thinking the Disney Collection didn't just include Disney hotels. Although I think it might be Concierge Collection. Regardless, I thought those converted points could be used for the Concierge Collection.

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...rts/concierge/2020-Web-CC-Pt-Cht-P7-FINAL.pdf

 

[CarolMN]

Yes, reservation points can be used for options in the Concierge Collection and the Adventurer's Collection as well as for the options in the Disney Collection. Since the points have already been converted, the Rule of 4 no longer applies to those points.

 

[Deb & Bill]

But reservation points are not usable for RCI. That's a different pot of points.

 

[CarolMN]

But reservation points are not usable for RCI. That's a different pot of points.

Correct. RCI is part of the World Passport Collection.