I'm always trying to explain all of this to people. Now I will just point them to your video. DVC can be a bit confusing for some people and you put a lot of information together perfectly!
So well explained! DVC has always confused me overall, and I wasn’t even aware this was part of the DVC process…but now, ironically, I feel like this is the part of DVC that makes the most sense to my brain 😂
Yeah, it’s kind of weird. If this is confusing for you, I’d recommend getting a use year that’s earlier in the calendar year to make things a but simpler.
@@TheMagicInTheMusic what is your opinion for use year month when visit is always December and then in Spring? For ex I would be looking at resale for first contract at GF as home, it’s my heart resort, for Dec. Goal is to then add smaller resale contract (not interested in direct benes) for Boardwalk for every other yr Spring visit? Thank you again so much for the info.
Oh my goodness that was so helpful! Love the visuals and suggestion of keeping in mind when you likely won't travel when considering use year makes so much sense. Thanks for that!
Just joined DVC - thank you for sharing so much great information that both assisted in my research to make my decision and has helped navigate all of the DVC nuances!
Great explanation, Jen! I am currently in contract (waiting to hear about ROFR) for a resale contract with a February UY. I had not thought about the convenience of this UY coinciding with the calendar year. I plan on traveling throughout the year, so I didn't think I needed to be particularly strategic about choosing my UY for potential cancellations. I focused on other aspects of the contract. I think, however, if I buy add on contracts down the road (of course I will!) I will seek out a February UY unless I find a particularly attractive contract with a different UY.
Congrats! Fingers crossed for ROFR! 🤞 I think that’s a good strategy for UY - try to match, if you can. If you can’t or there’s a deal you can’t pass up, it’s not the end of the world to have different use years.
We mostly travel in April and May but are also open to Fall and Christmas. We would probably never travel in January and February with that in mind your suggestion would be a February use year?
I think February could be a good choice for you. For me the biggest factor is avoiding having a UY shift in the middle of any times I typically travel. For example, if you sometimes travel at the end of March or beginning of April, I would avoid an April UY because it starts on April 1st.
I'm thinking a September Use Year would be best for us as we don't typically plan to travel (especially south) between Apr 30 - Aug 31, we usually stick close to home for the summer as we live near the beach. With a Sept UY, and thus an Apr 30 banking deadline, I would figure by Apr 30, if I have any points left, chances are I would just bank them. Is my logic sound?
My husband and I are thinking about buying DVC. Thanks for explaining Use Year for us. We do have a question. We understand that the contracts end on January 31st of the contracts year not December 31st of that year. So, for example Beach Club's contract is set to expire on January 31st 2042. If I have a December use year and my points don't load until December 01st of 2041, does that mean I have to use all my points by January 31st, 2042?
You brought up a really good point. Yes, if the contract expires on December 31st and you have a December UY, you would theoretically need to use it quickly. Honestly, we haven't had any of the resorts expire yet, so we don't know exactly how that's going to work.
Hi Jen I've been binge watching all of your videos and they are priceless. I know you mentioned a referral code - do YOU get any benefit from that because I feel if anyone has helped me through this process is you. I know other people that have DVC but I'd rather use yours if you benefit because you deserve it. Let me know :)
You're so kind! Thank you for watching and I'm just glad to know that you've found the videos to be helpful. I offer my referral code because it offers buyers a $500 discount on their direct purchase, if it meets certain criteria. They have never given me anything for referrals, although we are theoretically eligible. All I really care about is that viewers get the discount on their purchase. If you want to say "thanks", check out our website at www.themagicinthemusic.com and maybe you'll find something you like. We also have a Patreon at www.patreon.com/themagicinthemusic. Best wishes on your DVC journey! 👋
@@TheMagicInTheMusic Will definitely check them out and support you through those channels. Thanks again for all your hard work and sharing :) PS Would love if you could do a VGF vs AKL DVC :) - if you need any content inspo I have a bunch of suggestions :)
What would be the best use year for my family that typically travels to WDW in spring (March - May)? One website said no more than 1-2 month before this this time period, recommending February or March. But I am more concerned with a last minute cancellation, making sure I can then bank those points, so wouldn't a September use year be better? Both scenarios assume I have points available now to book a vacation the following year. Appreciate any thoughts on the subject.
I think both approaches are totally valid. People give different advice on use years. I prefer to have my UY at a time of year when I know I'll NEVER travel, so it can't interfere with booking (some vacation dates in one UY and other dates of the same trip in a different UY). I think your approach is totally fine - if it makes you more comfortable to have the option of canceling and banking points, go for it.
I'm trying to buy DVC direct and they said it would be a December Use Year. Usually when I travel twice a year it's in February and sometime in the Fall. Therefore I don't think February would work because I usually travel that month. And I think December is bad because sometimes I travel in December instead of Feb, and like you said, December is confusing. Maybe a June Use Year might be best? Do you know if Disney will accommodate a request for a different Use Year than the one that they are being directed to use? And is there any word on resale which use years are preferred and which ones are typically harder to sell?
Yes, you can absolutely request a different UY when buying direct from Disney. If you’re paying too dollar, they should sell you exactly what you want. Yes, they’re encouraged to sell certain UYs at certain times, but they don’t HAVE to. As far as resale, UY can vary wildly. It always seems that whatever UY you’re searching for becomes elusive, while the ones you don’t want seem to be everywhere! 😆
@The Magic In The Music so true! If you're looking for something then it's hard to find. Sort of like when you're in the grocery store line and you change lanes because the other one is shorter and then all the sudden it stops moving. 😄
