Options for Expiring DVC Points

Many of us have been there before. You are nearing the end of your DVC Use Year and you have a few points set to expire. You might be wondering what options you have for this small amount of points. Like anyone, we hate to see any point go to waste, so it’s best to plan ahead the best you can to prevent this from happening. Unfortunately, sometimes despite our best efforts, we end up with expiring points. Here are some options and facts to consider when it comes to expiring DVC points.

Renting

When it comes to renting DVC points, this might potentially be an option for your expiring points. However, there are several important factors to consider. First, in order to rent DVC points, you must be able to make a reservation for the points. This means, you need enough points to at least book one night. This amount can depend on the resort and season you are trying to rent. If you have enough points for one night, it will now matter if there is anything available for you to book. If your points are expiring, you are likely into last minute booking territory. It’s best to reach out to a professional at DVC Rental Store to see what viability you have with renting your expiring DVC points.

Transfer

It is possible to transfer points that are expiring provided they are not banked or borrowed points. As with renting your expiring points, there are some important aspects to consider when thinking about a transfer. First, it is technically against DVC’s bi-laws to receive compensation for transferred points. Transfers are meant for members who are transferring points within their own memberships or members who are transferring points with friends or family to combine points or gift them. When you transfer points, they still maintain the home resort, use year, and expiration date they had. So distressed points transferred into another’s account are still distressed points that need used before they expire. Another limiting factor of transfers is that members get one transfer in or out per use year. This is why we chose not to transfer out two expiring points we had because we didn’t want to use up our one transfer for a year on two points in case we need one down the road. We often transfer points with friends to combine our points and book larger accommodations for race weekends.

Donation?

Many of discussed this route and unfortunately it is not as feasible as one would hope. We discussed this topic with Elise Boyles, Assistant Director of Development for Give Kids the World Village (they also work along side Make a Wish Foundation) and she discusses why it’s unfortunately not an option to donate DVC points to them in our Give Kids the World show at the 24:25 minute mark. She explains that GKTW is not set up to accept those types of donations and gives other options for donating time and funds to Give Kids the World Village.

We imagine a lot of the challenge is related to the fact that timeshares have certain laws and regulations that have to be followed by all members. And setting up a charitable organization to have a membership that can accept points would require operating outside those laws. It’s also important to keep in mind that Disney has a limited number of accessible accommodations and most “Wish” families are better served staying at the Give Kids the World Village where all villas on campus are accessible for wheel chairs and other medical necessities. The best way to donate to these organizations is through cash donations and volunteering your time. We volunteered at Give Kids the World last year and operated their carousel and it was an mazing experience. For more information on volunteering at Give Kids the World on your next trip to Florida, check out their Volunteer Application and Description of Volunteer Roles.

Combing with Your Own or One Time Use Points

In my eyes, this is one of the best options for expiring points. If you have the ability to combine with your own points (maybe this means you have to borrow), or if you can combine with One Time Use Points from DVC to have enough to book something. This could work if there is availability with DVC (and with your own schedule) to maybe add an extra night onto an existing trip or book a small getaway. Since I hate seeing points go to waste, we usually take this route, but sometimes this isn’t feasible. That takes me to my last option which sometimes is the only option.

Let it Go

Sometimes, you just have to be Elsa and let them go. We sadly had to do this with two points that expired this past January. Even being local, we couldn’t make it a feasible option to use the two points. Sometimes it’s best to cut your losses and move on.

Let us know your thoughts on what to do with expiring points. Stay tuned to dvcfan.com for the latest on all things Disney Vacation Club. Join in the conversation in the DVC Fan Facebook group. For exclusive content, check out our Patreon at patreon.com/dvcfan.