Point Borrowing Guide

Point Borrowing Guide: Using Future DVC Points Today

Point borrowing is a valuable DVC feature allowing members to access their next use year's points ahead of schedule. Understanding how borrowing works helps you maximize flexibility while managing your point allocation responsibly.

What Is Point Borrowing?

Borrowing allows DVC members to use points from their upcoming use year during the current use year. If you need more points than currently available for a reservation, you can borrow from your future allocation to cover the difference.

This feature provides flexibility when vacation plans require more points than your current year provides. Rather than limiting yourself to available points, borrowing expands your booking options by advancing future allocation.

How Borrowing Works

When you borrow points, Disney moves them from your upcoming use year to your current year. These borrowed points then function identically to your regular allocation, available for reservations throughout your current use year.

The borrowed points are deducted from your next year's allocation when that use year begins. If you borrow 50 points from next year, you will have 50 fewer points available when that year arrives. This creates a direct reduction in future availability.

Borrowing Limits and Rules

DVC allows borrowing up to your full upcoming year's allocation, though practical considerations typically suggest more conservative borrowing. You can only borrow from the immediately following use year, not multiple years ahead.

Once points are borrowed, the action cannot be reversed. The points remain in your current year regardless of whether you ultimately use them for the originally intended reservation. Consider borrowing decisions carefully before committing.

It's important to be aware that during certain periods, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, DVC has adjusted borrowing policies to limit the number of points that can be borrowed to ensure availability for all members. While this is not always the case, it is a good reminder that borrowing policies can be subject to change.

When Borrowing Makes Sense

Borrowing works well for special occasions requiring more points than normally available. Anniversary trips, milestone celebrations, or larger family gatherings might justify accessing future points. These memorable vacations can be worth the reduced allocation next year.

Borrowing also helps when reservation timing does not align with your use year. If your points arrive in October but you want to book a summer vacation, borrowing allows making reservations before your new allocation arrives.

• Special Events: If a family reunion or a special celebration is planned, borrowing points can ensure that everyone can stay together in larger accommodations.
• Peak Seasons: During high-demand times, borrowing might be necessary to secure a reservation at your preferred resort.

Risks of Borrowing

Borrowing creates obligations against future vacations. If you borrow heavily this year, next year's vacation options become limited. Repeated borrowing can create cycles where you continually have fewer points available than your annual allocation.

Life circumstances can change unexpectedly. If you borrow points for a vacation that gets cancelled, those points are still deducted from next year. Consider whether you can handle reduced future allocation if plans change.

Additionally, if you find yourself needing to sell your DVC membership, having borrowed points may affect the transaction. Prospective buyers might be less inclined to purchase a membership with a reduced upcoming point balance.

Borrowing Versus Banking

Banking moves unused points forward while borrowing moves future points backward. These opposite features work together to provide flexibility. Banking preserves unused current points. Borrowing accesses future points early.

Members often use both features strategically. Bank points when you cannot travel this year. Borrow when special opportunities require extra points. Used thoughtfully, these tools help match point availability to your actual vacation needs.

Making Borrowing Requests

Borrowing occurs through your DVC member account or by contacting member services. When making a reservation that exceeds available points, you can elect to borrow the difference. The system handles the borrowing transaction automatically as part of the booking.

You can also borrow points proactively before making specific reservations. This moves points into your current availability where they remain until used or until the use year ends.

Responsible Borrowing Strategy

Approach borrowing conservatively to maintain long-term point balance. Occasional borrowing for special occasions causes little disruption. Habitual heavy borrowing creates perpetual point deficits that limit future vacation options.

Consider whether a smaller vacation using only available points might serve you better than borrowing for a larger trip. Balance immediate desires against long-term membership value. Strategic restraint today preserves flexibility for future years.

Understanding Your Point Situation

Regularly review your point status including current allocation, banked points, borrowed points, and upcoming allocations. Understanding your complete point picture helps you make informed borrowing decisions that support both immediate plans and future vacation goals.

Utilizing online tools and resources provided by Disney Vacation Club can assist in managing your points effectively. Keeping track of your points and understanding the implications of borrowing can ensure that you continue to enjoy magical vacations for years to come.