Need help on basics of HGVC points roll overs

[ngl1020]

My parents bought into HGVC over 20 years ago. After my dad passed away, my mom legally added my sister and I to the deed. (fyi, we are in our 50s just in case anyone is wondering if we are adults lol!) My mom is 87 and never uses the points. My sister and I try but never seem to be able to reserve the places/times we want (my family is also DVC and I know all the ins and outs of their program!) We have saved points from 2020 and then our full allotment for 2021. What happens to the saved points if we do not use them this year? Do they go directly to RCI? Can we convert to Hilton Honors (understanding conversion is not great but I've searched high and low on RCI properties and the ones that are good seem to be limited and always booked). Or can we bank those again? Just trying to find out how many times we can bank/roll over. Any tips and guidance are greatly appreciated!

 

[hurnik]

Your points (saved from 2020 into 2021) do not get auto-deposited into RCI in the sense that "extends" them. RCI (via HGV account) will see "all" your points (saved, current, and next years) that you can use. However, i'd advise calling in to reserve something IF you want to go that route. The system is *supposed* to use the saved points first, but it did not for me and took a few days of phone calls back and forth to get it straightened out after the fact.

You cannot save saved points again.

If you don't use the saved points this year, they expire.

I'm not sure about HHonors (I didn't think saved points could be used, but I haven't checked the membership rules).

If you know you're NOT going to use them this year, your only realistic (IMO) option is to manually "save" them into RCI (costs a fee to do this). which I *think* will extend their life (in RCI) by 2 more years?

If you have severely restricted dates you can travel (some people can only do over Christmas, Spring Break, etc.) you will most likely have to book in the 9-month window for the HGV you're interested in. Waiting until 3-6 months prior to high season is likely to not work.

 

[ngl1020]

Your points (saved from 2020 into 2021) do not get auto-deposited into RCI in the sense that "extends" them. RCI (via HGV account) will see "all" your points (saved, current, and next years) that you can use. However, i'd advise calling in to reserve something IF you want to go that route. The system is *supposed* to use the saved points first, but it did not for me and took a few days of phone calls back and forth to get it straightened out after the fact.

You cannot save saved points again.

If you don't use the saved points this year, they expire.

I'm not sure about HHonors (I didn't think saved points could be used, but I haven't checked the membership rules).

If you know you're NOT going to use them this year, your only realistic (IMO) option is to manually "save" them into RCI (costs a fee to do this). which I *think* will extend their life (in RCI) by 2 more years?

If you have severely restricted dates you can travel (some people can only do over Christmas, Spring Break, etc.) you will most likely have to book in the 9-month window for the HGV you're interested in. Waiting until 3-6 months prior to high season is likely to not work.

Thanks for this information! Yes, I tried all the ones we wanted to use at the 9 month mark and no dice (we like to plan our vacations at least a year in advance!). We are still bound by school schedules so it is high season times so understand that availability will always be an issue. I will look into the Hilton Honors conversions. Thanks.

 

[frank808]

You can not convert saved/banked points to Hilton Honors points.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[hurnik]

Thanks for this information! Yes, I tried all the ones we wanted to use at the 9 month mark and no dice (we like to plan our vacations at least a year in advance!). We are still bound by school schedules so it is high season times so understand that availability will always be an issue. I will look into the Hilton Honors conversions. Thanks.

I'd say that for the most part (again Christmas being the "hard one"), if you get in at midnight exactly at the 9-month typically you can still get them.

I've gotten Orlando (Tuscany) several times for Christmas week. Hawaii is doable (not sure about Christmas) if you "walk" or change your reservation (ie: Can snag 3 days and keep checking every day to add an extra one as other folks "walk" their reservation).

I've gotten Myrtle Beach at high season as well several times.

You may have to snag the week and keep walking it (although for Orlando/Myrtle I've not had to do that--mainly Oahu-Lagoon tower).

 

[Talent312]

As others say: Points saved from 2020 expire on 12/31 this year, unless you pay to deposit them to RCI. You can do that on the website. You get 2 more calendar years of use. H-Honors conversions may only use next year's points (not saved or current points), and do not post until January. Source: The Rules, pages 11 & 12.

Effective use of your points requires flexibility - either as to place, or dates or both.
If you focus on a particular place for particular dates, more likely you will get nada.
It's like finding a parking place on a college campus. Try not to be too picky.

Here is the complete set of rules: https://tinyurl.com/rkjcc8dc
Read it through 3-4 times... so you can pass the test, but don't worry, its open-book.

.

 

[SmithOp]

Remember that when booking at the 9 month mark it uses the check OUT date, so if you want a week and wait until your check OUT date hits 7 days you might be too late. Start with the minimum 3-day reservation and add days until you get 7.

Its even better if you start a week or more early and move your 3 day reservation every day until you hit your target start, then extend it to however many days you want. We call this “walking” a reservation. Its free to change an online reservation every night at 12:01am EST.

 

[alwysonvac]

Thanks for this information! Yes, I tried all the ones we wanted to use at the 9 month mark and no dice (we like to plan our vacations at least a year in advance!). We are still bound by school schedules so it is high season times so understand that availability will always be an issue. I will look into the Hilton Honors conversions. Thanks.

What were you trying to book?

Keep in mind, lots of families will be looking to book their vacation anytime the kids are out of school (major holidays and winter/spring /summer breaks). So expect lots of competition. You need to be as flexible as possible and have a backup plan if your first/second/third choice is not available when the online booking window opens up at midnight eastern.

Also read the TUG sticky post about ‘Walking a Reservation’ - https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/h...d-information-for-owners.274977/#post-2494849

If you’re still learning HGVC, here’s a link to an old 2016 thread that explains how HGVC works compared to DVC.

HGVC Points

Why does HGVC attach a season to points? If points are points - why is it necessary to say that certain points are Gold vs. Platinum? If I understand correctly it pertains to your maint. fees however why not keep them all the same? The season imho seems to be confusing at first for people to...

tugbbs.com

NOTE: You can also use RCI to exchange into one bedrooms at SSR and OKW. Again you‘ll need to be as flexible as possible (i.e. requesting any summer week instead a couple of weeks). Just don’t expect prime holiday weeks.

Have you had success trading you HGVC into Disney

Have you had success trading you HGVC into Disney? If yes, can you let me know which week you got. I am trying to change my portfolio. I own a couple of HGVC weeks. One I really don’t need and was deciding whether to gift it. If I have a descent chance of trading into any Disney in Orlando...

tugbbs.com

 

[GT75]

As others say: Points saved from 2020 expire on 12/31 this year, unless you pay to deposit them to RCI. You can do that on the website. You get 2 more calendar years of use. H-Honors conversions may only use next year's points (not saved or current points), and do not post until January. Source: The Rules, pages 11 & 12.

On saved points, do you get two more years if you deposit them into RCI? I honestly know almost nothing about RCI but I thought that previously I have read that you can only extend saved points for 1 more year in RCI.

 

[GT75]

@ngl1020, where do you live? Maybe we can suggest somewhere easy for you to drive to. Some of the easier places to book are Las Vegas and Orlando. Just as a suggestion, if that is convenient.

 

[brp]

@ngl1020, where do you live? Maybe we can suggest somewhere easy for you to drive to. Some of the easier places to book are Las Vegas and Orlando. Just as a suggestion, if that is convenient.

Hawai'i Island as well, although the driving is a bit tougher

But lots of availability so should be easier than many places.

Cheers.

 

[RX8]

Also, affiliates may be much more difficult to book than true HGVC resorts. This is true because there may be limited number of owners who are enrolled in HGVC. For example, trying to book a Carlsbad, CA summer week at Grand Pacific Palisades or Seapoint will be very difficult.

 

[ngl1020]

Thanks all for your advice. I will read through all of the HGVC intricacies! We have been DVC owners for 12 years now and never have a problem getting reservations right when our window opens but just do not seem to have the same luck for HGVC. People do the same for DVC re walking reservations so familiar with the concept. We have been to the HGVC resorts in Orlando (live 1 hr away), Vegas, NYC, and Hawaii but that was not in the past 5 years or so. With the kids and living in FL we have been trying to get UT or CO during the holidays for the past few years but like everyone said, so is everyone else! Unfortunately, we are tied to school breaks so can't be too flexible with dates. Assume UT & CO are super difficult to get during winter breaks?

 

[alwysonvac]

Weeks 51 & 52 were sold as fixed weeks at some resorts. HGVC FIXED WEEKS are automatically reserved until an owner releases it which can be at anytime. So you have to keep checking.

Here’s what another TUG member shared in 2019 about booking prime ski weeks.

The 9 month window typically is when you will get a prime week started. For instance, Spring Break 2020 was bookable over the past two weeks at Valdoro and 2BR, 2BR+ and 3BR were all available if you grabbed three days and added a day as each became available (I did). But that isn't the only bite at the apple. Fixed weeks are automatically booked for owners (I had three units at Valdoro at one point). That means each owner must give up their week for it to become available to the rest of us. That doesn't always happen at 12-9 months out. Sometimes it happens 3 months out when an owner decides they want to do something else this year. I reserved a 2BR+ and a 3BR the past two years over Christmas week at Valdoro. I've had President's Day week at Sunrise. All booked August-October as fixed week owners give up their weeks. You won't login and find inventory is abundant like Orlando, you definitely have to check on it until something pops up, but it's no Lagoon Tower where it stays relatively blank for months on end.

I own a 3BR+ Platinum at 9,600 points. It cost me $12k to buy and has an MF slightly over $1k. The units I aim for are 2BR+ and 3BR at Valdoro. The plus just means a private grill and hot tub for your unit. The 3BR is nice because of the extra living room/dining space. Sunrise has larger units, but I haven't been in anything smaller than a 2BR there. We go less frequently to Utah because it requires a flight, but it has better availability than Valdoro.

My rationale for getting out of Valdoro and owning points with a low MF was based on having never used my fixed weeks. Ever. I didn't ski for 7 days straight and often I'd want to go for 4 or 5 days that crossed over a weekend. That eliminates the booking advantage. The 12 month booking advantage for a float ski week is for a Saturday to Saturday week in the unit size/season you own. A fixed week is already booked for you, so you have to proactively change it. Advantage gone if you want any change at all. Anyway, long story short, there are less expensive ways to maintain flexibility and enjoy the ski resorts than buying there.

I suggest making backup plans at HGVC resorts for spring and summer school breaks while you keep watching for winter availability.

 

[GT75]

Assume UT & CO are super difficult to get during winter breaks?

Yes that would be true. If is also difficult to get during the winter but not impossible. But you must book 276 days out exactly at midnight EST.

 

[Tamaradarann]

Thanks all for your advice. I will read through all of the HGVC intricacies! We have been DVC owners for 12 years now and never have a problem getting reservations right when our window opens but just do not seem to have the same luck for HGVC. People do the same for DVC re walking reservations so familiar with the concept. We have been to the HGVC resorts in Orlando (live 1 hr away), Vegas, NYC, and Hawaii but that was not in the past 5 years or so. With the kids and living in FL we have been trying to get UT or CO during the holidays for the past few years but like everyone said, so is everyone else! Unfortunately, we are tied to school breaks so can't be too flexible with dates. Assume UT & CO are super difficult to get during winter breaks?

Now I understand why you can't get into HGVC at the 9 month mark. You are trying to get the Ski Resorts during Christmas Break or President's Winter Break which are prime ski times. Your expectation is too narrow. You would probably would not have a hard time getting a week in Utah or Colorado during the Easter Holidays or just before Labor Day Weekend when the kids are off and it is NOT ski season.

Don't think so narrow with the use of the HGVC Points. Think of a different type of vacation for the use the HGVC points in the HGVC system. Is a Ski Vacation the only one you will be taking this year? If you must do a ski vacation use a different source of funding. Hilton Honors has a very bad exchange rate so that would be the last thing I would recommend.

 

[ngl1020]

Now I understand why you can't get into HGVC at the 9 month mark. You are trying to get the Ski Resorts during Christmas Break or President's Winter Break which are prime ski times. Your expectation is too narrow. You would probably would not have a hard time getting a week in Utah or Colorado during the Easter Holidays or just before Labor Day Weekend when the kids are off and it is NOT ski season.

Don't think so narrow with the use of the HGVC Points. Think of a different type of vacation for the use the HGVC points in the HGVC system. Is a Ski Vacation the only one you will be taking this year? If you must do a ski vacation use a different source of funding. Hilton Honors has a very bad exchange rate so that would be the last thing I would recommend.

We live in FL so going for snow would be the main purpose for UT & CO. But fully understand that it typically booked and thanks to previous poster re the fixed week information. DVC does not have fixed weeks. Unfortunately, our Spring Break falls in line with Easter which typically lands outside of ski season adding to the complication! We can just use them for the Sea World property here for a night or so but was hoping to try a new location. Much appreciate all the feedback.

 

[Talent312]

... I thought that previously I have read that you can only extend saved points for 1 more year in RCI.

It used to be that way, but its been changed.

"Prior to December 31, 11:59 PM ET of the current year, Members may deposit current-year ClubPoints or Saved ClubPoints into the RCI Exchange program for future weekly and nightly RCI Exchange reservations (an “RCI Deposit”). RCI Deposits are valid from the date of deposit through an additional two (2) calendar years and travel must occur prior to Points expiration..."

BTW, expiring RCI deposits can also be extended for a 3rd year for an additional fee:

"In the event a Member is unable to use the RCI Deposit before the end of the second year, for an additional fee, Members have the opportunity to extend the RCI Deposit into a third year."

-- The Rules, Page 12.

 

[alwysonvac]

We live in FL so going for snow would be the main purpose for UT & CO. But fully understand that it typically booked and thanks to previous poster re the fixed week information. DVC does not have fixed weeks. Unfortunately, our Spring Break falls in line with Easter which typically lands outside of ski season adding to the complication! We can just use them for the Sea World property here for a night or so but was hoping to try a new location. Much appreciate all the feedback.

Actually DVC is offering guaranteed weeks (aka fixed weeks) but capped at 35%. It started with Aulani.

DVC Guaranteed Week contracts were offered at:

• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins (Guaranteed Week chart)
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Guaranteed Week chart)

Everything You Need to Know About Guaranteed Weeks - Vacation Club Life

Did you know that not all Disney Vacation Club (DVC) contracts work the same? A few years ago, The Walt Disney Company introduced a new kind of ownership option, one that doesn’t operate the same way as standard contracts. This unique form of DVC ownership is called the Guaranteed Week. Here’s...

www.resalesdvc.com

DVC Guaranteed Week - DVCinfo

The DVC Guaranteed Week option may sound the same as a traditional fixed week timeshare – but it’s not.

dvcinfo.com

UPDATED: DVC entering fixed-week marketplace | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!

Disney Vacation Club has historically been a point-based timeshare system in which members can utilize their ownership toward multiple resorts, villa sizes and seasons. But with the introduction of

dvcnews.com

Guaranteed Event Week Offers Unprecedented Flexibility to Buyers | DVCNews.com - The essential Disney Vacation Club resource!

In January, Disney Vacation Club began targeting runDisney fans, promising that their ownership week would specifically follow their racing event of choice. Newly-revealed details show exactly how

dvcnews.com

 

[PigsDad]

Unfortunately, our Spring Break falls in line with Easter which typically lands outside of ski season adding to the complication!

Those ski resorts are usually open until around Apr 15th, so most likely your Easter vacation could involve skiing.

Kurt

 

[Tamaradarann]

Those ski resorts are usually open until around Apr 15th, so most likely your Easter vacation could involve skiing.

Kurt

In 2024, if you can wait that long Easter is the end of March so skking up in the mountains should still be good even if a little wet. Being from NY we do not want snow vacations at all. We have seen enough snow in our 70+ years to last for another 200 years.

Being from Florida doesn't mean you can't go on a vacation to another location that is not a warm beach type of vacation like Florida. Locations like NYC, Las Vegas, Chicago, Washington DC, Scotland, Portugal, and Tuscany Italy are all possible wtih HGVC and while they are not Ski Vacations they are quite different from Florida.

 

[JohnPaul]

Also, do an ongoing search in RCI. Otherwise you get last pick.