Banking StarOptions

[IAMBIGK]

VSN Newbie...I've read through the threads and stickees...some are older and I know there are a lot of changes happening...just want to make sure I have the most current information so I don't waste a year of vacation! Basically...new owner (2 Bedroom/MandatorySOs) and waiting on transfer (fingers crossed). Our travel plans are pretty set for 2022...so the plan is to book TWO-2 Bedrooms for 2023 for our family.

1) Are there any deadlines to banking StarOptions?
2) What is the cost to bank StarOptions? Is it still $99?
3) Are banked StarOptions still good for two years?
3) What are the restrictions I should consider for future year bookings/2023 travel?

From my understanding...I will be able to book my home resort 13 months out from 2023 travel date.

But...I will only be able to book "Banked" StarOptions 8 months out from travel date. Is that correct?

Am I missing anything? Thank you so much!!!

 

[EnglishmanAbroad]

Banking deadline depends on Elite status and I believe is either 7/1, 10/1 (3*, 4*) or 12/31 (5*). Fees also vary by Elite status.

Banked options good for the 2 years after they are banked (and not in the year they are banked) and reservations with them can only be made at 8 months.

You can book your Home Resort at 12 months not 13.

 

[Henry M.]

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You can start banking October 1 prior to your use year up to later in your use year (as described by EnglishmanAbroad). The cost of banking depends on status level. I don't know the current cost.

Once you bank, you can use the banked options during the two following years. You lose the ability to use them the current year.

You will be able to book one of your weeks 12 months before your arrival date. The banked options can only be booked 8 months before arrival.

Depending on the season, I'd book it at exactly midnight EST the right period for the day you want to arrive. For example, if you wanted to arrive July 8, 2023, I'd be up late on July 7, 2022 to make a reservation at exactly midnight EST. The banked options would have to be booked November 7, 2022.

There are two reasons for reserving exactly at midnight:
1.) The timestamp matters since it is what is used to assign rooms. The later you reserve, the lower you are on the preference list.
2.) If you want to go during a high demand season (February/March, June through August), available rooms go within a few minutes of midnight. Even other seasons can be hard to get if you wait too long.

 

[jabberwocky]

Assuming you bought resale you won't have Elite status. In this case you should bank by June 30th (July 1st is the deadline - but try to do it in advance). If the transfer goes beyond this I would call them up and ask them to bank anyways.

I believe the banking fee for non-elites is now $119. 3* and 4* are $89 and 5* are free.

If you bank 2022 SO they will be good until Dec. 31, 2024.

 

[IAMBIGK]

Thank you so much! Very helpful information and very much appreciated!!!