What is Use Year?
What is Use Year?

The Importance of Use Year in Vacation Planning
Understanding the Use Year is essential for managing your Disney Vacation Club (DVC) membership. This 12-month period determines when you receive your annual DVC points and how you can use, bank, or borrow them. While it may seem minor, choosing the right Use Year can greatly affect your vacation planning and point strategy.
Many first-time buyers often overlook the Use Year until it impacts their booking options or banking deadlines. This is where the expertise of DVC Sales becomes invaluable. They guide you through the process, ensuring you find the best fit for your travel habits.
Understanding the Use Year Concept
What is a Use Year?
A Use Year is the month your DVC points renew annually. DVC contracts have fixed Use Years, such as February, March, April, June, August, September, October, and December.
For example, if your Use Year is June, your vacation points become available on June 1 each year. This date is crucial for booking vacations, banking unused points, or handling cancellations.
Why Use Year Matters for Your Vacation Planning
Understanding your Use Year offers more flexibility and helps prevent point loss. If you usually vacation in winter, a December Use Year ensures your points refresh in time.
Conversely, canceling a reservation within the last four months of your Use Year may limit your ability to bank those points. Choosing the right Use Year can help manage last-minute changes and prevent wasting points.
Proper planning ensures every point enhances your Disney experience.
How DVC Sales Assists with Use Year Selection
When purchasing a DVC contract, you inherit the existing Use Year. This is where DVC Sales professionals can assist.
They help buyers find contracts with Use Years that align with their preferred travel times. For example:
- For fall travel, a September or October Use Year is ideal.
- Prefer summer vacations? Consider June or August.
If necessary, they can also advise on whether a contract swap might benefit your long-term plans.
The Impact of Use Year on Banking and Borrowing Points
You can bank unused DVC points or borrow for future trips, but there are deadlines. For a March Use Year, points must be banked by October 31. Missing this date results in lost points.
Borrowing allows for planning larger vacations, especially during high-demand seasons. Understanding your Use Year schedule can help you maximize your points.
Choosing the Best Use Year for You
The best Use Year depends on your vacation timing and flexibility needs. If you consistently travel in one season, align your Use Year accordingly.
For resale buyers, DVC Sales specialists can help find the right contract, as Use Years cannot be altered post-purchase.
FAQs
- What is a Use Year in Disney Vacation Club?
It's the 12-month period during which members can use their vacation points, impacting banking, borrowing, and booking options.
- How does the Use Year affect vacation planning?
It influences point availability and cancellation policies. The right Use Year offers flexibility and prevents point loss.
- Can I choose my Use Year when buying a DVC contract?
No, but DVC Sales professionals can help you find a contract that suits your travel habits.
Conclusion
Your DVC Use Year is crucial in planning, banking, or borrowing points. Understanding it enables informed decisions, whether buying or selling through DVC Sales. Proper use ensures flexible, stress-free vacations year after year.

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