11 months to the day of checkout or day after?

[tedisney]

Late last night, I requested via email a reservation with a checkout date of 9/23/08 at my home resort.

I got an email today saying that they couldn't request my reservation because of the Home Resort Priority Rule:

Members have from 11 months through and including 8 months in advance of their desired check out date to confirm their reservation at their Home Resort. Members who wish to reserve Vacation Homes at other Disney Vacation Club Resorts may begin requesting reservations 7 months in
advance of their desired check out date. All reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, so make your reservations as far in advance as possible.

Please contact Member Services directly at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or resubmit your request after October 23, 2007.

So, is that right? I have to make a reservation checking out on the 23rd at 11 months plus one day (after the 23rd, as instructed by MS)?

I had thought, after all my reading here, that you called exactly 11/7 months from the checkout date, not plus one...

[LisaS]

You can book a stay at your home resort 11 months prior to your check out day. If you would be checking out on 9/23 then you can book that stay today (10/23). Not sure why MS rejected your request unless they didn't like the fact that your email was sent on 10/22 rather than 10/23. Given there is no way they could have read it until 10/23 that seems a bit picky, assuming that is the reason. Send your request again today or better yet give MS a call tomorrow and book over the phone.

ETA: There seem to be a lot of newbies working at MS these days so it's also possible that whoever read your email was confused about the booking rules.

[tedisney]

Thanks Lisa!

I kind of wondered that too, if she was looking at my "sent" time. Picky picky.

[WITiggerFan]

The member website seems to think it is the day after checkout for some reason. If you go to the website today it says "Currently, you may request a reservation at your Home Resort for vacations that have a check-out date before September 24, 2008." Shouldn't it say a check-out date OF September 24, 2008 or before? :confused3

[DVC Mike]

The member website seems to think it is the day after checkout for some reason. If you go to the website today it says "Currently, you may request a reservation at your Home Resort for vacations that have a check-out date before September 24, 2008." Shouldn't it say a check-out date OF September 24, 2008 or before? :confused3

The member web site is accurate. You can book today at your home resort for reservations that have a check-out date before 9/24/08.

[Caskbill]

The member web site is accurate. You can book today at your home resort for reservations that have a check-out date before 9/24/08.

But today is the 24th. So you should be able to call today for a reservation WITH a checkout date of the 24th. The web site is saying you can call today only for a checkout date of the 23rd or earlier. That's incorrect.

If your last night is the 23rd, your checkout is the 24th, 11 months from today.

[MikeChan408]

So if I'm booking a weeklong vacation with a checkout day of 9/24/08 (and checking in 9/17/08), I call today? What is the calling everyday thing to insure you get your room at the 11month? I thought you start calling on 9/17.

[LisaS]

So if I'm booking a weeklong vacation with a checkout day of 9/24/08 (and checking in 9/17/08), I call today?Yes today (10/24/07) is 11 months prior to your check out date of 9/24/08.

What is the calling everyday thing to insure you get your room at the 11month? I thought you start calling on 9/17.For difficult to get reservations, (early December, for example) you might opt to call day by day instead of waiting until you can book the entire stay in one phone call. If your first night is 9/17/08 then the checkout date for that night would be 9/18/08 so your first call would be made on 10/18/07 to book that first night. You would call again on 10/19/07 to modify your reservation to add the second night (9/18/08, new check out date: 9/19/08). On 10/20/07 you call again to modify the reservation to add the night of 9/19/08 (new check out date: 9/20/08) and so on until your reservation is complete.

[huey578]

I'll be making our first reservation when our 11month window opens in a few weeks. Is it better to book online or directly with member services? Are you chances better if you book with ms on getting your travel dates,room requests,etc?

[tedisney]

It's the same thing really. You don't really book online - you fill out a request form that gets emailed to MS. Seems to work fine for non-super busy times.

If it were a busier time, I definitely would have called. I wanted to try out the email method, which worked just fine (apart from this apparently debatable 11 month or 11+1 issue).

[huey578]

If you do the request form,how long before you find out if reservation is confirmed? Our trip is for Oct 2008. I don't think I will have problem getting a 2bedroom villa. (fingers crossed)

[LisaS]

I'll be making our first reservation when our 11month window opens in a few weeks. Is it better to book online or directly with member services? Are you chances better if you book with ms on getting your travel dates,room requests,etc?When you book online, your request is sent to MS who will get back to you in a couple of days. I prefer to call MS. You will know immediately if there is availability for your dates and they can advise you about making requests. If you are calling for something that can be difficult to get (BWV - standard view for early December, for instance) you would probably be out of luck by the time MS got around to reading the email.

[huey578]

When you book online, your request is sent to MS who will get back to you in a couple of days. I prefer to call MS. You will know immediately if there is availability for your dates and they can advise you about making requests. If you are calling for something that can be difficult to get (BWV - standard view for early December, for instance) you would probably be out of luck by the time MS got around to reading the email.

Thanks...I think calling will be best option for me.

[sznk]

Is this policy in writing and accessible to Members ?

We're in Limbo - passed ROFR but waiting for Closing, so we don't have the Disney documents yet, and also can't get into the Members website. :confused3
I don't have experience booking yet, but I've been reading the DISboards for a few months, and it is clear that one day can make a difference in getting the desired ressie.

[sznk]

:rolleyes1

[huey578]

They were included with my documents. I'm buying direct from DVC. I think I there is also the same info on the DVC members site.

Is this policy in writing and accessible to Members ?

We're in Limbo - passed ROFR but waiting for Closing, so we don't have the Disney documents yet, and also can't get into the Members website. :confused3
I don't have experience booking yet, but I've been reading the DISboards for a few months, and it is clear that one day can make a difference in getting the desired ressie.

[sznk]

They were included with my documents. I'm buying direct from DVC. I think I there is also the same info on the DVC members site.
Since I'm buying resale, I don't have my documents yet, and I can't get into the Members Website.
I know that it's 11 & 7 months, depending on if it's home resort or other DVC, from check-out date.
Do the documents or website say it's 11 & 7 months or 11+1 & 7+1 (however it may be stated) ?
I'm trying to get as much correct info as I can here at DISboards. I've seen postings saying that many of the new CMs at MS don't know all of the details. Not that I blame them - there's a lot to know! :)

[LisaS]

Since I'm buying resale, I don't have my documents yet, and I can't get into the Members Website.
I know that it's 11 & 7 months, depending on if it's home resort or other DVC, from check-out date.
Do the documents or website say it's 11 & 7 months or 11+1 & 7+1 (however it may be stated) ?
I'm trying to get as much correct info as I can here at DISboards. I've seen postings saying that many of the new CMs at MS don't know all of the details. Not that I blame them - there's a lot to know! :)
As I said in my earlier post, it is 11/7 months, not 11/7 months plus one day. I have been a member for two years and usually book at my earliest opportunity. I call MS 11/7 months prior to my check out day and have never been told to call back the next day. If you want something to read while you wait for your documents, check out a website created by DISboard member VAScubaGuy where he has copied some info from the DVC members handbook, including info about when you can book a stay.

Here is the link to his website: http://members.cox.net/disneyvacationclub/

Here is a link to the page that describes the booking windows: http://members.cox.net/disneyvacationclub/pages/Reservations/planning.htm

ETA: Just keep in mind this website was created in 2005. There have been a few rule changes since then (some of the details regarding the waitlist process for example) but the rules about the booking windows have not changed.

[sznk]

thanks, LisaS. I love to read your posts - they are always helpful. :)

[allaboutmm]

Another thank you:flower3:, we also passed ROFR, and have signed the closing papers, just waiting to here back if the sellers got their paper work in. So all this 11 months out, call day by day etc... is alittle crazy to us right now. All this help by you "pro's" really helps.:thumbsup2

[drag n' fly]

As I said in my earlier post, it is 11/7 months, not 11/7 months plus one day. I have been a member for two years and usually book at my earliest opportunity. I call MS 11/7 months prior to my check out day and have never been told to call back the next day. If you want something to read while you wait for your documents, check out a website created by DISboard member VAScubaGuy where he has copied some info from the DVC members handbook, including info about when you can book a stay.

Here is the link to his website: http://members.cox.net/disneyvacationclub/

Here is a link to the page that describes the booking windows: http://members.cox.net/disneyvacationclub/pages/Reservations/planning.htm

ETA: Just keep in mind this website was created in 2005. There have been a few rule changes since then (some of the details regarding the waitlist process for example) but the rules about the booking windows have not changed.

LisaS

If we were going to try and get a villa during the Christmas season /08 would it be better to call one day at a time from day 1 and try to add it on or call 11months out on checkout day. Since it is the high season I am unsure of the best way to approach it.

[LisaS]

LisaS

If we were going to try and get a villa during the Christmas season /08 would it be better to call one day at a time from day 1 and try to add it on or call 11months out on checkout day. Since it is the high season I am unsure of the best way to approach it.I would call day by day.

[drag n' fly]

Thanks LisaS. You are such a great asset to this forum. You are like a walking encylopedia who happens to be very nice and helpful too!:goodvibes

[DVC4me2]

LisaS

If we were going to try and get a villa during the Christmas season /08 would it be better to call one day at a time from day 1 and try to add it on or call 11months out on checkout day. Since it is the high season I am unsure of the best way to approach it.

Adding to Lisa S' most excellent advice.

Inform the MS-Advisor on the first call that you will be making a day-by-day ressie until complete. They may even ask you for the last date. This has several advantages:


Ease of Process. The next CM (May even be a Newbie Advisor!) will more quickly and easily process your request. You don't have to explain what you are doing again, you don't need to give the names again, etc.

One seemless ressie without worrying about multiple or missed linkings (especially if adding DDP)

Only one confirmation letter sent at end of process (Saves resources and MFs!)

Avoids having 7 ressies count against your (e.g. for a 7 day trip) 20 ressies in a year Brightline test! <==== This is one known test to weed out commercial renters.

[BWV Dreamin]

As I said in my earlier post, it is 11/7 months, not 11/7 months plus one day. I have been a member for two years and usually book at my earliest opportunity. I call MS 11/7 months prior to my check out day and have never been told to call back the next day. If you want something to read while you wait for your documents, check out a website created by DISboard member VAScubaGuy where he has copied some info from the DVC members handbook, including info about when you can book a stay.

Here is the link to his website: http://members.cox.net/disneyvacationclub/

Here is a link to the page that describes the booking windows: http://members.cox.net/disneyvacationclub/pages/Reservations/planning.htm

ETA: Just keep in mind this website was created in 2005. There have been a few rule changes since then (some of the details regarding the waitlist process for example) but the rules about the booking windows have not changed.

Awesome post Lisa!! Thanks!:goodvibes

[huey578]

I'll think I'll try the method for our 1st DVC next October.

Adding to Lisa S' most excellent advice.

Inform the MS-Advisor on the first call that you will be making a day-by-day ressie until complete. They may even ask you for the last date. This has several advantages:


Ease of Process. The next CM (May even be a Newbie Advisor!) will more quickly and easily process your request. You don't have to explain what you are doing again, you don't need to give the names again, etc.

One seemless ressie without worrying about multiple or missed linkings (especially if adding DDP)

Only one confirmation letter sent at end of process (Saves resources and MFs!)

Avoids having 7 ressies count against your (e.g. for a 7 day trip) 20 ressies in a year Brightline test! <==== This is one known test to weed out commercial renters.

[LisaS]

Since I'm buying resale, I don't have my documents yet, and I can't get into the Members Website.
I know that it's 11 & 7 months, depending on if it's home resort or other DVC, from check-out date.
Do the documents or website say it's 11 & 7 months or 11+1 & 7+1 (however it may be stated) ?
I'm trying to get as much correct info as I can here at DISboards. I've seen postings saying that many of the new CMs at MS don't know all of the details. Not that I blame them - there's a lot to know! :)I happened to find this official document describing the booking windows and lots of other things while I was looking for something else on the members' website. The document is accessible from outside the members' website. So here it is, official and in writing: Home Resort Rules and Regulations (http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc_v0302/languagespecific/eng/member/vacationplanning/2007_march_hrrr.pdf). The booking windows are discussed on page 7.

ETA: Just remember that the banking rules described in this document are changing on Jan 1, 2008.

[DVC Mike]

The member website seems to think it is the day after checkout for some reason. If you go to the website today it says "Currently, you may request a reservation at your Home Resort for vacations that have a check-out date before September 24, 2008." Shouldn't it say a check-out date OF September 24, 2008 or before? :confused3

I contacted Member Services regarding this:

Today, 10/25/07, is 11 months prior to 9/25/08. So, shouldn't I be able
to make a reservation today that has a check-out date of 9/25/08?

Yet, today the DVC web site says: "Currently, you may request a
reservation at your Home Resort for vacations that have a check-out date
BEFORE September 25, 2008".

Why is it BEFORE 9/25/08 and not ON OR BEFORE 9/25/08?

Is the web site wrong?

The response from MS:

Hello Mike,

Thank you for your email. You are able to book reservations 11 months
in advance of the check out date. It does appear that we need to update
the website. Thank you again for bringing this to out attention.

Buffy

[sznk]

The document is accessible from outside the members' website. So here it is, official and in writing: Home Resort Rules and Regulations (http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc_v0302/languagespecific/eng/member/vacationplanning/2007_march_hrrr.pdf). The booking windows are discussed on page 7.
LisaS - that's just what I've been looking for! thanks again. :)

[tedisney]

So the upshot of all this is that it is definitely NOT 11+1, and both the website and the MS rep who emailed me were/are wrong (unless the rep was being a stickler because I sent the email before midnight, in which case :rolleyes: ).

[huey578]

I'll think I'll try the method for our 1st DVC next October.

I would like to thank DVC4me2 & LisaS most excellent advice on booking a day-to-day reservation....I was able to book 7 nights in a 2 BR L/O Concierge for our Oct 08 vacation Woohoo!!:cool1:

[LisaS]

I would like to thank DVC4me2 & LisaS most excellent advice on booking a day-to-day reservation....I was able to book 7 nights in a 2 BR L/O Concierge for our Oct 08 vacation Woohoo!!:cool1:Congratulations! I hope you have a wonderful trip!!