AKV Waitlist strategy and chances?

[jmurphy625]

I've never been on the waitlist before but planning this trip has been crazy....

Background. First there were 8 of us, then 10 (luckily I didn't book an additional studio), then 6, now finally 4. Trip is 6/26-7/1

--Booked Fri/Sat AKV/kidani Savanah View (only 2 bedroom avail) 160 pts
--Booked Sun/Mon/Tues BWV G/P view (2 Bed) 120 pts

I called last week and put us on the waitlist for 1 bedrooms instead.
Fri/Sat waitlist for 1 bed at AKV SV
S/M/T waitlist for 1 bed also at AKV SV

I really would take any room category. I didn't realize the waitlist was that specific until I just signed into my DVC account. I know no one really knows the chances but I was hoping to get some feedback.

1. Should I call periodically to see if there are ANY one bedrooms avail?
2. Are my chances better if I waitlist for a different room category?
3. Can I waitlist for multiple rooms per night?

In addition we are thinking about adding Thurs. because of the airfare prices. They only had studios at Kidani...love that it's only 12 points but would again want to waitlist for a 1 bedroom.

It's a lot of waiting but it will be worth having the points for next year! Thanks for any input!

 

[CarolMN]

If you haven't already, call MS and be sure your waitlists are set to expire at the 31 day mark. If a waitlist comes through after that, the extra points will go into the holding account (because you would be canceling the 2 bedrooms 30 days or less prior to arrival and the new 1 bedroom reservations use less points). Holding points are tough to use because they expire at the end of your use year and can only be used to book something that is no more than 60 days away.

Unfortunately, you can only have 2 waitlists at any one time. If Kidani and Jambo are separate booking categories ( I think they are), then I would use my two waitlist opportunities like this:

1 bedroom AKV Jambo Savanna View - all 5 (or 6) nights
1 bedroom AKV Kidani Savanna View - all 5 (or 6) nights

Keep Murphy's Law in mind and be prepared - as soon as a waitlist comes through, those who canceled will call to tell you they can come after all!

Good luck!

P.S. If your waitlists don't work, be sure to enjoy the two bedroom - you will be spoiled, LOL. It's heavenly to have the kitchen/living area clear for those who want to get up early or stay up late!