Am I understanding the deadline for waiving holding?

[TinkB278]

Hi all.

I have a trip booked starting 5/15 but am still not 100% sure we will be going. I am watching the trend in Covid cases and will be making my decision at the last possible minute depending on what Covid is like at the time. Am I correct in my understanding that I could cancel up until 4/30 for a 5/15 check in without my points going into holding? I have an October UY so I’m planning on turning right around and banking them by 5/31 if we don’t go. I’ll just need to get all my points moved around for banking since I also have a September trip booked and I have no clue which years points are allocated to that... oh my.

 

[drusba]

You are correct. The holding rule goes back into effect May 1. You must cancel on or before April 30 to avoid holding. Be aware that the online reservation syterm and phone system have had some issues lately. For example, someone recently reported not being able to cancel a trip the day before arrival (currently the rule to avoid holding until May 1) because the online system would not work to allow cancellation and no one at MS would answer the phone. Those kinds of online and phone problems seem to be turning into a pandemic and DVC seems to be doing nothing to try to fix them. In other words, you might want to consider canceling before April 30.

 

[CarolMN]

Agree with @drusba - don't wait until April 30 to cancel. Do it a few days prior to that. We cannot count on the website being available or working properly, and I for one, wouldn't want to waste several hours waiting on hold hoping MS will answer.

If it were me, I'd be bagging the May trip right now and trying to figure out a good time to reschedule. FWIW, I think availability going into 2022 is going to be tight. It's already fairly tight for this fall. Good luck!

 

[princesscinderella]

I had an issue online trying to cancel a reservation. Make sure you have your email address listed in the primary person on the reservation. The chat rep added it on his end and then voila it worked to cancel.