Can someone explain "walking"?

[UGAFan0829]

We've been DVC members for a few years, but just recently I've seen a couple things posted here on the board about "walking a reservation". Can someone explain exactly what that means?

Thanks!

 

[drusba]

Example: assume you want Christmas week, Dec 25-Jan 1. On Jan 19 you reserve Dec 19 to 26 resulting in your getting the first night, Dec 25, that you actually want. Next day, Jan 20, you call MS and drop Dec 19 and add night of Dec 26 so departure date is Dec 27; then next day you call and drop Jan 20 and add night of Dec 27, etc., until you have "walked" to the reservation you want.

You probably do not necessarily need to call daily. It is designed for you to beat those who wait until Jan 25 to make that same reservation you want. It is obviously limited to number of points you have, e.g., if not enough to do 7 nights you would start walking a little later. Also, it does not necessarily work at 7 months out because the resort owners could have already booked nights you want toward end of your trip via the 11 month window.

Moreover, it is usually not needed. However, for AKV concierge it is something to consider much of the year at 11 months out, and for some other things like AKV value, OKW GVs at Hospitality House area, BWV GVs, BWV standard, BLT standard, and possibly VGF studios, it is something to consider at least for reserving time during the three highest DVC demand weeks of the year: first and second week of Dec and Christmas through NYE.

 

[UGAFan0829]

I know this may sound stupid, but why wouldn't you book one night at a time instead of dropping each night as you add on?

 

[drusba]

You are allowed to book up to 7 nights 11 months out from date of arrival. If you reserve on Jan 19, you cannot reserve Dec 25 without also reserving Dec 19 through 24. Thus you reserve the full week, Dec 19 to 26 and then you call daily and drop a night and add another. Your date of designated departure can never be more than 11 months plus 7 days from the date you are reserving. The whole point of walking is for you to get the first and then subsequent nights you want before anyone else who is not walking and is just waiting for their normal 11 month window to open to reserve. Not sure that answers your question.

 

[UGAFan0829]

It does answer my question...thanks so much for taking the time to explain it!