Can't waitlist, best time to try to switch rooms?

[LoveBugs]

Hello hello!

We just got back from our third trip to WDW, and finally decided to buy into the DVC with a nice package at BLT. The monorail access will help us so much with the little ones in these first few years.

We received the developer points to SSR of course, and tried to book them today. MIL wants to go with us, so we were trying to book a two-bedroom to fit everybody, which was available all week except for one day in the middle. Unfortunately you can not do a waitlist when using the developer points. What we did is book the two-bedroom for the first half, then switched to a one-bedroom for the rest of the week currently and we'd have MIL leave early I guess, since she may be tired anyway. However, we'd love to have her the whole week, and have the points available, so we'll be calling now and again to try to get a two-bedroom reserved for the whole week instead.

My question is this: are there any certain timeframes where most people would be cancelling to definitely try to call during those periods? Say a little over a month out when they can cancel without having to put the points into a holding account? Anything else you experts might know that could help?

Thankfully they put us in a two-bedroom lockout, and on that day when they have no availability, we just have to close the door and stay in the same one-bedroom so we don't have to move at least. I thought that was a pretty big help that MS gave us.

Anyhow, any info is appreciated on any big cancellation periods that might have a room open up for that one night. Hopefully we can work it out!

Thanks!!

 

[Claire L]

You could of booked all available nights with DP and waitlisted the one night on regular points, we did that in Oct 07 and it worked out fine. How far out is your reservation at the moment?

Claire

 

[cindymouse6]

There is a flurry of activity at the 7month window.... people who have SSR points can only book over 7 months out at home resort... at the exact 7 month window (find out what date that is from MS), people who have current ressies who want to go another DVC can cancel SSR and book at the DVC they want to freeing up SSR ressies... most people don't want to stay at SSR (we love it for the kids! pool is one of the best) so most want to go elsewhere.. shouldn't be that hard at 7 month window. keep trying and good luck!

 

[CraftyMouse]

We just got back from our third trip to WDW, and finally decided to buy into the DVC with a nice package at BLT. The monorail access will help us so much with the little ones in these first few years.

Congratulations and Welcome Home!

Just a tip...if you have your own stroller with you (or your kids are old enough to make the walk on their own) it is much easier to walk to the MK than take the monorail. The CR is the first stop after the MK so taking the monorail means riding the complete loop. It's often easier and usually quicker to just walk to the MK, especially since you'll have to walk from BLT to the CR tower anyway.

As for your question...as others have suggested, I'd waitlist for that one night with your BLT points.

Good luck!

 

[Claire L]

To be able to use DP's you need to be within the 7 month window so that option has literally 'gone out the window'. I would call and see what was available and book it on DP's then waitlist the remaining day(s). even if your unit is not open for the dates you want just borrow from the following year when it will be

Claire

 

[LoveBugs]

Wow, thanks for the replies! The walking option is nice to know about. You walk enough at WDW anyway, so if it's quicker, what's a few more steps in there!

Claire is right in that the seven month window has come and gone, and we're looking to go towards the beginning of April.

Our UY is Feb, so we'll get points then, but since BLT isn't open yet, we can't technically use them until it opens in September. So one plan it sounds like is to borrow those BLT points, get a waitlist for the last couple of nights at SSR in the two-bedroom, and hopefully have it come through without having to call in every day and check. Is that right? I love how you guys can work the system so well; we'll get there soon I'm sure!

If we did that and it came through, do know if it's possible to transfer that reservation back to our developer points? I would guess not, but thought I'd ask the experts.

 

[LoveBugs]

Well a little bit of good news this morning. I called in, and they were able to have us switch rooms into a dedicated two-bedroom on those last nights. It won't be too fun switching, but at least everyone can stay the whole time. We'll continue calling back to see if either a two-bedroom lockoff or dedicated becomes available for the entire week.

 

[Claire L]

Good news that things have started to move for you

Claire