Help me understand the holding account thing!!

[travelbug]

I just looked in the members' guidebook online and couldn't find this discussed. Also talked with a very nice CM that brought up the holding account scenario, but didn't seem too sure of it herself. She might be new. As I asked questions to clarify, she kept saying, "Just a minute, I'll look it up." So I'll ask here, where the REAL experts are!

Here goes. I'm waitlisted for a standard 2BR at BWV for NYE. My backup ressie is for a preferred, which is 8 points more for that one night. Since I'm close to being 31 days out, I called today to ask to remain on the waitlist until 7 days out. No problem. Then the CM said that if the waitlist does come through, the 8 point difference would go into a holding account. I still get it. I got lost when she tried to explain the limitations on me using those 8 points for another ressie.

I already have another BWV ressie for April. I asked her if I could just apply the 8 points to that ressie instead. After she looked it up (again), she said something like "yes you can do that, but you have to call to put that into action no more than 60 days before and no less than 31 days before that April reservation." Is that right? If so, will they just trade the points "straight up" with 8 of the points I would otherwise be using for that April ressie? She also said, "I think your use year has something to do with it." Huh? Now I'm really confused. My use year is Dec. if that makes a difference.

Truthfully, I would be so thrilled to have my waitlist actually come through at this late date (for NYE yet!) that I would gladly forfeit the 8 point difference. But on the other hand, why waste 8 points if I can do something with them easily?

Help!! Anyone? Anyone? TIA!

 

[spiceycat]

the 60 days before is - but I certainly have never heard of the less than 31 days

at your 60 day mark - just make the reservation (if you can) -

using hold points you can make all the reservations 60 days from your first night stay - you don't have to be at the 60 days from the final night stay.

did I confuse you more?

 

[travelbug]

Originally posted by spiceycat

did I confuse you more?

Impossible! I was already at maximum confusion!

I appreciate your help. May I clarify a little more? I have an existing ressie for April 11-16 at BWV. So if I wind up having these 8 holding points, I would call 60 days before April 11 and ask to use the 8 points toward that existing ressie? They wouldn't have to cancel and then rebook, would they?

Thanks for your help, spiceycat!

 

[RobDoc]

The only issue with replacing the existing April reservation would be if there is a wait list for that room type when you call at 60 days. If there isn't, you can easily reallocate the holding account points without any problem. If there is a wait list, you may not be able to substitute the points. You would really be cancelling the existing resrevation and rebooking using the points in "hold". Once it's cancelled, those on the wait list would have preference.

Good Luck!

 

[travelbug]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
The only issue with replacing the existing April reservation would be if there is a wait list for that room type when you call at 60 days.

Hmmm, I would probably be out of luck then since those April dates are for Easter week.

Sounds like I'd just have to let those 8 points go, since I'm assuming I couldn't rent or give away holding points. Okay, I think I get it.

Thanks, Doc!

 

[InstImpres]

Just to add to the answers, the reason for the 31 days in advance is they are truly "canceling and bebooking." If you did this let's say 28 days out, than you would be "cancelling in the holding window" anyhow.

Good luck
Sandy

 

[travelbug]

InstImpres - Thanks for explaining. That makes sense. Hey, I'm not confused any more!

Thanks again, everyone. I knew I could find good help on the DVC board.

P.S. - As soon as I post this reply, my post count will read 1000.

 

[Caskbill]

Keep in mind that if those 8-points wind up in the 'holding' account, they're still good for the whole use year. You said your use year is Dec. which for you makes a year from Dec 1, 2003 through Nov 30, 2004. If your waitlist comes through and 8-points goes into holding, and you can't use them for the April reservation, you still have till Nov 30, 2004 to use them.

You don't have to use them at WDW or even at a DVC resort. Add a few more points and take a getaway somewhere before Nov 30th if you'd like.

 

[travelbug]

Caskbill - great idea! Thanks very much.