How 'last minute' Can Members Book?

[keishashadow]

Never considered doing so in the past, wondering how last minute members can actually book?

We have existing reservation but I've decided I'd like to spend a few more days @ WDW due to the new ticket promo.

I've waitlisted for 10/6 & 10/7. It's my understanding that the WL vanishes 7 days prior. at that point, will I have the ability to keep checking the website & try to book what I need?

no discounted cash rooms are available at this point, likely will book something CRO and then cancel if something comes through. It's been so long, not sure of that cancellation time frame, think it's 5 days.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

According to the member web site, bookings at DVC resorts can be made with points through the day before check-in. Realistically, though, DVC probably releases most unbooked inventory to CRO for cash bookings before this point. There may be some limited availability, so it's still worth calling or checking the online booking tool.

I've also heard occassional stories that a front desk was able to make a room available for the same day, even for nights that are sold out and unavailable through member services. I suppose they have the ability to convert unsold rooms back from cash, which Member Services cannot. Of course, the problem with relying on this is that you're already there at the resort, and sort of out of luck if the magic doesn't happen. The other down side is that you're letting a front desk cast member make transactions with your points. I've heard some very scary things about things a front desk has done to mess up members' DVC points when adjusting things in their account.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Room only CRO cancellation is 6 days, I think. 5 days and closer and you're charged the one-night deposit.

 

[DebbieB]

You can definitely keep checking. There is a note on the reservation screen in the member website that you can call member services within 10 days of arrival. Sometimes they can call the resort and find availability.

 

[keaster]

We booked very last minute during March break this year...

We were wrapping up a stay at AKL Kidani in a 1-bedroom savannah view when all flights from MCO to BUF were cancelled due to a big snowstorm. We were not notified by the airline, we just happened to check the day before the flight and found out!

We couldn't get another flight for a couple days so I called MS and asked for any room at AKL, and they did have a 1-bdrm standard view. We had to buy some one time use points to cover it, but at least we didn't have to change resorts. Even better when we checked out the next day, we thought we'd have to store our stuff with bell services until the room was ready, but it was ready right away so we just dropped the suitcases back into the new room.

 

[com_op_2000]

Two stories:
DW and I several times have been at DTD for the day and decided we wanted to stay the night. Called the resorts directly (back before MS was open on Sundays) or MS and checked in within 15 minutes.
At MK for the day in Feb ’14 for our anniversary, called MS @09:00, and booked a room at BLT for that night. Checked-in @11:00 and the room was ready. We did not plan on this day going like this until @05:00 while still in bed.

 

[keishashadow]

Ok, thanks for all the help. will keep checking the website & give another call next week.

might just book something we can cancel a day prior in lieu of thru CRO. We have a rental car, could even hotwire something the same day...that is if I can get DH to roll the dice.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Ok, thanks for all the help. will keep checking the website & give another call next week.

might just book something we can cancel a day prior in lieu of thru CRO. We have a rental car, could even hotwire something the same day...that is if I can get DH to roll the dice.

I hope you can extend!

 

[keishashadow]

I hope you can extend!

thanks bobbi, I'm still trying to get our ducks in a row. This trip in shambles. really wish we were still cruising.

 

[bobbiwoz]

thanks bobbi, I'm still trying to get our ducks in a row. This trip in shambles. really wish we were still cruising.

wish you were too!

At the beginning of September, I changed the second part of our stay from VB to AKV Kidani. I changed it 3 days out. I kept calling until the day before the move to try to keep the BWV villa we were at. That did not come to pass. Not the same circumstance as you because we did have something.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I have booked day of at the airport on my way to Disney. I book my back up off site. (I am not paying what Disney wants for those subpar hotels LOL.).

That said I have been trying to book for Sat for several days. No movement at all

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have called from Tampa and been checking in 2 or 3 hours later. Online has to be done up until the day before check in but you can call in anytime and if there's a room head on over.

 

[keishashadow]

 

[Sammie]

I have booked day of also.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Stalking paid off. Just booked a studio at OKW for arrival tomorrow.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would keep checking everyday. You never know what will open up. We went last week and for the longest time everything was sold out no studio or 1 bedrooms were available. But low and behold two days before we left a ton of rooms suddenly opened up in both categories.

 

[spruce]

I walked into Vero once at 6am and got the last studio for that night, I was in the room by 630.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Any luck?