how to book a split stay?

[Jennasis]

We own at BLT. But if we wanted to do a split stay there and another resort, what's the best way?

Should we book the whole stay at BLT at 11 months, then at 7 months call MS and try to move (walk) part of the rez to say VWL?

There doesn't seem to be a fool proof way of doing this online without having to cancel the original rez (and risk losing all or some of it).

Anyone care to explain the best way? We don't tend to travel at peak Times however next year thinking of doing a split BLT/VWL for the last weekend of F&G/beginning of SWW.

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

We own at BLT. But if we wanted to do a split stay there and another resort, what's the best way?

Should we book the whole stay at BLT at 11 months, then at 7 months call MS and try to move (walk) part of the rez to say VWL?

There doesn't seem to be a fool proof way of doing this online without having to cancel the original rez (and risk losing all or some of it).

Anyone care to explain the best way? We don't tend to travel at peak Times however next year thinking of doing a split BLT/VWL for the last weekend of F&G/beginning of SWW.

The best way is to book the whole thing at BLT at 11 months, that way you are guanranteed a room for the whole time.

If the other resort will be at the end of your vacation you would either need to walk it or wait until 7 months to the check in date. If you put the other resort first then you would not even need to walk it.

Hopefully, you have have enough points as the best option is when the 7 month window opens up, book the other piece of your split stay online at 8AM EST. You then just call MS and ask them to cancel the nights you no longer need at BLT.

If you don't have enough points to have them both booked at the same time, that is where it gets more complicated. There are really two options:
1) Do what you mentioned above - when the 7 month window opens cancel the BLT res online and rebook the two reservations yourself
2) The less risky option is to call MS and get them to do it for you - they are able to hold the BLT room while they book the other piece. The problem is that if it is a busy time/popular resort you are trying to nab for the other piece of your stay, you risk someone grabbing it online before you get a CM on the phone.

I hope you have enough points and can book them both! I am in the process of doing the same thing myself for this Thanksgiving.

Good luck!
Jess

 

[Jennasis]

Thanks!

 

[nalajms]

If you want to try it yourself, I would call after the 11m and ask MS to separate your BLT reservation. They would need to cancel and book the 2 pieces again. That ways you'd only have to cancel part of it yourself and not risk the other half.

You can also book the reservation as 2 pieces yourself online. If it's not a busy time, it may be easier.

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

If you want to try it yourself, I would call after the 11m and ask MS to separate your BLT reservation. They would need to cancel and book the 2 pieces again. That ways you'd only have to cancel part of it yourself and not risk the other half.

You can also book the reservation as 2 pieces yourself online. If it's not a busy time, it may be easier.

Great idea Nala - I never thought of that!

 

[Jennasis]

Ooh yes! Great idea!

 

[rlovew]

If you want to try it yourself, I would call after the 11m and ask MS to separate your BLT reservation. They would need to cancel and book the 2 pieces again. That ways you'd only have to cancel part of it yourself and not risk the other half.

You can also book the reservation as 2 pieces yourself online. If it's not a busy time, it may be easier.

I don't believe they can do this unless you are booked in two room categories. Since the changes based on the dining plan only when you switch rooms can you switch reservations.

 

[nalajms]

It's really simple. Book room 1 under my name. Book room 2 under DH. I've booked a 2bd with only 2 people listed and there have been no issues. You just have to add all the occupants before your get to the hotel ... if you need DME. I've heard you can even add people after arrival. In that case, they probably just charge for the extra DDP at check-in.

The idea isn't to get around the DDP, it's merely to hold the reservation until 7m so that OP can switch to a different resort.

 

[Sandisw]

I don't believe they can do this unless you are booked in two room categories. Since the changes based on the dining plan only when you switch rooms can you switch reservations.

They will let two reservations stay...I currently have one night booked differently from the other 6 for my July stay at SSR. I have a waitlist in for that first night, but wanted it like that so in case I see the room show up online before my wait list fills, I can just cancel that night out and re-book.

For the OP, just book the stay in two sections at the 11 month window, with one person lead on one and another person being lead on the other.

You will have to use two 11 month windows to do it, but it will allow you to do the cancel and rebook that part online at 7 months at 8:00 am instead of having to wait until MS opens at 9:00 am.

 

[skier_pete]

We want to do something similar in August 2015. I was thinking, would it make sense to book the original room as two separate reservations. Say you want 4 nights at one location (home resort) and four at the other (other resort). Book two consecutive 4-night reservations...then when it's time to change the one @ 7-months, just cancel the one you want to change. would they let you do that?

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

We want to do something similar in August 2015. I was thinking, would it make sense to book the original room as two separate reservations. Say you want 4 nights at one location (home resort) and four at the other (other resort). Book two consecutive 4-night reservations...then when it's time to change the one @ 7-months, just cancel the one you want to change. would they let you do that?

Yes, that is what was suggested above

 

[Fantasia79]

Ok, I haven't booked a trip yet, so I'm trying to understand all this too! Couple questions.

1. Is it challenging to get MS on the phone at when they open at 11/7mo windows? I usually have to travel during busy times, but don't want to do Christmas...ever again.

2. Changing a reservation, phone or online? Pros/cons? I'm getting the impression that online you have a one hour advantage, but more complicated options are easily (and confidently) done over the phone.

3. Am I right that the more popular options are the less expensive options (i.e. Standard views, etc)?

Thanks in advance!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[skier_pete]

Ok, I haven't booked a trip yet, so I'm trying to understand all this too! Couple questions.

1. Is it challenging to get MS on the phone at when they open at 11/7mo windows? I usually have to travel during busy times, but don't want to do Christmas...ever again.

2. Changing a reservation, phone or online? Pros/cons? I'm getting the impression that online you have a one hour advantage, but more complicated options are easily (and confidently) done over the phone.

3. Am I right that the more popular options are the less expensive options (i.e. Standard views, etc)?

Thanks in advance!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

I add another question. When booking, is it 11 months from the FIRST date of your stay or the LAST date? I've seen written both and that has me confused. Can I also assume "11-months" means you can book August 1, 2015 on September 1, 2014? It's not like the "180-day" for ADRs, where you have to count back the days, right?

On the last question above - from what I can tell, low available options are the ones that run out first, not necessary the lower cost ones. AKV Value rooms go quick, but so do the Club level rooms, as there are very few of either of these.

 

[nalajms]

When booking, is it 11 months from the FIRST date of your stay or the LAST date?

11 months from the first day of your stay. Gets tricky for dates like 1/31. So someone booking stays starting between 1/30 - 2/1 have the same 11m mark of 3/1.

Ok, I haven't booked a trip yet, so I'm trying to understand all this too! Couple questions....

1. If a lot of people are trying to book, then yes, there will be a longer wait time when calling MS.
2. You can only cancel or book online. Any other modifications has to be via Phone. You get an extra hour advantage online, which is necessary for busy DVC times.
3. Lowest point seasons and lowest point rooms go fast. Then there are the CL rooms, small resorts, etc.

 

[Minniesgal]

We own at BLT. But if we wanted to do a split stay there and another resort, what's the best way? Should we book the whole stay at BLT at 11 months, then at 7 months call MS and try to move (walk) part of the rez to say VWL? There doesn't seem to be a fool proof way of doing this online without having to cancel the original rez (and risk losing all or some of it). Anyone care to explain the best way? We don't tend to travel at peak Times however next year thinking of doing a split BLT/VWL for the last weekend of F&G/beginning of SWW.

The way I do it is to book originally my whole stay at my home resort but in two reservations. For example last year we had 8 nights so I booked 4 nights at AKV then 4 nights at AKV and then at 7 months I kept the first and cancelled the second and booked BLT instead. Worked a treat and only took me 2 mins to change my booking.

 

[skier_pete]

11 months from the first day of your stay. Gets tricky for dates like 1/31. So someone booking stays starting between 1/30 - 2/1 have the same 11m mark of 3/1.

Wow, you read my mind and even answered my unanasked question. Thanks!

The way I do it is to book originally my whole stay at my home resort but in two reservations. For example last year we had 8 nights so I booked 4 nights at AKV then 4 nights at AKV and then at 7 months I kept the first and cancelled the second and booked BLT instead. Worked a treat and only took me 2 mins to change my booking.

Seems like the consensus. This is good to know!