Just curious: Has anyone NOT been able to book at their home resort at 11 months ?

[BLTLDZ]

In the beginning of december? I know it's one of the most popular times for DVC members.

Here's my thinking:
right now, we are booked for 10/20-10/27 at BLT in a Standard room.
We originally intended on going down for F&W festival, but after taking a quick trip this past december and staying at AKL, we got hooked on christmas time .

So, tomorrow is our 11 month window for BLT, and I intend to be on the phone at exactly 9 AM, for a stay beginning on 12/7.

I was thinking of calling today, and cancelling october to put the points back, and save time on the phone tomorrow morning....You know, sometimes you get a slow poke on the other end of the phone

Do you think I even need to do this??


Just curious on everyones experience.

 

[lions1995]

If you are not going to go for 10/20 to 10/27, I would call today and cancel. it is one less thing you need to worry about tommorrow. I have gotten a slow poke before (though usually making ADRs)

I did recently call to check availability at a resort within the 7 month window and was told it was available. By the time they got to making changes, it was gone. So I understand your concern, but I doudt you will have issues as 11 months evern if you have to cancel current ressie first.

 

[rlovew]

If you are looking for a standard view tomorrow then I would cancel today so you don't have to wait. I have missed out on a standard view at BLT by calling at 10 instead of 9.

 

[BLTLDZ]

If you are looking for a standard view tomorrow then I would cancel today so you don't have to wait. I have missed out on a standard view at BLT by calling at 10 instead of 9.

Thank you! I had a feeling..

 

[GEB@okw]

I called at 11 am on Jan 2 and was unable to book either a standard view or BW view studio or two bedroom at the BWV for Dec 2, 2012.

 

[amypetecar]

Yes, you can miss out on standard view rooms during peak times even if you call 11 months out at 9am. My example, I tried to book a standard view studio at BLT beginning the Wednesday before thanksgiving.

Because guests arriving the Saturday before thanksgiving may book their room at 11 month PLUS 7 days, Wed night and Thanksgiving night were unavailable despite me being the first caller of the day that morning.

while morally objectionable, some DVC folks have been known to "walk" their reservation by booking early to get their desired first night, and then call back each morning cancelling the first day of their trip and adding a day to the back end

 

[Mick@Tink]

while morally objectionable, some DVC folks have been known to "walk" their reservation by booking early to get their desired first night, and then call back each morning cancelling the first day of their trip and adding a day to the back end

"Morally objectionable" is a little strong. I think a more accurate term would be "gaming the system," since it is currently allowable by DVC MS. I would agree that "walking" is rarely needed except for two weeks of the year (Easter and Christmas/NYE), obtaining AKV-Concierge, or securing Grand Villas.

 

[amypetecar]

"Morally objectionable" is a little strong. I think a more accurate term would be "gaming the system," since it is currently allowable by DVS MS. I would agree that "walking" is rarely needed except for two weeks of the year (Easter and Christmas/NYE), obtaining AKV-Concierge, or securing Grand Villas.

good point My intent was actually to say "morally objectionalble to some". I actually don't mind if people do this for the very reason you have listed. If the system allows it... it's allowed. I just know that it is a hotbutton issue to some and didn't want to imply that I either endorsed or condemned the practice. (perhaps I should proof read my posts?)

 

[Dean]

I've been shut out several times for AKV concierge & value as well as BWV BW view and Standard view. I don't know if other unit types were available for all of those times because I simply didn't ask.

 

[chainkid]

I had to walk my BWV reservations for a grandvilla for the wed before Thanksgiving. I started to book eary in order to get my first night and then added on from there. It might be morally objectionable but if you want to get a grand villa it is the only way during that time of year. /Most times you don't have to do it. I on;y go every three years and always book a grand villa during this time. So far I've been successful. .

 

[Dean]

I had to walk my BWV reservations for a grandvilla for the wed before Thanksgiving. I started to book eary in order to get my first night and then added on from there. It might be morally objectionable but if you want to get a grand villa it is the only way during that time of year. /Most times you don't have to do it. I on;y go every three years and always book a grand villa during this time. So far I've been successful. .

While I don't agree DVC should allow it, since they do, you should not feel guilty about using the current rules as set up.

 

[Sandisw]

I think that SV rooms at BLT are one of the few rooms that you need to be on the phone at 9:00 am at the 11 month window in early December to get.

Hopefully, you were able to get it yesterday when you called. I do know that I was shut out of a SV studio for December 3 - 5 today. I didn't expect it to be there because we were 5 days in but had hoped that maybe, just maybe, it would be.

Did get LV so DH and DD will be at the resort--that was the most important thing. I can deal with the 6 extra points it cost me since its only 2 nights.

 

[DiznyDi]

I was not able to book a Treehouse Villa (early December) when I called on the first day of my 11 month window. Wait listed but ultimately went with a 2 bdrm at SSR.

 

[JWG]

As others have already said, issues may exist at:
- BLT SV
- BWV SV (during F&W)
- AKV Value
- AKV Concierge

Otherwise, 11 month window should afford you a booking without much issue.

 

[BLTLDZ]

I was not able to get standard for the first two nights..I overslept, and did not call until 11AM... We have the first two nights Lake view, the rest of the week standard.

We are hoping to switch over to AKL Savannah at 7 months, so it's no biggie..we are constantly changing our minds!

Just wanted to update everyone...

 

[Guzzi]

I've been shut out several times for AKV concierge & value as well as BWV BW view and Standard view. I don't know if other unit types were available for all of those times because I simply didn't ask.

what time of year were you shut out for. We are going in July 2012, 10 - 18th and I didnt have any problem calling 9am on the 1 month date and make the first 7 nite ressie, then called the next day to add the last nite.

 

[disfanforlife]

I just booked a standard view 1 bedroom at AKV for November today. I didn't have problem so that is less than 10 months. We are considering trying to switch at 7 months to BLT, but are not sure yet. If we do, I will call at 9 AM!

 

[Dean]

what time of year were you shut out for. We are going in July 2012, 10 - 18th and I didnt have any problem calling 9am on the 1 month date and make the first 7 nite ressie, then called the next day to add the last nite.

June and early Dec IIRC.

 

[BLTLDZ]

I just booked a standard view 1 bedroom at AKV for November today. I didn't have problem so that is less than 10 months. We are considering trying to switch at 7 months to BLT, but are not sure yet. If we do, I will call at 9 AM!

You definitely need to be on that phone at 9 AM! I missed my 11 month window by two hours, and could not get standard view for the first two nights... AKL has more standard rooms than BLT, I believe. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong).

This past december , DH & I were able to get savannah view for 5 nights at AKL, and I called around Halloween time....I think we got lucky. Here's to getting BLT at 7 months!

 

[disfanforlife]

You definitely need to be on that phone at 9 AM! I missed my 11 month window by two hours, and could not get standard view for the first two nights... AKL has more standard rooms than BLT, I believe. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong).

This past december , DH & I were able to get savannah view for 5 nights at AKL, and I called around Halloween time....I think we got lucky. Here's to getting BLT at 7 months!

Thank you. We stayed at BLT a few years ago and was able to get it 7 months! Last year was the first year that I could not get what I wanted at 7 months. But, we were going at the last weekend of food and wine and it was jersey week too. No trouble booking home resort so far at all.