Last Minute Trip - How Much Notice Do I Need?

[Madi100]

We have a trip planned for December. However, I have a annual pass that I've only used one time, but got it mostly for the discount. But, we're thinking of taking a last minute trip in September. It's depending on DH's work, though, and we won't know until the beginning of August if we are going. Will I still be able to find a room at the beginning of August? We are thinking September 5-8, and we don't care which DVC we stay at. We will just need a studio.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I think there's a reasonable chance, especially if you don't care which resort you stay in. Last mid-July, I booked a trip for late August (staying at BWV/BW view) when Southwest made me an offer on last minute airfare I just couldn't refuse.
One option, which some people might suggest, is to book the vacation now as long as you'd know at least 31 days in advance if you had to cancel. But if not, I think you'd have a reasonable chance anyways.

 

[CarolMN]

September is a good month to look for last minute DVC accomodations. I think the chances are good - very good since you seem willing to stay at any of the resorts

If it were me, I'd be tempted to make the reservations now (and maybe get my first choice, LOL) and then cancel them if the plans weren't firm by the 31 day mark. You could always try to make them again inside the 31 day mark, if you had to cancel and then find out afterwards that you really can go.

Good luck!

 

[kcgirl]

I booked on June 26th at SSR for Aug 17 - 20 and had no problem as long as I stayed at SSR of OKW. Since I wanted to stay at SSR ( my home resort) it worked out great. Got great airfare though SW since they were running a special. Will be a very inexpensive trip for our 12th anniversary!

 

[castleri]

Booked the end of August for the end of Sept. first of Oct. last year and had no problem - even changed from studio to 1 BR at OKW 2 days before the trip so you may not have any problem at all. We stayed 3 nights in studio at SSR also so both those were available. Your comfort level will be better if you do as others have suggested and make ressies now and then be sure to keep that 31 day cancellation time in mind come August 1. Of course if you have to consider air ressies also that could be an additonal consideration if you have to book that close to when you plan to go. Good luck - an extra trip is always so special.

 

[dianeschlicht]

AS long as you aren't fussy about which resort, I think you'll have a good chance. We were even able to book Labor Day itself the day before a few years back.

 

[Madi100]

Thanks. I think I need to wait to make the reservations, because if we don't use them, we are going to bank them. So, I can't use them, cancel and bank, can I?

 

[castleri]

When is your banking deadline? That is the driving factor here. If your banking deadline is prior to September 1 you could make the reservation, then if you find you can't do the trip at least 31 days prior to the reservation date (sometime in August) you can cancel and ask to have the points banked.

 

[Madi100]

When is your banking deadline? That is the driving factor here. If your banking deadline is prior to September 1 you could make the reservation, then if you find you can't do the trip at least 31 days prior to the reservation date (sometime in August) you can cancel and ask to have the points banked.

I'm really stupid with the points. We haven't actually used them yet. We just bought in December. We get our points in August. So, we have 150 from 2005. We are using 48 for some friends in October. We are using 90 some in December. So, with this trip they would be 2006 points that we get in August. We have until January to bank them.

 

[CarolMN]

I'm really stupid with the points. We haven't actually used them yet. We just bought in December. We get our points in August. So, we have 150 from 2005. We are using 48 for some friends in October. We are using 90 some in December. So, with this trip they would be 2006 points that we get in August. We have until January to bank them.

Since you have an August use year and are using 2006 points for the September trip - yes, you can reserve, cancel and bank. You must cancel at least 31 days prior to your anticipated arrival, though. If you cancel 30 days or less prior to arrival, the points go into the holding account. Then they can't be banked and will expire at the end of your 2006 use year - which is 7/31/2007. Holding account points also have other restrictions. The holding account is not a good place to park your points, LOL.

Anyway, go ahead and reserve your September trip and make a note to review your situation on August 1 or 2 - that will still give you a day or so of cushion to call MS to cancel if you need to do so. Hope not!

Best wishes -

 

[byoung]

I agree you should be able to get something.

 

[Madi100]

Thanks for the help. I'm actually quite smart, until I was introduced to these points. Everytime I start to think about them, use them, review them, etc., I can feel brain cells being sucked away.