looking for advice on last-minute cancellation

[downontheBW]

Since I've never had to cancel before so thought it would be best to ask you experts here. I've exchanged a BVW studio for a week with a Four Seasons Aviara owner. They are scheduled to use our BVW week next week, June 16-23. The problem is that between unexpected work demands, they would like to move to a fall week. They said they would pay a penalty if necessary to make the change but would also go next week if there was no alternative.

I'm looking for advice. First of all, I hate to do this to DVC on the chance they wouldn't be able to rent/sell the room next week. If I do cancel, my points go into a different account to be used before the end of this use year (October). Since they still want to use the week, it would have to be done before October 1 and within a 30 day window. If I have this wrong, please correct me. From what I've read on these boards, September is usually a slower month so the odds of getting a studio at BWV, VWL, OKW or BCV are pretty good.

Also, I've already banked over half of my points for this use year. Since the points for September are lower than June, I would have points left over. I assume I would NOT be able to bank the left over points.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[PamOKW]

Page 32 in the Guidebook has the details. (Holding accounts had the window changed to 60 days vs. 30 awhile back.)

The points will be in a Holding Account. These points can't be banked or borrowed. They can be used to make DVC reservations 60 days or less before the new arrival date, during your current Use Year.

They can also be used for reservations at our other options as long as they are made 60 days or less prior to arrival and are no more than 60 days from the end of your Use Year.

If they are open to anything at any DVC for September, chances are you will find something satisfactory.

 

[downontheBW]

Oh, that's right, I forgot it was changed to 60 days. I just got an email here at work from the lady we're exchanging with and don't have my guidebook with me. Thanks for the quick reply, Pam.

 

[chris1gill]

I don't know, I think you just have to give it to them straight... you can only make the reservation 60 days out if they cancel, and you cannot guarantee they will get any location for seven consecutive nights... I think they should just go next week and enjoy

 

[Frank in WI]

The cancellation policy is still 30 days. I was on a waiting list just a month ago and the MS Rep said they would keep me on the waiting list until 31 day out. They would then cancel the waiting list so I wouldn't have my points go into holding.

The new DVC reservation must be made less than 60 days out. I just checked the member site. You can also use for World of Disney less than 60 days out.

 

[robinb]

If you're willing to call at the 60 day window, I would let them choose. They should be aware that you might not be able to get exactly what they have now and they may have to move . Also, since your UY is October you only have until the end of September to use the points. The good news is that 60 days out is next month, so you won't have to sit on pins and needles for too long.

You might also want to call your guide so you understand when and where you can use those points in holding. I would also call MS for availabilty at all the DVC resorts for the dates they are thinking of. If those dates are open NOW they are probably more likely to be open THEN. I think that September is a slow time, even at the DVC resorts.

 

[downontheBW]

Many thanks to all for your advice. I gave the lady we're exchanging with her options (recommending that moving to a September reservation would be optimal because of availability). She said they talked it over and decided to still go next week - I'm sure her two very-excited daughers (4 and 9) would have been hard to convince of the change in plans. She was very appreciative of my attempts to accommodate their situation.

FYI...in talking with MS, I did find out that studios at BWV were sold out during all of July but there an opening for a studio had come up at BCV for July 13-20th - in case any of you would like to squeeze in another trip to try out the new resort. Also, we would have the 60 day window in which to make a substitute reservation.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by Frank in WI
The cancellation policy is still 30 days. I was on a waiting list just a month ago and the MS Rep said they would keep me on the waiting list until 31 day out. They would then cancel the waiting list so I wouldn't have my points go into holding.

It gets a little confusing. It's always been a 30 day deadline for cancellations. The thing that changed was the time you could use the holding account points. It used to be you could only used them 30 days before arrival, that is what changed to 60 days.

 

[robinb]

I'm glad it worked out for you and your guests. I think they will enjoy WDW more in the summer when the parks are open later.