Also happened to me......my son and his girlfriend weren't sure about getting time from work in February so when I booked the reservation way back in July, I told them I wouldn't add them until they could definitely let me know. I did, however, book a 2 bdrm for 5 people on the original reservation, so, would have no problem adding 2 more to the reservation. I had no idea about this 48 hour rule ...which supposedly has been in effect for close to two years? In hindsight, I should have just added them at the original reservation. I had a very long conversation with an MS supervisor last evening and was informed nothing can be done, even though the accommodations I have booked should allow me to have 9 people, of which I now have 7.
I was also told by the MS supervisor that it is an event planning company who handles these events and they are the ones who set up this new system and supposedly it is working very well. That may be.....but it seems to me ....that many DVC members were unaware of the 48 hour rule, which should have been prominently displayed when the event dates and information was first posted.
In the future, when I book a 2 bdrm, I will ALWAYS list names meeting the room capacity on the original reservation.....whether or not I actually have that number of people going....same for a 1 bdrm or studio...I will always book for the room capacity....doing so shouldn't affect my reservation negatively at all....since we never use the Dining Plan...and I believe that is the only thing the requires all registered guests in a room to participate. I almost feel badly that I feel forced to do that, simply to ensure my family won't again miss out on a Member event that just to happens to coincide with our vacation dates. Over our 18 years as DVC members, my husband and I have always played fairly and never done questionable things such as walking reservations, etc. We have always treated our DVC as a "second home" so to speak and sadly we feel that is missing amongst so many members over the past few years to the point that DVC feels the need to put these regulations in place.
Quite possibly it could be that DVC is growing too much, too quickly. Another area which we feel will need some regulation in the near future is the rental market. I'm sure DVC administration is aware of the large percentage of rentals which go on...to a point which has become problem. The past few years it seems there are more renters staying in DVC accommodations than owners. But, that's another problem for another day........
