Need a refresher on buying OTU points

[CarolynFH]

It's been years since we needed to buy OTU points, and last time we were buying them for a December stay at VB, so I wasn't worried about availability of the nights there. This time though I'm having to stalk, so I need a refresher on the process. If I find what we want, can I click Book and immediately call MS while going through the online process of booking, to hold it? (Knowing that my chances of getting through to MS in time are very, very slim.) Or do I have to call MS, have them search for it (probably gone by then) and then buy the OTU? It will involve borrowing points too, so we don't want to do the "make a dummy reservation, buy OTU points, then cancel it" workaround. We know it's highly unlikely we'll get what we want, but we want to try!

 

[TCRAIG]

You have to buy OTU points in conjunction with booking the reservation-

 

[CarolynFH]

You have to buy OTU points in conjunction with booking the reservation-

Yes, I know that. I was wondering whether clicking Book and going through the online booking process while simultaneously trying to get MS on the phone would hold the reservation for me while I waited for MS.

 

[Narcoossee11]

You can NOT 'hold' inventory while you call DVC. DVC has to sell you the OTU points.
SOOOO the best thing to do is use the work around you mentioned.

 

[TCRAIG]

Yes, I know that. I was wondering whether clicking Book and going through the online booking process while simultaneously trying to get MS on the phone would hold the reservation for me while I waited for MS.

Only for a few minutes - and then you’d still have to back out and start over with the OTU points - so kind of a moot point…

 

[CarolynFH]

Only for a few minutes - and then you’d still have to back out and start over with the OTU points - so kind of a moot point…

That's what I thought. Well, we'll keep stalking and see what happens. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

[TCRAIG]

Go for it and good luck !

 

[zavandor]

You might book now a dummy reservation that requires the number of OTU points you need, then cancel and the OTU points go back in your account.
Correct me if I'm wrong, you should be able now to book online with OTU points (at least, it works for transfered points).
The drawback is that if the nights you're stalking never appear you're stuck with the OTU points.

 

[CarolynFH]

You might book now a dummy reservation that requires the number of OTU points you need, then cancel and the OTU points go back in your account.
Correct me if I'm wrong, you should be able now to book online with OTU points (at least, it works for transfered points).
The drawback is that if the nights you're stalking never appear you're stuck with the OTU points.

Unfortunately, I’d be borrowing most of the points needed and topping off with the OTU points, so I don’t want to make the dummy reservation. We have a cash room booked and I have 2 WL going as well, so we’ll be fine if stalking doesn’t work out! Thanks!