OK, this is getting ridiculous **New update post #45

[Edge1391]

I feel your pain. I've been checking every morning for the last 3 months. There has always been rooms available in the 2 bedroom configuration. If Standard view wasn't available then an Island or Ocean view has always been an option until the beginning of June. Recently I've noticed that the first 2 days are even unavailable when checking berfore 8 am using the day before as an arrival date.

Seeing this trend and having the hopes of 7 others vacation plans on my shoulders I deceided to call MS to ask for advice. I was lucky enough to talk to someone that was very informative. I explained my concerns and asked what my chances would be if I were to wait list the entire stay. She told me that she has worked on the wait list side ..... processing requests ....... and said that throughout the day many things change. I was convinced and was ready to waitlist the entire stay the morning of June 20th.

After reading all the posts about the availability in June and everyones frustration ...... I feel as if I hit the lottery. At 7:57 am on the morning of Jun 20th, while waiting for the 8am widow to open, I checked on the 19-25th. The 19th was unavailable but the 20th to the 25th was open for booking. Now I just need to add the last day .. the 26th. My advice would be to sit on the booking screen and just keep pressing Book .... right before 8 am. Good luck.

 

[lilpooh108]

At 7:57 am on the morning of Jun 20th, while waiting for the 8am widow to open, I checked on the 19-25th. The 19th was unavailable but the 20th to the 25th was open for booking. Now I just need to add the last day .. the 26th. My advice would be to sit on the booking screen and just keep pressing Book .... right before 8 am. Good luck.

So you searched before 8am and stayed on that page but booked after 8? I'm confused

 

[Breyean]

So you searched before 8am and stayed on that page but booked after 8? I'm confused

If I remember how I did it 7 months ago for a trip I just finished last week, I logged into the site and went to the booking page with the calendar before 8a.

I put in the dates and room and resort I wanted to book, and clicked to search, but since that first date wasn't yet allowed for me to book yet, it didn't work.

I THINK at that point I just stayed on that page, with all the date already filled in, and kept clicking until finally the first date became active (right around 8a).

At that point I reserved the room, which gives you 20 minutes to hold it while you fill out the names of the guests, etc.

When I called MS later to place my room requests, the CM told me I had gotten the last studio at VWL, which matched what I saw online, because once I was done booking and confirming everything, I went back to look at my dates again on the booking page and that first day was gone. Just minutes after I had booked it.

So I either got THE last studio, or one of them.

I wish I could recall better what I did and the steps for you, but I think what I wrote is pretty close, and others on these boards who know way more than I will no doubt correct any mistakes I made.

Good luck to you!

 

[CBFlake]

I also am having the EXACT same problem with booking at Grand Californian. It seems something is amiss. I called MS and was told basically the same thing--that I am just a little late and someone is taking that room. But I find it hard to believe that each day everyone books all but ONE room. And that room magically disappears at 8:00am each day. Not likely. However, with that said....

Can one of the waitlist experts answer this question for me? I waitlisted my entire stay June 21-28, and only June 21 is not available. Obviously if June 21 comes available I should get my waitlist. But, since I waitlisted all the other days...if someone wants to book June 22-28 can they take those rooms and hose my waitlist even more? In other words, do I now need all the days (if now suddenly all are not available?) or am I somehow locked in on those days and just waiting on the first day? I hope I am explaining this correctly..... Thanks to anyone that wants to tackle this...

 

[rock_doctor]

Opening new rooms doesn't really matter. For the most part, rooms are not available to be booked by members until the points those rooms represent have been sold.

Really? I did not know that. So before those points have been sold are those rooms held for cash sales and promotional use only?

 

[tjkraz]

I also am having the EXACT same problem with booking at Grand Californian. It seems something is amiss. I called MS and was told basically the same thing--that I am just a little late and someone is taking that room. But I find it hard to believe that each day everyone books all but ONE room. And that room magically disappears at 8:00am each day. Not likely. However, with that said....

Doesn't have to be just one room. Could be two or three or more getting gobbled up quickly. Guess it just depends on how many are available at 7:55am and how many members are scrambling to book.

Grand Californian only has a maximum of 23 Studio, 23 1B and 23 Dedicated 2B villas. Very small with tens-of-thousands of non-owners gaining booking access right at 7 mos.

Can one of the waitlist experts answer this question for me? I waitlisted my entire stay June 21-28, and only June 21 is not available. Obviously if June 21 comes available I should get my waitlist. But, since I waitlisted all the other days...if someone wants to book June 22-28 can they take those rooms and hose my waitlist even more? In other words, do I now need all the days (if now suddenly all are not available?) or am I somehow locked in on those days and just waiting on the first day? I hope I am explaining this correctly..... Thanks to anyone that wants to tackle this...

Days are not held in the event of a partial waitlist match. In your example, other members would be free and clear to book any vacancies on June 22-28. The only way a match would be made is if the entire period of June 21-28 is simultaneously available.

Creating the waitlist as early as possible is always wise. Never know when a match may occur if there is a cancellation. But it would also be wise to continue trying to book other days, and adjust the waitlist request accordingly.

 

[tjkraz]

Really? I did not know that. So before those points have been sold are those rooms held for cash sales and promotional use only?

Correct.

Until units (rooms, points) are sold, Disney is the owner. That's true of every DVC resort.

Right now about 25-30% of Kidani Village remains unsold so members can only book the other 70-75% using points.

 

[CBFlake]

Doesn't have to be just one room. Could be two or three or more getting gobbled up quickly. Guess it just depends on how many are available at 7:55am and how many members are scrambling to book.

Grand Californian only has a maximum of 23 Studio, 23 1B and 23 Dedicated 2B villas. Very small with tens-of-thousands of non-owners gaining booking access right at 7 mos.



Days are not held in the event of a partial waitlist match. In your example, other members would be free and clear to book any vacancies on June 22-28. The only way a match would be made is if the entire period of June 21-28 is simultaneously available.

Creating the waitlist as early as possible is always wise. Never know when a match may occur if there is a cancellation. But it would also be wise to continue trying to book other days, and adjust the waitlist request accordingly.

Thanks. It seems sort of backward--or then whats the point of the waitlist. But I see your point. I would be unfair to deny someone who can book because of my waitlist that may never come free. Thanks for the answer. ALthough not what I was hoping to hear

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks. It seems sort of backward--or then whats the point of the waitlist. But I see your point. I would be unfair to deny someone who can book because of my waitlist that may never come free. Thanks for the answer. ALthough not what I was hoping to hear

That is why you are best off still trying to get at least part of your stay and then waitlisting whatever you can't get. It's more difficult to get a long waitlist than a short list because unless all days are available any openings will bypass you and move down the list until they find someone who wants what has actually become available.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . I could see this happening once or twice, but every single day for 6 days in a row? . . .

1) You have discovered the problem with points. *
2) There are weeks when lots of others want the same ressie.
3) If you don't get in FAST, FAST, FAST, you are out of luck.
4) Hope you eventually get your desired days/week.

* From ANY timeshare company using points, not just Disney. That
is why we only bought fixed weeks when we bought timeshares. We
knew the guaranteed week(s), but could still trade weeks if we wished.

 

[Shelly S]

Thanks. It seems sort of backward--or then whats the point of the waitlist. But I see your point. I would be unfair to deny someone who can book because of my waitlist that may never come free. Thanks for the answer. ALthough not what I was hoping to hear

I am having the same problem at Grand Californian. I wanted June 19th to June 24. On the 18th, I could see all the days available. But on the 19th when I went to reserve exactly at 8am, someone got the 19th before me so I waitlisted just that day. on the 20th, the same thing happened so I did a separate waitlist for just the 20th. I was able to get the next 3 nights today, so at least I had some luck. I am keeping the waitlists as single days as I feel it is easier to get a day one at a time rather than a multiday waitlist. Good luck with your dates.

 

[travelbug]

That is why you are best off still trying to get at least part of your stay and then waitlisting whatever you can't get. It's more difficult to get a long waitlist than a short list because unless all days are available any openings will bypass you and move down the list until they find someone who wants what has actually become available.

That's true, but I can't get any part of any stay when the FIRST day of the 7 month window is never available! It's impossible to get a toe in the door.

 

[travelbug]

OP here. The count is now 9 days in a row where I've had the same scenario, and believe me when I tell you that I've tried EVERYTHING! You name it, I've tried it.

Just to clarify one thing - I'm not fussy about view. I'm working on getting a 1BR. I've had to try ocean view because it's the only thing that has had any possibility of the 1st day being available. I'd rather get something for fewer points, but I'm not picky. Whatever opens up and is actually there when I'm desperately trying to find something to click on. 7:57, 7:58, 7:59, 8:00. Stalk, stalk, click, click. Nothing.

This trip is supposed to be a gift for a couple family members who would be going with me. Starting to wonder if it will be doable...

 

[Chuck S]

How about trying to do an RCI exchange into Hawaii? You wouldn't be at Aulani, but at least it would be Hawaii.

 

[AnnaS]

I am having a different problem right now. I was told via email last week that I can book on-line this morning at 8 am for our 10/23/2013 stay and it is 8:30 am and 10/23 not showing up yet.

Good luck OP!!!

Silly me - not sure why I was trying for 10/23 ( I think because I kept seeing this year 10/23/12) - it is 10/22/2013 I wanted - was there all along.....now I am shaking my head!!!!

 

[oktracy]

Travelbug,

Keep trying. I have also been checking the booking site since early June and nothing. I am just a curious on-looker this year. You may have to consider an off-peak reservation. I was successful in booking Labor Day week at 7 months this year. I am frustrated too!! Looks like I am going to need to save for Aulani points. Ugh!!

 

[tjkraz]

I fear this may be the trend going forward.

Aulani is not a cheap purchase. Dues are high and buyers would be smart going into it with the intention of using their points primarily for stays at Aulani.

If demand peaks during the summer, that's when 11 month bookings will be highest among owners. Few rooms will remain for non-owners and what is left will be quickly gobbled up.

In many ways it's similar to Hilton Head. It is extremely difficult to book HHI during the summer at 7 months because a disproportionately high number of owners book with their points during those months.

For summer 2012 many were unable to get the Aulani reservation they wanted at 7 months. After another year of promoting the resort, demand should be even higher for 2013.

 

[paults]

OP, I've always been able to book since 2005 BWV standards ( about 5 to 9 rooms all standard) 11 months out by calling at 9 am before the on-line thing happened. Last year 2011 I had no problem either ( 7 standards studios and a standard 2 bed) always for Columbus week. This year I was a little scared I wouldn't get what I needed with this on-line booking. I decided to walk all my ressies 4 days before my vacation started. I booked 3 st studios and a st 2bed at BWV. Couple days later I made changes, the first CM I got tried to tell me I had to cancel and rebook. I said no I don't and said I'd call back. I called back 5/10 minutes later and the CM I got this time said no problem and made my changes. I made 3 more calls that week and all the CM's I had said no problem and made my changes. I now have all my rooms for the dates I needed. Good thing because I check every morning on line for the starting day OCT 12 when it came and nothing available.
If I waited till NOV 12 I might have picked up 1 room but never got the rest.

 

[keaster]

I think a lot of people are walking their reservations for Aulani in high demand periods and that's what's making things difficult for those trying to book at 7 months.

 

[DebbieB]

I was wondering if the 11 or 7 month window opens online on a holiday since member services is closed, it does.