Online booking question...

[shortypots]

I just booked 2 nts in a studio for next Oct, but at 7 months I want to try to get BW or Beach Club for the obvious reason. Can I do this online easily? Like try to book it and have it ask me if I am replacing a reservation? Or is that only on a waitlist? Appreciate the help!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I just booked 2 nts in a studio for next Oct, but at 7 months I want to try to get BW or Beach Club for the obvious reason. Can I do this online easily? Like try to book it and have it ask me if I am replacing a reservation? Or is that only on a waitlist? Appreciate the help!

Unless you have enough points to have two different reservations, you'd have to cancel the first one before you book the second.

 

[thepops]

So in this case (i.e. you don't have the points to hold both reservations) then the best thing to do is call MS and have them do it for you.

 

[shortypots]

That is what I was trying to avoid. So I guess I will check the online system for availability, then call MS if I find something. Otherwise I think it will let me waitlist online with canceling the current reservation. We will have to see.

 

[tjkraz]

Problem is online reservations start at 8am but member services does not open until 9am. If you wait for MS to open, it greatly reduces odds of getting what you want.

If 11 month reservation is made at a larger resort like SSR, OKW or AKV, I'd say there is very little risk. Can always rebook if desired resort ends up sold out.

If cancellation would be at a smaller location, risk increases. Pick your poison.

 

[shortypots]

VWL is my home resort and we would like to continue to stay there if Beach club is not available, hence my concern. But if it is not available at 7 months, the waitlist online option does ask if you want to cancel your current reservation, right?

 

[erionm]

VWL is my home resort and we would like to continue to stay there if Beach club is not available, hence my concern. But if it is not available at 7 months, the waitlist online option does ask if you want to cancel your current reservation, right?

When you start a wait list on-line, it will ask if you want to replace an existing reservation if it's matched. If you say yes, you then indicate which existing reservation is to be replaced if the wait list comes through.

 

[tjkraz]

When you start a wait list on-line, it will ask if you want to replace an existing reservation if it's matched. If you say yes, you then indicate which existing reservation is to be replaced if the wait list comes through.

That works for wait lists but not immediate bookings.

If OP searches for availability at BC...finds it...and then proceeds to cancel VWL, there is SOME risk that another member will book the BCV room while VWL is being cancelled.

Of course, even in the unlikely event that happens, OP would be first on the waitlist for BCV and have an excellent chance of getting a room over the next 7 months.

Waiting for member services to open eliminates the risk (MS can apparently hold one room while canceling another), but it gives other owners an hour's head start in booking online.

If it were me, I'd risk the online cancel + rebook. And I'd type/click very fast.

 

[Friendofpluto]

This question pertains to switching at 7 months too. I would prefer to do online since it will be for a busy time. I have enough pts to have two reservations at once. The problem is I have some banked points already used in the current reservation. If I book a new reservation and then cancel the prior, my banked points will not transfer over since they will be tied up in existing reservation. Do I then call MS and have them fix this later which can take a while for them to sort? How best should I manage this to get the resort I want.

 

[Friendofpluto]

Was wondering if anyone knew answer to my previous question. Thanks

 

[tjkraz]

This question pertains to switching at 7 months too. I would prefer to do online since it will be for a busy time. I have enough pts to have two reservations at once. The problem is I have some banked points already used in the current reservation. If I book a new reservation and then cancel the prior, my banked points will not transfer over since they will be tied up in existing reservation. Do I then call MS and have them fix this later which can take a while for them to sort? How best should I manage this to get the resort I want.

Will DVC "reallocate" the points for you in this manner? Typically yes. As long is it does not in any way circumvent the 11/7 month booking rules.

Are they obligated to reallocate the points? No.