Question about cancelling lock-off studio

[Dancind]

I called two days ago to change our 2 BR reservation at OKW to a 1 BR for the week of May 29. We hit the 31 day holding date tomorrow I think, and our family members decided they couldn't make the trip.

We were able to do this for all nights except the first one. The MS agent said there were no 1 BR units available for the first night, so we couldn't change. We had requested a 2 BR lock-off, so I was surprised at this. Can they not just cancel the studio portion?

It's not that big a deal, my DD will enjoy having her own room for a night, but just thought I would ask. Maybe I need to call back and talk to another CM.

 

[DebbieB]

No, it is treated as a new reservation, you can't cancel part of it. It's not fair to those on the waitlist for you to hold both parts while waiting to make a decision. If you want to cancel part of it and there are people on the waitlist, you have to get in line behind them.

 

[CarolMN]

The value for requesting the lock off is that you probably won't have to move - you keep the 2 bedroom for the first night and move out of the studio part for the rest of the time. Be sure to have that noted on your reservation(s) if it isn't already. And remind the CM at check in, too.

Best wishes -

 

[Dancind]

No, it is treated as a new reservation, you can't cancel part of it. It's not fair to those on the waitlist for you to hold both parts while waiting to make a decision. If you want to cancel part of it and there are people on the waitlist, you have to get in line behind them.

Um, did you read my post?

Anyway, I called back. The CM today had no problem downsizing us. If someone is on a waitlist for a studio that first night, they just got lucky.

Not sure what the problem was the first time I called.

 

[CarolMN]

DebbieB gave you the correct response - MS is not supposed to allow you to downsize from a 2 bedroom to a 1 bedroom if there is a waitlist for the 1 bedroom or a wailist for 2 bedrooms. Doesn't matter if you had a lock off reserved to begin with or not. You are essentially cancelling a reservation and making a new one. Waitlist rules apply.

So either the second CM made a mistake in your favor or (more likely), whatever waitlist(s) there were, cleared.

Glad it worked out the way you wanted.

Best wishes -

 

[DebbieB]

Um, did you read my post?

Anyway, I called back. The CM today had no problem downsizing us. If someone is on a waitlist for a studio that first night, they just got lucky.

Not sure what the problem was the first time I called.

Yes I did read your post. Your reason for cancelling the studio is not important. The intent of the rule is to prevent people from holding both parts while they decide if they need it while others are on the waitlist.

Glad it worked out!

 

[Dancind]

Carol, thanks for that explanation. Didn't think of it that way. I think in this case, our waitlist came through. I had a message to that effect from MS this afternoon.


And I wasn't "holding a room until I decided". Our family members CANCELLED on us, last minute. We had every intention of hosting them, had even paid for their airfare. Nice tone.

 

[DebbieB]

Sorry, I did not intend it that way.

 

[Dean]

Um, did you read my post?

Anyway, I called back. The CM today had no problem downsizing us. If someone is on a waitlist for a studio that first night, they just got lucky.

Not sure what the problem was the first time I called.

They are supposed to cancel you and put you at the bottom of the list, not just drop the portion you don't need. This was a change a few years ago when they did allow it the other way. If they went against the rules, someone on the wait list for the 1 BR got screwed. But MS and DVC in general are inconsistent in enforcing many rules. Another option is to reserve all 3 unit types and then cancel what you don't need OR to reserve the studio and 1 BR separately (more points cost) then try for a 2 BR instead later if you find you do need the 2 BR for part or all of your stay. Of course there are many variations on this theme. I'm glad it worked out.

 

[sandieb]

Hmmm, I had a 2 bedroom lockoff lined up for June. Some family decided not to join us, so we wanted to change to a 1 bedroom. I called MS yesterday and did just that...she even said I probably made someone happy by releasing the studio portion. It was no big deal. Actually, I only saved 40 points, so if I could not have done it, I would have just kept the 2 bedroom. I guess I lucked out. Sandie

 

[kathleena]

Um, did you read my post?

Anyway, I called back. The CM today had no problem downsizing us. If someone is on a waitlist for a studio that first night, they just got lucky.

Not sure what the problem was the first time I called.

I would say this happened because there was one available, not because there was a problem the first time. What everyone has said here is correct - that you have to release the 2 br ressie and book the new one.