Question about modifying reservation at 7-month mark

[Mousestruck2]

I am borrowing points from my June 2026 use year to book a grand villa in March 2026. It is just for one special night - to have a small celebration with our closest friends to kick off my son’s wedding weekend festivities in Orlando. Thought this would be a super fun night to remember!

I just came up with this idea, so I haven’t booked yet. Should I book an AKV grand villa now (both Kidani and Jambo currently available) with the hope of switching to Riviera, Bay Lake Tower or VGF at the 7th month mark? If so, is the best way to change the reservation by clicking “modify” on my Kidani reservation (vs. canceling that reservation and booking a new one)? I want to make sure I can immediately transfer the borrowed points to book the new reservation.

As of now, a grand villa is available at all of the resorts I’m eyeing, so I’m hoping I can snag one of them!

 

[Brian Noble]

Yes, and yes.

You definitely want to book something now. At 8AM, seven months to the day prior to your desired check in, attempt to modify it. It will automatically pull points in the "correct" order, using borrowed points before current UY points, with the points used for the AKV unit available as well.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I would absolutely book now in a room you would still feel special staying in (in the event Riv, BLT, and VGF are not available for you to switch to). And you definitely want to use MODIFY, not cancel and rebook - you risk losing the entire reservation that way.

If you're planning to borrow points, be aware of the points difference if you modify to another resort (I assume you've probably done that!). If the new room is less points, you might risk losing some points. I'm not sure if that's the case.

FYI - the GVs at both Jambo (one floor, pool table, a balcony the size of a small house!!) and Kidani (two floors, two entrances, amazing views) are awesome. It's a great place to stay if your modify doesn't come through! Enjoy your trip.

 

[drusba]

If you actually want a GV for one night, you should book one now at AKV and then, if desired, modify at 7-months out for another resort. The reasons include that come 7-months out, the resorts you mention may no longer have availability for a GV, and even AKV GVs could be full then.

As to whether you should do a GV for one night, be aware that the room itself may not be available until 4 p.m. and check-out time is 11 the next morning, and thus the time in the room itself is limited

As to choosing between Kidani and Jambo GVs for reserving now, I would put Jambo as the top choice for one night. Its single story rooms have a larger living room and dining room area than the Kidani 2-stories, have very large balconies compared to Kidani's small balconies, and have a pool table room.

 

[Mousestruck2]

Yes, and yes.

You definitely want to book something now. At 8AM, seven months to the day prior to your desired check in, attempt to modify it. It will automatically pull points in the "correct" order, using borrowed points before current UY points, with the points used for the AKV unit available as well.

Thank you!!!

 

[Mousestruck2]

I would absolutely book now in a room you would still feel special staying in (in the event Riv, BLT, and VGF are not available for you to switch to). And you definitely want to use MODIFY, not cancel and rebook - you risk losing the entire reservation that way.

If you're planning to borrow points, be aware of the points difference if you modify to another resort (I assume you've probably done that!). If the new room is less points, you might risk losing some points. I'm not sure if that's the case.

FYI - the GVs at both Jambo (one floor, pool table, a balcony the size of a small house!!) and Kidani (two floors, two entrances, amazing views) are awesome. It's a great place to stay if your modify doesn't come through! Enjoy your trip.

Thank you for the advice! Honestly, we can’t even decide our first choice!!! All of the options have pros and cons. AKV is actually our favorite resort, but most of our stay will be at night - when we can’t see the animals as well - so we’re thinking a fireworks view partialmay be better. Plus, Riviera and VGF offer huge huge kitchens and could be great living spaces, which would be wonderful for our group. We’re hiring a chef to come to make and serve a festive buffet dinner.

Of course AKV is more economical with points, so that resort could be great, too! Love the Jambo balconies, and the pool table would be fun. But Kidani has those double-story windows and the loft for an extra semi-private sleeping area. Decisions, decisions!

 

[Mousestruck2]

If you actually want a GV for one night, you should book one now at AKV and then, if desired, modify at 7-months out for another resort. The reasons include that come 7-months out, the resorts you mention may no longer have availability for a GV, and even AKV GVs could be full then.

As to whether you should do a GV for one night, be aware that the room itself may not be available until 4 p.m. and check-out time is 11 the next morning, and thus the time in the room itself is limited

As to choosing between Kidani and Jambo GVs for reserving now, I would put Jambo as the top choice for one night. Its single story rooms have a larger living room and dining room area than the Kidani 2-stories, have very large balconies compared to Kidani's small balconies, and have a pool table room.

Thank you for this information! Yes, we are aware that we’ll have the room for such a short period of time. It’s admittedly crazy, I know! But… we feel like it would be an amazing memory to celebrate one of the happiest occasions in our lives at one of our happiest places. We are unlikely to choose VGV as our first choice because it is so darn expensive. Jambo could be fantastic, and far more economical. But Riviera has such a huge living area and kitchen - plus possible view of fireworks, which would be magical. We LOVE the animals, but probably wouldn’t get to see them very much during the time we’re there, since it will dark for most of our celebration. Tough decision! Maybe the availability will make the decision for us!