Question about splitting trip between DVC resorts

[lucky_bunni]

So we are planning a long DVC vacation Dec. 13th, 2013 - Dec. 28th, 2013. We are new owners are AKV, and our 11 month window will be in January 2013. Optimally we'd like to stay in a Value Studio at AKV part of the trip, and then switch to a MK area DVC resort later in the trip. Alternatively, we're considering staying the first 5 nights at AKV, nights 5-10 at one of the MK area resorts, and then returning to AKV for the last 5 nights.

Question is, when I call at the 11 month window and make the reservation at AKV for the entire 15 nights, what happens at the 7 month window when I want to make a reservation at another resort? What if I want to make that part of the reservation in the middle of my original reservation? Do they just cancel the part of the original reservation that overlaps with the newer one?

 

[bobbiwoz]

You can only book a week at a time, so you will have to call more than once. I think I would tell them to keep the AKV reservation in 3 parts because I would be trying to change the middle reservation at 7 months. I've never done it, but have read about asking MS to "not link" the reservation into one.

Good luck!

Bobbi

 

[lucky_bunni]

So maybe the best strategy would be to call and book the first 5 nights, call five days later and book the second set of 5 nights, and then another 5 days later book the last 5 nights? If I do it that way and decide I want to just spend all 15 nights at AKV, will I have to switch rooms?

 

[Sandisw]

So maybe the best strategy would be to call and book the first 5 nights, call five days later and book the second set of 5 nights, and then another 5 days later book the last 5 nights? If I do it that way and decide I want to just spend all 15 nights at AKV, will I have to switch rooms?

No, you would simply call MS back and tell them that you want all three reservations combined so you have one long reservation. I had a few different ones for my May trip because it was done via wait lists and online booking and then one day, everything was under one.

 

[lucky_bunni]

No, you would simply call MS back and tell them that you want all three reservations combined so you have one long reservation. I had a few different ones for my May trip because it was done via wait lists and online booking and then one day, everything was under one.

Cool. That's good to know!

It's been a few years since booking DVC. So online booking is real time now? I think when I did it before, you filled out a form online, submitted it, and then they got back to you.

 

[Sandisw]

Cool. That's good to know!

It's been a few years since booking DVC. So online booking is real time now? I think when I did it before, you filled out a form online, submitted it, and then they got back to you.

Online actual booking and it is really nice....well, I think so!!

 

[xstitches]

You are talking about a very busy time of year with DVC. I would consider booking the full 7 days at one time. If you are looking at a value anything it will go first. If you can sign up for it do it. At the 7 month window I know online booking will ask if the reservation is replacing one you have. I also would call MS to make the changes just to make sure it works out. Good luck!

 

[jplusm]

Can the same thing with multiple reservations/canceling one at 7 months and booking something else without canceling the whole thing be done entirely through the online reservation system?

TIA

 

[tjkraz]

Can the same thing with multiple reservations/canceling one at 7 months and booking something else without canceling the whole thing be done entirely through the online reservation system?

TIA

If you truly have separate reservations, one could be canceled on line while the others are left intact. Detailed modifications cannot be performed by members on line. The only option is to cancel an entire reservation. For more specific changes you would need to go through Member Services.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would try not to move more than once if it was me. I would recommend booking the first week at AKV value. Then when your second booking window opens, book the second week at AKV and plan to rebook that one at the 7 month window. Then book those last 3 nights when that booking window opens up. If you change your room category (either view or unit size), they will all be separate bookings, so you could change any one of them more easily.

For example:
Book a 1 bedroom the first week in value
Book a studio the second week in value
Book the 3 nights in a studio standard view

Or even switch between Kidani and Jambo. Since you are talking value rooms, you will be in Jambo, but you could toggle back and forth between value and standard in Kidani as well if staying in a studio is your choice.

Frankly, there is no way I could stay in any studio for that many nights, and that would especially be true of the value units at Jambo.