Question About Waitlists

[Greyhound22]

I'm sorry for being ignorant. But, I still don't totally understand a waitlist. Is there a thread that would explain it in "simple" terms for me? Do I book my home resort at the 11 month mark and then try to switch at the 7, or do I roll the dice at the 7 month mark?

 

[Sandisw]

Most people, who can, book their home resort at the 11 month mark to ensure they will have a room at WDW.

At 7 months, they try to switch their preferred resort. If it is available at 7 months, the change is made. If it is not, then the DVC member has the option to waitlist it.

But, if there is no availability at 7 months, and the wait list never comes through, at least you would have a room for your trip if you booked your home resort at 11 months.

 

[Greyhound22]

Thanks for the information. That is what I thought, but I truly didn't "get" it. Any other info. is appreciated.

 

[CarolMN]

I'm sorry for being ignorant. But, I still don't totally understand a waitlist. Is there a thread that would explain it in "simple" terms for me? Do I book my home resort at the 11 month mark and then try to switch at the 7, or do I roll the dice at the 7 month mark?

It's up to you - As Sandi says, most will book at their home resort (because they plan to go no matter where they end up staying) and then try to switch at 7 months. If you do not make a home resort reservation, you could end up with no reservation at 7 months and thus be dependent on a waitlist coming through.

If there is availability at 7 months, MS will cancel the home resort reservation and use the points for the preferred choice.

For example, let's say you plan to visit the first week of December (a very busy time), own at SSR and want to stay at the VWL. I would make a reservation at SSR and call at 7 months to see if I could switch. If not, then I would waitlist for the VWL. If it comes through, great! If not, I have a place to stay. I can try again for VWL another time.

 

[Desnik]

When we use the waitlist it is usually because we are making a booking on short notice. An example of this is what I just went through a few days ago. 3 days ago I wanted to book AKV Kidani Village studio standard view for June 25-29. I own at both SSR and AKV, but that didn't matter because I was only 3 months from the time of check in. I didn't think there would be availability but when I called all but 1 day I wanted was available. So I reserved the dates that were available and was put on the waitlist for the one night I needed. Today, I checked on DVC member site and the room came through. They linked the reservation with the other nights I already booked so we won't have to check out and then back in after that one night.

I can honestly say I have never done what the others were talking about. Book at my home resort then switch at the 7 month mark if the room I want is available. I always just wait until I am 7 months out and book at whatever resort I want(when I want to stay at other resorts than my home resorts). I have never been left with no place to stay.