Things I didn't know about holding

[808blessing]

I rebooked a later May 2026 studio (not within 30 days) for April stay. I was refunded 2 points and it went into holding.
I thought I was doing them a favor by booking a last minute stay but apparently any modification, even booking a new room within 30 days puts the remaining in holding.
Didn't know! Thought it was just a penalty if I were canceling within 30 days.
Member services helped me out by restoring points so no harm done and I learned something new. Did everyone else know this? Maybe I should have known better...

Ah well, live and learn.

 

[CarolynFH]

Yes, any points freed up by a resort modification within 30 days or less from check-in do go into holding. Very frequently when someone posts here about WL or modifying or similar activities, you’ll notice cautions from experienced members about being careful not to run afoul of holding. For instance, when setting up a WL, if the desired reservation will be fewer points than the current booked one, the WL should be set to expire at 31 days before checkin. If the desired reservation will be the same or more points, the WL can be set to expire at 7 days before checkin.

Fortunately, MS is generally helpful in restoring points lost to holding that way - the first time, anyway!

 

[atthebeachclub]

I’ve had this happen too. It’s a very very important learning point in DVC ownership!

 

[808blessing]

For instance, when setting up a WL, if the desired reservation will be fewer points than the current booked one, the WL should be set to expire at 31 days before checkin.

Ohhhhh that’s right!!!

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

It's a dangerous game we play.

Oh! Also, swapping out the points from the contract within 30 days for your reservation. That's a no-go too and will end up in holding.