Walking Reservations

[Hypaflex]

I've seen a few of the super popular rooms obviously being walked, literally months ahead by people with lots of points to commit to the project. I learned the less stressful approach it to look at the history - find a room description which is Not crazy-walked by the professional renters - and book that instead. A good example at Boardwalk would be the Garden/Pool views since there are a Lot more of those than Standard or Boardwalk views. Sadly, that will almost always mean you are paying higher points per night than for a standard room. Then maybe waitlist (still want to start the waitlist at 8amEST 11 months out) for what you'd rather get and hope for the best. Or play the Walking Game ... which I've failed at

When you say "lots of points to commit to the project", when you book the room to walk it, does it automatically allocate your points where you cannot also try to reserve a room with those same points simultaneously at a different resort?

 

[TinkAgainU]

When you say "lots of points to commit to the project", when you book the room to walk it, does it automatically allocate your points where you cannot also try to reserve a room with those same points simultaneously at a different resort?

When someone "walks" a reservation, they are actually booking with points so in theory those points are no longer available to use for a different booking unless the walking reservation is cancelled or modified (same resort). Waitlists are a bit different, in that with a Waitlist you can just use points you have available, or check a box saying to replace an Active booking with the Waitlist if it comes thru regardless if it is the same or a different resort. Waitlists can also choose to Borrow points (keeping in mind that Borrowed points are a one way transfer and cannot go Back to the year they were Borrowed from).

Not sure if that answers your question...

 

[Hypaflex]

When someone "walks" a reservation, they are actually booking with points so in theory those points are no longer available to use for a different booking unless the walking reservation is cancelled or modified (same resort). Waitlists are a bit different, in that with a Waitlist you can just use points you have available, or check a box saying to replace an Active booking with the Waitlist if it comes thru regardless if it is the same or a different resort. Waitlists can also choose to Borrow points (keeping in mind that Borrowed points are a one way transfer and cannot go Back to the year they were Borrowed from).

Not sure if that answers your question...

yes, thank you so much!

 

[n2mm]

Ugh, I couldn’t get my BWV standard studio like I have for 20 years. We tried daily, but was always too slow or too fast so I booked one day at a time each day after for 15 days. I got it done, but it was so much work. I guess walking is in full force now.

 

[TinkAgainU]

Ugh, I couldn’t get my BWV standard studio like I have for 20 years. We tried daily, but was always too slow or too fast so I booked one day at a time each day after for 15 days. I got it done, but it was so much work. I guess walking is in full force now.

Yep, we sold off two contracts recently because it was getting too difficult to book any of the lower point options, and I could not see leaving a timeshare that is that stressful to my daughter. Have not sold off everything, but buying thinking it was a cool inheritance finally bit the dust this year Maybe cracking down on the pro-renters will help - but I looked at how much energy it was taking me to book and decided booking at a cash resort with more options - and honestly Orlando has some Very fun resort and even other theme park options now - was something I wanted to do.

 

[lowlight]

Yep, we sold off two contracts recently because it was getting too difficult to book any of the lower point options, and I could not see leaving a timeshare that is that stressful to my daughter. Have not sold off everything, but buying thinking it was a cool inheritance finally bit the dust this year Maybe cracking down on the pro-renters will help - but I looked at how much energy it was taking me to book and decided booking at a cash resort with more options - and honestly Orlando has some Very fun resort and even other theme park options now - was something I wanted to do.

Add me to the list of people who sold off 2 contracts due to walkers/spec renters. Someone made a very good point in another thread about leaving it to your next of kin- you may think it’s a nice inheritance gift that ends up being a huge burden. That sealed it for me.

 

[muppets3d]

Add me to the list of people who sold off 2 contracts due to walkers/spec renters. Someone made a very good point in another thread about leaving it to your next of kin- you may think it’s a nice inheritance gift that ends up being a huge burden. That sealed it for me.

The annual dues can really make it seem like a burden for your next of kin unless they know what they're doing.

The walkers and spec renters are really targeting a few studios so if you're looking at 1 bedroom or larger accommodations, you really are immune. Unless you're looking for 2 bedroom villas at Boardwalk I guess, since they're all lockoffs and dependent upon studio availability.

 

[Headless]

And that's where my thought is. It my wife and I doing this for the next.... well along time.... and I wanted to get above the level to be able to hit 1 bedrooms consistently to have the power to stay where I want to. Plus my wife favorite feature is the Washer/Dryer.

 

[Sandisw]

Add me to the list of people who sold off 2 contracts due to walkers/spec renters. Someone made a very good point in another thread about leaving it to your next of kin- you may think it’s a nice inheritance gift that ends up being a huge burden. That sealed it for me.

Someone can refuse an inheritance but it’s always good to discuss it with those who would inherit.

My kids want it and we accounted for 10 yesrs of dues in the way our estate wkll be divided.

After 10 yesrs, they have to decide what to do. They can sell sooner if all three decide to do it.

 

[toesmom]

There is your answer… people are walking these things almost a year in advance if they can…. Holiday DVC is a full contact sport….

We bought contract at BWV specifically so we could stay through holidays but we could not get standard view rooms, luckily our contract (and borrowing) made it so we could do the garden/pool view. But it was frustrating to not have access to the standard view studios.

 

[AstroBlasters]

We bought contract at BWV specifically so we could stay through holidays but we could not get standard view rooms, luckily our contract (and borrowing) made it so we could do the garden/pool view. But it was frustrating to not have access to the standard view studios.

Most DVC informational sites will educate potential buyers to not buy in expecting to be able to get the lowest cost room view category unless it’s a direct fixed week.

There is just too little supply relative to the demand.

Always get enough points to book the room view category that has the most availability.

 

[TinkAgainU]

Someone can refuse an inheritance but it’s always good to discuss it with those who would inherit.
...

I don't think the Annual Dues would be the issue for my family, they simply would not enjoy the fight to book when they want to go. And would likely end up feeling guilty about not using points. They've recently gotten Really tired of the whole Disney "must book by 5am" project (we're West Coast), and sitting on the computer or cell trying to beat others in the Disney FOMO approach. Walking a reservation is not even a discussion I want to open lol. They live under 30 minutes from Disneyland and non renewed their passes, not for just for financial reasons, but because it was not relaxing the last few visits (I think mostly due to the Park and Dining Reservations system). They take the kids to hotels and vacations that are as expensive as Disney, but less hassle to book? DVC is perfect for some, just not for all.

 

[TinkAgainU]

And that's where my thought is. It my wife and I doing this for the next.... well along time.... and I wanted to get above the level to be able to hit 1 bedrooms consistently to have the power to stay where I want to. Plus my wife favorite feature is the Washer/Dryer.

Good point, I'm constantly telling people looking at DVC that they need to look and see how many of a given category room there are, and to buy enough points to get into less fought-over rooms for less stress using their DVC each year. That does lead to the occasional wasted points, but the OTU points usually allow us to round up something left over into another night

 

[AstroBlasters]

I don't think the Annual Dues would be the issue for my family, they simply would not enjoy the fight to book when they want to go. And would likely end up feeling guilty about not using points. They've recently gotten Really tired of the whole Disney "must book by 5am" project (we're West Coast), and sitting on the computer or cell trying to beat others in the Disney FOMO approach. Walking a reservation is not even a discussion I want to open lol. They live under 30 minutes from Disneyland and non renewed their passes, not for just for financial reasons, but because it was not relaxing the last few visits (I think mostly due to the Park and Dining Reservations system). They take the kids to hotels and vacations that are as expensive as Disney, but less hassle to book? DVC is perfect for some, just not for all.

My wife frequently comments that “Disney just wasn’t like this when I was growing up….”

 

[Sandisw]

I don't think the Annual Dues would be the issue for my family, they simply would not enjoy the fight to book when they want to go. And would likely end up feeling guilty about not using points. They've recently gotten Really tired of the whole Disney "must book by 5am" project (we're West Coast), and sitting on the computer or cell trying to beat others in the Disney FOMO approach. Walking a reservation is not even a discussion I want to open lol. They live under 30 minutes from Disneyland and non renewed their passes, not for just for financial reasons, but because it was not relaxing the last few visits (I think mostly due to the Park and Dining Reservations system). They take the kids to hotels and vacations that are as expensive as Disney, but less hassle to book? DVC is perfect for some, just not for all.

It’s definitely not for everyone. We are fortunate that we haven’t had the problem with booking what we want at 11 months but are EST so no 5 ams for us!!

Our adult kids enjoy it for even just a quick weekend get away, even if they don’t do a park heavy trip, just as a break from the cold winters!!

 

[AstroBlasters]

I don't think the Annual Dues would be the issue for my family, they simply would not enjoy the fight to book when they want to go. And would likely end up feeling guilty about not using points. They've recently gotten Really tired of the whole Disney "must book by 5am" project (we're West Coast), and sitting on the computer or cell trying to beat others in the Disney FOMO approach. Walking a reservation is not even a discussion I want to open lol. They live under 30 minutes from Disneyland and non renewed their passes, not for just for financial reasons, but because it was not relaxing the last few visits (I think mostly due to the Park and Dining Reservations system). They take the kids to hotels and vacations that are as expensive as Disney, but less hassle to book? DVC is perfect for some, just not for all.

TBF, I have not had any issues booking at the 11m window since we aren’t studio people.

 

[TinkAgainU]

TBF, I have had any issues booking at the 11m window since we aren’t studio people.

I assume you mean have not had issues, and that is the gist of my trying to educate new/resale dvc buyers on points requirements. It is sad to hear someone say they thought they could book x room with their points, and it's never available - I show them there are 12 rooms they were trying for, but 80 rooms if they go one level of points up (and usually that adds a view or extra space)...

I almost got a Grand Calif this morning (had to cancel a trip to do it, ended up losing both my cancelled and hoped for reservation in the process). But I'm Studio and typically trying for holiday and good weather dates Booking DVC could definitely be a full time job if you are skinny on points.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I assume you mean have not had issues, and that is the gist of my trying to educate new/resale dvc buyers on points requirements. It is sad to hear someone say they thought they could book x room with their points, and it's never available - I show them there are 12 rooms they were trying for, but 80 rooms if they go one level of points up (and usually that adds a view or extra space)...

I almost got a Grand Calif this morning (had to cancel a trip to do it, ended up losing both my cancelled and hoped for reservation in the process). But I'm Studio and typically trying for holiday and good weather dates Booking DVC could definitely be a full time job if you are skinny on points.

I prefer the peaceful life of a Point Barron

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I almost got a Grand Calif this morning (had to cancel a trip to do it, ended up losing both my cancelled and hoped for reservation in the process). But I'm Studio and typically trying for holiday and good weather dates Booking DVC could definitely be a full time job if you are skinny on points.

Were you not able to utilize the modify feature of changing a DVC reservation? If you were trying to replace one DVC res with another, you really shouldn't need to cancel, let alone lose both reservations. Sorry to hear this.....