Weird waitlist question!!

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi again!!

I am looking at a trip to Aulani and Grand Californian in August 2014, but haven't got enough points for both resorts, so will have to make a cash reservation for one resort.

I have looked at next years prices as a rough guide and it is cheaper for me to book Aulani on points and pay cash for GC. However, I am anxious that I might not get an Aulani reservation at 7mths, and if this is the case - is it possible to use my points in the meantime for GCV, in the hope that I can amend it to Aulani if the waitlist comes through?

The complication being, the Aulani dates I'd need would be different from those i'll be booking at GCV.

Also, does anyone know whether, if you book a resort hotel cash reservation and then cancel it, (because a point reservation becomes available), if there is any charge or penalty for doing so?

Many thanks for any help

 

[CarolMN]

Hi again!!

I am looking at a trip to Aulani and Grand Californian in August 2014, but haven't got enough points for both resorts, so will have to make a cash reservation for one resort.

I have looked at next years prices as a rough guide and it is cheaper for me to book Aulani on points and pay cash for GC. However, I am anxious that I might not get an Aulani reservation at 7mths, and if this is the case - is it possible to use my points in the meantime for GCV, in the hope that I can amend it to Aulani if the waitlist comes through?

If the Aulani waitlist comes through, you can cancel the VGC reservation. The points go back into your account and can be used to book Aulani. If you book online, you can st up the waitlist to do that for you, or you can call MS and ask the CM to set up your waitlist.

The complication being, the Aulani dates I'd need would be different from those i'll be booking at GCV.

That won't matter as long as the points from the VGC reservation are valid for the dates of your Aulani stay.

Also, you would have to cancel the VGC reservation at least 31 days prior to arrival. If you cancel 30 days or less prior to arrival, the points come back to you, but in holding status. That means they cannot be used to book a stay that is more than 60 days in the future, and the points expire at the end of the use year. Holding points cannot be banked.

Also, does anyone know whether, if you book a resort hotel cash reservation and then cancel it, (because a point reservation becomes available), if there is any charge or penalty for doing so?

There are cancellation deadlines associated with cash reservations, so be sure to ask what they are when you book the cash reservation. If you cancel after the deadline, you most likely will lose your deposit. That's probably at least one night.

Many thanks for any help

You're welcome. Good luck!

 

[dvcterry]

when you make a cash reservation, you will leave a deposit & they provide you with the terms of your trip cancellation (when you must cancel by). you must be outside that window of time, otherwise you will be penalized a loss of the deposit. the deposit is charged at the time the reservation is made.

 

[Dean]

Hi again!!

I am looking at a trip to Aulani and Grand Californian in August 2014, but haven't got enough points for both resorts, so will have to make a cash reservation for one resort.

I have looked at next years prices as a rough guide and it is cheaper for me to book Aulani on points and pay cash for GC. However, I am anxious that I might not get an Aulani reservation at 7mths, and if this is the case - is it possible to use my points in the meantime for GCV, in the hope that I can amend it to Aulani if the waitlist comes through?

The complication being, the Aulani dates I'd need would be different from those i'll be booking at GCV.

Also, does anyone know whether, if you book a resort hotel cash reservation and then cancel it, (because a point reservation becomes available), if there is any charge or penalty for doing so?

Many thanks for any help

I'd make a cash reservation for both and wait list both but do it separately. If you get the one first you'd prefer to pay for with cash, just restart your wait list. One complicating factor is that each view is a new wait list and you only get 2 at a given time. Aulani is likely going to be the easier one as well if that alter's your decision.