What time do new dates open when walking a reservation?

[melewen]

Hi all,
I'm working on walking a VGC reservation at 7 months out right now and have noticed that I'm able to book for the new date (when modifying a date, not booking a brand new reservation) earlier than 8 a.m. EST. If I wait until 8 a.m. EST, all availability is gone! However, even trying to modify at 7:30 a.m. EST has shown me no availability, so I'm trying to figure out exactly when those new dates open for modifications. I tested 2:30 a.m. EST last night, but the app gave me the typical "New bookings become available at 8 a.m. EST" screen. Has anyone noticed when these open up? Maybe 5:45 a.m. like WDW dining reservations? I'm desperate to get this reservation, as it's our only real option for the trip! Thank you!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

It is 8am. But someone with home resort can take the availability before your walk. It is the issue with a 7 month walk.

 

[kes601]

8:00 a.m. is when bookings can be modified online. Walking to 7 months means you are still able to be "blocked" by somebody who owns there and has 11 month booking privileges.

 

[melewen]

Right, only thing is it is letting me modify dates earlier than 8 am. And there’s full availability for tomorrow’s dates, and zero the following day at 8 am. I’ve modified dates as early as 7:30 am EST - haven’t tried earlier. Going to try 6:30 am tomorrow morning likely!

 

[kes601]

Right, only thing is it is letting me modify dates earlier than 8 am. And there’s full availability for tomorrow’s dates, and zero the following day at 8 am. I’ve modified dates as early as 7:30 am EST - haven’t tried earlier. Going to try 6:30 am tomorrow morning likely!

If you are able to modify earlier than 8:00a then somehow the system is not holding you to the rules. That's of course assuming you are trying to get out exactly 7 months. If you are trying to go out 6 months and 29 days then it doesn't matter what time you modify.

 

[melewen]

If you are able to modify earlier than 8:00a then somehow the system is not holding you to the rules. That's of course assuming you are trying to get out exactly 7 months. If you are trying to go out 6 months and 29 days then it doesn't matter what time you modify.

Yeah, I’m wondering if it’s a glitch. It’s definitely frustrating - I’d much prefer to just be ready at 8 am!

 

[CarolMN]

Times listed are EASTERN.

There's no hurry to do a modification right at 8 am Eastern as long as you compete it before the 11 month window opens for the night you want to add.

 

[kes601]

Times listed are EASTERN.

The OP said several times they are trying based upon EST (eastern time).

 

[Sandisw]

Right, only thing is it is letting me modify dates earlier than 8 am. And there’s full availability for tomorrow’s dates, and zero the following day at 8 am. I’ve modified dates as early as 7:30 am EST - haven’t tried earlier. Going to try 6:30 am tomorrow morning likely!

As mentioned, at 7 months, walking doesn't work the same way it does for 11 month booking because home resort owners can start a reservation during your walk and that could be why it is disappearing.

But, even when you try, you have to make sure you are modifying the reservation before the check out day you have booked. For example, if I am booking May 2 to May 6 and I want to move it forward, I have to modify prior to the check out day of the 6th....if I wait until that morning, then I am competing with others as normal.

 

[melewen]

As mentioned, at 7 months, walking doesn't work the same way it does for 11 month booking because home resort owners can start a reservation during your walk and that could be why it is disappearing.

But, even when you try, you have to make sure you are modifying the reservation before the check out day you have booked. For example, if I am booking May 2 to May 6 and I want to move it forward, I have to modify prior to the check out day of the 6th....if I wait until that morning, then I am competing with others as normal.

It just seems odd to me that these dates would all be scooped up by owners *that* day, you know? HOWEVER, can you explain your second point more fully? I'm trying to base it off nights, but I'm just overwhelmed with DVC details!

 

[Sandisw]

It just seems odd to me that these dates would all be scooped up by owners *that* day, you know? HOWEVER, can you explain your second point more fully? I'm trying to base it off nights, but I'm just overwhelmed with DVC details!

More details would help in dates you have booked and what you want to get to.

But here is another example. Today we are 7 months out from May 25th.

You go in today and book May 25 to May 30. But what you really want is June 2nd to June 7th.

In order to walk May 25 to May 30th forward, you have to move it before we get to October 30th because that is the 7 month window for the next date you need.

To be successful, outside of owners is to go in in October 28th, and move it ti May 28th to June 1st.

Then go in on October 31sr and change to May 31st to June 4th.

By moving at least the day before the check out day you have currently, you get the jump on others.

 

[melewen]

More details would help in dates you have booked and what you want to get to.

But here is another example. Today we are 7 months out from May 25th.

You go in today and book May 25 to May 30. But what you really want is June 2nd to June 7th.

In order to walk May 25 to May 30th forward, you have to move it before we get to October 30th because that is the 7 month window for the next date you need.

To be successful, outside of owners is to go in in October 28th, and move it ti May 28th to June 1st.

Then go in on October 31sr and change to May 31st to June 4th.

By moving at least the day before the check out day you have currently, you get the jump on others.

Ah, OK, I thought I was missing something else. My ideal dates are from May 29-31st, checking out the 31st. I've been trying to book the night of each new date, like May 25th today, but true "walking" isn't smooth, as mentioned by others in the thread. My hope is that I can "modify" my existing VGC reservation a little earlier than the general public can book a "new" reservation at 7 months out

 

[sndral]

From what OP is describing it almost sounds like others are already walking & started doing so much earlier, since it’s VGC at 7 months I’m not surprised.

 

[melewen]

From what OP is describing it almost sounds like others are already walking & started doing so much earlier, since it’s VGC at 7 months I’m not surprised.

Exactly. Availability goes away entirely every morning by 7 a.m., when it was open the night before. The following days are available still. I'm going to experiment with times In the coming days - not my favorite thing to do but waking up super early to look at my phone feels right for a Disney vacation - and will report back!

 

[melewen]

Update: I woke up at 6:30 EST (5:30 my time) - zzzzz... all availability gone! Going to try 5:30 EST tomorrow... this is dedication. My family has no idea