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Booking Question

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Thu, 01/01/2015 - 17:25
Nish
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Joined: 06/19/2012
Posts: 15
Booking Question

Happy New Year to everyone!! I was excited to wake up early today as our 11 month window has opened this week and we are excited to get another trip lined up! I was however confused/disappointed that we couldn't book our trip the 2 different times I have tried to book. When I logged on earlier this week to book for our Monday-Monday trip in a Studio at the VGF it came up that Monday was not available (our check in date) but the rest of the week was open. We figured maybe we were a few minutes to late (even though I tried at 8:05 AM) and despite it showing availability using the Availability tool that the reservations got grabbed and that day was gone. So we figured Tuesday-Tuesday is just as good if not better than Monday-Monday so this morning after again checking right before the 8am window opened showing availability for all the days, I once again was shocked to see that now Tuesday (our check in date) was booked while the rest of the week is still available. I logged on right at 8am and within 15 seconds it showed it was booked. Is there a quirk with the system I am missing? I am guessing those dates might be booked already and the system is just not showing this until the 8am booking window opens? Either way, I will keep trying and go for a Wed-Wed reservation tomorrow. Has anyone else run into this issue when trying to book? I figured how much better could we do than sit online at the time we need to book our reservation, I am not sure why the system would show rooms available if they are booked already. Very frustrating way to start 2015 but we will be persistent and hope we can get our reservation tomorrow!!

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Thu, 01/01/2015 - 19:04
RobynPrincess's picture
RobynPrincess
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Joined: 03/14/2010
Posts: 2859

Unfortunately you are tying to book in the busiest DVC time. Don't bother with the availability tool, go straight into the booking system and keep refreshing as 8am arrives. Those rooms are just being taken before you get them, the resort tool won't show you that they are available if they aren't. I feel your pain as we own at AKL and we have been trying to snag club level and value. In a few days we will be joining you in the hunt for a studio at the grand floridian, I'll fight ya for it Wink

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Our Very Merry 24 nighter Nov/Dec 15
Watson's go West May 15
The one with all the birthdays Oct 14 4 Big Birthdays and a Vow Renewal thrown in
The OMG trip June 14 30th Birthday present from the hubs
Girly trip March 14 A last min cheapy week
September 13 our first all DVC stay
TR May 2013 the last min bargain trip offsite
Oct 2012 TR with a cruise!big family trip featuring the beach club, AKL, the dream and a villa offsite
TR on a budget May - June 2011offsite condo
TR Sept - Oct 2010 big family trip in an offsite villa

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 21:20
Kristen K.'s picture
Kristen K.
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Joined: 09/01/2011
Posts: 23803

I have to agree with Robyn - you're competing for the newest resort at the absolute busiest time of the year. It's going to be tough to get.

Remember, you can also call 1800-800-9800 and talk to someone at Member Services to help you with your reservation. They should open back up at their regular hours tomorrow morning.

Fri, 01/02/2015 - 13:17
Skunk's picture
Skunk
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Joined: 02/13/2011
Posts: 442

Disney says early December is off season, but is extremely popular for DVC, as members can enjoy the Christmas season for fewer points. I made a couple reservations for BWV during F&W, right at 7 am central, and first day availability was gone within 10 minutes. You will likely find more availability if your first day is a Friday or Saturday, because of the higher points, or you could consider "walking" your reservation(the reason first day availability is gone so quickly).

For example, say you want to arrive on Tuesday Dec 8 for a week. Make a reservation for a week beginning Friday Dec 4. If successful, call member services the next day, and advise you want to change your arrival date to Dec 5(which you already have reserved). MS will cancel room for 12-4 and add a day to the end of your reservation(if available). Call MS each day to change arrival date, until your arrival date is Dec 8. I know this seems like a lot of work, but there are more members than you might think, working the system this way. In fact if you check today, the date that was not available yesterday, might now be available due to "walking" cancellations.

Good luck!

Fri, 01/02/2015 - 14:28
Kristen K.'s picture
Kristen K.
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Joined: 09/01/2011
Posts: 23803

You're absolutely right Skunk, what we said was a little confusing.
That week is the most popular week of the year *for DVC Members* not the busiest overall.

Fri, 01/02/2015 - 18:24
Nish
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Joined: 06/19/2012
Posts: 15

Thanks everyone for your input. The "walking" a reservation is something that crossed my mind as a way to work around the system, good to know its an option but does seem like a lot of work and could be risky if nights at the end of the week are full. I guess its a way to ensure getting the reservation you ultimately want but does seem a little unfair. As a new member of just over a year, these are tricks I guess I will have to learn. The good news is this morning my mouse clicks were a few seconds before some others and I was able to get a reservation clapping but it was for a better view which means more points but we are adding on soon so we are happy to splurge on the view for this trip.

Fri, 01/02/2015 - 22:35
Kristen K.'s picture
Kristen K.
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Joined: 09/01/2011
Posts: 23803

Whooo hoo! yay
Glad to hear that you were able to get your reservation Nish.
Now you can start your planning in earnest!

 
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