Change to reservation dates after booking?

[rstaut]

We're going on my MIL's points, so I'm not sure how this works...

If we book our stay for certain dates, (September 9-15) and then find that we have to change them (September 13-19), can we do that? My MIL claims that we can't. Reason I'm asking is that we have already picked out dates, but my husband is looking at a possible promotion at work that would change his work schedule, hence making our original plan more difficult to do. I'm not sure if we should just book now or wait until we know what's going on with his job. I want to do this prior to our 180 so we can make all ADR's.

 

[hansel1]

We're going on my MIL's points, so I'm not sure how this works...

If we book our stay for certain dates, (September 9-15) and then find that we have to change them (September 13-19), can we do that? My MIL claims that we can't. Reason I'm asking is that we have already picked out dates, but my husband is looking at a possible promotion at work that would change his work schedule, hence making our original plan more difficult to do. I'm not sure if we should just book now or wait until we know what's going on with his job. I want to do this prior to our 180 so we can make all ADR's.

You would be allowed to change dates if the rooms are available. However, you can make ADRs without a reservation number. I would make some type of reservation as soon as possible to make sure you get rooms. Why don't you go ahead and make the plans for your later date? It really won't affect your ADRs either way.

 

[nolatron]

Why not have the MIL call Member Services (with you in the room ) to confirm if you can change dates or not?

 

[rstaut]

Why not have the MIL call Member Services (with you in the room ) to confirm if you can change dates or not?

That's a great idea, but she wouldn't do that. She knows she's wrong. I just wanted to verify it with other people that would know! Thanks!

 

[tjkraz]

Like the previous poster said, yes you can change the dates. But certain limits apply:

1. Points must be used by the end of the Use Year. Every member has a Use Year and you would need to find out what she has. If her Use Year is October, every year's points are valid from 10/1 to the following 9/30. Under that scenario, you could re-book for other dates in September but the points would expire if not used for a stay which takes place by 9/30.

2. You must cancel at least 31 days prior to arrival. If you cancel less than 31 days prior to arrival, additional restrictions apply to the re-booking.

3. Everything is subject to availability. And DVC availability is much different than at cash resorts. As cash guests, many people are used to calling just 3-4 weeks out and having their choice of just about any resort. That is absolutely NOT the case for DVC. DVC resorts are designed to be near 100% occupancy year-round. Many times resorts are completely filled more than 6 months in advance.

So even if #1 and #2 above aren't issues, don't expect to be able to call 3-4 months out and have your choice of any resort. That's pretty short notice in DVC terms. The resorts most often available on short notice are Saratoga Springs, Old Key West and Animal Kingdom Villas.

September is fairly slow so that works in your favor if you have to re-schedule. But if you end up going into October or later--when the Food and Wine fest has begun--expect it to get MUCH more difficult to re-book.

 

[bmarkelon]

It's already been answered but just wanted to say we just adjusted our dates for our August trip. Switched from the 16th-24th to the 13th-21st no problem. Good luck!