Navigating the Disney Vacation Club reservation system can seem daunting at first, especially when plans change and modifications become necessary. This guide aims to simplify the process of modifying a DVC reservation, presenting clear strategies and tips to enhance your booking experience.
Whether you’re a new member or a seasoned DVC enthusiast looking to optimize your vacation planning, understanding how to effectively modify reservations is key to enjoying all that DVC has to offer.
Promptness and Persistence
Being prompt can significantly increase your chances of securing your desired reservation. For non-home resort bookings, availability is highest at 8 am ET on the 7-month mark. It’s advisable to make modifications online to avoid waiting for Member Services to open at 9 am ET. If you can’t secure your preference immediately, place a waitlist early to improve your chances. Regularly checking the DVC website can also be beneficial, as availability may open up before your waitlist is fulfilled.
Selecting Villas and Planning Split Stays
Larger DVC resorts like Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, and Kidani Village generally have better availability. Deluxe Studios often fill up quickly, making One Bedroom Villas a more viable option for some last minute situations. Additionally, considering different booking categories can help, as some views may have more inventory than others. For those interested in experiencing multiple resorts in one trip, planning a split stay from the outset is crucial. For maximum availability, this could also involve booking more than one reservation at your home resort at the 11-month mark, then modifying parts of your stay to other resorts at the 7-month mark.
Managing Banked or Borrowed Points
When modifying your reservation, it’s important to account for any banked or borrowed points used in the original booking. These transactions are final, so ensure your new reservation utilizes these points adequately. If the modified reservation requires fewer points, any surplus banked or borrowed points must be used before their expiration.
Timing Your Booking
Some periods of the year, like the end of January or summer months, are less popular and therefore easier to book. Recognizing these patterns can aid in successfully modifying reservations during less crowded times.
Combining Points from Different Contracts
At the 7-month mark, you have the flexibility to combine points from different contracts, even if they have different home resorts.If you have contracts under the same membership but at different home resorts, you can select which contract(s) to use when making a reservation.
Multiple Contracts with Differing Use Years
If your contracts are under different memberships (contracts with varying Use Years), you can still combine them; however, you’ll need to contact Member Services to transfer points from one contract to another.
Resale Restrictions & Combining Points
Be aware that when combining points for a modified reservation, resale restrictions still apply. For instance, if you have a direct contract, and a resale contract purchased after January 2019, only the points from the direct contract can be used to book at Riviera, the Villas at Disneyland Hotel, or the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of modifying DVC reservations can significantly enhance your vacation planning experience. By approaching the process with knowledge and strategy—being prompt, understanding villa availability, planning split stays wisely, managing banked or borrowed points, timing your bookings right, and combining points effectively—you can maximize your DVC membership benefits.
We hope this guide serves as a foundation for successful DVC reservation modifications, paving the way for enjoyable and flexible Disney vacations! If you
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
