Ironic that the more we post about discouraging the practice, the more the knowledge on how to do so reaches readers and search engines.As for me and the concept of walking a reservation. I discovered the concept here, in 2014, while learning about if I want to buy into DVC.
Instead of discouraging me, I was intrigued that there were tricks to the system and I had stumbled into the exact place where I could learn those tricks.
I bought into BCV and Poly so I haven’t had a need to walk until I added into AKV last year, just for that purpose (for having a shot at value and concierge).
OTOH if people come here and read about walking and as a result, become educated that buying just enough points for BWV standard for a week in early Dec is not a workable plan, and they should plan on owning AT LEAST enough points to book pool/garden as a backup plan, then that’s an education worth getting.Ironic that the more we post about discouraging the practice, the more the knowledge on how to do so reaches readers and search engines.
I don’t really know what the answer should be. I have to blame DVC for creating some of this situation. Once they sold studio only units and bungalows and cabins that most owners will never be able to stay in, well here you have it. An oversold vacation club that has more demand for fewer units. So no, there should not be any fees imposed for modifications.
The problem isn’t walking; that’s a symptom.
The problem is more demand than supply.
I think you hit "the nail on the head" so to speak. Did anyone really want the EXPENSIVE point Cabins? I know I can't afford them, and I have 160 points at CCV... I think that they (DVC) should listen to us and have more studios that sleep 5, 1 BR's sleep 5, 2BRs that sleep 9.. I KNOW there are DVC units with that already exists.. But, for future builds, they should listen to what we REALLY want!!! Just my .02.....
I think you hit "the nail on the head" so to speak. Did anyone really want the EXPENSIVE point Cabins? I know I can't afford them, and I have 160 points at CCV... I think that they (DVC) should listen to us and have more studios that sleep 5, 1 BR's sleep 5, 2BRs that sleep 9.. I KNOW there are DVC units with that already exists.. But, for future builds, they should listen to what we REALLY want!!! Just my .02.....
I disagree.I think you hit "the nail on the head" so to speak. Did anyone really want the EXPENSIVE point Cabins? I know I can't afford them, and I have 160 points at CCV... I think that they (DVC) should listen to us and have more studios that sleep 5, 1 BR's sleep 5, 2BRs that sleep 9.. I KNOW there are DVC units with that already exists.. But, for future builds, they should listen to what we REALLY want!!! Just my .02.....
Not all. There are dozens of categories of rooms across the DVC spectrum and only a few require walking.The saga continues regardless. I own Bwv and BLT so that I can use them for standard rooms, all levels. I’ve never had a problem getting what I want until this year. I’m still booking my 10 night Bwv standard studio....got 3 more days to go. This is worse than walking for sure. Today’s date wasn’t even available today, so just focused on adding yesterday day when a walker dropped it. Lesson learned....I don’t want to walk, but booking a 10 night reservation that takes 11 mornings to do is really hard. Last year I booked TWO standard studios for 2 nights each same dates for us and kids for the end of October and did the same day and had no problem nor did I waitlist or walk. I predict it’s going to get worse and we’ll all have to walk to get our desired dates.
The saga continues regardless. I own Bwv and BLT so that I can use them for standard rooms, all levels. I’ve never had a problem getting what I want until this year. I’m still booking my 10 night Bwv standard studio....got 3 more days to go. This is worse than walking for sure. Today’s date wasn’t even available today, so just focused on adding yesterday day when a walker dropped it. Lesson learned....I don’t want to walk, but booking a 10 night reservation that takes 11 mornings to do is really hard. Last year I booked TWO standard studios for 2 nights each same dates for us and kids for the end of October and did the same day and had no problem nor did I waitlist or walk. I predict it’s going to get worse and we’ll all have to walk to get our desired dates.
Not all. There are dozens of categories of rooms across the DVC spectrum and only a few require walking.
You just happen to routinely want to book two of those rare categories: BLT and BWV standard.
Out of 14 resorts, only 4 have any real 11 month availability issues:
BWV standard
BLT standard
AKV value and concierge
VGF studios during early Dec
Possibly VGC although I’m not sure how much of an 11 month problem exists there.
If you’re not trying to book one of those resorts and categories, and of course this is more exacerbated by “Fall Frenzy”, then if you’re walking, you’re wasting your time.
I’m not trying to give you grief. It’s definitely a problem for the categories you’re seeking but it’s not a system wide problem.
And. As I said earlier, walking isn’t a problem but a symptom. The problem is demand outpaces supply.
The real answer as previously mentioned is to recalibrate demand by price appreciation: reallocation. There are people here suggesting charges for modification; that will only treat the symptom. The real fix is a week in a studio in Dec costing 20 more points. I wonder if the majority of those advocating for new fees would be happy with a fix that entails an increase of 3pts/night for Dec studios?
The saga continues regardless. I own Bwv and BLT so that I can use them for standard rooms, all levels. I’ve never had a problem getting what I want until this year. I’m still booking my 10 night Bwv standard studio....got 3 more days to go. This is worse than walking for sure. Today’s date wasn’t even available today, so just focused on adding yesterday day when a walker dropped it. Lesson learned....I don’t want to walk, but booking a 10 night reservation that takes 11 mornings to do is really hard. Last year I booked TWO standard studios for 2 nights each same dates for us and kids for the end of October and did the same day and had no problem nor did I waitlist or walk. I predict it’s going to get worse and we’ll all have to walk to get our desired dates.