OK, this is getting ridiculous **New update post #45

[Shelly S]

Originally Posted by CBFlake

Thanks. It seems sort of backward--or then whats the point of the waitlist. But I see your point. I would be unfair to deny someone who can book because of my waitlist that may never come free. Thanks for the answer. ALthough not what I was hoping to hear

I am having the same problem at Grand Californian. I wanted June 19th to June 24. On the 18th, I could see all the days available. But on the 19th when I went to reserve exactly at 8am, someone got the 19th before me so I waitlisted just that day. on the 20th, the same thing happened so I did a separate waitlist for just the 20th. I was able to get the next 3 nights today, so at least I had some luck. I am keeping the waitlists as single days as I feel it is easier to get a day one at a time rather than a multiday waitlist. Good luck with your dates.

[travelbug]

Originally Posted by KAT4DISNEY

That is why you are best off still trying to get at least part of your stay and then waitlisting whatever you can't get. It's more difficult to get a long waitlist than a short list because unless all days are available any openings will bypass you and move down the list until they find someone who wants what has actually become available.

That's true, but I can't get any part of any stay when the FIRST day of the 7 month window is never available! It's impossible to get a toe in the door.

[travelbug]

OP here. The count is now 9 days in a row where I've had the same scenario, and believe me when I tell you that I've tried EVERYTHING! You name it, I've tried it.

Just to clarify one thing - I'm not fussy about view. I'm working on getting a 1BR. I've had to try ocean view because it's the only thing that has had any possibility of the 1st day being available. I'd rather get something for fewer points, but I'm not picky. Whatever opens up and is actually there when I'm desperately trying to find something to click on. 7:57, 7:58, 7:59, 8:00. Stalk, stalk, click, click. Nothing.

This trip is supposed to be a gift for a couple family members who would be going with me. Starting to wonder if it will be doable...

[Chuck S]

How about trying to do an RCI exchange into Hawaii? You wouldn't be at Aulani, but at least it would be Hawaii.

[AnnaS]

I am having a different problem right now. I was told via email last week that I can book on-line this morning at 8 am for our 10/23/2013 stay and it is 8:30 am and 10/23 not showing up yet.

Good luck OP!!!

Silly me - not sure why I was trying for 10/23 ( I think because I kept seeing this year 10/23/12) - it is 10/22/2013 I wanted - was there all along.....now I am shaking my head!!!!

[oktracy]

Travelbug,

Keep trying. I have also been checking the booking site since early June and nothing. I am just a curious on-looker this year. You may have to consider an off-peak reservation. I was successful in booking Labor Day week at 7 months this year. I am frustrated too!! Looks like I am going to need to save for Aulani points. Ugh!!

[tjkraz]

I fear this may be the trend going forward.

Aulani is not a cheap purchase. Dues are high and buyers would be smart going into it with the intention of using their points primarily for stays at Aulani.

If demand peaks during the summer, that's when 11 month bookings will be highest among owners. Few rooms will remain for non-owners and what is left will be quickly gobbled up.

In many ways it's similar to Hilton Head. It is extremely difficult to book HHI during the summer at 7 months because a disproportionately high number of owners book with their points during those months.

For summer 2012 many were unable to get the Aulani reservation they wanted at 7 months. After another year of promoting the resort, demand should be even higher for 2013.

[paults]

OP, I've always been able to book since 2005 BWV standards ( about 5 to 9 rooms all standard) 11 months out by calling at 9 am before the on-line thing happened. Last year 2011 I had no problem either ( 7 standards studios and a standard 2 bed) always for Columbus week. This year I was a little scared I wouldn't get what I needed with this on-line booking. I decided to walk all my ressies 4 days before my vacation started. I booked 3 st studios and a st 2bed at BWV. Couple days later I made changes, the first CM I got tried to tell me I had to cancel and rebook. I said no I don't and said I'd call back. I called back 5/10 minutes later and the CM I got this time said no problem and made my changes. I made 3 more calls that week and all the CM's I had said no problem and made my changes. I now have all my rooms for the dates I needed. Good thing because I check every morning on line for the starting day OCT 12 when it came and nothing available.
If I waited till NOV 12 I might have picked up 1 room but never got the rest.

[keaster]

I think a lot of people are walking their reservations for Aulani in high demand periods and that's what's making things difficult for those trying to book at 7 months.

[DebbieB]

I was wondering if the 11 or 7 month window opens online on a holiday since member services is closed, it does.

[andriade]

I am with the OP. I get up every day at 5 am to try and book. I am so frustrated! Each day it's the same. 6 of 7 nights available. I cannot get the first day. I need a 2 br or 2 studios. I just need beds! I booked last summer after the 7 month mark for a week in a pool view studio. I was so naive this year thinking it would be easier with the opening of the new rooms. I hope my two wait lists come through.

[maburke]

Originally Posted by paults

OP, I've always been able to book since 2005 BWV standards ( about 5 to 9 rooms all standard) 11 months out by calling at 9 am before the on-line thing happened. Last year 2011 I had no problem either ( 7 standards studios and a standard 2 bed) always for Columbus week. This year I was a little scared I wouldn't get what I needed with this on-line booking. I decided to walk all my ressies 4 days before my vacation started. I booked 3 st studios and a st 2bed at BWV. Couple days later I made changes, the first CM I got tried to tell me I had to cancel and rebook. I said no I don't and said I'd call back. I called back 5/10 minutes later and the CM I got this time said no problem and made my changes. I made 3 more calls that week and all the CM's I had said no problem and made my changes. I now have all my rooms for the dates I needed. Good thing because I check every morning on line for the starting day OCT 12 when it came and nothing available.
If I waited till NOV 12 I might have picked up 1 room but never got the rest.

But there are a couple of differences here. One, the OP is dealing with the 7-mo window, not the 11-mo. But more importantly, the OP can't walk the reservation if the first day of the window is never availablle. As a PP said, you can waitlist that first night, but you can't reserve the rest of the week, even if it's available, if you don't have that first night. Then the same thing happens the next day.

So sorry for you, OP, I wish I had a suggestion.

[stacieps]

well you guys have me worried (I want any studio starting 7/4 or 7/5, preferring the 4th) - I started checking after seeing this thread and saw what you all were seeing - 1st day never available.

So when I logged on this morning at 9am and checked and there was an OV studio available 6/23-6/30, I booked it - now I have to figure out how to "walk" it to get to the dates I actually need!

[Chuck S]

Walking may not work at the 7 month window. There is always the possibility that someone with home resort privileges could have already booked the accommodations you want before the 7 months window for those dates opens.

[travelbug]

HOORAY! I got my foot in the door today! Looks like the 10th time was the charm.

I was able to reserve June 23-30 in a 1 BR ocean view. But it was not without a couple tense moments. I almost cried when I was halfway through completing the reservation, and suddenly the screen switched back to the DVC member home page. Very weird! Luckily when I quickly started over (in a panic), my scenario was still there and I was able to finish the booking.

So now I have something to work with. I'm going to keep my eye on things and maybe "walk mine back" a few days if that becomes available. I'd also rather have a cheaper view if that becomes possible. My goal is 8 nights if I have to stay with ocean view or 9 nights if I can get a cheaper view.

But I'm very excited that I actually have something after trying so hard!!!

For my fellow 7-month Aulani wanna-bes, hang in there! I'm rooting for you guys! By the way, thank you so much to all of you for your encouragement!