Okay... there has gotta be some other issue. I own at Shadow Ridge and I've never had to call at 9 am EST to reserve my week. It is not like a Maui week. In fact, I just reserved week 51 last week online with no problems and I did not do it at 9 am EST (I believe I went online around 11 am EST). Also, I could see the calendar online and there were many weeks available in all the months. I think, there were only hand full of check-in weeks that were gone. Off the top of my head it looked like spring break was booked and President's week was booked for Fri & Sat check-in but I could still see a Sunday Check-in.
I know, it isn't the same resort but they are right next to each other. Palm Springs isn't like reserving at Maui and I don't think January would be the popular time. I think, Feb/Mar/Apr during spring break, the Indian Wells tournament, etc... I know the Bob Hope Classic can get popular.
How many units are available for reservation?
I've own at Shadow Ridge for 6 years and never once had a problem reserving in fact I don't go at 9 am EST.
So, I'm confused why this would happen here