How does walking work?

[ski_sierra]

Look at this screenshot of the booking calendar for next January. The farthest date check-out date you can book right now is 17 Jan 2021. How is 16th sold out but 14th and 15th are available? To book night of 16th, you need to book the previous two nights as well for a club reservation (3 nights minimum). If it's a home reservation then my understanding is the rest of the week starting on 17th would also be booked.

I'm sure this reservation is being walked, I just don't understand how.

 

[GT75]

Yes, it looks like someone is walking a reservation. This screenshot can happen if you have only 1 available 1B3 (for example) unit for week 12/16-12/23 but multiple for 12/9-12/16. I lost a reservation walking across Saturday check-in at Lagoon Tower due to this exact same thing a few years ago.

Also, if this screenshot is from Sunrise Lodge, then there is sometime else probably happening. Sunrise Lodge has LO (lockout) units available. So 1B3 would be part of a 3LK (3 Bd unit). Someone is probably walking 3LK.

 

[alwysonvac]

Yes as GT75 stated above, it can happen whenever there are fewer weeks available than the prior week. Based on your screen capture, Saturday is most likely the fixed home week Check In date. With walking, you can‘t tell from week to week how many units are available so it’s best to book as soon as possible and be flexible (unit type, unit size and travel dates) .

But keep checking.. sometimes walkers are just passing through and release units later as they continue their walk.

Good Luck

 

[ski_sierra]

Also, if this screenshot is from Sunrise Lodge, then there is sometime else probably happening. Sunrise Lodge has LO (lockout) units available. So 1B3 would be part of a 3LK (3 Bd unit). Someone is probably walking 3LK.

This is from Sunrise indeed.

flexible (unit type, unit size and travel dates) .

in this case, I found another unit that works for me but I'm trying to perfect the walking technique for another Feb reservation where there aren't as many unit options available.

book as soon as possible

How do you book as soon as possible when walking? Should I open the change reservation tab before or after midnight EST? Browser refresh does not work on that page. Do you continue to select the new block of days in the calendar and wait for the book now option to appear? Now sure if clicking the blue box triggers the code to check for valid dates or you need to load the page again to get the new state.

 

[GT75]

Now sure if clicking the blue box triggers the code to check for valid dates

Edited response on 5/15/20
This statement is true. I find that it is best to click 1 or 2 seconds after midnight EST. You can have your dates selected before midnight, just hit the book button a few seconds after midnight. Once you cross the normal week booking window (this would be Saturday for Sunrise Lodge), then you could lose the reservation.

 

[alwysonvac]

in this case, I found another unit that works for me but I'm trying to perfect the walking technique for another Feb reservation where there aren't as many unit options available.

Great, it’s always good to have a backup plan just in case your 1st, 2nd or 3rd option is not available.

How do you book as soon as possible when walking? Should I open the change reservation tab before or after midnight EST? Browser refresh does not work on that page. Do you continue to select the new block of days in the calendar and wait for the book now option to appear? Now sure if clicking the blue box triggers the code to check for valid dates or you need to load the page again to get the new state.

Sorry, the last time I really walked a reservation was in 2017 for HHV so I don’t recall. When I need to walk a reservation, I simply practice ahead of time trying out different scenarios at midnight.

 

[bbodb1]

This thread is no doubt from the collection of "Forum Titles that work on more than one level!"...

Thanks for a chuckle today @ski_sierra !

 

[ljmiii]

...I find that it is best to click 1 or 2 seconds after midnight EST. You can have your dates selected before midnight, just hit the book button a few seconds after midnight. Once you cross the normal week booking window (this would be Saturday for Sunrise Lodge), then you should lose the reservation.

Do you mean, "then you should get the reservation" or am I missing something?

And also, I assume you can change an HGVC reservation to another unit and/or resort without penalty, yes?

 

[GT75]

Do you mean, "then you should get the reservation" or am I missing something?

Correct (I typed the wrong word), I edited my response to that you could lose the reservation. You should be able to get it but it all depends on how many units available and timing. I have only lost a reservation twice both at HHV (specifically Lagoon Tower) {this is either trying to get my foot in-the-door or move the reservation to new week}.

And also, I assume you can change an HGVC reservation to another unit and/or resort without penalty, yes?

Correct, if you are working with a changeable reservation.