Reservations help?

[LauraTexan]

I have hopes in trying to get reservations at either Harborside or St. John mid summer. I realize these are the busiest weeks and the busiest resorts, but our family of high school and college students is limited to a 3 week window with school and work schedules. It had been suggested that I make reservations at our home resort at WKORVN in case I cannot get a week I want, so I did this a few weeks ago. I was actually glad I did this as they had limited availability for the weeks we can travel next summer.

This morning when I called to try to make reservations 8 months out there was only the small 1BR at Harborside and nothing at St. John. The reservation agent mentioned that even if they had a unit available, by the time she cancelled my existing reservation, that unit would probably be gone. So.... should I cancel my reservations for WKORVN? We have been to Maui twice now and were really interested in trying something else anyway. But on the other hand, I don't want to get stuck without anything. If we do end up gong back to Hawaii, maybe we would be interested in trying Kaui if that is avaialable.

So here are my questions:
1. Should I cancel my existing reservations so that I can snag a unit at Harborside or St. John if there is one available?
2. If I call at 8:00am and there is nothing available, would it do any good to call back again? And when? Call right back or later in the day?
3. What is the availability like at Princeville at 7 months out? Can I plan on this as a back up?

This is our first time trying to get a week somewhere else. I would appreciate any help and advice!

 

[DeniseM]

That sounds like an inexperienced Rep. I'd try someone else.

If you really want this, you should call as often as you can - you never know when they will get a cancellation.

Princeville is an easy exchange at 8 mos. out.

 

[oneohana]

If the rep needs to cancel a reservation it will take time. So, the rep gave you correct advice.

If you are trying to reserve Harborside during the summer, there can be to hick-ups in the reservation process.

 

[woodyd70]

You should get what you need

I would be very surprised if you don't get what you're looking for, HRA will probably actually be a bit easier than St John, but I really think you'll get your reservation especially with a 3 week window to work with. You need to be very persistent, but you will be fine.

Good luck

 

[jarta]

1. Should I cancel my existing reservations so that I can snag a unit at Harborside or St. John if there is one available? You must decide this yourself. However, if you cancel before calling you decrease the ability to go back where you were. If you cancel after finding out there is a vacancy at a premium resort, there is a distinct possibility that if you cancel then you will find the week gone in the 1-2 minutes the cancellation takes to return the StarOptions to your account. However, there is a chance that your original reservation that was canceled is still available. No guarantee that you won't end up without anything.
2. If I call at 8:00am and there is nothing available, would it do any good to call back again? And when? Call right back or later in the day? Call back the next day or two. Sometimes people reserve a Friday check-in and really want a Saturday or Sunday check-in. If they get it, they release the Friday check-in. Call back anytime. If exactly what you want is not available, be flexible as to dates. Ask the agent about all availablity at the resort. Something might work.
3. What is the availability like at Princeville at 7 months out? Can I plan on this as a back up? Not as good as at 8 months out. Planning on Princeville as a backup? Probably OK, as DeniseM stated, but at 8 months.

Good luck to you! ... eom

 

[LauraTexan]

Thanks for all the advice. I actually meant yesterday to go ahead and cancel our existing reservation. However, I got busy and forgot. So this morning there was a large 1BR and a small 1BR at Harborside, but by the time we canceled our reservation, they were gone. And nothing at St. John. I will keep trying!!!