Trying to check DC points availability on line

[KathyPet]

So the MVCI website now says you can check availability and book using DC points on line.
I entered my location choice (Frenchman Cove) and my requested check in date. I checked the flexibility box so it would check dates before and after my requested check in. I asked for 5 nights. I got a message saying that during the time frame I was requested I had to stay a minimum of 7 nights which I did not understand at all. I changed to 7 nights and resubmitted and got another message saying that I did not have enough points to cover my stay. That is correct. I do not currently have enough points but I just wanted to check for availability. If the dates I wanted were available I would trade my week for points at that time. I don't want to trade my week in unless I know I can get the reservation I want. What gives here???

 

[dioxide45]

What gives here???

This is the one limitation with the online system DC reservation system. You have to be looking for inventory within the the next 10 months, then it seems you have to have enough points to cover the full seven nights or you are out of luck. For any search to return results, you have to have the points required to make that reservation or it won't work.

 

[donnacook]

checking dc points on-line

I just learned this yesterday. You can only check availability on-line if you have DC points in your account. Otherwise, you can call and speak with a rep and they can check availability for you. I called, was on hold for only a few minutes, the week I wanted was available, and then I made the transaction with the phone rep. Not as convenient as on-line, but not that difficult either. I was pleased with the service, especially since I wasn't able to make an exchange with II. AND I have a few hundred points leftover for a couple of extra nights. My first experience with Destination Points, and it was very positive.

 

[KathyPet]

OK so you can't just use the web site to check for what dates might be available unless you first have enough points to cover the # of nights you want. THat's a bummer but what about the first message I received saying I needed to stay for 7 nights or more during the date range I wan looking at? I thought you could use points for as few nights as you wanted.

 

[dioxide45]

OK so you can't just use the web site to check for what dates might be available unless you first have enough points to cover the # of nights you want. THat's a bummer but what about the first message I received saying I needed to stay for 7 nights or more during the date range I wan looking at? I thought you could use points for as few nights as you wanted.

You can, but those less than seven night stays must be within the 10 month booking window unless you are Premier Plus. Only Premier Plus owners can book less than seven night stays at more than 10 months out.

 

[FractionalTraveler]

Thats right. So I guess the way to check for availability in the future is to have one of your Premier Plus buddies check for you.

 

[KathyPet]

Thanks for the responses. There are just to darn many rules and restrictions to remember for this program. No wonder I haven't played in the DC pool too much. It's easier just to work with my deeded weeks.