What to do? DVC OKW room question

[dvcforus Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dvcforus]

Today we canceled free dining at Pop and grabbed a 1BR at OKW in Sept with an AC. We invited my Mom now so it would be more comfortable to have a second villa which is where the dilemma comes in. I can grab another 1BR, same dates, with another AC I have or put in a request for a studio. If I got a studio, perhaps DVC would let us "join" the rooms into a 2BR when we check in if that's possible, or so I have read on another board. If they can't, then we would rather have another 1BR for $50/wk extra. Any advice? I would like to decide sooner than later to have everything planned out.

[robin5252 Member Find all posts View Profile Close robin5252]

When using our points at Boardwalk last year. They did not have any 2 bedrooms left so we reserved a 1 bedroom and a studio(it cost us more points actually than a 2 bedroom) Upon arrival we asked if we could have the rooms close together. They put us in a 2 bedroom where we could actually all be in the same room. I hope it works out for you. If I were you I would call ahead and make the request ahead of time at OKW.

[dvcforus Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dvcforus]

Thank you, I think we may try this route as it would be great to have a 2BR instead.

[robin5252 Member Find all posts View Profile Close robin5252]

I hope it works out for you...

[dvcforus Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dvcforus]

Today I grabbed the 2nd 1BR at OKW just to be safe, and we'll keep our fingers crossed that we can at least be in the same building or nearby...or possibly that DVC will work a miracle for us and let us have a 2BR and upgrade some lucky family from a studio to a 1BR

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

Today we canceled free dining at Pop and grabbed a 1BR at OKW in Sept with an AC. We invited my Mom now so it would be more comfortable to have a second villa which is where the dilemma comes in. I can grab another 1BR, same dates, with another AC I have or put in a request for a studio. If I got a studio, perhaps DVC would let us "join" the rooms into a 2BR when we check in if that's possible, or so I have read on another board. If they can't, then we would rather have another 1BR for $50/wk extra. Any advice? I would like to decide sooner than later to have everything planned out.

Today I grabbed the 2nd 1BR at OKW just to be safe, and we'll keep our fingers crossed that we can at least be in the same building or nearby...or possibly that DVC will work a miracle for us and let us have a 2BR and upgrade some lucky family from a studio to a 1BR

As you know, u have to pay a fee for each unit to DVC - call their customer service number and request your 2 units be next to each other - the 3 times I have stayed at DVC, I called the number and they honored my request.

The comment about 'joining rooms' is usually easy to accomplish at resorts that have all 2BR lock/offs as many Marriott's have that configuration.
My experience at DVC is that they have 'stand alone' units - 1BRs and 2BR that did not have the 'lock-off' feature/connecting door as well as the 'usual' L/Os.
So your best bet is to call and request the rooms be right next to or 1-2 doors away from each other - your kids will have fun 'visiting' grandma - they can even do a sleepover!

[arlene22 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close arlene22]

How many people do you have in total? If you have I think 10 or 11, you can register as a "grand gathering" and they will guarantee that your rooms are close together. You will also qualify to do special "magical gathering" events. We recently did the Epcot International Dinner and Illuminations Gathering. It was great. Definitely worth it.

[dvcforus Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dvcforus]

We just have 5. Me, DH, dd6, dd2 and my mother. The last time we were at OKW in Sept. it seemed very quiet and like a lot of rooms were empty, so I am really hoping we are at least in the same building! Next time I'll plan ahead and just get a 2BR! That is good info to know about Grand Gatherings for the future. We went with 10 people in February but stayed at Marriott Cypress Harbour, but if we stay on site next time that sounds fun!

[robin5252 Member Find all posts View Profile Close robin5252]

We were able to do a Grand Gathering with 9, I think the number is 8 or more or at least that is what I was told last year.

[idahodude Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close idahodude]

As I recall, most of the 2 BR at DVC are lock-offs so can fairly easily "join" rooms, but I would make the request before you go.

[arlene22 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close arlene22]

We were able to do a Grand Gathering with 9, I think the number is 8 or more or at least that is what I was told last year.

That sounds right.

[JudyS Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JudyS]

We were able to do a Grand Gathering with 9, I think the number is 8 or more or at least that is what I was told last year.

Yes, you need 8 for a Grand Gathering, all of whom must be staying onsite.

As I recall, most of the 2 BR at DVC are lock-offs so can fairly easily "join" rooms, but I would make the request before you go.

I think this varies by resort. All of the Boardwalk 2-bdrms are lockoffs, but the other DVC resorts have some "dedicated" (non lock-off) 2-bdrms. Also, even if there are no "dedicated" 2-bdrms, there could still be some stand-alone studios or one-bdrms here or there.

That said, DVC is very good about handling requests for things such as adjacent/connecting rooms. I think they have staff members who do nothing but plan out room assignments in order to try to fill location requests. I would call a few weeks in advance, and make sure to have the request noted on your reservation. I would not wait until check-in; often, there are no empty rooms at the DVC resorts, so they have very little flexibility once check-in day arrives.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

That said, DVC is very good about handling requests for things such as adjacent/connecting rooms. I think they have staff members who do nothing but plan out room assignments in order to try to fill location requests. I would call a few weeks in advance, and make sure to have the request noted on your reservation. I would not wait until check-in; often, there are no empty rooms at the DVC resorts, so they have very little flexibility once check-in day arrives.

DVC is one of the few resort systems that ARE set up to handle requests.
On your II confirmation is the 12 digit DVC reservation number.
Call NOW and request the rooms be next to or within a few doors of each other.
Waiting until 2 weeks out would be too late to get a request easily honored because so many DVC members know to call ahead - they request locations when they make their reservations.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

We have an II Exchange for a Studio starting June 14, 2008, should we request a room and if so, which one and when? Is there a guess service number we call?

[robin5252 Member Find all posts View Profile Close robin5252]

We have an II Exchange for a Studio starting June 14, 2008, should we request a room and if so, which one and when? Is there a guess service number we call?

Just out of curiousity when were you able to get your exchange. I was wanting an exchange for June 13th and it never came through. I was wanting to know for futre reference when to start an ongoing request. Did you get it that way or did you just see it online and grag it.

The number to call is 1 800 800 9800 for DVC Member services and make the request on your reservtion. They are usually very good about honoring request. We have been DVC member for several years and always have our request met.

If there is any chance we could share your reservtion with you on the nights it will be sitting empty. We have never stayed offsite and we were unable to get a room on site this trip.