DVC Changes Modification Rules - Is Walking Over?

We come each year from the UK so being able to book for ‘only’ 7 days could be problematic. We normall are between 10-13 days. However we are getting jnto split stays and waitlisting at 7 months so hopefully this will give us more opportunity to cross off the resorts we haven’t yet had the pleasure of staying at.

I would think that DVC could update the language so that members can continue to add on extra days to their reservation to support longer stays, while keeping those intending to walk from updating their check-in date until the check-out date is within the 11 month booking window. Wouldn't that solve both preventing walking reservations, while supporting members that prefer longer stays?

While I think this is a good change for most members, it does stink for those of us that book stays longer than 7 days - especially at more popular times of the year. As someone who counts on their 10 or so night stay at CCV each December, I'm a bit annoyed. Thankfully we always stay in a 1 or 2 BR, so it's not as bad as the hunger games of grabbing a studio during that time. Still, I now have to compete for that room twice - once for the initial 7 days, than again to book the remainder. Then I have to take the added step of getting MS to merge them as I'm not about to go through the hassle and risk of modifying one day at a time. - it will be a brand new reservation. I did email DVC to ask them to consider changing the restriction on the length of the initial booking to 10 - 14 days. I'm not holding my breath though.

I understand why they did this, but I just wish they had given a bit more consideration of how it negatively affects people who had been following all the rules and simply want to stay longer than 7 days at a time. Especially when the solution is fairly simple - just let us book longer than 7 days from the get go. I realize it can't be unlimited, but 10 days or even 14 does not seem unreasonable to me.

We also go for 10 days minimum in a 1 or 2 bedroom. These days it is usually a split stay so it is 2 reservations. Back in the old days it was 11 months from your checkout time, instead of your checkin time. This is even before online reservations. I would call MS and get the initial reservation. Then call every morning to extend it. I am on the west coast so I got up really early to do so. This new rule sorta goes back to the old days after the initial reservation is made. I do hope they extend the 7 days to 10, but wont count on it.

The happy thought is Disney and DVC seems to be listening to us. We have been complaining for years that walking and commercial owners are a real problem. We only got lip service. Seems like real action is being taken. Also look at all the work happening to the resorts and the parks. Lots of refurbs and more paint and polish. They listened to us owners at VGC and are redoing their botched refurb job there. As to the parks there is construction and refubs everywhere. Hey they are even fixing the YETI! A better sign would be going back to the free paper fastpass, but I dont hold my breath on that! Perhaps the new management will put guests and their experiences over profit, because in the end we are the profit. (I know I am an eternal optimist!)

For now I am taking this change as a net positive. Do you think the commercial owners will start selling their holdings if they lose their edge? Hope so, I can always use a few more points!