VGC owners cheated of booking advantage

[Disney_Villain]

It looks like us VGC owners are not going to get a separate booking date in advance of non-VGC owners:

VGC Bookings Begin June 7: No Early Advantage for Owners (http://dvcnews.com/content/view/889/1/) :crazy2:

Disney Vacation Club has established June 7, 2009 as the day when it will begin accepting reservations for the Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. Unfortunately it appears that owners will have no Home resort booking advantage for the first seven weeks of its existence.

If anyone of you VGC owners are hoping to book VGC for December 2009 or January 2010, I hope you have a big stroke of luck with calling Member Services on June 7th 2009 - as all members can book VGC at the 7-month window for these months.

[amyup]

Oh heck no! They better change that!

[karrit2000]

I guess that was to be expected since Non-Founding Current DVC Members didn't get the chance to purchase before the general public either. I prpbably won't be using my points until next May or June anyway so I will still get the 11 month window when I book.

[dcfromva]

Maybe they are moving up the date for owners to book?

[Laurabearz]

Oooh I might have to see if I can snag something up! Thanks for the heads up!

[Disney_Villain]

Maybe they are moving up the date for owners to book?

No. The plan is to have no separate booking dates for owners vs. non-owners.

[Disney_Villain]

I guess that was to be expected since Non-Founding Current DVC Members didn't get the chance to purchase before the general public either.

BLT owners got to book BLT two weeks before non-owners could. The same applied to THV with SSR owners.

[The Red Head]

That is not cool for the people that purchased there should be some sort of advance booking.

[JimMIA]

No. The plan is to have no separate booking dates for owners vs. non-owners.
I don't own at VCG, but this stinks. I wonder what their rationale is??? :confused3

Why would they NOT give owners preference? Frankly, it sounds like a bone-headed decision.

[kerickson]

Why would they make this exception for the month of Dec, one of the highest demand periods for DVC? Doesn't make any sense and I don't think it will stand.

Our contract states:
"...in no event shall the home resort priority period be for less than a period of one (1) month prior to the period during which the other club members have a right to reserve that vacation home during that use day."

The above language should cover us when an opening date is within the 7mo period.

Anyone know TJKRAZ's source? Has this officially been communicated by DVC yet?

[CarolMN]

Two thoughts n-

1. Where are you getting this info? Either you haven't copied it exactly or it isn't official. Can't believe Disney would ever publish someth8ing using those words. :)


2. What's in the VGC POS?

My understanding was that owners are guananteed at least a 1 month booking advantage. Is there language in the POS for VGC that says that doesn't apply for some period when the resort first opens?

[Dean]

Actually the problem is that they did allow a priority for recent resorts when the rules of the club did not allow it since they all opened within 7 months of taking reservations. Hopefully they are rectifying that situation going forward.

[JimMIA]

Two thoughts n-

1. Where are you getting this info? Either you haven't copied it exactly or it isn't official. Can't believe Disney would ever publish someth8ing using those words. :)If I understand OP's post, they are not quoting DVC -- they are quoting an article on DVC News by Tim. Tim -- not DVC -- was saying it's "...unfortunate" and I agree with him.

[toocherie]

Actually the problem is that they did allow a priority for recent resorts when the rules of the club did not allow it since they all opened within 7 months of taking reservations. Hopefully they are rectifying that situation going forward.

Dean--just curious as to your rationale for this. Assuming the post above is correct, how do you juxtapose the language that an owner will get a one-month priority with the booking opening less than 7 months prior to resort opening? If anything, I would interpret that to mean that BLT/Kidani owners got cheated out of two weeks of booking priority by only have two weeks priority.

[dwelty]

Anyone know TJKRAZ's source? Has this officially been communicated by DVC yet?

I work with Tim over at DVCNews.com His source was a high level spokesperson for DVC.

[Dean]

Dean--just curious as to your rationale for this. Assuming the post above is correct, how do you juxtapose the language that an owner will get a one-month priority with the booking opening less than 7 months prior to resort opening? If anything, I would interpret that to mean that BLT/Kidani owners got cheated out of two weeks of booking priority by only have two weeks priority.The rules say that within 7 months all members are able to book. That owners can book at 11 months up to 7 months without other competition. The way I interpret the POS, they'd have to start taking reservations prior to 7 months out to satisfy the letter of the rules.
I do understand the competing issue of getting a home resort priority vs this issue but as I said, see no way to justify an arbitrary home resort priority within the 7 months window.

[ACDSNY]

Not a happy camper!!! :headache: :mad: :scared:

[dwelty]

The rules say that within 7 months all members are able to book. That owners can book at 11 months up to 7 months without other competition. The way I interpret the POS, they'd have to start taking reservations prior to 7 months out to satisfy the letter of the rules.
I do understand the competing issue of getting a home resort priority vs this issue but as I said, see no way to justify an arbitrary home resort priority within the 7 months window.

"In no event shall the home resort priority period be for less than a period of one (1) month prior to the period during which the other club members have a right to reserve that vacation home during that use day."

Dean I just see no way around the "in no event" statement. This is very strongly worded. I see no equally strongly worded statement in the document that that guarentees the same for booking at another resort within the 7 month period. I take that statement to mean "no matter what" which would trump any other booking policy. I would not call it arbitrary, since "in no event" is not used when referring to the 7 month window.

Personally this policy does not affect me, I am not booking until late June 2010. But I could see how others might have a problem with it.

[drewmisha]

When did bookings for BLT start for the owners? Was it early feb/09? If that was the case, that booking period should be within 7 months since BLT opens early august/09.

Maybe we should email DVC member satifaction about this....



The rules say that within 7 months all members are able to book. That owners can book at 11 months up to 7 months without other competition. The way I interpret the POS, they'd have to start taking reservations prior to 7 months out to satisfy the letter of the rules.
I do understand the competing issue of getting a home resort priority vs this issue but as I said, see no way to justify an arbitrary home resort priority within the 7 months window.

[Dean]

"In no event shall the home resort priority period be for less than a period of one (1) month prior to the period during which the other club members have a right to reserve that vacation home during that use day."

Dean I just see no way around the "in no event" statement. This is very strongly worded. I see no equally strongly worded statement in the document that that guarentees the same for booking at another resort within the 7 month period. I take that statement to mean "no matter what" which would trump any other booking policy. I would not call it arbitrary, since "in no event" is not used when referring to the 7 month window.

Personally this policy does not affect me, I am not booking until late June 2010. But I could see how others might have a problem with it.YMMV. My reading suggests to me that this is a long term statement that would not necessarily apply to opening. As I noted, I realize there is conflict within the POS in this circumstance. Even for the resorts that had a reservation priority, it was never 1 month on opening. I don't believe HH, VB or BWV had any priority.
Members who wish to reserve Vacation Homes at other DVC Resorts may begin requesting reservations seven (7) months in advance of their desired check in day, plus up to seven (7) consecutive days after the desired check in day. During this period, all Club Members will be able to request reservations at all DVC Resorts.The way I read it is any member would be able to reserve at 7 months out and the 11/10 priority is a long term statement. I do not read it as guaranteeing a 1 month priority no matter when the timing starts. I do not believe this comes under the Pre-opening rules, if it did, DVC/DVD could essentially do anything they wanted to.

[lisah0711]

While I think that this is a terrible idea on Disney's part, if true, it seems to me that those of us who waited and waited for VGC have a tendency to overestimate VGC's popularity with the average DVC member -- remember how the points were going to sell out before it even made it to the public for sale?

[Sammie]

Didn't the same thing happen when BCV's opened. :confused3 Not saying it is the right thing to do but I was thinking it has happened before.

[justkeepswimmin]

:mad:
Just signed docs and have not sent them off yet but this could throw a serious wrench in our december plans and I think it stinks.

The more I read on these boards and the general crappy experience I have had with the CA DVC office and I am thinking my love affair w/ DVC is wearing off a little. They are certainly within their right to do this I suppose but I still think it leads to poor customer satisfaction and makes me feel that Disney is not putting as high a value on this as they used to.

[KAT4DISNEY]

This is actually the first VGC action that could benefit me since I won't be getting 2009 VGC points but do have some other 08 points I'll be banking that I could use instead. Overall DVC just has not shown the love to the early purchasers of VGC - most esp. the founding members IMO, but that seems to be a trend they've followed for many of the new resorts.

[Inkmahm]

I don't own at VCG, but this stinks. I wonder what their rationale is??? :confused3

Why would they NOT give owners preference? Frankly, it sounds like a bone-headed decision.
Agreed. It makes no sense at all!

[fishermouse]

Agreed. It makes no sense at all!
If I had to guess, and this is 100%speculation. The number of points sold compared to rooms available probably does not warrant an early reservation time. It will be interesting to hear if any new owners have trouble booking over the next couple weeks. The availability of low cost resale has to be affecting new sales. We considered GCV but for what I can buy SSR or even BWV I'll take my chances at 7 months if I want GCV.

[Disney_Villain]

The number of points sold compared to rooms available probably does not warrant an early reservation time.

Actually, having a small percentage of units declared to inventory is a good reason to allow home resort owners a small advance booking window. This is what we VGC owners now face without it:


Assuming (as a guess only) that 50% of VGC units have been declared, that makes only 25 2BR units available.
On June 7th, VGC owners try to book for December 2009 - but they are now competing with any other DVC owners for the handful of available 25 2BRs (declared at this point).


As all of us here know, December is the highest demand month for DVC resorts. This is a very good reason to allow VGC owners the same 2 week advance intitial booking window that was afforded to BLT owners (and SSR owners for THV).

[Disney_Villain]

. . . that seems to be a trend they've followed for many of the new resorts.

I don't see that trend. DVC did it for BLT and THV. Those are the new resorts immediately preceeding VGC.

[Disney_Villain]

:mad: Just signed docs and have not sent them off yet but this could throw a serious wrench in our december plans and I think it stinks.

I am sorry to hear that you have December plans for VGC. If I were in your situation, I'd be making backup plans.

[SuzanneSLO]

. . . As all of us here know, December is the highest demand month for DVC resorts. This is a very good reason to allow VGC owners the same 2 week advance intitial booking window that was afforded to BLT owners (and SSR owners for THV).

As this is the first DVC resort in CA, that trend for WDW may not hold true, if for no other reason that Dec is not during the cheapest season for points at GVC as it is for the WDW resorts. Still, I woudl suspect that NYE will be as popular at GCV as it is at WDW, so that may be reason enough to give a home resort advantage for opening bookings. -- Suzanne

[pycees312]

hmmm hoping i get get my annual Dec and March trips......

[Brancaneve]

Is anyone planning on going to VGC on the first night it opens(Nov. 30th)? It seems like a poor date to open because it is a Monday after Thanksgiving weekend when traditionally students go back to school and parents go back to work. Is anyone planning on taking their kids out of school to do this? We are!!!!

[Quilter007]

I asked today after getting every single last DP used & was told that they don't know when VGC reservations can be made. Sigh! We are planning 1st week of Jan -- hopefully that's after most peope have to be back in school. Keeping fingers crossed! :eek:

[M4travels]

A bit disappointed if this occurs as we are hoping for the first or second weekend of December (whichever they announce for Candlelight Processional weekend) and we'd rather have some chance but it won't be the end all if we do get bumped. We're going to be there (DLR) anyway so we will have someplace to put our heads....just would rather it be in our new home.

[disney4metoo]

Dean--just curious as to your rationale for this. Assuming the post above is correct, how do you juxtapose the language that an owner will get a one-month priority with the booking opening less than 7 months prior to resort opening? If anything, I would interpret that to mean that BLT/Kidani owners got cheated out of two weeks of booking priority by only have two weeks priority.

Could you please tell me what page and number of your contract you found this information. I want to find it myself and pass it onto my guide!

[disney4metoo]

The rules say that within 7 months all members are able to book. That owners can book at 11 months up to 7 months without other competition. The way I interpret the POS, they'd have to start taking reservations prior to 7 months out to satisfy the letter of the rules.
I do understand the competing issue of getting a home resort priority vs this issue but as I said, see no way to justify an arbitrary home resort priority within the 7 months window.


But how could BLT/Kidani owners have a few weeks prior booking period than regular members, and this not be extended to VGC?

[disney4metoo]

If I understand OP's post, they are not quoting DVC -- they are quoting an article on DVC News by Tim. Tim -- not DVC -- was saying it's "...unfortunate" and I agree with him.
My guide verified the news! No difference between owners/non owners making reservations on June 7th.

[bwvBound]

A bit disappointed if this occurs as we are hoping for the first or second weekend of December (whichever they announce for Candlelight Processional weekend) ...I thought that was always first weekend?

[Dean]

But how could BLT/Kidani owners have a few weeks prior booking period than regular members, and this not be extended to VGC?That's what I said initially. The fact it happened the way it did with BLT, SSR & AKV was the surprise to me, not this. And those weren't a full month either, not sure about SST though as I remember it being negative to otehr owners for other resorts as well.

[SuzanneSLO]

I thought that was always first weekend?

I agree that historically the CP has been held the first full weekend of December, however, Disney almost never officially announces it until a month or 2 in advance. Rumors of the exact dates start to float on the internet in the late summer or early Fall as those involved in the choir begin their preparations. In 2007, we tried unsuccessfully to get a CP dining package in DL when they went on sale less than 2 weeks before the event!

As this is fairly typical of many things at DL, I find it hard to plan trips to DL too far in advance and this is one of the reasons that I felt owning a DVC at DL made no sense for me. Last year, we gave up on DL and went to CP at WDW, with the dining package booked in July. -- Suzanne

[Disney_Villain]

It looks like DVC has changed their plan and is allowing us a 2-week booking advantage on the VGC!

We called our guide at Doorway to Dreams today and asked her to verify the booking day(s) for the VGC. She took a moment to reference this information below:


June 7th is the 1st booking day for VGC owners exclusively
June 22nd is the 1st booking day for all members

[wildernessDad]

It looks like DVC has changed their plan and is allowing us a 2-week booking advantage on the VGC!

We called our guide at Doorway to Dreams today and asked her to verify the booking day(s) for the VGC. She took a moment to reference this information below:


June 7th is the 1st booking day for VGC owners exclusively
June 22nd is the 1st booking day for all members


Glad to hear it!

[tjkraz]

It looks like DVC has changed their plan and is allowing us a 2-week booking advantage on the VGC!

We called our guide at Doorway to Dreams today and asked her to verify the booking day(s) for the VGC. She took a moment to reference this information below:


June 7th is the 1st booking day for VGC owners exclusively
June 22nd is the 1st booking day for all members


I suspect that is outdated information. Before BLT bookings were accepted, DVC circulated one set of dates amongst its staff and then ended up changing the schedule.

I had heard rumors of the 7th and 22nd dates and contacted someone in DVC PR to confirm. The response I was given is that both members and non-members could book on the 7th. I re-confirmed and got the same response.

DVC could certainly change the plan again over the next 7 weeks, but I am confident that they currently intend to take bookings from both VGC owners and non-owners on June 7th.

[KAT4DISNEY]

Overall DVC just has not shown the love to the early purchasers of VGC - most esp. the founding members IMO, but that seems to be a trend they've followed for many of the new resorts.

I don't see that trend. DVC did it for BLT and THV. Those are the new resorts immediately preceeding VGC.

You misunderstood and only looked at part of my sentence - I wasn't referencing the early booking priority with that statement. My reference is to the trend of DVC doing less/or charging more to founding members and early purchasers - ie, not showing the love. At AKV founding members paid more than later discounted prices and went thru the whole tapestry debaucle. At BLT the early purchasers had the point charts changed after only a few months - and without ever even being able to stay there! And by that point the 100 pt minimum add on was in effect. At VGC the greater discounts happened immediately after the founding member period, and they pulled the change in minimum add-on's from 25 to 100. With all of this in mind I'm not at all surprised that there may not be a priority booking period for owners.

But.....the one obvious thing is that DVC can and will change their mind if they get called out on silly decisions so that may still happen here.

[CarolA]

If I understand OP's post, they are not quoting DVC -- they are quoting an article on DVC News by Tim. Tim -- not DVC -- was saying it's "...unfortunate" and I agree with him.

I expect that the above was "rumor" and that DVC did NOT change it's policy... the internet just got "hysterical" again for no good reason LOL!

[disney4metoo]

My guide is getting me an email address to send complaints to DVC Members Satisfaction Team! I will post asap, when I get it. At least we can all send emails to voice our grievances.

[bethy]

This TOTALLY pisses me off! And I'm not even planning to go there till like Dec 2010 or even Spring 2011! I will send an email anyway and call my guide. I have turned a blind eye to a bunch of other stuff - mostly because I felt I knew what I was getting into and what the trade-offs with DVC are. But this is seriously beyond the pale!

[DVC Mike]

I hope DVC changes its mind, as it's just not fair to VGC owners not to get the exclusive chance to book the first few weeks.

It won't impact me, as I won't be staying there until 2011.

[stopher1]

I hope DVC changes its mind, as it's just not fair to VGC owners not to get the exclusive chance to book the first few weeks.

It won't impact me, as I won't be staying there until 2011.

I agree with Mike. It won't impact us since our first stay won't be until either November 2010 or January 2011 - but I don't like it and hope that whenever it is officially announced that they don't go with this reported plan.

[harpetj]

I'm going to hold off telling my husband until I know for sure owners will have no priority booking when ressies start :rolleyes1. He is going to go through the roof!!! We added-on as founding members and he has been looking so forward to celebrating our son's 1st birthday at the beginning of December at our new "home". Hopefully it will work out for us! We'll wait and see....popcorn::

[amyup]

My guide is getting me an email address to send complaints to DVC Members Satisfaction Team! I will post asap, when I get it. At least we can all send emails to voice our grievances.

I will be sending an email! My plan was the second weekend in December and am annoyed if this ends up being true.

[kerickson]

I will also send a mail. My plans are for the 4th week of Dec. I've prepared myself to not be too disappointed if another VGC member books up the last room, but if a non member were to book ahead of me after I just plunked down $$$, I'll be very upset.

I just can't fathom who in DVC thought this was a 'good idea' given VGC's small size.

[bethy]

I'm going to hold off telling my husband until I know for sure owners will have no priority booking when ressies start :rolleyes1. He is going to go through the roof!!! We added-on as founding members and he has been looking so forward to celebrating our son's 1st birthday at the beginning of December at our new "home". Hopefully it will work out for us! We'll wait and see....popcorn::

I hear you here. Thank goodness my DH doesn't keep up on this stuff because I don't want him to EVER find out that a) the minimum purchase of 100 pts was discontinued and b) the prices are so much lower now. I think I am actually doing him a favor by not sharing these things. I kinda suspected this would happen - based on DVC's previous treatment of Founding members for other resorts. :sad2:

[pycees312]

hmm well hopefully we'll see something posted soon online about this booking advantage if it is so.. DVC powers that be it's only the right thing to do.

[toocherie]

I just don't understand this. Are they really so dense they don't think people (i.e., Founding Members especially) aren't going to be a little ticked off that the entire DVC membership can book on the first day? especially since this year they've already given home resort booking advantage to owners twice? Why the difference for VGC?

I'm getting my ducks in a row to send a reasoned letter to Member Services, including citing the docs, so would appreciate the email address given by the guide. (and p.s.--my guide confirmed this news too)

edited to add: I hadn't fully decided yet whether to book for December or not (or at least, try to)--but the principle of the matter is what gets me--why is VGC different from the other 2009 opening resorts?

[SoCalKDG]

Is it possible that legally they have to allow all people inside 7 months the oppurtunity to book and that they came under fire during previous openings at other resorts?

I've always taken the 11/7 with the 1 month minimum meaning DVC could change things from 11/7 to 8/7. In this case we are inside 7 months thus the 1 month min. has no bearing on this case?

I'm a VGC member but thankfully not booking until June 2010. One possibility for owners that can't get VGC is to book DLH or PPH with points. We VGC owners also need to remember that this is only affecting 2 months out of 600 months of ownership or less than 1% of our ownership.

[LIFERBABE]

I hear you here. Thank goodness my DH doesn't keep up on this stuff because I don't want him to EVER find out that a) the minimum purchase of 100 pts was discontinued and b) the prices are so much lower now. I think I am actually doing him a favor by not sharing these things. I kinda suspected this would happen - based on DVC's previous treatment of Founding members for other resorts. :sad2:

Yes, that is why I waited also. After AKV, I will not be the first in line to purchase another DVC resort. I waited 2 months for BLT and still ended up with a founding member tile. It's like they skim all the cream off the top first and then they treat everyone else better.

This is a very poor precedence to set and VGC owners should be given some kind of head start. We paid 11 month money for these points and they should be given the full advantage. If not, then these points need to be discounted.

I wont be affected, but I will write a letter to DVC regarding this if it is confirmed.

[disney4metoo]

Why would they make this exception for the month of Dec, one of the highest demand periods for DVC? Doesn't make any sense and I don't think it will stand.

Our contract states:
"...in no event shall the home resort priority period be for less than a period of one (1) month prior to the period during which the other club members have a right to reserve that vacation home during that use day."

The above language should cover us when an opening date is within the 7mo period.

Anyone know TJKRAZ's source? Has this officially been communicated by DVC yet?
Can you tell me where you found this verbiage in your contract? I need this information to pass onto my guide!

[disney4metoo]

I will also send a mail. My plans are for the 4th week of Dec. I've prepared myself to not be too disappointed if another VGC member books up the last room, but if a non member were to book ahead of me after I just plunked down $$$, I'll be very upset.

I just can't fathom who in DVC thought this was a 'good idea' given VGC's small size.


I am very upset too! What the point of buying VGC for this year if I can use my AKV points there instead!:mad: We still have our contract in hand, I might not send it in until this is resolved!

[disney4metoo]

Here is the email address to express your grievances to DVC member services, send it to every DVC member you know!

dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com


Maybe we can turn this thing around! Get typing!

[drewmisha]

I sent this yesterday to DVC:

Dear DVC,

I have heard that as new owners of the Grand Californian Villas, we are not afforded the same two week booking advantage given to the owners of the Bay Lake Towers and the SSR Treehouse villas. I am dismayed and disappointed to hear of this action.

As owners of these new villas, we take pride of this new DVC offering. Since the villas are opening on 11/30/09 and within the 7 month booking period (6/07/09), we will be competing against other non-VGC owners for the coveted December month.

I hope you will reconsider and allow us to have the two week booking advantage.

Thanks for your attention


Here is the email address to express your grievances to DVC member services, send it to every DVC member you know!

dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com


Maybe we can turn this thing around! Get typing!

[justkeepswimmin]

Here is the email address to express your grievances to DVC member services, send it to every DVC member you know!

dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com


Maybe we can turn this thing around! Get typing!

I will send an email. Thanks for this info. My dh called the DVC main # yesterday and was told that VGC owners would have a minimum 10 day booking advantage but I know that misinformation is common so I am not sure what to believe.

We will not send in our docs until we get a definitive answer on this. I am sure they could care less about loosing our measly 160 point contract but I have been less than impressed with my limited experience so far with DVC operations and I always trust my instincts on stuff like this. It sucks too because my dh is way excited about this purchase but knows that when my spidey senses start tingly, all bets are off.

[disney4metoo]

I will send an email. Thanks for this info. My dh called the DVC main # yesterday and was told that VGC owners would have a minimum 10 day booking advantage but I know that misinformation is common so I am not sure what to believe.

We will not send in our docs until we get a definitive answer on this. I am sure they could care less about loosing our measly 160 point contract but I have been less than impressed with my limited experience so far with DVC operations and I always trust my instincts on stuff like this. It sucks too because my dh is way excited about this purchase but knows that when my spidey senses start tingly, all bets are off.

My guide verified that no VGC owners would not get advance booking advantage.
I am also holding on to our contract, until I hear otherwise. I also stated my intent to hold onto my contract in my email; maybe, just maybe if enough of us voice of grievances they will listen.

[SoCalKDG]

Just remember that this is only 2 months out of a total of 600 months of ownership that is keeping people from buying what they originally planned to buy. I see being upset, but this affects less than 1% of our total ownership, which equates to approx. $150 out of $15,000. To me the incentives more than make up for this. Buy before is sells out and you regret in the future.

As mentioned the DLH and PPH are options in December with the DLH having better views currently (DCA is very much torn up right now).

Remember that this purchase is a long term vacation plan.

[bethy]

Just remember that this is only 2 months out of a total of 600 months of ownership that is keeping people from buying what they originally planned to buy. I see being upset, but this affects less than 1% of our total ownership, which equates to approx. $150 out of $15,000. To me the incentives more than make up for this. Buy before is sells out and you regret in the future.

As mentioned the DLH and PPH are options in December with the DLH having better views currently (DCA is very much torn up right now).

Remember that this purchase is a long term vacation plan.

Yes but how hard would it be for MS to simply check to see if someone's a VGC owner when they call to book? 2 weeks of glancing at a listing of the member's specific contracts is hardly in inconvenience - they have to do that anyway. And I don't think the rest of the DVC membership would blink an eye about it.

I'm glad it doesn't bother you. But it does bother me and that's my reality.

[disney4metoo]

Just remember that this is only 2 months out of a total of 600 months of ownership that is keeping people from buying what they originally planned to buy. I see being upset, but this affects less than 1% of our total ownership, which equates to approx. $150 out of $15,000. To me the incentives more than make up for this. Buy before is sells out and you regret in the future.

As mentioned the DLH and PPH are options in December with the DLH having better views currently (DCA is very much torn up right now).

Remember that this purchase is a long term vacation plan.

Except that we had planned to be there the first week of December. Our AP expire on the second week and we will not be renewing our AP's until 2010, because next year we are going to WDW.

My parents are old and and were going with us in December. My dad has prostate cancer and it has already metastasize to the bone. A December trip would still be doable for them, plus they love the Christmas decorations.

Having a kitchen because of dietary needs, was a real benefit. So for me timing is a issue, and one of the reasons I purchased. It's the principle too, it's unfair that a precedence has been set them removed without informing us prior to buying.

[toocherie]

Yes but how hard would it be for MS to simply check to see if someone's a VGC owner when they call to book? 2 weeks of glancing at a listing of the member's specific contracts is hardly in inconvenience - they have to do that anyway. And I don't think the rest of the DVC membership would blink an eye about it.

I'm glad it doesn't bother you. But it does bother me and that's my reality.

It bothers me too--makes me feel like a second-class citizen in some ways. Even though I spent a lot of $$$$$$. And yes, I wouldn't personally cut off my nose to spite my face but that doesn't mean I can't still be ticked off.

[BWV Dreamin]

I wonder if there is just so much availability right now, other than Christmas or Thanksgiving week, many will get a reservation, owners or not? Owners should have booking priority for the popular holiday periods, at the least! I wonder if sales are just so slow, they are trying to book the rooms as quickly as possible?

[justkeepswimmin]

Just remember that this is only 2 months out of a total of 600 months of ownership that is keeping people from buying what they originally planned to buy. I see being upset, but this affects less than 1% of our total ownership, which equates to approx. $150 out of $15,000. To me the incentives more than make up for this. Buy before is sells out and you regret in the future.

As mentioned the DLH and PPH are options in December with the DLH having better views currently (DCA is very much torn up right now).

Remember that this purchase is a long term vacation plan.

I understand your point. The thing is I am not willing to accept what I consider to be poor treatment when I have choice in the matter. It is not worth it to me and the fact that there will already be a precedent for a different standard of treatment for California DVC owners vs. Florida DVC owners who bought at those 2 new properties is a sore spot for me. I can pay cash to stay at DLH or PPH in December and already have two rooms tennatively reserved with a discount pin code. Will I regret it when things sell out and all this has blown over? Maybe. But I also see a trend in DVC not being so concerned about member satisfaction based on board posts here and elsewhere. People say "oh they'll never invoke that minimum stay clause in the contract because too many people would be upset". Given actions like these, I wouldn't be so sure.

[toocherie]

So, I had my assistant looking through my docs today for the language regarding home resort owners having a one-month priority. she couldn't find it--so being the enterprising person she is she called Quality Assurance. And they called back and left me a message as to where the language is and confirming that THE HOME RESORT OWNER WILL NEVER HAVE LESS THAN ONE MONTH PRIORITY BOOKING OVER OTHER OWNERS!!!! LOL--of course I kept the message--and will call the guy back tomorrow and ask him if he's talked to the right hand lately . . . . .

[disney4metoo]

So, I had my assistant looking through my docs today for the language regarding home resort owners having a one-month priority. she couldn't find it--so being the enterprising person she is she called Quality Assurance. And they called back and left me a message as to where the language is and confirming that THE HOME RESORT OWNER WILL NEVER HAVE LESS THAN ONE MONTH PRIORITY BOOKING OVER OTHER OWNERS!!!! LOL--of course I kept the message--and will call the guy back tomorrow and ask him if he's talked to the right hand lately . . . . .

Please let me know where this section is in our contracts, it would be most helpful!

[nunzia]

I understand your point. The thing is I am not willing to accept what I consider to be poor treatment when I have choice in the matter. It is not worth it to me and the fact that there will already be a precedent for a different standard of treatment for California DVC owners vs. Florida DVC owners who bought at those 2 new properties is a sore spot for me. I can pay cash to stay at DLH or PPH in December and already have two rooms tennatively reserved with a discount pin code. Will I regret it when things sell out and all this has blown over? Maybe. But I also see a trend in DVC not being so concerned about member satisfaction based on board posts here and elsewhere. People say "oh they'll never invoke that minimum stay clause in the contract because too many people would be upset". Given actions like these, I wouldn't be so sure.

I really understand how you feel. I was sooo upset that they changed the maximum purchases allowed by Founders because, not only was I worried it would sell out during the Founder's period, but also that they so casually changed what had been in a contract! To me, this set off red flags..I thought contracts were contracts so things were set in stone. Then, I was a little upset that current that DVC owners got no buying window before the general population, but as we all know, that's worked out fine. I really think the economy has hit DVC, and I'm shocked VGC haven't sold out.
Yes..this could be a hint of how we VGC owners will be treated or it could just be that DVC is scrambling to fill rooms that they feel will remain empty. I understand your wanting to go in December (I never get to do that until DH retires...spay and neuter month, you know!), and you very well may still get to. I just hope people being angry at one thing don't give up their 50 years of VCG. I still think that in a year or so this property will be sold out and that owners will be glad they own.
I do hope they change this and give owners a booking window.

[WebmasterDoc]

So, I had my assistant looking through my docs today for the language regarding home resort owners having a one-month priority. she couldn't find it--so being the enterprising person she is she called Quality Assurance. And they called back and left me a message as to where the language is and confirming that THE HOME RESORT OWNER WILL NEVER HAVE LESS THAN ONE MONTH PRIORITY BOOKING OVER OTHER OWNERS!!!! LOL--of course I kept the message--and will call the guy back tomorrow and ask him if he's talked to the right hand lately . . . . .

That quote is in the POS for every DVC resort. It refers to the Home Resort Reservation Priority, which is currently a 4 month advantage at your Home Resort, but it could be changed to as little as the 1 month advantage mentioned in the quoted section.

However, as each recent new resort has opened and reservations didn't start until within 7 months, the priority has been reduced for initial reservations - to 2 weeks most recently for AKV and BLT owners. The precedent of a smaller initial reservation advantage has certainly been established for reservations at each new resort since OKW. It doesn't make sense to me why they would deviate from that pattern with GCV.

Keep in mind that non-GCV owners will still be limited to making reservations only within 7 months while GCV owners will still be able to make reservations 11 months in advance.

[SuzanneSLO]

Maybe the real reason for a single booking date is that DVC is now projecting an opening date of mid-Jan 2010. So non-home resort owners can call on June 7, but every date will be outside the 7 month window. -- Suzanne

[Disney_Villain]

I sent my note off to the DVC Member Satisfaction Team last night:

TO: dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com

Dear DVC Member Satisfaction Team,

We were told that bookings for Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa (VGC) would begin on June 7th, 2009 - for VGC owners only - and that on June 22nd, 2009 all members would be able to book VGC. This information came from ****, the DVC guide at Doorway to Dreams who sold us our VGC contract.

Despite this information, rumors are beginning to surface that on June 7th, 2009 any DVC members will be able to book the VGC – and that there will be no separate advance booking date for VGC owners (as there was for Bay Lake Tower and Tree House Villas). If this is true, then this is certainly not fair to those of us who bought into VGC.

Could you please confirm ****'s statement that there will be a separate advance booking date for VGC owners – and if her dates (above) are correct?

Thank you,

Ken

[SoCalKDG]

Maybe the real reason for a single booking date is that DVC is now projecting an opening date of mid-Jan 2010. So non-home resort owners can call on June 7, but every date will be outside the 7 month window. -- Suzanne
This makes lots of sense if the opening is delayed.

Its possible also that California law is different than Florida law. Remember that by giving a 2 week advantage during the openings of new resorts in Florida I believe that DVC was actually breaking the contract that states inside 7 months everyone can book any resort. In Florida they might have been able to get around this, in California, maybe not?

[Quilter007]

Not opening until Mid-January???? :scared:

[karrit2000]

When did the projected opening date get changed from Nov. 30? This is the first I've heard this.

[KAT4DISNEY]

When did the projected opening date get changed from Nov. 30? This is the first I've heard this.

It didn't - that was speculation that the VGC owners didn't need a priority booking timeframe b/c the opening would be outside of a 7 month window.

[kerickson]

It didn't - that was speculation that the VGC owners didn't need a priority booking timeframe b/c the opening would be outside of a 7 month window.

Don't think that will be the case, last I heard they were on target if not ahead of schedule (doesn't mean that they'd open earlier) for the Nov 30 opening.

[amyup]

I got a call from QA today about the email I sent. According to the person I spoke to a date hasn't been officially decided for bookings to begin. He completely agreed and would see no reason why VGC owners wouldn't at least have the same opportunity afforded to BLT owners....2 weeks before open to all DVC members. He did say he would pass along my concern to the higher ups. He also wanted to know where I got my info:)

I'm hoping he's right and nothing has been set for sure. I am impressed that I got a phone call in such a timely matter in response to my email.

Oh and I also complained about founding members getting the short end of the stick yet again!

[pycees312]

well i guess the good news is I dont have to use my VGC points to book a trip in December I can use my SSR......:lmao:
Save VGC for later..I wonder if this is a sales tactic? if folks book there and like it they may buy....

[OrthoDad]

Anyone heard any updates? Bumping this up...

[stopher1]

My guide just called (and Toocherie spoke with her's too - as seen on the Owner's Thread)

The construction is ahead of schedule, and apparently they will be opening the resort on September 23rd - 2 months early. Reservations for VGC owners will still begin on June 7th, and for everyone else on June 21st. Apparently this is supposed to be posted on the DVC member site later today. :thumbsup2

[DebbieB]

Wow! I have a reservation for the Grand Californian Hotel 9/20-25. I booked the 5 for 3 offer.