"Changes in the air" at MS??

[Beca]

So, I was reading the "no more Epcot view requests" thread regarding BCV. And, I just remembered how my mom called MS about a week ago to request a dedicated studio at BWV/VWL for her trip that she is taking right now. When she called MS, she was told by two different CM's that there is no such thing as dedicated studios at BWV or VWL....that they ALL adjoin to another room. Now, I have personally stayed at at dedicated studio in VWL, and have heard a LOT about the "studio plus's" at BWV.

So, my question is....do you think MS is starting to try to eliminate requests? And, if so...what prompted this new policy?

1) Just the overwhelming number of requests coming in
2) The recently posted "Why Castmembers hate DVC" thread
3) Our recent, "Do you think DVC ought to do away with requests" thread

It makes me wonder if "the powers that be" are keeping a much closer eye on these boards than I thought. If I remember correctly, the overwhelming response to #3 above was, "DVC should do away with requests other than non-HA and non-smoking". Maybe we are getting what we asked for.

I just find it VERY interesting!! I also wonder if all other requests are taken away, if non-HA and non-smoking will be requested a LOT more?

Just some rambling thoughts...I appreciate any feedback on this!!



Beca

 

[DukeStreetKing]

I don't think Disney would react that quickly to anything. If there are indeed changes being made, I would be reasonably sure that those changes were in the works for some time.

 

[lenshanem]

I personally am not gonna bother anymore with room requests such as views or locations other than non-smoking for my daughter's asthma and if a studio a non-handicap so the kids can have a bath.

I don't put much faith in getting room requests anymore anyway and as long as we get a non-smoking studio with a tub I don't care that much about the view or location. Sure, a nice view would be nice, but I feel the chances are slim so it will be just a nice surprise if we get one in the future.

I'm kinda over the whole thing and now that I know more about the worries of not getting a non-smoking or non-handicap it has kinda left a bad taste in my mouth. I never knew I would have to worry about such things when we joined.

I really wish they'd make these type of requests guarantees, cause if they weren't available I'd probably try to book another resort or change my dates. JMO

 

[CarolMN]

......(snip)....
So, my question is....do you think MS is starting to try to eliminate requests? ....(snip)......

No. I just think MS has recently hired a lot of new CMs and they are giving out incorrect information /don't understand the request.

FWIW, the CMs should know that "adjoining" means "next to each other -i.e., adjacent". "Connecting" means that there is a "door in between the rooms". Connecting rooms are always adjoining, but adjoining rooms are not always connecting rooms.

As you know, BWV does indeed have dedicated studios. It is true that there are no "connecting" studios (studios that connect to another studio). Studios that do connect, connect to a 1 bedroom, not another studio.

However by definition, all BWV studios do "adjoin" (are next to) to at least one other room, LOL.

Anyway, I think we are dealing with uninformed CMs, not a policy to eliminate requests.

Best wishes -

 

[newholidayx2]

does BCV have dedicated studios? this morn when I requested one I was told they didnt

 

[Simba's Mom]

They sure do. I stayed in a dedicated studio (#339) in 12/03.

 

[CarolA]

Well, I think assuming our threads caused anything gives us way too much power. I somehow doubt that was it LOL!

However, I think DVC should dramatically reduce the allowable requests just to make life easier on the check in CMs. Lots of members seem to think a "request" is equal to a God Given Right. Screaming at the CM since you didn't get the view of Epcot is WAY out of line and if that is what it takes to make some people behave then so be it.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I have grown to enjoy the surprise of the view. Most views are more than fine, and not requesting gives me chance to see them all.

Non smoking, non handicapped, and I'm very happy...

MG

 

[dyingtodisney]

I still would like the choice to request a certain view, but I am definitely one that will not give it a second thought if I don't receive it.

Oftentimes a less desirable view might be closer to a bus stop, or lobby activity, there's usually some kind of advantage to each type of room, IMHO

 

[colleen costello]

I agree with Shannon (as usual!) A nifty view is a nicety, but for my family, non-smoking and non-HC is a must. We had a HC studio once and it was awful for a family of 4. I WISH they would guarantee me NS and NHC and I could relax. I am to the point where if we were 4 in a studio, I would rather switch resorts than take a HC or smoking room. I don't think wanting a bathtub in a hotel room is being fussy!

 

[Beca]

I agree with Shannon (as usual!) A nifty view is a nicety, but for my family, non-smoking and non-HC is a must. We had a HC studio once and it was awful for a family of 4. I WISH they would guarantee me NS and NHC and I could relax. I am to the point where if we were 4 in a studio, I would rather switch resorts than take a HC or smoking room. I don't think wanting a bathtub in a hotel room is being fussy!

Ditto...especially "deluxe" accomodations (regarding the bathtub). I think a large percentage of the people would rather switch resorts than have a HA room. At least, it would be nice be given the choice.



Beca

 

[Disney Enthusiast]

I just stayed at BCV and when I arrived I mentioned to the clerk that I know they can't guarantee any requests, but I thought that I might mention my requests again just to "try" for them. I mentioned them to MS and they apparently typed them in because the clerk said all my requests had been met. Yippee. And they sure were. We had an awesome view of EPCOT and the fireworks.

I agree, though, that most views will be nice. I am a "view" person, esp. more now that I have 2 littles ones and get "stuck" in my room during nap times. But I'm sure that's the type "A" personality coming out in me and that I would be happy w/ most views. I think those MS people might have been trainees or something and didn't realize. It probably depends on who you get.

 

[MikeSquared]

I don't see why requests are such a problem, you can make requests at any hotel you book in advance. We make 3 requests in order of importance; non-smoking, top floor, Epcot view (or golf course view if at OKW). If people would keep it simple and remember that requests are not guaranteed there wouldn't be a problem. I also want to mention I don't particularly like the room ready policy, I'd rather wait to get my requests met then get a room immediately (like a 1st floor quiet pool which I'd hate). I also think the date you made your reservation should be more important. We make our reservations 11 (or 7) months out, why should someone that made reservations a month ago with the same requests get the room I requested at 11 months because they checked in earlier? Being able to make requests, and knowing that they all can't be met a small percentage of the time, is one of the things I like about DVC. We would never own a "regular" style timeshare, same unit, same week every year but I do have an expectation of getting a room I will enjoy being in since as a DVC owner I'm not a "park commando" and do spend time relaxing in the room.

 

[sandieb]

When I made our ressies for June, I wasn't going to ask for anything other than non-smoking. My happiness doesn't really depend on a certain view. The cast member from MS encouraged me to put in something, so I did request a 1st floor pool view. She laughed and said that was a first! Our Hilton Head ressies were simply for non-smoking. Sandie

 

[joepoe]

Well, I think assuming our threads caused anything gives us way too much power. I somehow doubt that was it LOL!

However, I think DVC should dramatically reduce the allowable requests just to make life easier on the check in CMs. Lots of members seem to think a "request" is equal to a God Given Right. Screaming at the CM since you didn't get the view of Epcot is WAY out of line and if that is what it takes to make some people behave then so be it.

You go, Carol!

My feeling after reading all these threads is this: If I pay more in points for something, I should get it. If not, and it is merely a request, and not for medical reasons, I should not complain about ANYTHING! That's just me.

 

[lenshanem]

I agree with Shannon (as usual!) A nifty view is a nicety, but for my family, non-smoking and non-HC is a must. We had a HC studio once and it was awful for a family of 4. I WISH they would guarantee me NS and NHC and I could relax. I am to the point where if we were 4 in a studio, I would rather switch resorts than take a HC or smoking room. I don't think wanting a bathtub in a hotel room is being fussy!

You are totally right! I don't think I'm a "naughty" DVC member just cause I want a tub in my room so I can bathe my kids and a non-smoking room so my daughter isn't using her inhaler all week long.

I'm really hoping we get better luck at OKW spring break.

 

[G00fyDad]

Maybe Om just sleepy but, MS?

 

[lenshanem]

MS is Member Services.

 

[CarolA]

Everyone on here has posted... I know they are just requests..... but I have read several trip reports, room reports etc on the DIS where it appears the whole trip was ruined because the room was TOO far from the elevator at BWV (the big offender in that category) or the view was of the pool and not the Boardwalk etc.....

Maybe we are all good, but lots of our fellow owners aren't.

 

[Valentine]

FYI... I am not a DVC member... YET.. but am seriously thinking about it.. that is why I read the boards here also... BUT just so you know.. ALL of the WDW resorts have been instructed to no longer take special requests via Fax.. as alot of people were doing.. so.. that has stopped... so, it is not only DVC that has been affected... Just to put your mind at ease...

Kathy