Designing an Equitable Allocation System

[sjdisneywedding]

LOL, Bicker, do you always talk to yourself?
Just teasing. I agree with all of your posts above. Folks forget that timeshares are meant to have nearly 100% coverage at any one time. In a points system, it would not work if there was only 100% coverage expected only at specific times.

can you explain how it wouldnt still be allowed to maintian 100% occupany (which by the way is incorrect). we are not taking rooms out of the mix.

same amount of rooms,
same amount of members
same amount of points issued

if you do not think there are 2 and 3 and 4 day dvc trips now than you are probablly mistaken.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Please try reading what you're replying to before replying. I never said anything about requests. I said "specific rooms."

actually sorry but you are the one who did not read MY post. I already said 50 times over I am referring to a system where NS and HA can be guarenteed at booking, not specicfic rooms.

You are the one who quoted my post then going on about specific rooms, which I never even mentioned.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Exactly. It's not a question: The timeshare is designed to withstand a very specific level of vacancy. There is no way to change that level of vacancy without violating the master deed.

again please tell me why it means vacany levels have to decrease. Theres no evidence of this whatsoever. Its a good arguement but theres no evidence supporting this.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

The purpose of this forum is to, "share information and tips," not "discuss issues." While discussing issues is allowed, of course, it isn't the purpose of the forum.

Obstensibly, especially in light of the that bit about sharing information and tips, I consider the folks who have been DVC members significantly longer than I have to be "experts," and greatly rely on and respect their input in this forum. Some of these folks have raised what I consider to be some rather significant counter-points -- points I wouldn't dismiss so quickly.

please try to the read posts before you reply

I never siad its the 'purpose' of this forum, I said why bother having a forum if we can not openly discuss issues. thanks for sharing the definition of a forum though

never said dvc members were not experts on certain aspects of using dvc. My point is that they/we are not experts in the hotel/timeshare reservation industry.

of course people have raised GREAT points-counterpoints. Thats the whole point. who the heck ever said requests at booking was a save all, life altering perfect, nothing-can-go-wrong process. Its just a different process with different pro's and con's. i dont see the harm at all in discussing experiences and throwing around ideas, good and bad.

everything can be improved upon, nothing is perfect

 

[dianeschlicht]

can you explain how it wouldnt still be allowed to maintian 100% occupany (which by the way is incorrect). we are not taking rooms out of the mix.

same amount of rooms,
same amount of members
same amount of points issued

if you do not think there are 2 and 3 and 4 day dvc trips now than you are probablly mistaken.

You misunderstood my statement.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I think you would have few people willing to make changes to a system that seems to work so well for so many.

We're not talking about a 50, 60 or even 80 percent satisfaction rate. The poll conducted several months ago, among this small pool of DVC owners who visit this board, showed a satisfaction rate of about 98%.

How can anyone really hope to improve on that?

I dont really remember that poll, I believe you just didnt see that one.

I am sure the satisfaction rate is certainly, BUT satisfaction is something that has a sliding scale to it. In other words, maybe the 98% will have a higher satisfaction rate.

Maybe you say who cares, satisfied is satisfied, but I would use myself(I know too new to even matter, right?) as an example.

I am satisfied with dvc overall, I am even mostly satisifed with granting requests at check in or during pre-assignment(as long as I knew which it was), but I would be most satisfied with time of booking requests.

you have to be careful with polls, they are limited in showing the big picture.

by the way you should go over and read the original doc poll, if you havent already. I just reread it and it seems theres quite a few unhappy campers, seems maybe that satisfaction rate may be dipping a bit.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

You misunderstood my statement.

sorry didnt mean to, I am not trying to get on you just really interested in why everyone thinks high occupancy couldnt be maintained

Its just something in my head that is not clicking for me. i was hoping someone could share.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think it not only CAN be maintained by that is the goal. What I meant is that NOT expecting 100% occupancy was unrealistic.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I think it not only CAN be maintained by that is the goal. What I meant is that NOT expecting 100% occupancy was unrealistic.

I gotcha

 

[sjdisneywedding]

For Disney it's a lose-lose proposition. Some hate the current system. And if they implemented changes, many would hate the new system. In the end, I suspect their best defense is that printed piece of paper we all signed that says nothing is guaranteed. At least Disney / DVC / DVD can use the "I toldja so" defense.

Does that mean the current system is the best that could exist? No. But if members can't even universally agree on a system that is better, I can't imagine DVC choosing to walk that plank.

well if that isnt the truth.....
aint much fun though for us trying to debate

 

[OneMoreTry]

Isn't the debate about what's popular versus what's fair?

Room ready may be popular because the majority don't book right at 11 months, but is it the fairest system? I don't think so. I think priority should be given to those that plan ahead and book early. Priority should include: NS, HA and general room category. Each resort could have 3 categories, like Boardwalk does.

That should be doable 100% of the time. Or at least that should be the goal and work should continue until it is reached.


On a slightly different note:
After guests leave a "Sniffer" should check each NS room for the presence of smoke. If needed the room should be de-smoked. If the Sniffer STILL detects smoke the room should be held vacant and aired out until the Sniffer is satisfied. It should be highly paid and I volunteer as I have a sensitive nose.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Isn't the debate about what's popular versus what's fair?

Room ready may be popular because the majority don't book right at 11 months, but is it the fairest system? I don't think so. I think priority should be given to those that plan ahead and book early. Priority should include: NS, HA and general room category. Each resort could have 3 categories, like Boardwalk does.

That should be doable 100% of the time. Or at least that should be the goal and work should continue until it is reached.


On a slightly different note:
After guests leave a "Sniffer" should check each NS room for the presence of smoke. If needed the room should be de-smoked. If the Sniffer STILL detects smoke the room should be held vacant and aired out until the Sniffer is satisfied. It should be highly paid and I volunteer as I have a sensitive nose.

Its a great point. I sense alot of people who do not have a problem with the current system are probably either those early arrivers and/or late bookers who feel they either have nothing to gain or a lot to lose.

From my point of view though, I just cant see how anyone can really argue which system is fairest. book early get your request, how in the world could anything be more fair than that and thats coming from someone who arrives about as early as anyone and usually doesnt book at 11 months

I probably would lose out of some requests in a new system, but that doesnt mean I cant agree that it would fairer.

Plus the fact it puts more emphasis and benefit to your home resort. Theres always the posts going around "whats the benefit to your home resort". Well lets add to that, it significantly increases your chances to receive your room requests since you will be booking there early than other guests.

how messed up is it that as a SSr member I can walk up at 10 am and get the last NS room at BWV, when a BWV member walks up at 10:15 and cant get a NS room at his/her own resort when they may have booked at 11 months and I may have booked at 11 weeks

 

[CarolMN]

...(snip)..... Maybe this is discussed at the condo meetings, I don't know...I haven't been to WDW while they were going on...but, I will be there this year and plan to go. I hope this is an issue I get the chance to address. I would love to have some answers.....

Beca - Hope you get the chance to ask the question - there has been short period (45 -60 minutes) at the end of the business meetings for members to ask questions. But based on the two annual meetings I've attended, I doubt there will be any meaningful answers given at the meeting. Would still love a report, though. Please do one, OK? The timing for me doesn't work out to attend this year, drat!

Best wishes -

 

[CarolMN]

Isn't the debate about what's popular versus what's fair?...(snip).......... but is it the fairest system? ......

What's fair?

In Minnesota, the Fair is in August.

In Iowa, it's the place where you take your pig.

Not sure what/where it is in other places.

While it can be fun to discuss, arguing about "what is fair" is pointless -unless you get everyone to agree on the definition of fair. Ain't gonna happen.

Best wishes-


P.S. Just thought this thread needed a little humor. OneMoreTry - thanks for being my "straightman" . Hope I didn't offend as I don't mean to.

 

[Beca]

Beca - Hope you get the chance to ask the question - there has been short period (45 -60 minutes) at the end of the business meetings for members to ask questions. But based on the two annual meetings I've attended, I doubt there will be any meaningful answers given at the meeting. Would still love a report, though. Please do one, OK? The timing for me doesn't work out to attend this year, drat!

Best wishes -

CarolMN...I will certainly do that (although, I think my family may "ditch" me on this one) they think I am "nuts" for wanting to go...but, they don't obsess about this as much as I do. And, now that all of our points are at one resort, and we are actually staying there....there seems to be no reason for me NOT to go...besides, I think it could be really interesting. I guess I am not expecting "much" in the way of DVC wanting to hear our "suggestions", but if not at the condo meeting...then when?

bicker...I have never received a survey card. I didn't even know they existed. Maybe DVC DOES like you better!!!

 

[crisi]

Its a great point. I sense alot of people who do not have a problem with the current system are probably either those early arrivers and/or late bookers who feel they either have nothing to gain or a lot to lose.

From my point of view though, I just cant see how anyone can really argue which system is fairest. book early get your request, how in the world could anything be more fair than that and thats coming from someone who arrives about as early as anyone and usually doesnt book at 11 months

If we narrow this down to "guarentee non-smoking" like you want to, I'd agree. The problem is that not everyone cares about the same thing. Some really do value location above smoking preference. Some value early check in. Sometimes that changes with the trip for the same person. So lets say eleven months out I book a room. The ONLY thing I care about is being close to turtle pond. I don't care a whit about smoking preference. I'm put in a non-smoking building because that's what's close to turtle pond (I don't know OKW that well and this may be completely wrong, perhaps I should pick a better example). Nine months out you come along. The only thing you care about is non-smoking, but I'm already in your non-smoking room - not that I care about smoking, but because it meets my "by turtle pond" requirement.

What if my only request is "room ready." I don't care what I get - put me in a smoking/handicapped accessible room overlooking the dumpster - as long as its clean when I pull in at 9:00 am after driving all night? The room that is clean is non-smoking. Should I get it? My ONLY request is room ready.

What if the scale of importance for my non-smoking request is a six? I'd rather not have a smoking room, but my in-laws smoke, we spend time in their house, I could deal. But I know from your posts that your importance is a 10 - you wouldn't travel. Should that factor in? I feel this way about HA rooms - they aren't the best rooms, but I can deal. Obviously other people here can't. So if we guarentee non-HA, I'll take the non-HA eleven months out, and someone else will not take the trip they want.

I think you are completely right if this is a "can they guarentee non-smoking discussion." But the question is bigger than that.

 

[jarestel]

Definite guarantee categories should be:
N/S, HA/NHA - Since there are a known number of these room types, 99% of the time, this SHOULD be doable. Book it and if the categories are already full, you can make other plans based on this information. Maintenance issues that prevent the member from occupying the room at checkin time should be few and far between, but if it does occur, both front desk staff and the member need to be flexible in order to resolve the situation.

Weighted requests:
Views, elevator locations, specific buildings -These would still be requests, but when assigning rooms, the room assigner would place a higher priority on the reservations and requests from home resort owners ( prioritized by date of reservation ) than on others. Members would need to realize it may not always be possible to get all ( or even any ) of their weighted requests met.

Normal requests:
Views, elevator locations, specific buildings - These rooms would be assigned for non-home resort owners ( first priority ) and cash guests ( last priority )after all of the weighted requests from home resort owners had been assigned. This is the current "requests are only requests" system in place today.

Rooms would need to be pre-assigned at some point prior to arrival under this system. How far in advance should be determined by the most workable compromise between granting members' requests and managing a busy resort.

No system is perfect but as long as members feel DVC is trying to make things better, I don't think the occasional glitch should be reason for torches and pitchforks. Though I've never actually seen one, the "yellers and screamers" should not be placated by giving away another member's room, since this throws the whole system into disarray. As one who has raised 3 children, I know that eventually they will stop crying and quiet down once they realize all of that racket isn't going to get them their way. Once the front desk CMs learn this, we will have a much better system.

Cheers!

 

[crisi]

From the AAFA website: (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)

http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=22&cont=308

The ADA extends many of the rights and duties of Section 504 to public accommodations such as restaurants, hotels, theaters, stores, doctors' offices, museums, private schools and child care programs. They must be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
...

and...

Does the ADA Apply to People with Asthma and Allergies?
Yes. In both the ADA and Section 504, a person with a disability is described as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or is regarded as having such impairments. Breathing, eating, working and going to school are "major life activities." Asthma and allergies are still considered disabilities under the ADA, even if symptoms are controlled by medication.

Dean's point is that timeshares are not public accomodations. They are legally more in line with condos than with hotels, and therefore timeshares are under no legal obligation to comply with the ADA.

 

[crisi]

jarestel, I think you are on the right track. The changes I'd make is that they would book a quantity of rooms equal to 90% (or some such number) of the available non-smoking rooms as non-smoking -- same with smoking. The remaining 10% of reservations would be booked as "smoking optional tbd." That would give Disney some flexibility for maintenance issues, and make sure that those on the ball enough to book eleven months out weren't the ones screwed by the pipe leaking.

Also, the weighted requests - for the system to work, you need a room assigner again, and rooms granted in order of reservation. Order of arrival doesn't work if you are going to give home resort owners any sort of priority.

Now the question (again). I book seven months out. All the non-smoking rooms are taken. I'm put in "smoking tbd" but with a "non-smoking" request. Is there an automatic waitlist?

 

[jarestel]

Now the question (again). I book seven months out. All the non-smoking rooms are taken. I'm put in "smoking tbd" but with a "non-smoking" request. Is there an automatic waitlist?

As with today's system, you may waitlist for a guaranteed N/S room. However, under the "new" system, based on this info you can choose to book a N/S room at another resort ( if available ), or move your travel dates to a time when there are N/S rooms available. Or you have the option of rolling the dice with your smoking tbd ressie and hoping for the best. Many more options than we have today, IMO.

Also, in my room assignment scenario, I agree it would require a room assigner to make the room assignments at some point prior to arrival and they would definitely need to be prioritized by reservation date. How far out should rooms be assigned? I'm open to whatever makes sense and is the most workable compromise between granting requests and running a busy resort.