DVC 2007 Member Cruise - Preferred booking to first time cruisers

[#1Mouse]

I guess I don't understand where the previous call in procedure was unfair. DVC posted the call in date on their website, they sent out an e-mail and mailed out a card regarding the cruise dates and the call in dates. They even mentioned calling early because these cruises tend to sell out early. Everyone had the same chance at getting through whether they were a new cruiser or a repeat cruiser. Whether DVC has issues with their phone system - we can be guaranteed that they won't admit it.

There were plenty of first time cruisers as well as first time Member Cruisers on SSMC06. If the call in system was not fair - how did they manage to get through? Because, they did like everyone else and got up in the morning and called.

I have to disagree with the Member Cruise that DVC offers as being a perk. A perk is something given to you. Not only do Members pay for the cruise they pay a premium for it. A perk would be the $100 savings on an AP if you are planning on getting it, the dining discounts throughout WDW and the discount at disneyshopping when they offer it. What's next - those with 500+ points get to book Member events first, then they'll offer the left overs to the Members with less than 500 points? Sure doesn't sound fair and neither does the booking procedure they have in place for SSMC07.

 

[#1Mouse]

Just a thought, since DVC membership continues to grow, maybe a 2nd DVC cruise will be needed in the near future; one that new members can have first shot at, and one that past cruisers would have first shot at. JMO

This has been suggested to DVC numerous times. It's even been suggested that maybe they set up a 7 night cruise AND a 4 night cruise. Having both cruises would allow more Members the chance to cruise with other DVC Members.

 

[Doctor P]

Well, if they really wanted to make it a DVC cruise and also make it "fair", they could require all cruisers to be paid for using points. I suspect that the cruise would STILL sell out.

 

[cdmickey]

I'm going to go with the total lottery system (previous and non cruisers being equal). This way you could register to be picked at a more leisurely, more dignified way, instead of a bunch of 'mad-dialing', manicly frustrated people cussing out the busy signal, being on hold, time wasting experience. You could even have registration for possible acceptance via mail or internet signup, and after the lottery, confirmation of reservations. It shouldn't be a contest but it probably should be as fair as possible.

 

[Scratch42]

I guess I don't understand where the previous call in procedure was unfair. DVC posted the call in date on their website, they sent out an e-mail and mailed out a card regarding the cruise dates and the call in dates. They even mentioned calling early because these cruises tend to sell out early. Everyone had the same chance at getting through whether they were a new cruiser or a repeat cruiser. Whether DVC has issues with their phone system - we can be guaranteed that they won't admit it.

There were plenty of first time cruisers as well as first time Member Cruisers on SSMC06. If the call in system was not fair - how did they manage to get through? Because, they did like everyone else and got up in the morning and called.

I have to disagree with the Member Cruise that DVC offers as being a perk. A perk is something given to you. Not only do Members pay for the cruise they pay a premium for it. A perk would be the $100 savings on an AP if you are planning on getting it, the dining discounts throughout WDW and the discount at disneyshopping when they offer it. What's next - those with 500+ points get to book Member events first, then they'll offer the left overs to the Members with less than 500 points? Sure doesn't sound fair and neither does the booking procedure they have in place for SSMC07.

I was a first time cruiser for a Member Cruise! I got up with the rest of them bright and early on the Saturday to try to get my spot! If you really want something, you have to work at it! I thought it would be special to join in the Celebration of 15 years of DVC! All I got was a Giant Sales Pitch! When I asked about VAKL, was told that won't happen for a long while!

Yeah, 'cause they have to sell out SSR, which won't happen anytime soon! I guess that's why they felt they needed the Hard Sell! Maybe they wanted to test the waters on us to see if they could get away with it! Heck they did not even recognize me as a Member! Wasn't on their list of DVC Members to be able to purchase their Limited Edition Pin! SLAP in the Face!

What made this trip for me and my DD were the people we sailed with! DCL and DIS members! NOT DVC!

I seem to remember that they relied on Word of Mouth as their best advertising! Well with the bad taste they have left me with, I won't be signing their praises any time soon!

j

 

[Scratch42]

Open the Lottery to All!

j

 

[bobbiwoz]

We had a great time on the '05 Members Cruise. Still, I wasn't ready to take a week off of work to go on this years, so I didn't try to get on, and the same will be true for next years.

I think there was a push to sell SSR on our cruise. Every time we went to a DVC sponsored event (in the small lounges) it was to tell us about the glass work that we would get for buying so many SSR points. The presentation about the new places to use your points, in Hawaii, the new DL and other places were all about selling points. Those presentations are not the reason DH and I loved the cruise, and I would rather give up a chance to win anything rather than go to another of those meetings. I felt like I was at a time share presentation, OK I was.

If there are people who want to go who have never been on one, I like the idea of giving them a chance. However the ship is only so big, and will they limit those who "win" the first time lottery to the number of rooms they can book? How many rooms are there? People who get the first chance week to call could offer to buy rooms for others. I'm sure someone will think of a way to use their place in the queue to this sort of advantage, if there is a market for it.

We only have 1 phone line, and have no special bells or whistles on our phone, we got through and were able to book our cruise. I was surprised about that, I have given up trying to be "the 9th caller" on radio give aways. However, I do think that since there are so many of us DVCers, there should be a better way to do it. I don't like the tiered lottery.

Bobbi

 

[Melrosgirl]

Anyone see where the cash prices are listed? Spec. for a cat. 6 room?

 

[#1Mouse]

Heck they did not even recognize me as a Member! Wasn't on their list of DVC Members to be able to purchase their Limited Edition Pin! SLAP in the Face!
j

When I went to purchase my pin, the girl took out a list - 6 pages. I told her since my last name begins with a Z it would be easier to check on the back page. She flipped to the back page and the last name began with a W. Thinking there was another page to the list the girl was looking around the counters. The Manager came up to the counter and she asked him about another page with the rest of the names on it. We started going through the list scanning all the names and found my name on page 5. There were 2 other "Z" last names then a space and more names starting back at "A". Penciled in was "Canada". It seems the Member list listed the US residents and Canadian residents seperately, but the DCL CM's were not aware of it.

 

[WDWLVR]

I was a first time cruiser for a Member Cruise! I got up with the rest of them bright and early on the Saturday to try to get my spot! If you really want something, you have to work at it! j

That what was so nice about all the DVC cruises. The first time we were all first time Member Cruisers (ok well some had been on the 10th anniversary cruise where they took over part of the ship). Then in 2005 we had a mix of veteran and first time cruisers, same thing in 2006. In fact the logo Mark had made for everyone's signature had variables depending on how many Member Cruises you had been on. The veterans helped the new cruisers and I would like to think we made it a more enjoyable cruise experience for them.

When it came to add ons I heard about people who were on their 3rd Member Cruise adding on just as much as I heard about people on their first adding on. I saw people in the cruise rebooking line who were on their first cruise and I was also in line and was on my 9th cruise. So opening it up just to new cruisers doesn't make sense.

As Janet said those who were new cruisers last time followed the same steps as the rest of us to get on. I also know that everyone who was in chat the morning of booking (and there were 38 of us) got on the ship. The only ones who were on the waitlist added that later on. In fact I know of one family who joined the waitlist in June and it came through for them in September I believe but they turned it down.

So why the big push to have new people on board. I said it before - I'd be totally happy with an open lottery like they used to do for the special seasons. Give everyone a fair chance and not have the crush that happens on booking morning. As long as it included everyone.

We still had a great time on the 2006 cruise and if we are able we still plan to be on the 2007 (a lot of that depends on how many rooms they book using this special lottery). We aren't picky about staterooms though I would prefer my Cat 7. Having a chance to hear Roy Disney talk is worth it to me. Getting to see a presentation by a WDW Ambassador is worth it to me. Getting a concert by Jodi Benson and Jennifer Hudson is worth it to me. Going to CC twice with a sea day in between is worth it to me. It isn't for everyone and I understand that.

 

[CarolA]

I guess I don't understand where the previous call in procedure was unfair. DVC posted the call in date on their website, they sent out an e-mail and mailed out a card regarding the cruise dates and the call in dates. They even mentioned calling early because these cruises tend to sell out early. Everyone had the same chance at getting through whether they were a new cruiser or a repeat cruiser. Whether DVC has issues with their phone system - we can be guaranteed that they won't admit it.

]

What's fair about a broken phone system?? You did not have an "equal chance"

 

[lisareniff]

Um. . .maybe I am missing something but when I read the announcment it only sounds like a small portion of the reservations are being given to first time cruisers and those who aren't randomly selected then fight it out with everyone else. I am guessing like other people have already stated, that this is a buisness decission to get more exposure for DCL for DVC patrons who have never been on the member crusie. While I understand how this seems unfair, I think I would say it is a smart move from a buisness perspective.

I read the announcement the same way. What portion they reserve for first timers is unknown and could be the most important factor to customer satisfaction. It could be 5% or 95%. They might not have decided yet. It could be they were getting complaints that some people, not as savvy as you DIS cruisers, have not been able to go on the cruise. They might be just trying to give those a chance.

I vote for a lottery system for all as well.

 

[Copper3]

What's fair about a broken phone system?? You did not have an "equal chance"

A broken phone system is not fair but that's not the prior member cruisers fault, it's DVCs. Why their phone system can't function correctly after three cruises within four years of bookings is sad when you consider that CRO, Dining and other reservations systems function perfectly well every day. I do feel for you Carol and felt terrible when you posted that on booking day and I felt bad for the others who also posted about the phone troubles. If I wasn't in chat I probably wouldn't have stayed on the line and not sailed on the 2006 cruise because I wouldn't have waited.

I think it is bad form for the lottery unless they have KPMG or some other neutral third party audit the selection process because you know they will pick the members who they think will add-on the most or who they have tracked as most likely to spend the most money. Those who they "call" get the pick of the best rooms so naturally they will feel special and more than likely add-on or spend more money in some other way. Can we all say 'MOO' for the cash cows DVC thinks us to be.

 

[wintergreen]

I just wish that they could have the member cruise in the summer. We pulled the kids out of school for the 10th anniversary cruise, but they are just too old to do that anymore. I agree that this is kind of a strange approach for booking, but I hope that everyone who wants to go will get ample opportunity to book.

 

[#1Mouse]

What's fair about a broken phone system?? You did not have an "equal chance"

DVC's broken phone system isn't the fault of Members who previously cruised. Since everyone was calling into the same phone system we all had the same equal chance of getting through or being left on hold. I think luck played a bigger part. I know of one guy that cruised on SSMC03 and called first thing in the morning for SSMC06. He was on the phone for hours.

When it came to add ons I heard about people who were on their 3rd Member Cruise adding on just as much as I heard about people on their first adding on. I saw people in the cruise rebooking line who were on their first cruise and I was also in line and was on my 9th cruise. So opening it up just to new cruisers doesn't make sense

I'm one of those that was on my 3rd Member Cruise that did an add on. Also friends of ours who had been on previous member cruises also added on this cruise. So if DVC's thought process is that the first timers will be more likely to add on - they're sadly mistaken.

So why the big push to have new people on board. I said it before - I'd be totally happy with an open lottery like they used to do for the special seasons. Give everyone a fair chance and not have the crush that happens on booking morning. As long as it included everyone.

Exactly! We're all Members of the same group and we should all be treated equally. Setting up a special lottery for a part of the group is unfair.

 

[CarolA]

DVC's broken phone system isn't the fault of Members who previously cruised. Since everyone was calling into the same phone system we all had the same equal chance of getting through or being left on hold. I think luck played a bigger part. I know of one guy that cruised on SSMC03 and called first thing in the morning for SSMC06. He was on the phone for hours.





Exactly! We're all Members of the same group and we should all be treated equally. Setting up a special lottery for a part of the group is unfair.

I was repsonding to a post where the posted indicated that the current system was the only fair way. It's not... And if they upgrade the phone system to fix this guess who will be PAYING for that upgrade..... (Look in the mirror for a clue)

I don't really care how the do the lottery. I can see both sides of this.

I am pretty amazed at the tone of some posts. Jim Lewis is NOT your best friend, he is running a business. He did NOTHING wrong by asking you if you wanted to do it again. He didn't tell you that you were going to did he? You just "assumed" that's what he meant.

As someone else posted this is not the first time DVC has used the lottery system and it probably won't be the last.

People seem to think that DVC is a democracy and get upset when it's not run the way we would like. Perhaps it would be better to look at it as a kingdom 100 years ago. The subjects don't get to vote, but they get to pay taxes.... We don't get to vote, but we pay dues. I understood that going in and accept it. I wouldn't live in a real homeowners association that was run this way, but I think for the most part it works.

 

[Doctor P]

The bottom line is that they have easily sold out the previous member cruises and had waiting lists. There is NOTHING unfair about giving other members a chance to go before allowing repeat cruisers. NOTHING. We have not gone, nor do I ever expect that we will be able to go on a member cruise because of the way they schedule them. Yea, I would like very much to go, but I am not OWED an opportunity to go. I think it is wonderful that they are making an effort to ASSURE that other people have a chance to go. If it sells out with all new cruisers (which I doubt, and doesn't seem to be the intent), GREAT!!! That means that several thousand people will be newly excited about the member cruises. Perhaps what they should do is limit it to people who have never sailed on DCL, rather than never been on a Member Cruise. That would be even more defensible, IMHO. This thread is exactly the type of thread where people get the impression that DVC members are a bunch of spoiled snobs. Nobody owes you the chance to get on the member's cruise. Sure it would be nice, but it is not a right!

 

[ohiominnie]

I was repsonding to a post where the posted indicated that the current system was the only fair way. It's not... And if they upgrade the phone system to fix this guess who will be PAYING for that upgrade..... (Look in the mirror for a clue)

DVC members will whine if the phone system is left broken as it is now.

DVC members will whine if the broken phone system is fixed b/c they'll have to pay for it.

So what's the difference??

 

[ohiominnie]

Hey, I have a great idea....why don't they give people who have never stayed in a Grand Villa preferential treatment and let them book before anyone who has previously stayed in a Grand Villa???

DVC, are you listening???? I've never stayed in a Grand Villa but would LOVE to!!

Really, it's no different.

 

[IWantMyDVC]

I called member services and told them that I didn't understand the call-in procedures. I was told that first timers need to register for the lottery and would have the opportunity to book the first Saturday. They are limited to half of the staterooms.

The second half of the staterooms would be available on a call-in basis the second Saturday, as it has been done in the past.