Finally bought! Ended up going direct.

[bumbershoot]

There is some kind of disconnect between all of the advice here about our guide helping with our first reservation and what our guide is actually telling us...

The disconnect is that she doesn't want to or doesn't want to tell you she can't do it.

There is usually a clause in direct master contracts for the "welcome home" booking. However, I am not sure that it applies a full 14 months out. I think it has to be within 6 months.

Our guide wanted to help us with whatever first reservation we made.

 

[amccu18007]

I do think that she can do it. Whether she will or not may be a better question.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

It may be that they can only do this at resorts they are still selling new, like Poly and CCV.

 

[Nie0214]

In the direct contract, there is a clause that DVD can help you with your first reservation and make exceptions that you normally would not enjoy. They are also allowed to take from their cash inventory to get you a room for your first trip. It's very clear that you shouldn't expect this on future trips, but certainly call MS, get points banked if needed and ask about booking those rooms. The worst thing you'll hear is "no, wait till 11 months".

As of the contract we signed two weeks ago:

"As a courtesy to first-time Members, DVD may assist you with securing your first DVC Resort reservation by using DVD inventory to secure your initial desired accommodations in exchange for your agreement to transfer to DVD the number of Vacation Points needed to secure accommodations. This first-time reservation assistance is subject to DVD's discretion, accommodation availability and is only available for 6 months after the date you purchase. Reservations resulting from this assistance may not be modified. DVD is providing this assistance on a one-time basis only, and such assistance is not a typical reservation experience...."

The 6 months means you have to use this service within 6 months of buying, not that you need to travel within 6 months.

Our Guide also told us to call Member Services. Perhaps other guides have taken initiative to take down info and go to Member Services themselves. I wouldn't be surprised that our guide didn't want to spend any extra time with us since it was a 25 point contract.

 

[MamaCrystal]

Thank you for all of this info, everyone!

I was under the impression that your guide helps with all things DVC, but it sounds like guides are separate from member services. What is the main difference between the two? Do we ever even need to call our guide anymore or should we direct everything to member services now?

Thanks again!

 

[Dean]

There is some kind of disconnect between all of the advice here about our guide helping with our first reservation and what our guide is actually telling us...

We called and asked about having her help with the reservation (even said it was recommended to us). She said that Member Services has access to the system but she does not. Are the guides who sell contracts separate from the ones who can help with reservations? She also said the recommendation to ask for help may be based on a situation where someone was purchasing within 6 months of their next trip and then there is some kind of special service where they can open up more points to work some magic. She again said that they open at 9 am but the online system for us opens at 8 am so doing it online ourselves is the better way to book because she doesn't have any kind of early access (or access at all?) I have no idea. This is what we were just told over the phone.

So confused!

It is my understanding that sometimes guides can secure reservations out of DVD inventory as a direct part of the purchase process. I don't recall ever seeing where a guide was able to help secure a reservation ahead of the reservation window or truly separate from the purchase process.

 

[Nie0214]

Thank you for all of this info, everyone!

I was under the impression that your guide helps with all things DVC, but it sounds like guides are separate from member services. What is the main difference between the two? Do we ever even need to call our guide anymore or should we direct everything to member services now?

Thanks again!

There is a DVC member service line who you call for pretty much everything (reservations, tech issues, dining...). If you want to buy more points, or schedule a tour of a new resort, etc. then your guide can help.

 

[disneynutz]

Thank you for all of this info, everyone!

I was under the impression that your guide helps with all things DVC, but it sounds like guides are separate from member services. What is the main difference between the two? Do we ever even need to call our guide anymore or should we direct everything to member services now?

Thanks again!

Guides are sales people, nothing more. MS services your account. To make reservations, do it yourself online.

Bill

 

[MamaCrystal]

Updated info about the "First Welcome Home" booking perk... just spoke with MS for our welcome phone call. We were told that certain resorts cannot utilize this service, including GF, GC, Poly, and he thinks CC. We were originally offered it as an option, then he remembered that GF isn't included

Will have to take a look at the contract but I just wanted to update what we've been told at this point.

 

[jeepnjudy]

Welcome to VGF...that's our home resort as well and we love it! Grab your studio 1st when you book as they tend to be the first to go!

 

[MamaCrystal]

Welcome to VGF...that's our home resort as well and we love it! Grab your studio 1st when you book as they tend to be the first to go!

Thank you! We are beyond excited!! That is definitely the plan, to grab the studio first. I hope it works out!

 

[littlestar]

Congratulations.

 

[ScubaCat]

I was under the impression that your guide helps with all things DVC, but it sounds like guides are separate from member services

Guides are sales people, nothing more

Always remember that Disney renames things as part of marketing. So, "guide" = timeshare sales person, just like "cast member" = disney employee, "guest" = customer, etc.

Renaming is very effective at presenting the illusion (and generating intentional confusion as you've noticed) that there is a difference, but there is not.