First timer frustrated with the online form

[Cruella 66]

Okay, so we are first time owners/never stayed DVC. I was trying to use the online form to send in our request for next year.

First of all, our home resort is Bay Lake Tower so we are trying to get in there. I was able to get through the first two screens that want travel party information/dates.

When I got to the resort request page, of course, I chose Bay Lake Tower as my first choice. Under room choices, however, it looks like AK choices like standard view, savannah view, or value accommodations. So, I picked the one that closest matches what I am in the market for; and my second choice I listed as one of the AK resorts.

BUT, I can't advance past that page! I have filled in all the red asterisk areas! What is the problem????

Also, what is the difference between Jambo house and Kidani Village???

 

[Chuck S]

Okay, so we are first time owners/never stayed DVC. I was trying to use the online form to send in our request for next year.

First of all, our home resort is Bay Lake Tower so we are trying to get in there. I was able to get through the first two screens that want travel party information/dates.

When I got to the resort request page, of course, I chose Bay Lake Tower as my first choice. Under room choices, however, it looks like AK choices like standard view, savannah view, or value accommodations. So, I picked the one that closest matches what I am in the market for; and my second choice I listed as one of the AK resorts.

BUT, I can't advance past that page! I have filled in all the red asterisk areas! What is the problem????

Also, what is the difference between Jambo house and Kidani Village???

Jambo House at AKV is the original Animal Kingdom Lodge building, the DVC rooms are on the upper floors of the lodge. They are converted from hotel suites, so don't always match a standard DVC type layout. Jambo House also is home to the Value AKV rooms, which as smaller than the standard rooms.

Kidani is a separate, all DVC new addtion of AKV, the one bedroom here will have 2 bathrooms and sleep 5.

At Jambo, all the one bedroom have one bathroom, the value rooms sleep 4 and the standard rooms sleep 5.

I just went to the reservation request page. There is a glitch in the room types, alright. The Villas at the Grand Californian are showing a Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake View.

I think I'd call Member Services for resevations at BLT or AKV until the Disney IT team gets around to fixing the problem. Likely the program knows that there is no Savannah View rooms at BLT, and it is stopping the request form from sending.

 

[disneynutz]

You would be better off, especially as a new owner, to call MS to make your reservations.

The MS website has a lot of problems and it always has. I don't expect to see it improve soon.

There are several posts about the differences between Jumbo and Kidani. Try searching the board for Kidani and you will find the many posts on the subject.

 

[Davids-Coco]

I just went to the reservation request page. There is a glitch in the room types, alright. The Villas at the Grand Californian are showing a Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake View.

That is one heck of a cross country view!

To the OP: I would just call MS. I wouldn't want to lose any possible opportunities!

 

[vicki_c]

Oh definitely call on the phone!

I think the online form is good for someone booking at 11 months, for a not popular time, etc. They don't read them immediately, but when they can.

Personally, I would never use the online form - I need more immediate feedback. And for a first time reservation, I would definitely be calling.

 

[downontheBW]

I agree with the everyone else - if you are new to DVC, definitely call MS to book. If you are trying to book a popular time / resort, you'll need to call 11 months ahead in the early morning to get the dates you want. Another benefit of talking with a CM is that they will review the rules for cancellation, banking/borrowing, etc that apply to your reservation. DVC is fantastic but there's a lot to learn about the DVC system.

 

[erionm]

I just went to the on-line reservation request and it's all messed up. Looks like they added VGC as a resort but didn't load the room categories. The room types are off for all resorts and VWL doesn't have any at all.

 

[Crystal_27]

I agree with the others to just call. That way, you'll be able to find out immediately whether your choice is available and, if not, go on the wait list. Good luck!!

 

[erionm]

I used the Contact option on the member website to let them know about the room type issue with the reservation request form.

 

[maddmike]

Even if you are not new to DVC I recommend you call MS to make a reservation. It baffles me why a company such as disney has the website issues they do. Maybe that is an area they are saving money? Anyway, I just like talking to a real person when doing something as important as making a vacation reservation. There are a lot less surprises that way.

 

[jaurban]

Unless this online system could give you immediate confirmation of a reservation with a number or offer alternates, I would not use it. Definitely call MS.

 

[Cruella 66]

I want to thank everyone for your sage advice!

I did call MS today. I was so into making my first reservation, learning the lingo, and getting the points/numbers straight...I forgot to mention the bad web site!

I was able to get what I wanted! Bay Lake Towers, MK view, June 20 to 25 and BLT, LV June 25 to 27. I split the stay so I wouldn't have to change resorts, but would chew up as many points just for a view on Fri/Sat.

So, here we come next June!!! I am SO looking forward to BLT too!!

 

[erionm]

For those that my care, the room types have been corrected on the on-line reservation request form.