Harder to get a room?

[PinkTink63]

while you are probably right the main point of discontent seems to be that ssr owners will according to some use their points to stay at what some say are better dvc resorts but the average dvc owner does not have 3000 points I know you can only have 2000 at one resort but if that person uses 2000 points to block book x amount of rooms for a particular week which they are allowed to do that does have a large impact on room availability. how many studios can you book at say bw for sunday till thursday

I completely agree with you and anyone who thinks people owning that many points are not selling them on ebay, are not being realistic. Someone with 3000 BWV & BCV can rent out quite a few Sun- Fri's, which does affect the system! I have never seen them offering weeks, and we all know why! I'm sure that there are people that have that many that actually use them, but I don't think that is the average owner!

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

At the risk of prolonging this thread...

We took a tour of DVC last year at SSR and the main selling point that was pitched to us was the ability to book at BWV, BCV or VWL at the 7 month window.

That pitch, while technically true, is very misleading because the real ability to book those resorts inside of 7 months. If people are purchasing at SSR for the purposes of using their points at the three prime locations, then there are going to be several people upset with their inability to book where they want to stay.

Personally, I think it is just below ethical for Disney to build a resort that will account for 40% of the DVC ownership and use the 7-month window as the primary sales pitch for that resort while knowing that most of the new purchasers will have an extremely small chance of actually being able to do what is being pitched.

 

[Jen D]

It is just a numbers game guys and once again Dean is right on. (I'm seeing a trend with this guy )

He's a smart guys and a gentleman to boot! He raises the level of this particular discussion, which it needed.

If SSR wasn't so big the problem would be much less. It is about 300 rooms to big for this program. In fairness to the existing owners it should have been no larger than OKW.

I do think it would probably have been better all around if they had just decided to finish the Paddocks and call it a day.

In answer to this thread, yes, the 7 month bookings will get tougher to get, it is simple logic. How soon or how tough remains to be seen.

I think 7 months is going to get harder and harder as new members are addded, whether they be BCV, SSR, VCR, VAKL, or whatever. I think plenty of members, not just SSR, enjoy taking advantage of the 7 month window to occasionally enjoy resorts besides their home resort. Of course, with SSR now a huge percentage of DVC overall, there will I guess be an increased attention on it being SSR owners wanting to trade out.

 

[Dean]

I completely agree with you and anyone who thinks people owning that many points are not selling them on ebay, are not being realistic. Someone with 3000 BWV & BCV can rent out quite a few Sun- Fri's, which does affect the system! I have never seen them offering weeks, and we all know why! I'm sure that there are people that have that many that actually use them, but I don't think that is the average owner!

No one doubts there are reservations for sale on ebay. The issues related include the scope of that practice, small in comparison IMO, and the more important question of does it matter. I say it doesn't matter because those are members at that resort as a rule and because it's specifically allowed in both FL law and in the legal documents. They are more deserving than non home resort DVC members trying to get in at the 7 month window.

 

[popsmensahbonsu]

He's a smart guys and a gentleman to boot! He raises the level of this particular discussion, which it needed.



I do think it would probably have been better all around if they had just decided to finish the Paddocks and call it a day.



I think 7 months is going to get harder and harder as new members are addded, whether they be BCV, SSR, VCR, VAKL, or whatever. I think plenty of members, not just SSR, enjoy taking advantage of the 7 month window to occasionally enjoy resorts besides their home resort. Of course, with SSR now a huge percentage of DVC overall, there will I guess be an increased attention on it being SSR owners wanting to trade out.

JenD, sorry my post was edited to read 300 rooms too big, not 30. Who could quibble over a mere 30 rooms.

 

[Sammie]

As to selling points on Ebay it's allowed as long as it does not become commercial, and that is the question, when is it commercial. I think you will see some clarification on this issue from DVC before long.

As to the rest of the discussion, I think it is much to do about nothing.

I like SSR alot, we have stayed at all the DVC resorts many times and do not find the location, amenties, etc lacking in any way. I do find it insulting that some must try to make that point over and over.

The DIS forums is not a representation of the total membership. Many SSR owners are not booking elsewhere. They are happy owners and happy to be at SSR. I find it amusing to base facts on the posts on these forums. I don't find that very scientific or accurate. We don't know for sure they are even members, we don't know for sure what their home resort is, there are too many variables. Some people have 2 users names. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of the future with DVC but I would not base that on the discussions here.

 

[Sammie]

Personally, I think it is just below ethical for Disney to build a resort that will account for 40% of the DVC ownership and use the 7-month window as the primary sales pitch for that resort while knowing that most of the new purchasers will have an extremely small chance of actually being able to do what is being pitched.

If Disney is saying you will be able to book any DVC resort at the 7 month window year round for all accommidations, that is misleading.

However I doubt they said that. I think part of the problem is that Disney is saying one thing and people are taking it another way. That is not Disney's fault.

 

[Jen D]

JenD, sorry my post was edited to read 300 rooms too big, not 30. Who could quibble over a mere 30 rooms.

I knew what you meant. I have edited the quote in my post.

 

[Dean]

If Disney is saying you will be able to book any DVC resort at the 7 month window year round for all accommidations, that is misleading.

However I doubt they said that. I think part of the problem is that Disney is saying one thing and people are taking it another way. That is not Disney's fault.

I think we have ample info with VB, HH and SSR to know that DVC IS telling many people just that. Buy X and stay at Y.

 

[laujac]

My head is spinning trying to read all of the posts in this thread. So I apologize if this point has already been made... I have owned at BWV since 1997. The biggest selling point to us at the time was the flexibility of the ownership. Meaning... the ability to use our points as we wanted... whatever month we wanted... however long we wanted... as long as we had the points. Reading that fellow BWV members are booking 11 months out to the day, every year, makes me think that this is no different than just buying a timeshare with a set week. This totally takes the flexibility card out of the mix.

 

[bom_noite]

Have been following (and posted on) this thread for days. I can see why many who own at SSR would feel that this thread is dedicated to SSR Bashing. Certainly some have stated their case a bit harshly - I personally tune that stuff out.

If you look at the very first thread the OP said "Hey - am having a tough time get a 7 month ressie - think it might be SSR?". Well, many of us said - yeah - and it will get worse in time! There is no scientific facts to back this theory up, but, it does not take a scientist to figure this out.

While this subject does not particularly affect me and my family, it does negatively impact the DVC community of which I am a member. Since I feel that way I will make my thoughts known.

I think the core message is: DVC did not help the membership by building such a large resort! And, I think that this message is relevent to all DVC members if DVC announced tomorrow: "Hey - we are building 1200 rooms at Eagle Pines!". That is a very scary thought to me - and I think it should be for many of us!

IMHO DVC made a huge mistake with the size of SSR and it is impacting DVC members! Building HUGE resorts makes sense if you are DVC - the unit cost of construction is greatly reduced! In the we are the only group of people that can even begin to hold them accountable for such decisions.

For many of the SSR owners I can understand why you read this thread and say: "There they go bringing down SSR again!". For me that is not the point - the point is the size and the next steps DVC will take.

 

[Dean]

My head is spinning trying to read all of the posts in this thread. So I apologize if this point has already been made... I have owned at BWV since 1997. The biggest selling point to us at the time was the flexibility of the ownership. Meaning... the ability to use our points as we wanted... whatever month we wanted... however long we wanted... as long as we had the points. Reading that fellow BWV members are booking 11 months out to the day, every year, makes me think that this is no different than just buying a timeshare with a set week. This totally takes the flexibility card out of the mix.

I think you've got it. Truthfully it doesn't take it away but only reduce the options.

 

[Sammie]

My head is spinning trying to read all of the posts in this thread. So I apologize if this point has already been made... I have owned at BWV since 1997. The biggest selling point to us at the time was the flexibility of the ownership. Meaning... the ability to use our points as we wanted... whatever month we wanted... however long we wanted... as long as we had the points. Reading that fellow BWV members are booking 11 months out to the day, every year, makes me think that this is no different than just buying a timeshare with a set week. This totally takes the flexibility card out of the mix.

And while it may be that it is getting harder to book certain resorts at certain times of the year might be true, I don't think we can state without concrete facts, which we don't have, that SSR owners are the contributing factor.

If one is going to speculate it could just as easily be OKW members who bought in early, have large contracts and are tired of going to WDW by now and are renting their points and booking at 7 months for renters who want BCV for the pool.

I would imagine most SSR members bought the minimum number of points and are not going to use them at higher point resorts.

While OKW orginial members were required to purchase 230 points, had free tickets for years, and are possibly not interested right now in Disney.

When we purchased we were never sold on the 7 month booking window. It was explained to us; but was not a selling point. So I think that depends on the agent.

If anyone wants to state they think the total membership is getting too large, I will support that. But it would have been that way with one large SSR or two smaller resorts.

I think the question to ask DVC is this, you are selling the 7 month booking window, at what point does DVC become so large it diminishes that opportunity. That is what new buyers need to be asking.

 

[JVSJr]

I started this thread and never imagined this much tension would arise. Being a long time owner, I was simply stating the noticeable increase in the difficulty to book (whether 11 or 7 months out).

Anyway, I have stayed at SSR (when BWV was full ). It's OK. I do not dislike the resort in anyway. I even thought that DVC could make it a highly desireable location by adding some type of unique thing there. Not sure what, but something over the top to be a draw. If they did that then more people would want to stay there. C'mon, let's get creative and think of something would make SSR a draw.

 

[bom_noite]

C'mon, let's get creative and think of something would make SSR a draw.

I personally do not find SSR lacking - but - my suggestion has always been to more affectively use the "square" area adjacent to the pool and the spa. That is a wonderful space and I think it would be awesome to put a restaurant, pub, ice cream parlor, barbershop, antique shop, etc., etc. in this area.

Not only would this type of "uptown" area fit the theme - but - it would be profitable!

One thing I love about OKW is the area near the pool. People are always strolling around at night and enjoying themselves! I think originally they may have felt that why do that with DD next door?

Like I said - do not think the resort is lacking. But, the first time my wife and I visited the resort we were drawn to the area and were disappointed when we walked down there and found nothing was really there!

 

[PinkTink63]

And while it may be that it is getting harder to book certain resorts at certain times of the year might be true, I don't think we can state without concrete facts, which we don't have, that SSR owners are the contributing factor. Especially, when people are telling us that they can't get their ressies for their home for Oct., Nov., and Dec. We all know it's not SSR owner booking those right now, because we can't.

I would imagine most SSR members bought the minimum number of points and are not going to use them at higher point resorts. I can't speak for everyone else, but I bought more than the minimum and I would have bought more if I could have afforded it! I plan on using them at all the resorts, but that's not to say that I don't like SSR, because I think it's a lovely resort!

When we purchased we were never sold on the 7 month booking window. It was explained to us; but was not a selling point. So I think that depends on the agent. I can honestly say that my guide did not sell me this way either!

If anyone wants to state they think the total membership is getting too large, I will support that. But it would have been that way with one large SSR or two smaller resorts. Thank you!

Steph

 

[pogopossum]

we purchased at hh in 98, added on at vb in 2000, and both guides never promised that we would be able to get res at any wdw resort any time of year we wanted at the 7 month window, for the busiest times of year we'll just have to take what's available and waitlist for what we want and hope for the best. i understood that as resorts sold out this would be the norm and we would have to trade with others or end up buying at wdw resort in order to get 11 month res.

i apparently am in the minority in that i don't see the resorts as higher class or lower class, just different decor, a two br in one or another still beats a suite at non dvc resorts, and i have had the opportunity to go inside a $1200 a night corner suite at ak. i just prefer having that full kitchen and extra sleep space.

as far as location, location, location, we stayed at the disney institute when it was operating, and for the mk it was only a 20 minute bus ride, and just a little more for the other parks. we also liked the convenience of dd, did the walk over. i just like being able to park the car and use it as little as possible. i don't know if things are different for the bus system now that it is dvc, but can't believe that they would change things that much. it seems that my recollection of ep area is that it is in the neighborhood of fw and that doesn't seem that far from the mk, and i think that is a nice area of the world.

we are happy with our dvc purchase and if we weren't we would be one of the many with points on the resale site.

 

[bicker]

It's interesting how quick some folks are to blame DVD, who are just doing what they're supposed to, making profit for their investors. Ask yourself: Who's direct actions are responsible for difficulty in making reservations at the 7 month point? Yup: MEMBERS. Why is no one blaming the members who make their reservation so early, thereby messing up what you want?

Of course, the reason why is that the members have a right to do what they do. And, of course, the same is true of DVD. I suppose it's easier to complain about "The Man" than about your fellow member. However, neither claim has validity.

It is what it is. There doesn't need to be blame.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

It's interesting how quick some folks are to blame DVD, who are just doing what they're supposed to, making profit for their investors. Ask yourself: Who's direct actions are responsible for difficulty in making reservations at the 7 month point? Yup: MEMBERS. Why is no one blaming the members who make their reservation so early, thereby messing up what you want?

Of course, the reason why is that the members have a right to do what they do. And, of course, the same is true of DVD. I suppose it's easier to complain about "The Man" than about your fellow member. However, neither claim has validity.

It is what it is. There doesn't need to be blame.

Bicker - when I went on a tour of SSR last year, the sales agent continuously pushed the 7 month window for other resorts. I asked about how difficult it was to actually get those ressies and the answer was something to the effect of "Christmas and other major holidays are a virtual no-go, unless you get extremely lucky. You shouldn't have too much trouble at other resorts if you are looking at other times of the year."

I do blame "The Man" here because what was being sold is different than what can really be expected. It's a deceptive practice and one that should end now.

That being said, I did further research (these boards) and concluded it was in my best interest to purchase a resale so I could get BWV.

 

[chipscinderelly]

I asked about how difficult it was to actually get those ressies and the answer was something to the effect of "Christmas and other major holidays are a virtual no-go, unless you get extremely lucky. You shouldn't have too much trouble at other resorts if you are looking at other times of the year."

NYE reservations at BCV at the 7 month mark were much easier than reservations at the 7 month mark around the DVC cruise. We are wait listed pre cruise and post cruise. We love SSR and do stay there, however, our wedding is at the Yacht Club and therefore we want our family to stay BCV .... so we are SSR owners trying to get another resort, normally we really don't have trouble with this.