Hate the new booking rules

[Maistre Gracey]

As usual Carol has managed to give a succinct, logical evaluation of this whole issue. When you consider the 100s of 1000s of DVC reservations made each year, the number of reservations that have proven to be problematic is miniscule.

True... Unless it's your reservation that is one of the few problematic ones.

For the few members who actually have trouble getting their ressies it means everything. They don't care about the overall numbers of sucessfull bookings, they only care that they can't get their vacation dates. That's a big deal for families like mine who must bid their vacation time the year prior.
It truly is all or nothing.

I would not be whining about this system IF it was in place when I purchased DVC. However, it was not.
The system that was in place gave me reasonable assurance that my vacation dates would be available. At least the ball was in my court to wake up and call day by day. If I missed it I only had myself to blame.
Now, although extremely unlikely, it's possible for someone who doesn't even own at my home resort to lock me out at my 11 month window. I feel like the rug has been pulled from under me.

MG

 

[SuzanneSLO]

. . . Now, although extremely unlikely, it's possible for someone who doesn't even own at my home resort to lock me out at my 11 month window. I feel like the rug has been pulled from under me.

MG

I don't understand this comment. Whether a reservation is walked or not, the points used to book at 11 months out must be home resort points.

It has always been true that a home resort owner might make a reservation for his Great Aunt Tilly who is not a DVC member, but that has not changed. -- Suzanne

 

[CarolMN]

.....Now, although extremely unlikely, it's possible for someone who doesn't even own at my home resort to lock me out at my 11 month window. I feel like the rug has been pulled from under me.

MG

I don't understand this comment. Whether a reservation is walked or not, the points used to book at 11 months out must be home resort points.

It has always been true that a home resort owner might make a reservation for his Great Aunt Tilly who is not a DVC member, but that has not changed. -- Suzanne

MG - That's just not true. I agree with SuzanneSLO. If you get locked out, it HAS to be by another member who owns points at your home resort.

Did you miss out on a reservation? If so, where and for what booking category?

 

[tjkraz]

I do not believe walking is much of a problem. From the few reports we've received, the only categories/dates that appear to be a problem are concierge, NYE (sporadic reports), possibly the OKW GV in December, and maybe SV/BW view for first week of December). There weren't lots and lots of "locked out" reports, just a few. The most reports seemed to be for NYE. Based on that, I don't think walking is enough of a problem to attempt a fix -the cure will be worse than the disease.

The question is what will happen with this "walking" over the next several years. I'm sure day-by-day began as something that was advocated only a small percentage of the time. In the months before the reservation system changed, it seemed like folks were recommending DBD reservations for everything short of SSR in September under the philosophy of "it's the only way to be sure!"

Over time the only thing that may distinguish "walking" from DBD is the number of points necessary to do it. It will create even more member FUD along the lines of "oh, you mean you DON'T have enough points to walk....well you better add-on or make alternate arrangements for 11 months."

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I don't understand this comment. Whether a reservation is walked or not, the points used to book at 11 months out must be home resort points.

I understand that it would be extremely unlikely, but why can't I book time at a non home resort 7 months away, then walk it for 5 months thus having a 12 month window?

Unlikely I agree, but impossible?

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

MG - That's just not true. I agree with SuzanneSLO. If you get locked out, it HAS to be by another member who owns points at your home resort.

Did you miss out on a reservation? If so, where and for what booking category?

Maybe I am misunderstanding something... It wouldn't be the first time. Anyway, I explained the same thing above for SuzanneSLO.

I have not missed a ressie yet, but, I did walk. I am at risk though, seeing as though I book AKV concierge..

MG

 

[CarolMN]

I understand that it would be extremely unlikely, by why can't I book time at a non home resort 7 months away, then walk it for 5 months thus having a 12 month window?

Unlikely I agree, but impossible?

MG

Because even with walking that reservation, you will never get closer than 7 months + 7 days to your desired arrival date. Those making reservations 11 months prior to arrival will always be ahead of you.

Sorry I missed the concierge thing you already posted. There are so few concierge rooms that I really don't think the DBD thing helped much. You're likely to end up with holes in the reservation. If you didn't, I think you were just very lucky. At least with the new system, you either get your entire stay (if it's a week or less) or you don't.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Because even with walking that reservation, you will never get closer than 7 months + 7 days to your desired arrival date. Think about it.

As I said... I may be missing something!!!

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Because even with walking that reservation, you will never get closer than 7 months + 7 days to your desired arrival date. Those making reservations 11 months prior to arrival will always be ahead of you.

Sorry I missed the concierge thing you already posted. There are so few concierge rooms that I really don't think the DBD thing helped much. You're likely to end up with holes in the reservation. If you didn't, I think you were just very lucky. At least with the new system, you either get your entire stay (if it's a week or less) or you don't.

You know, although I don't like the new system, I feel a little better about it now that you shed some light on the home resort thing...

Thanks!

MG

 

[Dean]

You are describing a rigid timeshare system.. One of the reasons many here purchased DVC and not a different system. One of DVC's main selling points is flexibility, not rigidity.
If DVC turns into just another timeshare system, you can count me out.
What will be next.. ONLY 7 day reservations? ONLY Saturday check-ins? How about changing to a weeks system and doing away with points??

I know you've heard the "how to boil a frog" analogy..

MG

Not rigid, but slightly different than now and more fair to the members overall. This is not a flexibility issue but simply a technical question of how they handle changes to existing reservations. If this change will put you packing, may as well pack your bags now IMO because the handwriting is on the wall. Give it 3 years at most, likely less.

 

[jdg345]

Sorry to hear you had a problem booking with only 1 phone call. IMO tho I think it makes SO-O-O much more sense to make 1 phone call and be DONE with it. I can't stand holding and holding and holding for even THAT call. The DVC phone lines are NOT the most efficient I've ever seen. I don't think I've ever called without having a 10-20 minute hold time. I find that really annoying and if I had to do it EVERY morning at 9:00 for 10 days in a row I'd scream.

I just called at the 7 month window for our August ressies and had to hold about 10-15 min. each time (once for BCV which we ended up booking BWV and waitlisted BCV. The waitlist came thru immediately BTW) then 7 days later I called for a VB ressie. Got that too w/o any problems. (Whew!) But then again, I've never tried for a "hot" time yet. Guess if we decide to go for spring break next year I'll find out how that goes.

You've always been able to book your whole vacation with just one call though.

It's just that now you might be shutout before you have a chance. It appears to be making it really tough for NYE arrivals this year.

 

[jdg345]

I understand that it would be extremely unlikely, but why can't I book time at a non home resort 7 months away, then walk it for 5 months thus having a 12 month window?

Unlikely I agree, but impossible?

MG

Because you still have that 11 month window ... so that person who is extending could be unable to extend because someone at 11 months out took their days.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Not rigid, but slightly different than now and more fair to the members overall. This is not a flexibility issue but simply a technical question of how they handle changes to existing reservations. If this change will put you packing, may as well pack your bags now IMO because the handwriting is on the wall. Give it 3 years at most, likely less.

Where is this "writing on the wall"? Has there been any communication from DVC about this? If so, I missed it. If you have inside info, please say so. If it's pure speculation, or even your best guess, than you shouldn't present it as fact.
So which is it?

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Because you still have that 11 month window ... so that person who is extending could be unable to extend because someone at 11 months out took their days.

Yes, thank you. When I read CarolMN's explanation the light bulb lit up very bright.

MG

 

[Dean]

Where is this "writing on the wall"? Has there been any communication from DVC about this? If so, I missed it. If you have inside info, please say so. If it's pure speculation, or even your best guess, than you shouldn't present it as fact.
So which is it?

MG

IMO, as always, is that walking (off all types) is something that will be stopped in the relatively near future (as in the next 2-3 yrs) and that the two main ways to do so are to institute a cancelation fee and make each change of a given reservation a cancelation and rebooking, which it should be anyway. It's no different than having a lockoff and not being able to drop half without a cancelation and rebooking. YMMV.

 

[anna08]

My comments apply only to the 11 month window.

I do not believe walking is much of a problem. From the few reports we've received, the only categories/dates that appear to be a problem are concierge, NYE (sporadic reports), possibly the OKW GV in December, and maybe SV/BW view for first week of December). There weren't lots and lots of "locked out" reports, just a few. The most reports seemed to be for NYE. Based on that, I don't think walking is enough of a problem to attempt a fix -the cure will be worse than the disease.

(NOTE:As others have already posted, concierge was, is and always will be a problem no matter what booking system is used. Therefore it really isn't relevant to the discussion, IMO.)

If DVC really needs a fix for NYE, my vote is to re establish the "Special Seasons" list for 12/24 - 12/31. (You put your name & desired reservation on a list by a deadline and about 12 months prior to arrival, DVC does a lottery for the reservations. If any availability remains after the list is finished, normal booking periods apply).

Again JMHO. YMMV.

P.S. I was one who was sure the new system would be awful. It turned out to be OK and I believe it really has cut down on the telephone calls, so better for the system overall.

A lovely summary and it is very refreshing to see someone objectively assess the new reservation system.

Count me on in on the group that was unable to do DBD calls due to work and feel there should be a charge for more than one change to a reservation now.

 

[Pennyguy23]

Has this happened to you or are you just assuming it will?

I have not seen any difference since pre and post rules.

Granted I don't go over Christmas which I can see MIGHT be an issue, but otherwise...

I don't book RIGHT at 11 months and got exactly what I wanted about 10 months in advance for Food & Wine at BCV next year and in late Jan what I wanted for early December next year...

So....

AKV concierge was what I was trying to book. I know I would have gotten it if the old rules still applied. Maybe it will come through but I just like having a fair chance at getting what room we want. You know?

 

[Pennyguy23]

So far I haven't had any problems getting any reservations under the new system. But I'd like to go back to something the OP wrote. IMO people who have an earlier checkin date should have priority in being able to stay their full vacation vs. someone who is checking in after them grabbing their unit before they can get it. I know some folks would disagree with that statement but to me this is how it should be with any kind of travel reservation. Personally I find the "walking" concept somewhat selfish and I hope they close that loophole.

This makes no sense. Why would someone who is checking in before me get priority?


Anal Annie: No I was just stating my thoughts. I am not one to stir the pot as you called it. Have you every seen a thread of mine that does?

 

[Pennyguy23]

True... Unless it's your reservation that is one of the few problematic ones.

For the few members who actually have trouble getting their ressies it means everything. They don't care about the overall numbers of sucessfull bookings, they only care that they can't get their vacation dates. That's a big deal for families like mine who must bid their vacation time the year prior.
It truly is all or nothing.

I would not be whining about this system IF it was in place when I purchased DVC. However, it was not.
The system that was in place gave me reasonable assurance that my vacation dates would be available. At least the ball was in my court to wake up and call day by day. If I missed it I only had myself to blame.
Now, although extremely unlikely, it's possible for someone who doesn't even own at my home resort to lock me out at my 11 month window. I feel like the rug has been pulled from under me.

MG

I couldn't agree more. Everyone has the SAME chance. What is the difference with walking or Day to day booking? Seems to be the same and I guess I will adopt it.

 

[Dean]

I couldn't agree more. Everyone has the SAME chance. What is the difference with walking or Day to day booking? Seems to be the same and I guess I will adopt it.

The difference is you are tying up days you do not intend to use, much different IMO.