How do guides get availability when resorts are sold-out?

[Tiger926]

My friend just bought into DVC, so a few hours ago, we were discussing options as pretty much all resorts are full for her timeframe. She bought at BLT and loves it there, so I was explaining the waitlist process to her. She then told me she called her guide as she was confused about the whole thing. He said he might be able to help, and lo and behold, he did! She just told me that he got her into BLT.

We have been DVC members for 5.5 years, and have heard about this from these boards. How does this work? We only call MS, and would never call our guide as he is our salesperson, and to be honest, we thought he would have access to the same inventory as us. Am I missing something? My friend is very smart and has quickly learned the whole DVC process, so I'm sure she didn't misunderstand anything.

Can anyone explain this, as DH and I have been wondering about this.

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Chuck S]

For new purchasers, guides can sometimes make a little magic by using inventory under the control of DVD, perhaps by reclaiming a room that was turned over to CRO by DVD.

Remember that DVD has a small reserve of points in every resort, and still controls about 1/2 of BLT. That half of BLT owned by the developer is usually used for cash reservations through CRO and promotional stays until it is declared into DVC.

 

[Tiger926]

For new purchasers, guides can sometimes make a little magic by using inventory under the control of DVD, perhaps by reclaiming a room that was turned over to CRO by DVD.

Remember that DVD has a small reserve of points in every resort, and still controls about 1/2 of BLT. That half of BLT owned by the developer is usually used for cash reservations through CRO and promotional stays until it is declared into DVC.

Thanks, Chuck! This is what we thought - she is a brand new purchaser. A young family who is in love with Disney means lots of potential business, so we thought they might work a little magic for them as they just bought and had difficulty with their first reservation.

Good to know. Thanks, Tiger

 

[Crystal_27]

Yeah, our Guide did the same for us when we bought in. We accepted that it would be the one and only time that our Guide would make the call for us, but it was very appreciated nonetheless.

 

[drusba]

Moreover, at BLT it is real easy for them to get a reservation. Much of the resort has yet to be sold and thus room reserve time is available to DVD to use as it desires (usually renting) and not yet available to DVC members but for new purchasers the sales agent can easily get room reserve time from DVD's very large share of the of the resort that is yet unsold.

 

[whitfamily]

Same here. When we first bought it was three weeks before Memorial Day and we wanted to go to WDW over the holiday. Our Guide got us a one-bedroom at BWV for the whole weekend, even though MS told us it was booked.

 

[caverill]

Yup, the sales reps have access to rooms that normal DVC members can't book.

That actually happened to us when we purchased in 2000 at BWV. We were able to get a room during President's week, which was totally booked (I am guessing).

I would guess the guides have guidelines of when they can do this with new buyers, since we don't hear about people doing it all the time.

Clark

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks all - this is what we thought, but we weren't sure. I am so glad it worked out for my friend as she has several young kids, and her hubby can't come with, so she needs to be at BLT!

Thanks, Tiger