I really miss having an 'equal' shot at getting my reservations

[gkrykewy]

You raise some fair concerns, but on your closing point specifically, don't worry about BLT. Getting a lake view room is a cakewalk.

 

[Dean]

I haven't read thru the entire thread, but I know what others are going thru when a certain villa, during specified dates, is what your family has been planning on for months before your booking window opened. So far, I've been lucky to get exactly what we wanted when I called at the 11 mo mark, and even the 7 mo mark. However, that meant calling DbD for a BCV 2 bdrm/2 QN under the old system. For our last family trip, we planned split stays & I was on the phone exactly at the time I needed to be, and so nervous that I was shaking. I was certain that I wouldn't get our AKV-CL, but I did! I'm one of those people that is willing to call when MS opens, whether it be DbD under the old system, or at the 11 or 7 mo marks under the new system.

However, with online reservations coming up, I'm really nervous!! I'm fearful that getting what we want is going to be harder. I feel that with everyone having to call MS to book when MS opens, then we're all on an even playing field. Will online reservations be available on the 11 mo mark hours before MS opens? Will they be available on holidays when MS is closed? Will the more computer savy people, with higher tech computer systems, get the jump on someone who has a slower system? Will the online reservation system allow you to book several villas at once? Are there programs out there that will allow some individuals to "scoop up" all the AKV-CL villas, for instance?

I make 90% of our non-WDW travel reservations online. However, I'm very afraid of what is going to happen when DVC reservations become available online. Does anyone have info on exactly how this will work? Please help ease my fear over reservations that my daughter's family wants at BLT next October, that I will need to make at the 7 mo mark.

I guess I'd ask you, from a system standpoint, does it matter. If you've got multiple member who really wants X and they play by the rules to get it, does it matter which one it is even if you're the one left out? This is part of the reason I think that a change should be a cancelation and rebooking and/or carry a fee. You take away walking almost completely, you take away much of the speculative bookings and you concentrate the availability to those that really want it.

 

[disneygrandma]

What I'm wondering, what will the rules be for booking online? For instance, as another person posted, their Dec 1st stay would require calling on Jan 2nd, because MS is closed on Jan 1st. Will it be possible to make that reservation online on Jan 1st? Let's say that person wanted to start their stay Dec 5th. That would mean calling at 9 AM Eastern on Jan 5th. However, would it be possible to go online 9 hrs earlier and make the reservation? If so, in both instances, it would be possible that the villa the poster was wanting to get would no longer be available, because it was reserved online before the phone lines at MS were opened.

Will playing by the rules limit the number of villas someone can reserve at one time? Will there be programs that will allow this?

While I don't believe "walking" should be done, I don't believe in charging fees or having to rebook if your dates change by a day or two. On all of our past trips, we booked our rooms before our airfare. If it turned out the flight times weren't acceptable, we modified our DVC reservations a little. (of course, that would mean there needs to be availability) Many times that's how we would end up with split stays. It seems like charging fees would end up costing money for the "innocent". I would think that there has to be some way to limit how many modifications could be made to one reservation. For instance, allow up to 3?? That would eliminate someone walking a reservation for several days, and yet protect those of us that are forced to change our dates.

Our daughter is wanting a 1 bdrm at BLT. I've told her to figure on getting a LV. Thanks for the encouraging info on that.

 

[castleri]

What I'm wondering, what will the rules be for booking online? For instance, as another person posted, their Dec 1st stay would require calling on Jan 2nd, because MS is closed on Jan 1st. Will it be possible to make that reservation online on Jan 1st? Let's say that person wanted to start their stay Dec 5th. That would mean calling at 9 AM Eastern on Jan 5th. However, would it be possible to go online 9 hrs earlier and make the reservation? If so, in both instances, it would be possible that the villa the poster was wanting to get would no longer be available, because it was reserved online before the phone lines at MS were opened.It would be possible already to not get that room if people have been walking reservations and that has nothing to do with whether you call in or can make a reservation online..
Will playing by the rules limit the number of villas someone can reserve at one time? Will there be programs that will allow this?

While I don't believe "walking" should be done, I don't believe in charging fees or having to rebook if your dates change by a day or two. On all of our past trips, we booked our rooms before our airfare. If it turned out the flight times weren't acceptable, we modified our DVC reservations a little. (of course, that would mean there needs to be availability) Many times that's how we would end up with split stays. It seems like charging fees would end up costing money for the "innocent". I would think that there has to be some way to limit how many modifications could be made to one reservation. For instance, allow up to 3?? That would eliminate someone walking a reservation for several days, and yet protect those of us that are forced to change our dates.I agree about not charging for changes or at least allowing a certain number of them. I just found out that I have two additional people coming down for Dec 1 and I only have a studio reserved. I hope to change to a 2 BR but if I had to pay to change the reservation I would opt for another studio if one is available. It would also make the practice of booking your home resort at 11 months with the idea of changing at the 7 month mark less appealing.

 

[disneygrandma]

Yes, I do understand that a certain villa might not be available due to walking. However, I'm trying to learn if someone with a computer would have an advantage over someone without one. Would someone with a computer be able to book a reservation earlier in the day, before MS opens? Would you be able to book online on holidays, when MS is closed? Will there be people online at midnight now, instead of calling at 9 AM? Will you be able to reserve several villas with a couple of key strokes?

I have a lot of other concerns over online booking. How will "the system" know if you're within your booking window? Will the DVC members be able to control which points are used for the reservation? (Especially important if you have more than one contract under the same membership #.)

Some people, believe it or not, don't have computers, or they have out-dated ones, or dial-up. Pretty much everyone has a phone. To me, having to make reservations by phone would give everyone the same chance. I'm not sure how the new online process will work, and that's what I'm trying to find out.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Yes, I do understand that a certain villa might not be available due to walking. However, I'm trying to learn if someone with a computer would have an advantage over someone without one. Would someone with a computer be able to book a reservation earlier in the day, before MS opens? Would you be able to book online on holidays, when MS is closed? Will there be people online at midnight now, instead of calling at 9 AM? Will you be able to reserve several villas with a couple of key strokes?

I have a lot of other concerns over online booking. How will "the system" know if you're within your booking window? Will the DVC members be able to control which points are used for the reservation? (Especially important if you have more than one contract under the same membership #.)

Some people, believe it or not, don't have computers, or they have out-dated ones, or dial-up. Pretty much everyone has a phone. To me, having to make reservations by phone would give everyone the same chance. I'm not sure how the new online process will work, and that's what I'm trying to find out.

We'll all have to find out when they start it up in the future.

 

[Dean]

What I'm wondering, what will the rules be for booking online? For instance, as another person posted, their Dec 1st stay would require calling on Jan 2nd, because MS is closed on Jan 1st. Will it be possible to make that reservation online on Jan 1st? Let's say that person wanted to start their stay Dec 5th. That would mean calling at 9 AM Eastern on Jan 5th. However, would it be possible to go online 9 hrs earlier and make the reservation? If so, in both instances, it would be possible that the villa the poster was wanting to get would no longer be available, because it was reserved online before the phone lines at MS were opened.

Will playing by the rules limit the number of villas someone can reserve at one time? Will there be programs that will allow this?

While I don't believe "walking" should be done, I don't believe in charging fees or having to rebook if your dates change by a day or two. On all of our past trips, we booked our rooms before our airfare. If it turned out the flight times weren't acceptable, we modified our DVC reservations a little. (of course, that would mean there needs to be availability) Many times that's how we would end up with split stays. It seems like charging fees would end up costing money for the "innocent". I would think that there has to be some way to limit how many modifications could be made to one reservation. For instance, allow up to 3?? That would eliminate someone walking a reservation for several days, and yet protect those of us that are forced to change our dates.

Our daughter is wanting a 1 bdrm at BLT. I've told her to figure on getting a LV. Thanks for the encouraging info on that.

Marriott has this issue. They turn on booking online at the same time they turn on their phone system. Of course it's still faster to do it by computer than by phone. Bottom line is to assume those using computers will be ahead of those calling but there are ways to do so without allowing one to book multiple units at one time. Making changes a cancelation and rebooking (as most everyone else does) or if there is a minimal fee, those are the most effective and simplest if you're serious about changing behavior. When you start arranging a system that might work but protects your situation, it gets complicated and unreasonable very quickly. A $30-40 fee when one legitimately needs to change a reservation is not at all unreasonable, esp for a system that already charges you $95 if you want to change your DC or DCL reservation in even the slightest way.

Since I don't believe you answered the question I asked you, let me ask it another way. Are you prepared to lose out on a desired reservation or have risk a fee because of a system that's better overall for the group as a whole. I AM!

 

[Halle]

IMO this would be terrible.

For most DVC bookings this will not be an issue.

Asking people to call every day to make a reservation is not practical.

Additionally it would lead to more demand at member services to deal with calls which will lead to an increase in dues.

Point taken. You've made a convert of me. Thanks.

 

[Joey7295]

When will online booking begin?

 

[CarolMN]

When will online booking begin?

No date has been announced. We've just been told they are working on it. IIRC, they have promised sometime in 2011. We'll have to wait and see.

 

[disneygrandma]

Dean, I'm having trouble figuring out what system you're talking about that is better for the entire group. Charging change fees? Booking online? Booking for 7 days at a time? Am I willing to risk a desired reservation for the good of the group?

I always warn family & friends that what we/they want may not be available. If it's less than 7 mos out, I book where there is availability. I have done waitlists twice, with 1 being successful. I've pd cash for a night that wasn't available on points. I've booked a 1 bdrm at AKV-CL when I only needed a studio. However, when a trip is planned for 2 or more yrs in advance, we're really hoping to get the resort & villa type that we've had in our minds during the entire planning process. I've had success under the old 11 mos from day of check-out system by booking DbD. I told MS that I was doing it that way, and then a confirmation was sent after all days were booked. I've also had success with the current system of 11 mos from the day of check in, and then going out at many as 7 days.

So are you saying that "walking" is so wide-spread, by such a vast number of members, that it would be better for the group to charge a fee for ANY changes that we need to make to our reservations? I would think that there are a lot more members making changes, than there are members walking a reservation. Do you have numbers on how many are doing this?

Maybe you're saying that booking online is better for the group, instead of only by phone. Easier....yes. Better? I don't know. I still think it gives some people an unfair advantage.

Are you speaking of the "book 7 days at a time" from check in date, instead of using the check out date? I'm fine either way. Being able to book 7 days from check in is much easier than calling day by day to add another day to our reservation. But I'm willing to call DbD.

So, I'm just not sure what you mean when you ask if I'm willing to risk losing a desired reservation for the good of the group. I know that every time I call I'm not guaranteed availability. I'm just hoping that there is.

 

[Halle]

It seems the only real issues with the "book before check in" system is for the AKV concierge rooms.

I would hate to see the system changed just for those 5 two bedroom lock off units. (I know THV seem to be a problem for some times of the year, but only 30 of the 60 have been declared. Once all are declared, I predict SSR owners will not have a problem booking at 11 months).

Perhaps DVC can just institute a lottery (only for AKV owners who will stay there themselves) for the concierge rooms. For example, you email your requests for December 2011 no later than 12/01/2010. DVC does the "drawing" and sends a confirming email to the winners. If you don't get your dates, then you still have time to book something else at your 11 month window. They could do the same thing going forward on a monthly basis. Since there is language in the POS re a "Special Seasons Lottery", I think they could legally do this.

IMO, the only viable alternatives are to charge $$ for every night added or dropped, or make every reservation date change a cancel /rebook, with any nights cancelled having to clear a waitlist before being eligible for rebooking.

IMO, Those types of changes would hurt more members than it would help.

When we joined in 1993 Christmas/New Years was a lottery system.

 

[BeccaG]

The thought of a fee or loosing your entire reservation for a change makes me kinda feel yucky. I too feel there has to be more folks legitimately making a change than there are walking and those kind of ultimatums in life, where you are locked in with steep penalties for life's changes, never sits well with me...I really hope it doesn't come to that, and would rather deal with people walking than face such fees. So no more complaints from me on the new system if it will keep such a policy away!!

 

[nunzia]

On the other hand, there have been lots of reports lately of typically "hard to get" reservations such as BCV being available well under 7 months. Who knows?

Personally, like the post above me, I greatly prefer the new system to the old one. There's no way I would ever be able to, or have the inclination to, call day by day for a reservation. I'd much rather either have a full reservation, or know that I need to book something else and waitlist. I do agree that Disney should do something to combat "walking" - the last bastion of reservation obsessives everywhere.

Sorry about your bad luck, OP! I'm 2 for 2 on booking concierge studio stays on the first try, and usually later than 9am! The first one was canceled at 7 months, and the current one might be too.

I agree as well..both systems had their pros and cons, but I really think walking is quite a mess and hassle for MS and for those who want days that will later be dropped by others. I agree that it could easily be stopped by having reservations be locked for seven days or something like that.

 

[Granny]

{clip}Walking and day-by-day are equally unofficial/cheating/working/gaming the system. {clip}

Tim...I've seen this same comment several times in this thread. I disagree that the two strategies are "equal" when it comes to how they work.

Under DbD strategy, no one booked days that they didn't intend to use. It was just a quicker way to snatch up available days but everyone who wanted that same day had the exact same timing in when they could get it.

With the walking strategy, people intentionally book days they have no intention of using. To me, that is the inherent unfairness of the strategy.

We can live with whatever Disney's rules are, but I do disagree that the current system is an improvement over the old one as far as fairness goes.

 

[BeccaG]

Tim...I've seen this same comment several times in this thread. I disagree that the two strategies are "equal" when it comes to how they work.

Under DbD strategy, no one booked days that they didn't intend to use. It was just a quicker way to snatch up available days but everyone who wanted that same day had the exact same timing in when they could get it.

With the walking strategy, people intentionally book days they have no intention of using. To me, that is the inherent unfairness of the strategy.

We can live with whatever Disney's rules are, but I do disagree that the current system is an improvement over the old one as far as fairness goes.

I agree as well..both systems had their pros and cons, but I really think walking is quite a mess and hassle for MS and for those who want days that will later be dropped by others. I agree that it could easily be stopped by having reservations be locked for seven days or something like that.

Agree with both of the above.

 

[BeccaG]

Tim...I've seen this same comment several times in this thread. I disagree that the two strategies are "equal" when it comes to how they work.

Under DbD strategy, no one booked days that they didn't intend to use. It was just a quicker way to snatch up available days but everyone who wanted that same day had the exact same timing in when they could get it.

With the walking strategy, people intentionally book days they have no intention of using. To me, that is the inherent unfairness of the strategy.

We can live with whatever Disney's rules are, but I do disagree that the current system is an improvement over the old one as far as fairness goes.

I agree as well..both systems had their pros and cons, but I really think walking is quite a mess and hassle for MS and for those who want days that will later be dropped by others. I agree that it could easily be stopped by having reservations be locked for seven days or something like that.

Agree with both of the above.

 

[Dean]

Tim...I've seen this same comment several times in this thread. I disagree that the two strategies are "equal" when it comes to how they work.

Under DbD strategy, no one booked days that they didn't intend to use. It was just a quicker way to snatch up available days but everyone who wanted that same day had the exact same timing in when they could get it.

With the walking strategy, people intentionally book days they have no intention of using. To me, that is the inherent unfairness of the strategy.

We can live with whatever Disney's rules are, but I do disagree that the current system is an improvement over the old one as far as fairness goes.

They are also unequal in their costs to the system with Day by Day being more so. I agree that allowing walking is not reasonable and it is easy to fix, just that the membership isn't going to be happy if they fix it. Most everyone wants it fixed in a way that doesn't affect them, any fix will affect everyone to one degree or another.

Dean, I'm having trouble figuring out what system you're talking about that is better for the entire group. Charging change fees? Booking online? Booking for 7 days at a time? Am I willing to risk a desired reservation for the good of the group?

Actually all are better for the system and ultimately for the group as a whole.

So are you saying that "walking" is so wide-spread, by such a vast number of members, that it would be better for the group to charge a fee for ANY changes that we need to make to our reservations? I would think that there are a lot more members making changes, than there are members walking a reservation. Do you have numbers on how many are doing this?

I think it's common enough to affect availability at a given time for certain situations. IMO, it's a one or the other issue. Either it's not common enough to have any effect on the system or it is common enough to have effects. If it's the latter, which I think is clearly the case, I think measures should be put in place that will minimize or prevent it. Both options (cancelation/rebooking, small fee) should essentially stop the procedure enough so it's not an issue. Fundamental to me theory is that I feel the person next in line is more deserving of a given reservation than one walking who I feel should go to the rear of the line. If that means they don't get the reservation they ultimately want, I'm OK with that even if it's me that's affected.

Maybe you're saying that booking online is better for the group, instead of only by phone. Easier....yes. Better? I don't know. I still think it gives some people an unfair advantage.

Everyone has the same opportunity to use what ever method they see fit. You've been around long enough to have seen me post that personal situation should not have an affect on the system and I believe this.

Are you speaking of the "book 7 days at a time" from check in date, instead of using the check out date? I'm fine either way. Being able to book 7 days from check in is much easier than calling day by day to add another day to our reservation. But I'm willing to call DbD.

My preference would be 14 days at a time 11 months from check out but like you, I can work within any of the choices.

So, I'm just not sure what you mean when you ask if I'm willing to risk losing a desired reservation for the good of the group. I know that every time I call I'm not guaranteed availability. I'm just hoping that there is.

I'm saying that there are changes that benefit members directly and changes that benefit the system. There must be a balance between the 2. Sometimes those changes that are good for the system don't work out so well for the members. Valet parking is a good example, some lost a good options to preserve the costs of the entire group. As it applies to this situation, would someone who was walking reservations be agreeable to a system that prevented it even if it lessoned the chances of them being successful. I am.

 

[disneygrandma]

I don't believe that any change in a reservation should mean that it be cancelled & re-booked, or that a fee be charged to do it. I still don't see how either of these are best for the group. There are more practical solutions that would prevent walking a reservation, while not penalizing the members who have to make changes to their travel dates down the road.

Someone had mentioned putting a freeze or hold on a reservation for a period of time, which would mean no changes could be made to the reservation during that time period. Another option is to limit the number of changes that can be made to a reservation. For instance, any changes more than 3 times would require either a cancellation/rebooking or a change fee be charged.

Either of these ways would prevent walking, but would still allow the "innocent" members to modify their reservations if needed in the future.

 

[Sandisw]

I don't believe that any change in a reservation should mean that it be cancelled & re-booked, or that a fee be charged to do it. I still don't see how either of these are best for the group. There are more practical solutions that would prevent walking a reservation, while not penalizing the members who have to make changes to their travel dates down the road.

Someone had mentioned putting a freeze or hold on a reservation for a period of time, which would mean no changes could be made to the reservation during that time period. Another option is to limit the number of changes that can be made to a reservation. For instance, any changes more than 3 times would require either a cancellation/rebooking or a change fee be charged.

Either of these ways would prevent walking, but would still allow the "innocent" members to modify their reservations if needed in the future.

I agree with you. If they increased the number of days that could be booked from check in to 14 and then made any changes prior to day 15 a cancel/rebook, walking might be curtailed but people who have legitmate reasons to adjus their dates later on would be okay.

But, if I had my choice between stopping walking by charging a fee or leaving it as is, I would choose to leave it as is and deal with walking as I prefer to have the flexibility that we currently have.