If you could improve the Vacation Planner (Guidebook) or website...

[KelNottAt]

I finally found the time to write a letter to DVC about the 2004-2005 Vacation Planner (a.k.a. Guidebook "lite"). However, in the time since it first came out, memories of my disappointment have faded and I can't remember all the good suggestions I once had. Here's what comes to mind:

Bring back the villa floor plans
Bring back the resort maps
Allocate a 2-page spread to each resort - the left page would be floor plans, maps, and resort features; the right page would be point charts.
Saddle-stitch binding is good...spiral bound would be a nice alternative
The Member Getaways resorts deserve more description

What else?

I realize the slimmed-down Vacation Planner was probably produced this way for budget reasons. But it IS possible to cut costs without cutting satisfaction, information and usefulness.

Please reply with your suggestions. TIA.
Kelley

And, as long as we're at it, feel free to throw in your suggestions for the member website, too.

 

[bwvBound]

Drawing from one of my other "vacation club" ownerships ... I'd like the following:

• Account information (loan, dues)
• History of Point Usage (list of all reservations including resort, unit size, check-in/out, credits spent, etc. plus banking/borrowing transactions, transfers, exchanges)
• Banking/Borrowing guidelines applied to my specific contract (show me my upcoming deadlines per contract!)
• Online availability per resort/unit type

Just a start!

 

[tjkraz]

How about making it 3-hole punched? DVC could send all current and new members a binder, and then each year the updates could take the form of replacement pages.

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by tjkraz
How about making it 3-hole punched? DVC could send all current and new members a binder, and then each year the updates could take the form of replacement pages.

LOL! Looks like we're coming full circle!

DVC originally provided a 3-ring binder with all membership information (I now have 4 of them). Each year they sent out updated point charts and any other changed information.

A few years ago (1991, I think), the decision was made to go to a new format- the bound Guidebook. The one we got the first year was poorly bound and many reported here that their's fell apart.

The next year we got another bound version that seemed to hold together a little better and last year we got only an update to the prior year's version. The reported reason for the 1991 change was cost (it is paid for from our dues).

It's unclear what is now being sent to new members and resale purchasers. I was told that DVC was considering a charge for new guidebooks sent to resale purchasers (new purchases thru DVC would still get all documents withou extra cost)- but haven't seen any indication that idea has been put into place. The thought being that the seller should be providing those documents to their buyer instead of existing members picking up the cost for replacement copies.

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

I would love to be able to book trips and manage my account online!

 

[karebear1]

I'm pretty sure I read on the member website about 2 weeks ago taht we should be able to access out accounts via the website by the end of 2005. Did anyone else read that? I think it also mentioned something about reserving rooms by then too.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

MY "Wish List" for online capabilities...

I would be most interested in a full online account management & booking system including but not limited to account information and history, online booking with real time reservation system, banking deadlines as well as point usage and history.

I'd also like to see panoramic views of all the resorts, rooms, restaurants & activities available per location with full maps and zoom capabilities.

Another nice feature would be a central pro/con or rating system [database format] for the resorts, rooms, restaurants and activities available per location. This would allow all members to have input to what they like and dislike and centralize documentation for "issues" require attention in the members opinions.

Another nice feature would be historic data available to all members. The most significant data I would be interested in as a DVC member would be DVC resort usage & WDW Resorts usage (season, month, week, day), historic park traffic trends (by season, month, week, day, hour), historic line wait times (by season, day, hour), historic weather trends, etc.

 

[spiceycat]

they already have the villa floor plans - looks under the DVC resort - then accommodations

they are calling it room layout


I might they would include a layout (map) of the resort complete with room numbers. and which are 2-bedroom, 1-bedroom, studio and GV - I mean with this site helps - we will get the information - they have it - I just wish they would just share it.

Also I really wish they would make it more protected - as has been noted - just about anyone can get in.....they need to do something about the security.

they also need to make the dvc-resorts.com - have more information - it definite needs the room outlay.

 

[poohnpiglet3]

A few years ago (1991, I think),

LOL... I was still in high school at that time... seems like more than a few years ago to me! heehee

Seems like there are some good ideas here. As a graphic designer, I'm sure these ideas will be really helpful to whomever is designing the next issue.

I would also love to see maps of each resort. That would be so helpful.

On a similar note to the point of the thread, how long does it take when you buy a resale for you to receive your member info? (including the guidebook?)

Thanks!

Sherri

edited to add - what's the big deal about security, spicycat? I don't understand why it would be such a big deal to "protect" the info there.