Interesting Talk with MS CM

[jel0511]

Hi Everyone -

I thought I'd share this conversation, since I know this topic was a source of debate on the board a few months ago.

I currently have a 2 bedroom booked for the weeks of July 4th. My guests who were going to join us, aren't sure if they are going to make it, so I called MS yesterday to ask about the availability of a 1 bedroom. I was told that there were a few left and that I shouldn't wait too long to decide to switch. I then asked the CM well, since I have a 2 bedroom lockoff booked, couldn't I just drop the studio section, thus retaining the 1 bedroom part. She told me that this can not be done!! She said what had to happen is the 2 bedroom reservation has to be cancelled, thus moving it into general inventory. If anyone is on the wait list for either a 2 bedroom, 1 bedroom or studio, they'd get first dibs on any or all of my reservation, leaving me with nothing. She told me that she had tried to do this in the past for other members and EVERY time if nothing was available before the cancelation, there was nothing after, since the waitlist takes first priority.

I thought this was interesting, so my guests better decide if they're coming or not, since I don't want to be stuck with a 2 bedroom for only 4 people!!! Well, if I do, I could be in trouble, vacationing with TONS of space is definately something I am getting used to!!!

 

[Kacey]

Does anyone else know about this?

I was under the impression that if you reserved a 2bedroom lockoff--you could cancel the studio and keep the one bedroom if plans changed. We are planning to do this in Dec.

 

[KimOhio]

how are you sure you have a 2 bedroom lock off and not a 2 bedroom in one of the old buildings? thanks

 

[Kelly&John]

jel0511,

Your experience is correct. The same thing happened to us last year. We had a two bedroom standard view. Our guests decided not to come. Obviously, they will no be invited again! Anyway, we could not downgrade to a 1 bedroom. We ended up getting a preferred view studio.

Kelly

Personally, I am glad the wait list works this way. I think it's only fair.

 

[PamOKW]

I thought I recalled hearing that they had switched to this system. It is the fairest way --- otherwise, everyone would book a two-bedroom and then take more time to decide exactly what they wanted.

 

[ralphd]

I think that the current system (as explained) is fair to everyone.
All members are subject to changes in their plans, but a member that has their name on the waitlist for the unit should have priority.

ralphd

 

[jel0511]

I completely agree, that this current system is the best one. I only asked about dropping the studio section, since I had read about the debate on the boards. I was happy to find out that this was the system and am glad!!! If I'm stuck, it's my problem and another member on the wait list shouldn't be penalized for my booking a 2 bedroom, then deciding I only need a 1 bedroom. The reason I know I have a lockoff is my reservation is at VWL, and I requested a lockoff, and it is noted on my confirmation.

 

[EllenJ]

but I think that MS was being more lenient last year due to 9/11.
I was in the same predicament. My family that was coming with us the week after Thanksgiving did not want to go after 9/11. MS was nice enough to change our reservation to a 1 bedroom. I was VERY greatful.
Hope you guests decide soon....

 

[dianeschlicht]

I was just chuckling at your comment about being stuck with a 2 bedroom and only 4 people. We just booked a 2 bedroom for 2 weeks next January. One week there will be 4 of us and the other week there will be 3 of us! Are we spoiled or what?

 

[jel0511]

Trust me, with a boy and a girl, we'll be stay MANY nights in a 2 bedroom in the future. I'm sure they won't want to sleep in the same bed!!! Luckily, they're little now 4 and 1, so I can still get away with the 1 bedroom, but in the future, it's a 2 bedroom for me!!!! So, if I have to stay there this time, pity me!!!!

 

[Emolly]

My sister cancelled out on us a week before our trip to HH last summer. What could we do? People just don't understand it is not like a hotel reservation. We went - Just myself and 2 kids. We made the best of it and probably did a lot of different things we wouldn't have done if the whole group had been there. We had fun though and there was plenty of room to spread out
Amy

 

[kem330]

Frankly, I don't agree with the policy. IMHO if your needs change, you should be allowed to drop the 1 BR or studio portion. In the long run this benefits everyone as it frees up a room for someone on the wait list. It would make more rooms available than having 3 or 4 occupy a 2 BR unit when they would prefer to have a 1 BR or Studio. Of course I wouldn't mind the extra space myself But if you need to conserve points, you would be helping someone from the wait list get in.