Issue with DVC owner responding...what would you do?

[EnviroChick]

In May I rented points from a DVC owner for a 2 BR at Beach Club with a transfer to BW (BW View) at 7 months. I have a confirmed reservation letter. I've seen many posters say their waitlist came through at BWV a long time ago for the same time of year we're going. So maybe he never called...We'll deal with BCV if that's how it has to be. Two weeks ago I called MS myself to set up ME for the six of us. I called twice and neither time would they discuss anything with me about the ressie nor would they take my flight info for ME. I mailed the owner twice in the last two weeks, once to ask he phone them with my flight info and a second time to confirm that he did call. He doesn't respond. Is there anything else I can do? We leave in three weeks; I need to get those tags. I think it's ridiculous that MS won't take flight info from a confirmed ressie..they state they've had abuse in the past. If the number of people in the ressie match up to the number of flight reservations and luggage tags (and even the names match), what's the difference? I guess we should think about simply booking two rooms at the resort of my choice next time. It would be much simplier and I'd feel more of the Disney Magic, not like I'm some sort of criminal looking to cheat they system.

 

[dumbo71]

Are you sure you have a confirmed ressie? Owner could have cancelled.

Also, I think it is wonderful that renters cannot call and speak to MS about OUR accounts.

If you want control, join DVC, if not except the pitfalls of renting from an unknown.

There is also CRO................

Edit: that is the harsh reality. Now for the likely truth. It is the Holidays and many are busy. I'm sure all will be fine with your trip although I wouldn't count on a BW view. The owner will call or email.

Happy travels

 

[3DisneyKids]

MS has a (now) strict policy that they will not talk to renters. As the above poster stated, many here think this is a GOOD thing. Please understand that we all pay high maint. fees as owners...and it is these fees that pay the salaries of MS cast members. Thus, many here feel that MS should only deal with members, not with those who do not pay MFs.

Yes, I understand that you paid a lot of money to an owner and that you are just trying to make sure everything is in order. I know that you want peace of mind. (I rented several times before buying in, so I really do understand exactly how you feel.)

Continue to try contacting the owner from whom you rented...I am sure that he/she will respond soon...I hope so, so that you can have peace of mind.

Best wishes and let us know how it turns out.

 

[Lynne M]

I know this is upsetting, I'd be worried too. I agree that it may just be holiday busy-ness, the owner may have the flu, etc. I hope all works out well for you.

As for contacting MS, they're not going to speak with you. They do not get involved in rental transactions in any way. While you may have a confirmation in hand, it's important to keep in mind that it's not your reservation, it's the owner's reservation. At no point in the rental process do you control the reservation. They're not treating you like a criminal, they're protecting the member's privacy.

Not having control of the reservation, or things like ME, is one of the tradeoffs for getting accomodations at bargain-basement prices. You give up a certain comfort level in exchange for the cost savings.

Hope it all turns out OK!

 

[RobDoc]

Why not try to contact DME directly to schedule your transfers to the resort? Several have reported doing that on the boards. The number to call to book is (866) 599-0951 .

Basically, MS is a service for DVC members and they have stopped allowing renters and/or guests to use that service, so you are not alone in that respect. Hopefully, the contract you received from the member before sending any payment clearly spells out all aspects of your rental - including how to contact him and how to add things like DME or room requests. I'd refer to that document for such information.

You can also call the resort directly a few days ahead of arrival to confirm your reservation - but that won't help with DME.

Good luck!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

Well, I can see where that would bother me too. I rented before buying and the DVC member I rented from was always very available and answered all my questions via email within a day or two. No contact would make me nervous as well. I hope everything works out for you - and, like Webmaster Doc said, you can call the resort directly a few days prior to your arrival to confirm that you still have a reservation. Good luck!

 

[EnviroChick]

Are you sure you have a confirmed ressie? Owner could have cancelled.

Also, I think it is wonderful that renters cannot call and speak to MS about OUR accounts.

If you want control, join DVC, if not except the pitfalls of renting from an unknown.

There is also CRO................

Edit: that is the harsh reality. Now for the likely truth. It is the Holidays and many are busy. I'm sure all will be fine with your trip although I wouldn't count on a BW view. The owner will call or email.

Happy travels

Dum, I know you mean well and I respect all of you who are so passionate about Disney and DVC. But come on, control over what, luggage tags for six people and a 1 hour ride on a bus? I don't care at all about the owners "account". I'm not asking for any information regarding his account. And yes, I phoned and confirmed the ressie, but now you're freaking me out. This is a 5 figure vacation and a big piece of that is the villa. Since MS' strict change, will I still be allowed to call and confirm again through them?

As far as DVC owner's dues paying MS cast members salaries, maybe Disney should allow for DVC members and renters to provide information for ME through another means. It would free the MS' staff up for other things, such as managing waitlists.

I'll let you all know how it turns out.

 

[Sammie]

I would take the suggestion to call Magical Express directly. Sorry you have not had a cooperative owner but do understand the need for Member Services to only provide services to members. You can call the resort directly within 5 days to check on the reservation and you can call ME directly, only the member can call Members Services. The number to MS was abused by too many nonmembers, tying up the phones and keeping paying members from being able to use a service they have paid for. The member you rented from should provide the calls to MS.

The great savings you get by renting does come with some risk, hope it works out for you.

 

[EnviroChick]

Why not try to contact DME directly to schedule your transfers to the resort? Several have reported doing that on the boards. The number to call to book is (866) 599-0951 .

Basically, MS is a service for DVC members and they have stopped allowing renters and/or guests to use that service, so you are not alone in that respect. Hopefully, the contract you received from the member before sending any payment clearly spells out all aspects of your rental - including how to contact him and how to add things like DME or room requests. I'd refer to that document for such information.

You can also call the resort directly a few days ahead of arrival to confirm your reservation - but that won't help with DME.

Good luck!

Thanks Doc. I'll try the DME number and see. I already confirmed the ressie, but before MS became so strict, maybe last summer/fall. Can I call the resort now (I don't want to wait 'till a couple days ahead of time; harder to regroup) and will they confirm the ressie?

 

[Sammie]

Thanks Doc. I'll try the DME number and see. I already confirmed the ressie, but before MS became so strict, maybe last summer/fall. Can I call the resort now (I don't want to wait 'till a couple days ahead of time; harder to regroup) and will they confirm the ressie?

Nope, they won't have your reservation in their systems until 5 days out.

 

[crisi]

Thanks Doc. I'll try the DME number and see. I already confirmed the ressie, but before MS became so strict, maybe last summer/fall. Can I call the resort now (I don't want to wait 'till a couple days ahead of time; harder to regroup) and will they confirm the ressie?

The resort will only have the ressie a couple of days ahead.

This must be really maddening for you, but there is no way to check. Its in the hands of the owner.

Call ME directly for the luggage tags. Hope it all works out for you.

 

[kimberh]

Do you have the DVC owners phone number? If not try reversephonenumber.com on the internet and see if his number comes up. I would try to call him and see what is going on. You will have to enter his city in, it is self explanatory. Good luck.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Why not try to contact DME directly to schedule your transfers to the resort? Several have reported doing that on the boards. The number to call to book is (866) 599-0951 .

Basically, MS is a service for DVC members and they have stopped allowing renters and/or guests to use that service, so you are not alone in that respect. Hopefully, the contract you received from the member before sending any payment clearly spells out all aspects of your rental - including how to contact him and how to add things like DME or room requests. I'd refer to that document for such information.

You can also call the resort directly a few days ahead of arrival to confirm your reservation - but that won't help with DME.

Good luck!

GREAT tip, Doc! I didn't know this was an option...see, you learn something new every day on the DIS!

 

[MiaSRN62]

Yes, I'd call as Doc suggested. I had to add my dh on to a reservation this month at only 2 weeks prior to arrival. DME was very nice. I was also nervous about getting the tags on time and they actually Fed Ex'd them to me at their cost ! Good luck and let us know how you make out. I can imagine how stressful not hearing from the owner must be.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I understand your frustration, but the problem truly is with the owner and NOT MS. If you are not a member, you shouldn't be allowed to change anything or add anything to what a member has done for you. My guess is that your owner is on vacation and will get back to you as soon as he is home again. I would be a bit worried too, but your only recourse right now is to wait and call the resort directly about 5 days out. The problem is...WHICH resort! I guess I would start with BCV, since that was your original areement.

 

[JimMIA]

Dum, I know you mean well ...

Don't bet the farm on that! Dumbo71 has disgruntled moments...

And yes, I phoned and confirmed the ressie, but now you're freaking me out. This is a 5 figure vacation and a big piece of that is the villa. Since MS' strict change, will I still be allowed to call and confirm again through them?

Nope. You got caught in the middle of a change in policy. On August 1, MS changed their policy (presumably at least partially in response to owners' complaints that their dues money was subsidizing the rental industry). They will no longer even talk to you, much less answer any questions or assist you in any way.

However, as Diane said, YOUR problem is with the owner you rented from, not DVC. They are the party you are dealing with...not DVC.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

I understand your frustration, but the problem truly is with the owner and NOT MS. If you are not a member, you shouldn't be allowed to change anything or add anything to what a member has done for you.

ITA

As others have already said...
1). Yes, we understand your fear/frustration and we do sympathize
2). Yes, lack of timely communication between owner & renter can be part of the trade off for getting great accommodations at an incredible bargain
2). No, this is not a problem MS needs to solve. DVC has no responsibility to you as you are not a member (don't intend to sound harsh but...)

Just remember, you pay peanuts you get elephants.

I am sure everything will work out fine, people are very busy this time of year. Try not to let the stress of wondering intrude on your holiday.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Just remember, you pay peanuts you get elephants.....

I love this.

 

[crisi]

....You got caught in the middle of a change in policy. On August 1, MS changed their policy (presumably at least partially in response to owners' complaints that their dues money was subsidizing the rental industry). They will no longer even talk to you, much less answer any questions or assist you in any way.

However, as Diane said, YOUR problem is with the owner you rented from, not DVC. They are the party you are dealing with...not DVC.

Rumor also has it that DVC got stuck in the middle of a couple of fraudulent transactions, where the renter said "but you guys confirmed it." If that is true (and I suspect that it is partially the reason for the change as well), it underscores Jim's last sentence, DVC is making it very clear that you are dealing with a private party and they will not get involved.

And just so you understand Disney's side:

This is a 5 figure vacation and a big piece of that is the villa. Since MS' strict change, will I still be allowed to call and confirm again through them?

When you gave an owner a four figure (I'm assuming) check, from Disney's perspective you didn't book a hotel room from them through CRO - losing them four figures worth of revenue. In other words, you went with a competitor to get your Disney vacation. They aren't going to bend over backwards to fix your problems with a competitor.

 

[greenban]

You MUST contact the Owner. Stay on it.

Most likely, they didn't have enough points for your ressie and the waitlist, and so the waitlist was never made. Or they waitlisted for the entire stay instead of day-by-day.

But as you pointed out BCV is very nice as well.

You have every reason to be concerned, but until the recent PP sga, the vast majority of 'problems' were communication issues, like (I hope) this one.

This is one of the risks of renting, you never really have control. There could be a real personal tragedy in the Owner's life, understandable, but not helpful to you.

Please contact them, and let us all know how it works out!

-Tony

P.S. you didn't rent from Dumbo71 did you, rumor has it he sold some of hisd points.