jim lewis, please focus on website

[wvalx]

hope the new general manager concentrates on this area.

We should be able to make reservations online, track points, bank, borrow, select preferences, etc.

That's my #1 wish.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by wvalx
hope the new general manager concentrates on this area.

We should be able to make reservations online, track points, bank, borrow, select preferences, etc.

That's my #1 wish.

I agree. The website as it stands now is very 2-dimensional. It needs to be more intuitive, creative and interactive.

 

[jaysue]

I like calling and talking to the CM's - I always find them very personable, customer service focused and helpful

Execution orientation of the website would not be a priority for me - more relevant content about WDW, exchange opportunities etc. would be more useful.

thanks
jaysue

 

[rocketriter]

It also needs to accomplish something besides displaying information. Right now I go into it only to look up II exchanges or to see what discounts are available right now. In other words, Once every few months. Anything else I either find here or by calling MS.

What could the site accomplish? Number one would be reservation and points management. Boy, would I like to be able to check room availability, confirm or modify reservations, and check points banking and borrowing!

Getting a little farther out would be live interactive access to priority seating.

What other things would people like to see?

 

[goofy4dvc]

I agree as well. It's pretty sad when DVCers can get better information and more useful tools from independent or member websites than from the actual DVC website!! With the techno wizards at Disney, I really expected more. Also, the Disney home website lacks alot of information as well. If you were planning a vacation and only had those two websites, you'd have very limited information.

 

[OneMoreTry]

They should hire, or consult, CASKBILL.

 

[jaysue]

Well I wonder on the limited information angle. For example if I want to book an airline ticket on an airline, I do not get much information about the airline itself either good or bad.

There are many tidbits of information on this board that would not be in DVC's interests to publish and nor would it be in our collective interest if the nuggets of wisdom here were accessible in an advertised or compiled fashion from the WDW and DVC websites

I have pondered this some more my intial post and still have the same position - I like talking to the CM's.

Now, I do use the internet to buy some books, music, book airline tickets, rental cars etc. but I do find the CM's so nice and often able to add value/suggestions to my planning that I want to continue to interact by phone with DVC.

I do not want to see them invest $$$ into the web site(s) at the expense of our dues or has a management priority over some of the more fundamental issues out there such as upkeep, customer service, obtaining discounts for us, planning new resorts etc.

thanks
jaysue

 

[wvalx]

Originally posted by jaysue
Well I wonder on the limited information angle. For example if I want to book an airline ticket on an airline, I do not get much information about the airline itself either good or bad.

There are many tidbits of information on this board that would not be in DVC's interests to publish and nor would it be in our collective interest if the nuggets of wisdom here were accessible in an advertised or compiled fashion from the WDW and DVC websites

I have pondered this some more my intial post and still have the same position - I like talking to the CM's.

Now, I do use the internet to buy some books, music, book airline tickets, rental cars etc. but I do find the CM's so nice and often able to add value/suggestions to my planning that I want to continue to interact by phone with DVC.

I do not want to see them invest $$$ into the web site(s) at the expense of our dues or has a management priority over some of the more fundamental issues out there such as upkeep, customer service, obtaining discounts for us, planning new resorts etc.

thanks
jaysue

I agree about getting good information here. But I think investing in the website will drive down costs and will allow management to concentrate on other basic areas (maybe they spend a loit of energy training CM??). It seems like there a lot of times people say CM aren't fully informed which leads to problems. Any information can be presented via the website. I am an owner at HGVC and they have a tremendous website.

 

[goofy4dvc]

Originally posted by jaysue
Well I wonder on the limited information angle. For example if I want to book an airline ticket on an airline, I do not get much information about the airline itself either good or bad.

There are many tidbits of information on this board that would not be in DVC's interests to publish and nor would it be in our collective interest if the nuggets of wisdom here were accessible in an advertised or compiled fashion from the WDW and DVC websites

I have pondered this some more my intial post and still have the same position - I like talking to the CM's.

Now, I do use the internet to buy some books, music, book airline tickets, rental cars etc. but I do find the CM's so nice and often able to add value/suggestions to my planning that I want to continue to interact by phone with DVC.

I do not want to see them invest $$$ into the web site(s) at the expense of our dues or has a management priority over some of the more fundamental issues out there such as upkeep, customer service, obtaining discounts for us, planning new resorts etc.

thanks
jaysue

I was thinking about things like the boat rentals. You have to call about prices. They don't mention the Captain's Plan or the Bike and Boat Plan or any of the other recreation packages on their website. As I was planning our May trip, I realized how little info I get from Disney compared to other sources.

Also, US/IA post their park hours many more months in advance than Disney does. This is not something that is available from other sources, but just not available at all. We have to make ressies most times months before the park hours and entertainment schedules are posted.

 

[jaysue]

I was thinking about things like the boat rentals. You have to call about prices. They don't mention the Captain's Plan or the Bike and Boat Plan or any of the other recreation packages on their website. As I was planning our May trip, I realized how little info I get from Disney compared to other sources.

Good point - here is another one - I have never found info about the Carriage rides at POR on the WDW site - only here on the boards

thanks
jaysue

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

While I agree and wish we had an imporved, usable web site, I wouldn't bet that Jim Lewis will be working on it as a high priority. I think he will concentrate on areas where DVC can expand profits and increase profit margins. The web site isn't in either of those catagories. Don't we pay for the current MS reservations system through our dues? Since we do, there is no big incentive for DVC to change the system.

HBC

 

[pearljim]

Amen! Never felt it was up to Disney standards.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

They must be working on changing the DVC website. While using the site recently a survey popped up, so I answered it.

A lot of stuff on that site is out of date. They need someone to work on it as a full time/daily job.

 

[timC]

While I agree and wish we had an imporved, usable web site, I wouldn't bet that Jim Lewis will be working on it as a high priority. I think he will concentrate on areas where DVC can expand profits and increase profit margins. The web site isn't in either of those catagories. Don't we pay for the current MS reservations system through our dues? Since we do, there is no big incentive for DVC to change the system.

I've been thinking the same thing. Clearly the organization running the site is underfunded. Is there not enough operating budget in the system to drive these kind of improvements? If not, how is DVC ever going to keep up over the decades to come? I hope WDW has some stake in this and will pitch in some budget... I'm not advocating an increase in dues

 

[DebbieB]

I wouldn't hold your breath. I went to the BWV annual meeting in December 2000 and the question of online reservations came up. They said they were working on it. 3+ years later, nothing. I agree with Happy Birthday Cat, they don't want to put the expenses into it. If they increased dues to cover it, members would be complaining. From what I've heard, Disney in general has cutback on their computer systems people. When they had to start cutting expenses, they were the first to go.

 

[JimC]

I hope they use the same team that redesigned the WDW web site. That was first class effort. I am surprised at how different the various Disney sites are. I could understand differences between the theme parks and say ABC or ESPN. But notice the differences between the five theme park sites. I would have thought a more consistent look and feel would have been attempted.

 

[timC]

I hope they use the same team that redesigned the WDW web site. That was first class effort. I am surprised at how different the various Disney sites are. I could understand differences between the theme parks and say ABC or ESPN. But notice the differences between the five theme park sites. I would have thought a more consistent look and feel would have been attempted.

Jim. I work in an ecommerce organization of a major US corporation. Our is suffers the very same inconsistency. The problem is that below 2 or 3 click from the main page the budget for these sites are fragmented, spread out to the various departments. Disney probably has branding guidelines but they are difficult to control. Our DVC budget comes out of our maintenance fees and unfortunately you get what you pay for.

Also, these IT departments have a hard time spending budget just to keep up with these branding guidelines... the ROI is hard to quantify.

 

[jade1]

Theres a web site? I only use this and call for ressies.

 

[chunkygal]

If you think about it, a better web site where you could make reservations.... would save money, not as many member services personnel. This in the long run would save money for Disney and DVC members, thereby being more profitable.

We have a Marriott Vacation Club also, and there you can CHECK AVAILABILTY online and book. It is SOOO easy. Can you imagine checking rather than having to refigure dates...blah blah blah especially when you are coordinating with others? THis would be great. Most of my reservations have involved at least two phone calls.

I like DVC better in general than MVC, but this is one area they excell in.
Chunky GAL

 

[bom_noite]

Obviously Jim was listening. What else do you want done?