Just a thought

[RLevy29]

We totally agree. with thelobstershanty. This is the policy that we bought and this is what we base our vacation plans on.

 

[Dean]

As I've stated, I don't think they'll change it. There's no reason to. They'd be stupid to change the home resort priority to others could book a non home resort easier. They wouldn't do it for this reason if every single owner contacted them and asked for it. The only reason would be for sales or possibly to lengthen it, not shorted in, late in the contract life.

 

[Sammie]

If more SSR owners are staying at other resorts other than their Home, than OKW owners did you have to remember for several years OKW was the only DVC resort therefore naturally they stayed there and became settled into that.

I think once SSR owners try out the others a few times they to will settle into staying mostly at their home resort.

Unless of course they simply can not plan their vacations for personal reasons earlier than 7 months or less, then it truly does not matter.

Certainly it could happen. I don't see it happening though as I see no advantage of it to Disney and truly that is more important to them than most anything else.

 

[Granny]

As I've stated, I don't think they'll change it. There's no reason to. They'd be stupid to change the home resort priority to others could book a non home resort easier. They wouldn't do it for this reason if every single owner contacted them and asked for it. The only reason would be for sales or possibly to lengthen it, not shorted in, late in the contract life.

Dean...you've stated before that you think it is becoming more difficult to book certain DVC resorts at certain times. In fact, it already has begun as discussed on a recent thread...certain times of the year that used to be easy to book at 7 months are becoming more challenging.

The only reason I see Disney shortening the booking advantage is to help sales. Let's say they sell out SSR, and build Eagle Pines. Unlikely, but let's assume it happens. At that point, it will probably have become fairly difficult to book DVC reservations at BCV/BWV/VWL at more and more times of the year, and probably OKW will see some difficulty in booking there as well.

[Please note: this is NOT a knock on SSR. Just sheer numbers should affect the 7 month booking challenges.]

Booking at other resorts continues to be a KEY selling point for new DVC sales. If they thought that enough people were avoiding new contracts due to difficulty in booking elsewhere, they'd have the motivation to close the home resort advantage.

I guess we agree on one important thing. Disney won't do anything unless there is a financial incentive for Disney.

 

[bobbiwoz]

...

Booking at other resorts continues to be a KEY selling point for new DVC sales. If they thought that enough people were avoiding new contracts due to difficulty in booking elsewhere, they'd have the motivation to close the home resort advantage. ...

I think so too. So, maybe it wouldn't take a majority of owners, but a severe slowdown of sales for them to consider that. Of course, people don't know that they won't be able to book when they are signing.

When we were at WDW last week, I passed quite a few DVC sales desks and overheard lots of people talking about staying at the other, smaller DVC resorts. We chatted with people on busses who just bought SSR with that idea in mind.

We also met people staying at OKW who were surprised that at 6 months out when they booked for this trip that BCV wasn't available. They had always been successful in getting that in the past. I'm not sure where they own, but they've been owners since 2000.

Bobbi

 

[JimMIA]

Booking at other resorts continues to be a KEY selling point for new DVC sales. If they thought that enough people were avoiding new contracts due to difficulty in booking elsewhere, they'd have the motivation to close the home resort advantage.

I guess we agree on one important thing. Disney won't do anything unless there is a financial incentive for Disney.

I don't see them doing this for one very simple reason -- there would be no significant financial incentive for them. WE might appreciate that an 11/10 structure would have a profound effect on booking at non-home resorts, but the average prospective buyer would probably not really get that. The average prospect looks at the current structure and thinks, "Wow, even SEVEN months out, I can book at other resorts!"

Plus, they'd have to put up with the uproar from current owners. I know what the POS says, but they don't have any advantage in changing things just because they can.

I don't think a change like that would perk up their sales at all -- in fact the backlash might hurt their sales.

 

[Granny]

I don't see them doing this for one very simple reason -- there would be no significant financial incentive for them. WE might appreciate that an 11/10 structure would have a profound effect on booking at non-home resorts, but the average prospective buyer would probably not really get that. The average prospect looks at the current structure and thinks, "Wow, even SEVEN months out, I can book at other resorts!"

Plus, they'd have to put up with the uproar from current owners. I know what the POS says, but they don't have any advantage in changing things just because they can.

I don't think a change like that would perk up their sales at all -- in fact the backlash might hurt their sales.

I agree totally that the average prospective DVC buyer won't know much about the ins and outs of DVC, and won't be aware of booking difficulties at 7 months.

However, Disney prides itself on being a pretty open and honest timeshare selling organization....at least in comparison to other timeshare operators. If it truly becomes difficult to book other resorts at 7 months (keep in mind it may be several years from now), then will Disney willingly give up this part of their sales pitch? Or will they turn to the dark side and just flat out lie to prospective buyers?

BTW, I think that if they did choose to close the booking advantage, they would do so gradually and not by 3 months overnight. Probably 11/8 and see how that helps the situation.

One last point (yeah right! )....I agree that most prospective buyers wouldn't understand the difference in booking advantage and its impact on reservations. I will postulate that the vast majority of current DVC owners wouldn't either. Disney would hear from a very vocal minority such as those on this board, but if everyone on this board sold their DVC ownership it wouldn't put much of a dent in their 100,000 DVC member number.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree totally that the average prospective DVC buyer won't know much about the ins and outs of DVC, and won't be aware of booking difficulties at 7 months.

However, Disney prides itself on being a pretty open and honest timeshare selling organization....at least in comparison to other timeshare operators. If it truly becomes difficult to book other resorts at 7 months (keep in mind it may be several years from now), then will Disney willingly give up this part of their sales pitch? Or will they turn to the dark side and just flat out lie to prospective buyers?

BTW, I think that if they did choose to close the booking advantage, they would do so gradually and not by 3 months overnight. Probably 11/8 and see how that helps the situation.

One last point (yeah right! )....I agree that most prospective buyers wouldn't understand the difference in booking advantage and its impact on reservations. I will postulate that the vast majority of current DVC owners wouldn't either. Disney would hear from a very vocal minority such as those on this board, but if everyone on this board sold their DVC ownership it wouldn't put much of a dent in their 100,000 DVC member number.

A very good post, Granny, and much the way I see it as well. I really don't expect DVC to do away with the trading within the DVC resorts, but I do see the priority booking window changing. I would probably like to see it change the other direction though. I would like to see a longer home resort priviledge versus a shorter one.

 

[JimMIA]

I would like to see a longer home resort priviledge versus a shorter one.

I wouldn't. I actually think 11/7 is just about right because it strikes a good balance between home resort advantage and true availability of other resorts. There is real availability at most of the resorts at seven months -- except at certain critical times -- and the home resort folks have protection during the really busy times when they need it.

And I can't see Disney making it MORE difficult for people to book outside their own resort. What would be the advantage to Disney of doing that? It would weaken their "buy here, stay anywhere" sales pitch and they would gain absolutely nothing...except making a handful of BCV and VWL owners a tiny bit happier. Those resorts are already sold; Disney has nothing to gain.

 

[JimMIA]

If it truly becomes difficult to book other resorts at 7 months (keep in mind it may be several years from now), then will Disney willingly give up this part of their sales pitch?

Not a chance!

Or will they turn to the dark side and just flat out lie to prospective buyers?

Naw. I don't think they'll do anything. Disney has no obligation to guarantee prospective buyers success -- all they need to do is offer them the opportunity. They don't guarantee success to any of us, even at 11 months.

They'll tell them, "You can buy here, stay anywhere...understanding, of course, that some times are busier than others and we can't guarantee that you'll always be able to get exactly what you want at seven months. But you have the option of booking anywhere, and at seven months, you have the same rights everyone else does -- no more, no less."

 

[dianeschlicht]

Jim, I hope Disney has seen how having such differing resort sizes is part of the issue. OKW and SSR are so much larger than the rest, and with VWL and BCV so much smaller, there is a real inequitly there for booking. I doubt the booking windows will change either. I just think they are pushing that 7 month idea so much with SSR new buyers, that they are causing the buyers to expect SSR to not be a nice place to stay. They are creating MORE of a disparity between resorts. If all the DVC resorts were of an equal or near equal size, I doubt any of us would be even talking about this topic. It's one of the reasons I hope DVC doesn't add a very small resort at the Contemporary.

 

[JimMIA]

Jim, I hope Disney has seen how having such differing resort sizes is part of the issue. OKW and SSR are so much larger than the rest, and with VWL and BCV so much smaller, there is a real inequitly there for booking. I doubt the booking windows will change either. I just think they are pushing that 7 month idea so much with SSR new buyers, that they are causing the buyers to expect SSR to not be a nice place to stay. They are creating MORE of a disparity between resorts. If all the DVC resorts were of an equal or near equal size, I doubt any of us would be even talking about this topic. It's one of the reasons I hope DVC doesn't add a very small resort at the Contemporary.

I agree with everything you say; I just don't see that being a problem for Disney.

In fact, the only people it's a problem for at all are those of us who own at OKW and SSR who want to book the smaller resorts. If I want VWL in early December at the seven month mark, or BCV at seven months during F&W, I'm probably living in a dream world. I might get lucky, but I probably won't.

But that's not a problem for Disney...nor is it a problem for owners at VWL and BCV. In fact, it makes their ownerships more valuable to them...as it should.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We were passing the DVC desk at the WL, and I heard the BUYER ask, "well, what if we wanted to stay at the BCV?" It was not that DVC said, well, you can also stay at BCV.

Bobbi

 

[Granny]

It would weaken their "buy here, stay anywhere" sales pitch and they would gain absolutely nothing...except making a handful of BCV and VWL owners a tiny bit happier.

Well, that's not such a bad idea!

We were passing the DVC desk at the WL, and I heard the BUYER ask, "well, what if we wanted to stay at the BCV?" It was not that DVC said, well, you can also stay at BCV.

Bobbi...but what was the response? If the guide said "yes, that's within the rules to allow you to book anywhere there's availability within the 7 month period", then that's the real response.

My guess is the guide said "Sure! No problem!"

 

[bobbiwoz]

Granny, I'm sorry, we really were just passing by, and I didn't hear the answer. Both the guide and the prospective buyer were standing, by the walkway, and facing the pathway. I always look at the guides to see if they are busy, if they're not, I sometimes go over to chat and ask for stickers for our DGC.

The question registered, and when we passed, I asked DH if he heard, and he said, Yes, about staying at the BC! You see, we like the BCV, and are willing to pay and have paid the points for a studio for a weekend night. We've been going back and forth about adding some points there, so we can bring the family there without having to wait for the 7 month window.

Bobbi

 

[Deemarch]

"90% of things that you worry about, don't happen!"

Hey, if I have to stay at SSR, I'm happy. It's a great place. I'm happy to be able to stay anywhere in WDW!! (DH is a bit more picky!!)

And I always make our reservations at the first window, at our home resort, as a backup. I'm sure that one of these days, that will be the only one that I make. If I really want to stay somewhere else, I might trade, rent, etc.

We're just part of that gaga for Disney group that can't get enough and never complain.

 

[Deemarch]

"90% of things that you worry about, don't happen!"

Hey, if I have to stay at SSR, I'm happy. It's a great place. I'm happy to be able to stay anywhere in WDW!! (DH is a bit more picky!!)

And I always make our reservations at the first window, at our home resort, as a backup. I'm sure that one of these days, that will be the only one that I make. If I really want to stay somewhere else, I might trade, rent, etc.

We're just part of that gaga for Disney group that can't get enough and never complain.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We too usually make our ressies at the 11 month window, but not always. Sometimes we don't decide on a trip unitl 6-7 months out. For example, we really enjoyed early March this year, and have been thinking we might like to do that again next year I haven't reserved yet, and we only have a couple more months before that 7 month window approaches, and we will nolonger have priority. I doubt we'll have to worry, because we will likely get a 1 bedroom and I'm sure we'll make the ressie during our priority period, but I can see this getting more and more difficult for things like a GV. In the past, I have waited until the true checkout end window to reserve a GV in January or October. Now it looks like I might have to call day by day even for those.

 

[CarolMN]

...(snip)......The only reason I see Disney shortening the booking advantage is to help sales. Let's say they sell out SSR, and build Eagle Pines. Unlikely, but let's assume it happens. At that point, it will probably have become fairly difficult to book DVC reservations at BCV/BWV/VWL at more and more times of the year, and probably OKW will see some difficulty in booking there as well.

[Please note: this is NOT a knock on SSR. Just sheer numbers should affect the 7 month booking challenges.]

Booking at other resorts continues to be a KEY selling point for new DVC sales. If they thought that enough people were avoiding new contracts due to difficulty in booking elsewhere, they'd have the motivation to close the home resort advantage. .......(snip).....

I don't agree that shortening the booking advantage will help sales. It will only move the need to book the smaller resorts from 7 months to whatever new period is chosen.

Once DVC notifies members that the booking times have changed, how long will it take before the non-home resort owners just call day by day at 8 months (or 9 months or whatever the new time is)? IMHO, it won't be very long at all. Those that call at 7 months now are a pretty saavy group so it won't take them long to catch on.

So what advantage would the Sales arm gain? And would it be worth it to deal with all the complaints from the owners of the smaller resorts - I'm betting there would be more than just me calling or writing to complain, LOL.

Of course, DVC can change the home resort booking period - it's in the contract we all signed, but I agree with you and everyone else who says there is no incentive for them to do so.

Best wishes -

 

[Dean]

IHowever, Disney prides itself on being a pretty open and honest timeshare selling organization....at least in comparison to other timeshare operators. If it truly becomes difficult to book other resorts at 7 months (keep in mind it may be several years from now), then will Disney willingly give up this part of their sales pitch? Or will they turn to the dark side and just flat out lie to prospective buyers?

No need to. While it is getting more difficult and will likely continue to do so, it will never be bad enough across the board that this is an incorrect statement taken generically. OTOH, if someone asks specific questions about things that are already difficult, I suspect it's hit or miss whether they get a correct and accurate answer now. Not necessarily because the guides are dishonest, I think most are honest and above board, but more that they've been trained that way and don't really know better. And while most DVC guides likely know their product better than the average timeshare sales person, most will never know it as well as most ongoing members on this board.

If there's an issue that is truly important as to whether DVC is a good fit for a certain person, relying on the word of a guide alone is plain idiocy. And I bet most are honest enough to tell you that if you ask specifically. If one were in a tour and looking to buy at SSR and said to the sales rep "I only want to stay at BWV in a BW view or standard view, can I do this consistently", I bet most would be honest enough to either say no, I don't know or that they couldn't guarantee it.