Last Minute DVC avail

[Dano1182]

Has the idea of posting last minute availability ever been discussed?
I am thinking that DVC could post on owners site wha t may be avail on short notice.(less than a month).
This could include last minute cancelations that will lead to forfieture.

would this work?

 

[dianeschlicht]

That would be pretty hard to manage without a total program re-write to the tune of tens of thousands, I'm thinking. Availability changes by the minute when MS is open.

 

[Dano1182]

Ok
I do not know any thing about the software end
I was thinking it could be the same system used to determine availabitly.
For ex. when you call and request DVC xyz and that choice is full they are able to say that there is avaiability in DVC abc.

I thought it would be an easy process to idenitfy avail DVC stock.
I am not even sure if there is ever any conciderable DVC vacancies.

 

[RobDoc]

In addition to the technical challenge of having an accurate report, any DVC rooms unreserved at 60 days using DVC points are automatically made available to CRO for cash reservations - so there is no real purpose to report vacancies within that time frame.

While it sounds like a nice convenience, a simple call to MS would still be the best way to find out if something is available at any given point in time. Of course, if DVC does develop an online reservation system, the capability to find short notice reservations would be a side-benefit of that system.

 

[Dano1182]

I think online resservations is overdue.

I had forgotten about the roll over to cash ressies.
I guess last minute travel at reduced points is out of the question?

 

[RobDoc]

I think online resservations is overdue.

I had forgotten about the roll over to cash ressies.
I guess last minute travel at reduced points is out of the question?

The Online Reservation program is in the pipeline (just don't hold you breath until it's available).

Last minute point discounts is definitely out of the question and probably couldn't be done without violating timeshare laws. Basically, the DVC resorts are all sold out 365 days a year anyway - since the sold out resorts are already owned by the members and our maintenance fees already pay all of the operating expenses for the resorts - so there is no reason to discount the points to entice members to reserve anyway.

 

[spiceycat]

they generally rent (using CRO) any unused villa - so why give you a discount?

the DVC resorts are at a higher occupancy than the Wdw resorts - and right now the WDW resorts are even sold out some days.

besides that is what the waiting list is for - more work for MS - so again why give a discount.

now there is another way - just go in off season, the points required are generally less.

 

[Dano1182]

Thanks for the insight.
Your responses make sense to me.

If I understand it.Generally speaking DVC villas are pretty much always booked.
If not on points by cash paying non members?
I guess I was thinking out loud.
I offten get offers from Marriott and Hyatt regarding discounts and special offers I thought it may be an Idea applicable to DVC.