Leverage: anyone considering SSR purchase:

[lllovell]

I agree that if you both have the same checkin and checkout dates(must be both), then the earlier booker should get the prefered room.

What do you do when the 3 monther checks in 5 days earlier than you and is staying 9 days? And 5 days ago the only open room was a non-smoking? When a person is checking in days before you, then a new set of rules have to be used to maximize usage.

Under our "let you know when you book" scenaro, you would know before you arrived that there were no rooms available that met your needs - actually you would know when you booked. (OR the person checkin in for 9 days would have to be told they didn't have one room for the entire length of their stay, would they like to stay there and be moved or try a different resort?) To me, the last minute ressie person is the one that is the least accomidated in the overall scheme or things, not the guy that tried at 11 months to get the perfect vacation (by their own personal standards - mine are different, yours are different) and got shuffled to accomidate someone else that was last minute.

Each system has flaws and no one ever wants to call and be told they cannot get the room at the resort at the time they want, but it already happens.

 

[TCPluto]

TCPluto states:


I'm most certainly not trying to take sides, but I honestly don't see how Shan, or anyone else for that matter, has bashed or insulted anyone with disabilities in any of her posts ?

I think Crisi gave a good example, along about post #179.

In short, when on here, or standing at the front desk complaining about the handicapped room they've been assigned, a likely unintended messsage is sent to those folks requiring the accessible room (or whatever the issue may happen to be). The secondary messsage is one in which somehow the accommodations and, those needing them, are a huge inconvenience. That their enjoyment is somehow impaired by the requirement of the hotel to set aside facilities that allow the handicapped to exist. The self esteem of these folks (the handicapped) is just as important as anyone else.

I don't think for a minute that Lenny would intend to send that message. That doesn't mean that it isn't sent. I was only trying to point out the secondary effects of the words, spoken and written, and the other messages conveyed. Make sense?

 

[TCPluto]

TCPluto:in response to your comments to me personally: My daughter is an adult, 24, and a licensed therapist.

Colorado Belle

It's ok for you to attack, and to have your daughter attack in your stead (as you shout instructions over her shoulder), but you don't want anyone to defend themselves, or call you on it? Interesting.

I'm surprised that you and your daughter took such sport in flaming someone. Particularly your daughter, since she didn't/doesn't "have a dog in the fight" as it were.

 

[SoCalKDG]

Under our "let you know when you book" scenaro, you would know before you arrived that there were no rooms available that met your needs - actually you would know when you booked. (OR the person checkin in for 9 days would have to be told they didn't have one room for the entire length of their stay, would they like to stay there and be moved or try a different resort?) To me, the last minute ressie person is the one that is the least accomidated in the overall scheme or things, not the guy that tried at 11 months to get the perfect vacation (by their own personal standards - mine are different, yours are different) and got shuffled to accomidate someone else that was last minute.

Then you may end up with empty rooms during certain time periods. Add in the waiting lists that then begin to form for non-smoking rooms, maintenance of rooms, people booking, then changing their room requests, etc., it eventually becomes easier to just make the whole resort non-smoking(someday).

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Under our "let you know when you book" scenaro, you would know before you arrived that there were no rooms available that met your needs - actually you would know when you booked. (OR the person checkin in for 9 days would have to be told they didn't have one room for the entire length of their stay, would they like to stay there and be moved or try a different resort?) To me, the last minute ressie person is the one that is the least accomidated in the overall scheme or things, not the guy that tried at 11 months to get the perfect vacation (by their own personal standards - mine are different, yours are different) and got shuffled to accomidate someone else that was last minute.

Each system has flaws and no one ever wants to call and be told they cannot get the room at the resort at the time they want, but it already happens.

exactly, saved me some typing. there would never be a situation where someone could walk up and take the room that the member booked 11 months ago because the system wouldnt even show that room as being available.

 

[SoCalKDG]

Simple solution:

If you can't stand smoke, then make only one request, non-smoking. Based on info from the polls on these boards, trip reports, size of resorts, etc., this should give you over a 90% chance of getting what you want. If you get bad luck, pay the $25 to switch. Hey, it averages out to only $2.50 per trip.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

...just make the whole resort non-smoking...

hey great idea, Im glad you suggested it

sorry had to have some fun

 

[fireplug]

I have spent MANY minutes reading this thread over two days. Without getting into the mudslinging, those involved are doing a fine job from BOTH sides, I see a couple problems.
With a guaranteed room assingment as proposed ( If I am understanding the suggestion)

Mickey calls at 11 months and is checking in on Tuesday Jan 10 for 4 nights, he is given room 101 as it meets all his needs, requests etc.
Minnie Calls at 11 months and is checking in on Sat Jan 7 she is given room 102 ( an identical room to 101)

Unfortunately there are lots of DVC'ers who also want to visit and the resort is "sold out". All rooms are full on Jan 8, 9, 10, 11,12,13 except room 101 (saved for mickey who is coming in on Tues)
Minnie checks in and is thrilled with her room. However as luck would have it on the 9th the plumbing in 102 has a major leak and floods the room. It will be closed for three or four days.
Minnine is moved into 101 for the night it is empty waiting for mickey.
Now when Mickey arrives do they throw Minnie out or tell mickey he is out of luck no rooms are available.

I realize this is very simplified but the point is things happen. Rooms have probelms. Does DVC leave a certain number of rooms empty for "emergeny" (not cost effective) or toss people out of their rooms if their is a problem.

Even if they tell Minnie they are sorry and have to move her, she will be unhappy "she did not get what she was guarranteed".
If they leave Minnie and tell Mickey he has to move he will be unhappy " he did not get what he was guarranteed"

Another thought, Mickey requested a non/ha room(101) the week before he gets to WDW he falls and breaks a leg and now requires a H/A room. Sorry none available. Does Mickey have to cancel his trip? Pluto is in a H/A room 103 but he didnt require it. He just likes the view of Earful Tower from it. And has stayed in it every year for the last 10 and it is very importabmt to him to be in it. Does DVC tell Pluto too bad we have to give Mickey that room even though Pluto was "guaranteed" 103?

I know many out their have legitimate requests and needs for certain types of rooms. What I dont know is how DVC is supposed to decide which members needs or request are more important than anothers. I dont think that one system will ever be the best for everyone. I am afraid they will go with what is best for most, and that will not please some. I am sure DVC has seen hundreds of claims of medical necessity for this reason or that. Do they hire a physician to evaluate whose need is greater?

In the end I think going to a members meeting and voicing your opinion will have far greater impact than posting on this BB.

Steve

 

[SoCalKDG]

Why weren't Mickey and Minnie sharing a room?

 

[Mike]

Geez, I would have thought that Mickey would have a little more pull than that ...

 

[TCPluto]

Excellent points Fireplug, top to bottom.

 

[wide awake]

I talked to my guide this morning. She said that 97% of requests are filled...I should have asked is that 97% medically related or 97% view, walk to elevators plus med requests. Anyway, she said be careful to request a STANDARD room in my case, and emphasize that I need a tub for medical reasons. She also said to call 5 days out, because that is when rooms are assigned, and explain the situation again. She was careful not to guarantee anything, but said I shouldn't have a problem. She also said that there are approximately 20% smoking rooms. ICK !!! I am still on the fence on this. We really wanted to buy DVC...DH will retire in three years and I loved the idea of having vacations and a house paid for at that point. Now the vacation part is up in the air. I also wanted the kitchen in the one bedroom for some of our stay...DS is on a gluten/casein free diet, and while I've been very impressed with WDW chefs and their willingness to work with special diets, I would like to cook at least part of the time we vacation. Maybe the answer is the FW cabins. I guess we'll have to stay somewhere else the first night, then check in VERY early the next day...seems to be the best way to go.

 

[Divamomto3]

Why weren't Mickey and Minnie sharing a room?

Nobody answered my question yet (see approximately 3 or 4 pages ago.)
When I booked BCV for August, the CM gave me the choice of a unit with 2 Queens in the 2nd bedroom or a unit with one Queen and 1 sofabed. I chose the one with 2 Queens. Do I really have a unit with 2 Q's saved for me? Or do they just have that down as a preference? It doesn't matter a whole heck of a lot either way, but a bed may be more comfortable for my son than a sofabed. If they can preassign a room with 2 Q's to me (assuming they did, not sure...that's why I'm asking), then why can't they preassign my "guaranteed nonsmoking for medical reasons room?" And if it says "guaranteed n/s for med. reasons" on your confirmation...is it truly guaranteed or is there still a chance I may receive a smoking unit? Anyone know the answer about the BCV bed question?

 

[DVCconvert]

'wide awake'...

talked to my guide this morning. She said that 97% of requests are filled...

I have to agree with a poster (some pages back) that basically said perhaps DVC was not the best way for you. I'd suggest you don't buy, and just stick with "duking it out" with CRO. That way, I believe you'll be the happiest possible WDW guest.

 

[kathleena]

She also said that there are approximately 20% smoking rooms.

I was told by DVC MS (Jackie who used to be the rep) and I know I've seen others post also that the smoking percentage is around 4-5%. I think 20% is very high. There is only one section of one floor at the BCV. Definately not 20% of the hotel - or it would be an entire floor of the 5 floor hotel. Same with BWV. Not even close to an entire floor.

 

[tjkraz]

Whether the percentage of smoking rooms is 20% or 3% I think there's one assumption we should be able to make--the number of rooms is commensurate to the average number of guests who request them. The resorts certainly wouldn't have 20% of their rooms as smoking units if only 10% of guests made such a request. That's just an invitation to complaints. And, if the number of guests who request smoking units has decreased over the years, it would be easy enough to convert a room from Smoking to non-Smoking.

I wouldn't be at all worried about the percent of rooms that is currently designated as smoking.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I have spent MANY minutes reading this thread over two days. Without getting into the mudslinging, those involved are doing a fine job from BOTH sides, I see a couple problems.
With a guaranteed room assingment as proposed ( If I am understanding the suggestion)

Mickey calls at 11 months and is checking in on Tuesday Jan 10 for 4 nights, he is given room 101 as it meets all his needs, requests etc.
Minnie Calls at 11 months and is checking in on Sat Jan 7 she is given room 102 ( an identical room to 101)

Unfortunately there are lots of DVC'ers who also want to visit and the resort is "sold out". All rooms are full on Jan 8, 9, 10, 11,12,13 except room 101 (saved for mickey who is coming in on Tues)
Minnie checks in and is thrilled with her room. However as luck would have it on the 9th the plumbing in 102 has a major leak and floods the room. It will be closed for three or four days.
Minnine is moved into 101 for the night it is empty waiting for mickey.
Now when Mickey arrives do they throw Minnie out or tell mickey he is out of luck no rooms are available.

good points but again this is an emergency situation this is not everyday situations. i think a system that has occasional problems due to emergencies is unavoidable

they have problems like that now so whats the difference. In Jan we had 3 studios booked, when we got there ooops problem with the studios, we dont have any studios left.

rather have occansional emergenicies in a better system, than occansional emergencies in this system

I know many out their have legitimate requests and needs for certain types of rooms. What I dont know is how DVC is supposed to decide which members needs or request are more important than anothers.

easy is called he who books first gets it first, plain and simple. why is this such a foreign concept to everyone. Again this is done by more than a few places. we arent talking about some out of this world crazy idea

In the end I think going to a members meeting and voicing your opinion will have far greater impact than posting on this BB.

true but just because you post here doesnt mean you arent doing those things as well. 2 completely separate things.

 

[tjkraz]

My thoughts on this are such that if my family needs a studio that is non-smoking or HA and I am told one is not available, I either change my travel plans or I try at a different resort. Or maybe we just need a one bedroom and there are none available (forget the special requests at all). How is that any different for a person with a medical need? My needs aren't met, so I have to figure out how to change my plans to get them met. I don't think that they should be entitled to special needs bump of me because I called earlier than they did.

Well, then this is probably where we have a philosophical disagreement.

If I'm standing in line at the grocery store with a full cart and someone with 2 items jumps in line behind me, I'll certainly offer to let them go ahead.

If I'm sitting on a Disney bus and a pregnant woman boards and is unable to find a seat, I'll happily give her mine.

I request a non-smoking room every time, but I would give up my room to a family with a greater need than I. Doesn't really matter to me whether the guest booked 11 mos ahead or 11 hours. If there is room at the resort and accommodating a family that otherwise wouldn't be able to make the trip means I have to take a Smoking room, I can live with that.

Rigid first-come, first-served systems have zero flexibility. Neither system is perfect, but I'll take the imperfect system with flexibility over an imperfect system with no flexibility.

Up until now I've always said that I didn't know which side of this debate I was really on. Now I know. I'll stick with the status quo: requests are guaranteed to those with a medical need and granted as-available to all others. I hate to sound corny, but I guess that's just the way I was raised.

 

[tjkraz]

Nobody answered my question yet (see approximately 3 or 4 pages ago.) When I booked BCV for August, the CM gave me the choice of a unit with 2 Queens in the 2nd bedroom or a unit with one Queen and 1 sofabed. I chose the one with 2 Queens. Do I really have a unit with 2 Q's saved for me?

For inventory purposes, they have to track those rooms separately. So, yes, the room with two queens is a guaranteed booking.

Most of the rooms with the queen / sofabed configuration are lockoff 2Bs. Those rooms could also be reserved separately as a 1B and Studio. In order to insure track exactly how many Studios, 1Bs and 2Bs they have available at any given time, they need to specifically assign guests to either a lockoff or dedicated 2B.

If they can preassign a room with 2 Q's to me (assuming they did, not sure...that's why I'm asking), then why can't they preassign my "guaranteed nonsmoking for medical reasons room?"

I don't think anyone ever claimed there were any insurmountable technical hurdles that would have to be overcome. Presently they just choose not to track inventory by S/NS, HA/NHA status.

And if it says "guaranteed n/s for med. reasons" on your confirmation...is it truly guaranteed or is there still a chance I may receive a smoking unit?

Again, I don't think this is tracked in any way, shape or form for inventory purposes. In jest, someone previously commented that we DVCers must be a pretty sick lot with all of these requests "for medical reasons." To the contrary, I would guess there there are only a handful of guests checking-in on a given day that would have medical requests. These guests are the first to receive their room assignments. I've read that the room assignments occur anywhere from 3-5 days ahead of time, so that should give the resort pleanty of time to shuffle assignments to meet the next few days' needs.

Even if the resort is using Room Ready, my understanding is that guests with medical needs will still be pre-assigned, while other incoming guests can choose from the available rooms at the time of arrival.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Well, then this is probably where we have a philosophical disagreement.

If I'm standing in line at the grocery store with a full cart and someone with 2 items jumps in line behind me, I'll certainly offer to let them go ahead.

If I'm sitting on a Disney bus and a pregnant woman boards and is unable to find a seat, I'll happily give her mine.

I request a non-smoking room every time, but I would give up my room to a family with a greater need than I. Doesn't really matter to me whether the guest booked 11 mos ahead or 11 hours. If there is room at the resort and accommodating a family that otherwise wouldn't be able to make the trip means I have to take a Smoking room, I can live with that.

Rigid first-come, first-served systems have zero flexibility. Neither system is perfect, but I'll take the imperfect system with flexibility over an imperfect system with no flexibility.

Up until now I've always said that I didn't know which side of this debate I was really on. Now I know. I'll stick with the status quo: requests are guaranteed to those with a medical need and granted as-available to all others. I hate to sound corny, but I guess that's just the way I was raised.

hmm interesting way to look at it I suppose, but I still think the guarentee system is far more flexible than the current. the only flexibility we have now that is guarenteed is room and resort. under the other we would have room, resort, S/NS, HA/NHA.