New policy for reservations based on check IN date

[jdg345]

So let me see, folks consider walking a reservation, by dropping starting days, abuse of the system, right? And truthfully, I don't think it should be allowed. So what solutions are there available, other than not allowing dropping days at the beginning of a reservation, without a cancel and re-book? If you make someone hold the reservation for 30 days before cancelling start days, folks with a lot of points could do that, no problem. It solves nothing.

So, explain a rule that could apply equally to everyone that would prevent walking, without having at some point to cancel and rebook, other than going back to Day By Day, I really can't think of any. Can you?

I would hate not being able to drop days, like Jean, for medical reasons or emergencies. But how would you truly limit walking, under these new rules otherwise?

Nope ... so let's just go back to DBD and call it a ... well ... Day!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I personally think booking based on check-out date only, with no DBD calls permitted, is probably the most equitable or fair system for all members.

This would lead to the same situation we are in with the new poilcy.

MG

 

[bookwormde]

I was thinking about it and for the 11 month window if MS only uses the “enhancement” to book days outside the competitive times (notice I did not use the word “blackout") there is really no reason not to allow reservations of any length.

This would help with removing the contradiction that MS was doing this “enhancement”, which was so members would not have to do DBD, and then they built it into all reservations longer then 7 days.

bookwormde

 

[jdg345]

I called MS to check availability and was told it was good, so thats promising. See there in Feb! We'll be the family with a six year old, a 6 month old, and grandparents in tow. Probably in some sort of matching t-shirt.

Do many folks do this? Call before their 7 month window opens to check availability before they can even book it? I'm just wondering if it's a standard practice as that could add to call volumes as well, just like DBD or Walking.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

So let me see, folks consider walking a reservation, by dropping starting days, abuse of the system, right? And truthfully, I don't think it should be allowed. So what solutions are there available, other than not allowing dropping days at the beginning of a reservation, without a cancel and re-book? If you make someone hold the reservation for 30 days before cancelling start days, folks with a lot of points could do that, no problem. It solves nothing.

So, explain a rule that could apply equally to everyone that would prevent walking, without having at some point to cancel and rebook, other than going back to Day By Day, I really can't think of any. Can you? You could limit the number of changes in a reservation before cancelling, but some would find away around that. For instance, they'd only need to drop the first few days one time...still walking the reservation with only one change.

I would hate not being able to drop days, like Jean, for medical reasons or emergencies. But how would you truly limit walking, under these new rules otherwise?

Chuck, you answered your own question.
It was a well thought out plan when DVC started, and it's still a fair system today. Why change it??

MG

 

[bookwormde]

Maistre Gracey

If I am thinking correctly, check out date only with no DBD would reverse the situation; short reservation would have an advantage over longer reservations

bookwormde

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Do many folks do this? Call before their 7 month window opens to check availability before they can even book it? I'm just wondering if it's a standard practice as that could add to call volumes as well, just like DBD or Walking.

Beautiful!!

MG

 

[Bopsmom]

I called MS to check availability and was told it was good, so thats promising. See there in Feb! We'll be the family with a six year old, a 6 month old, and grandparents in tow. Probably in some sort of matching t-shirt.

and I admire you! We just did 8 in tow last month(DD, her BFF, cousins and Brother/Sister-in-laws).
Christmas will have the "grands" going . This is why my June trip is called "just4us"

I couldn't get them up and goin' at the same time(a herd of turtles) much less in matching shirts- I tip my "ears" to you.

Calling MS when you are not only booking/changing is a good way to get through to Supervisors/Member Satisfaction Team and talk with a human for what ever reason you have to discuss your membership.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Maistre Gracey

If I am thinking correctly, check out date only with no DBD would reverse the situation; short reservation would have an advantage over longer reservations

bookwormde

Indeed you may be correct. I guess my point is it won't be fair to some group of people..

MG

 

[jeankeri]

Example: I call to book my usual 6-night stay. The first few nights are not available, maybe one or more at the end are available but I cannot book them since I can't get the first night. My only option is to waitlist for all six nights. If the nights weren't available due to "walkers" then as they walk forward booking more nights and freeing up some nights, the early nights of my stay become available but my waitlist won't fill because all of the nights are not available. I expect those nights will go to the first caller who is able to make a reservation with them. The only way I can get them is to call at the right time -- soon after the night(s) become available -- and fill in some of the nights of my own wait list. Again, this is based on feedback reported here that the wait list is "all or nothing" but we can call and fill in individual nights of our own wait list if any of those nights happen to be available when we call.

.

When I talked with Sheila, I used this as an example of how DBD booking will continue for those not able to book their week if the first night (or 2 ) is not available. While you can set up the waitlist on day 1, it only makes sense to call back on the day you week is available. Otherwise, your waitlist will not be put into the system until the last day of your vacation. It is likely that all the days that were available on your initial call will then be booked.

 

[dvcdisney]

Do many folks do this? Call before their 7 month window opens to check availability before they can even book it? I'm just wondering if it's a standard practice as that could add to call volumes as well, just like DBD or Walking.

I never thought of it, but I think for those members who are nervous about booking, it would give them a "look" at the availability for their preferred dates.

And I agree, it will definitely add to the call volumes. I guess another possible issue that DVC didn't intend.

To those that suggested we just go back to the old system....I say, Definitely! So we can end this whole mess about "walking". (Again, although I am not planning on "walking", I can understand that others may since the system allows it.)

 

[jpolak]

Do many folks do this? Call before their 7 month window opens to check availability before they can even book it? I'm just wondering if it's a standard practice as that could add to call volumes as well, just like DBD or Walking.

I'm sure people do check. I was just double checking in light of whats being discussed here.

 

[jdg345]

and I admire you! We just did 8 in tow last month(DD, her BFF, cousins and Brother/Sister-in-laws).
Christmas will have the "grands" going . This is why my June trip is called "just4us"

I couldn't get them up and goin' at the same time(a herd of turtles) much less in matching shirts- I tip my "ears" to you.

Calling MS when you are not only booking/changing is a good way to get through to Supervisors/Member Satisfaction Team and talk with a human for what ever reason you have to discuss your membership.

Actually, this just increases call volumes. If people are calling MS just to talk to them about their membership, then those trying to call and book actual vacations have to wait on hold and may risk losing their dates. Maybe DVC should impose a charge per call when not booking/changing a reservation? Or randomly cancel/rebook a ressie ... Like a game show?

 

[dvcdisney]

So let me see, folks consider walking a reservation, by dropping starting days, abuse of the system, right? And truthfully, I don't think it should be allowed. So what solutions are there available, other than not allowing dropping days at the beginning of a reservation, without a cancel and re-book? If you make someone hold the reservation for 30 days before cancelling start days, folks with a lot of points could do that, no problem. It solves nothing.

So, explain a rule that could apply equally to everyone that would prevent walking, without having at some point to cancel and rebook, other than going back to Day By Day, I really can't think of any. Can you? You could limit the number of changes in a reservation before cancelling, but some would find away around that. For instance, they'd only need to drop the first few days one time...still walking the reservation with only one change.

I would hate not being able to drop days, like Jean, for medical reasons or emergencies. But how would you truly limit walking, under these new rules otherwise?

I do not see any solutions other than going back to the old system.

The old system created DBD, but it is far less harmful to the system than what members are proposing to do - "walking". (Again, if the system allows it, I don't see why members can't do it if they feel it to be necessary. ) The problems that the new system is creating is a mess. With every suggested "repair" to the new system, it would create more problems. If they did implement a restriction on dropping/cancelling days or adding days, I believe it would make it far worse for every member. Some may think this is fine until they need to change the dates for emergencies/unavoidable situations. I, for one, would prefer LESS restrictions...and therefore more flexibility.

Let's cut our losses and go back to the old system!

 

[jade1]

I am a (MS) and a mother with a school (MS) aged child. I still wouldn't "walk" because it is still unethical.
Sorry, something can't "make" you do something that you know is wrong/unethical- the "system"

made me do it-right?
But then again, it's all about me.
You spin the wheel, you take a chance.
YMMV

Good for you-really. That is the group I think that will be penalized the most under the new system-and was protected under the old system. They need to travel peak weeks. Do you ever go for the 4 day Thanksgiving weekend? If not (or if you do), what is your new recommendation to call for say...VWL studio arriving Thursday of Thanksgiving next year?

 

[keishashadow]

Any "solution" will likely be worked around in the same fashion. The fact that they need to keep coming up with 'solutions' to fix the new policy strengthens the viewpoint that it cannot stand on its own and was not likely well thought out. They'd be better off going back to what they had before.

I believe that they 'abuse team' is looking out more for spec renters than they are casual walkers. DVC loses several millions to renters and renting, and they haven't been able to stamp that out. The new policy helps spec renters, imo, more than it hurts them.

No one is abusing the system to 'sole' advantage either. Not in DBD, and not with Walking ...

well said

"abuse team"...hmm, will they be fixing abuse or doleing it out ? IMO, it would just make enforcement "subjective" as to both DVC's interpretation & dependent upon "catching" the abuse, not difficult to imagine some slipping thru while others don't...back to creating an unfair advantage

Nope ... so let's just go back to DBD and call it a ... well ... Day!

from your lips

Do many folks do this? Call before their 7 month window opens to check availability before they can even book it? I'm just wondering if it's a standard practice as that could add to call volumes as well, just like DBD or Walking.

just to see overall availability, probably ; bit of a moot point though since availability changes so often

 

[jdg345]

I never thought of it, but I think for those members who are nervous about booking, it would give them a "look" at the availability for their preferred dates.

And I agree, it will definitely add to the call volumes. I guess another possible issue that DVC didn't intend.

To those that suggested we just go back to the old system....I say, Definitely! So we can end this whole mess about "walking". (Again, although I am not planning on "walking", I can understand that others may since the system allows it.)

I guess we might be in for a new 'enhancement' to curb these types of calls as well. Something tells me this would take a little longer to do than just adding Day2+ of a DBD ressie.

 

[jdg345]

I'm sure people do check. I was just double checking in light of whats being discussed here.

I'm just wondering how many people do this versus how many people book DBD or Walk reservations? If DVC's goal with the new system was to cut down on call volumes, this could be their next target.

Already the new WL changes almost beg members to call several times per day to see if they have their day available.

 

[dvcdisney]

Something tells me this would take a little longer to do than just adding Day2+ of a DBD ressie.

yup..

just a mess!

 

[jdg345]

just a mess!

Yup ... and all these things could be done with an Online Booking System, even DBD and inventory checks. And it would reduce MS calls! Imagine if we could book ADR's like that too? Or special events tickets like MNSSHP or MVMCP or PPP ... ?