New policy for reservations based on check IN date

[alldiz]

We still have the same inventory and the same amt of people vying for rooms.....I for one am happy with this change. I haven't done day by day yet....and now I'm glad I won't have too.
Kerri

 

[dianeschlicht]

Okay, I think if everyone follows the plan in what I would say is a normal way, things wont really be different. BUT...if lots of folks try to "work the system" in the manner suggested earlier in this thread, there will be a HUGE negetive impact...mostly in spec renting.

For example: I called yesterday (6/21/09) and switched my 2 bedroom OKW ressie from 1/20/09-1/27/09 to an AKV savanna view 2 bedroom. Now, if I wanted to, I could have blocked the Conceirge level room that was available and booked it a week ahead of someone who wasn't calling until tomorrow to start their week there at the 11 month booking window. That just is NOT fair.

 

[JaxDisneyFans]

I agree that home owners should keep the level playing field of booking by check-out date. So far I have never booked day by day, as I am also happily over at SSR where NOBODY is desperate to be. Now if we got booking categories, like DTD view, I can see wanting to book day by day for NYE for that view.

 

[alldiz]

Okay, I think if everyone follows the plan in what I would say is a normal way, things wont really be different. BUT...if lots of folks try to "work the system" in the manner suggested earlier in this thread, there will be a HUGE negetive impact...mostly in spec renting.

For example: I called yesterday (6/21/09) and switched my 2 bedroom OKW ressie from 1/20/09-1/27/09 to an AKV savanna view 2 bedroom. Now, if I wanted to, I could have blocked the Conceirge level room that was available and booked it a week ahead of someone who wasn't calling until tomorrow to start their week there at the 11 month booking window. That just is NOT fair.

I understand this....but why would people WANT to do this. You got your ressie that you wanted....why book more dates? I just don't "get it".
Kerri

 

[WolfpackFan]

So, if *you* won't get the room, exactly who will?

You know, reading all of these posts, I've wondered the same thing. Personally I think people are really jumping the gun here. Sit back and wait and see how the changes work. If there are problems, I'm sure DVC will make adjustments to fix them. People are getting way too worked up over this IMO. I like the idea of not having to do that day by day calling and if I can't get the exact room I want I'll figure something else out.

 

[Inkmahm]

I understand this....but why would people WANT to do this. You got your ressie that you wanted....why book more dates? I just don't "get it".
Kerri

She already told you- speculative renting.

 

[doconeill]

I understand this....but why would people WANT to do this. You got your ressie that you wanted....why book more dates? I just don't "get it".
Kerri

Given that most newer DVC members are likely owners at SSR, where there always seems to be availability at most times, aren't likely to understand the issue. This ISN'T going to affect non-peak times anyways.

However, owners at BCV, BWV, and VWL, the smaller resorts, or certain categories at AKL, where there is already competition at peak times at the 11-month window, it could make a big difference. Those with more points can "lock-in" early.

I own at SSR. This isn't likely to affect me. That does not mean I believe it is a fair system.

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

I am still wondering about how to make a ressie for longer than 7 days. Is it still speculation on how it is actually going to work?

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

Okay, I think if everyone follows the plan in what I would say is a normal way, things wont really be different. BUT...if lots of folks try to "work the system" in the manner suggested earlier in this thread, there will be a HUGE negetive impact...mostly in spec renting.

For example: I called yesterday (6/21/09) and switched my 2 bedroom OKW ressie from 1/20/09-1/27/09 to an AKV savanna view 2 bedroom. Now, if I wanted to, I could have blocked the Conceirge level room that was available and booked it a week ahead of someone who wasn't calling until tomorrow to start their week there at the 11 month booking window. That just is NOT fair.

Diane-
Can you explain your above post a bit further. It has me confused. Is the above scenario a hypothetical, or did this actually happen? If you did call yesterday to reserve AKV conceirge, that would have been the 7 month mark, right? How would it affect someone reserving at the 11 month mark? Wouldn't they have already reserved back in Feb? I'm sorry, I'm confused!

 

[tjkraz]

However, owners at BCV, BWV, and VWL, the smaller resorts, or certain categories at AKL, where there is already competition at peak times at the 11-month window, it could make a big difference. Those with more points can "lock-in" early.

Not in any meaningful way, according to the information LisaS was given yesterday.

According to the rep she spoke with, you can book up to 7 nights from the day you originally call, but then additional nights are subject to the new 11/7 month window.

For instance, if you wanted the nights of March 1-10, you could first call on April 1st to book 3/1 to 3/7. The nights of 3/8 and forward can't be booked until 11 months from THAT date. So you would have to wait a week--until April 8th--to add to the reservation.

While we don't have anything in writing from DVC yet, this seems like an entirely logical approach to take. You don't get 11 months + 7 days from any date on the calendar to book. They are giving you the +7 from the time you make the first phone call, but subsequent additions are subject to the true 11 month window.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I understand this....but why would people WANT to do this. You got your ressie that you wanted....why book more dates? I just don't "get it".
Kerri

Well, in reality, I don't "get it" either, but there are plenty of people out there booking and renting out prime time reservations all the time, and this just gives them a leg up so to speak. I don't think most of us will be doing that, but there IS room for abuse.

 

[alldiz]

You know, reading all of these posts, I've wondered the same thing. Personally I think people are really jumping the gun here. Sit back and wait and see how the changes work. If there are problems, I'm sure DVC will make adjustments to fix them. People are getting way too worked up over this IMO. I like the idea of not having to do that day by day calling and if I can't get the exact room I want I'll figure something else out.

I agree.....let's just see how this plays out. I think the majority....like before will book just what they want....and we'll just save some stress with multiple phone calls

She already told you- speculative renting.

I'm sure they were booking before....so I'll just have to wait and see. I just think this will make the majority of members lives a little easier...and less stressful. It sounded crazy and stressful before..Ok I got sun, mon tues, and Thurs....but I'm waitlisted for WED....who needs that stress.

Given that most newer DVC members are likely owners at SSR, where there always seems to be availability at most times, aren't likely to understand the issue. This ISN'T going to affect non-peak times anyways.

However, owners at BCV, BWV, and VWL, the smaller resorts, or certain categories at AKL, where there is already competition at peak times at the 11-month window, it could make a big difference. Those with more points can "lock-in" early.

I own at SSR. This isn't likely to affect me. That does not mean I believe it is a fair system.

I really do think it is fairer for the majority of us who don't want to sit on the phone for a week at 9 am.....stressing out that one day in the middle of our vacation is unavailable.

Well, in reality, I don't "get it" either, but there are plenty of people out there booking and renting out prime time reservations all the time, and this just gives them a leg up so to speak. I don't think most of us will be doing that, but there IS room for abuse.

Every rule has a loophole.....this board amazes me how fast they are pointed out Seriously....we'll just have to wait and see. I was going to use the day by day for the 1st time to book a Vero beach for the summer of 09. I'll never know if my chances are better before or now. I'll find out with the rest of us......but I'm willing to chance it with making only 1 phone call.
Kerri

 

[Inkmahm]

I was going to use the day by day for the 1st time to book a Vero beach for the summer of 09. I'll never know if my chances are better before or now. I'll find out with the rest of us......but I'm willing to chance it with making only 1 phone call.
Kerri

Actually, you do know that your chances were better under the old system. You had the same chance as everyone else at 9 am 11 months before your check out date. Now there are people who could have booked your desired room BEFORE you get a chance to call at all. That is the very definition of your chances being better before under the old system.

 

[paults]

MAN! are the COMMERICAL RENTERS GOING TO LOVE THIS

thank you DVC. Why change the system now?

 

[Dean]

First, DVC sets the rules and we must learn how to use them. I understand that some don't like certain approaches but if it's within the rules, that's the way it is whether it was intended by the change or NOT. If they change the rules then one must adapt. Most points systems I know have benefits and priorities for those that own more points or buy from the developer and usually the difference in benefits is dramatic compared to what is being discussed here which is trivial IMO. But given this change, there's no way to have it both ways. You either make it a full cancellation for any changes or you don't. If it's a full cancellation for any changes and you truly need to make a change, then you'll likely be out of luck for high demand times. If it's changeable on the fly then those that need a given day will call and reserve a week out from the last day they need then make changes later. Either way won't affect those reserving first to rent out (their choice by the way) as they will likely know what they want already and reserve and if they cancel, will cancel the entire thing. But there will always be those socialists that want to micromanage intent and the reality is there is no way to do so, thank goodness in a free society.

 

[Dean]

Actually, you do know that your chances were better under the old system. You had the same chance as everyone else at 9 am 11 months before your check out date. Now there are people who could have booked your desired room BEFORE you get a chance to call at all. That is the very definition of your chances being better before under the old system.

I don't agree. Your chances of getting a longer trip for a high demand option are likely better under this system, esp if you couldn't call right at opening time every day or forgot one day. But even if you could, it was not uncommon for you to be holding a day I needed and vice versa both wait listed for the other. It was simply a game of chicken. Certainly one that calls a few days before may get part of your days and lock you out, same for your reservation for the next person. This is one way of effectively instituting a minimum stay and IMO, the benefits to the system and the membership as a whole will far out weigh the specialty circumstances that are being discussed here.

 

[zulaya]

Dean - I can't think of a way to make this not come out sarcastic, so my apologies in advance.

While I don't have a desire to book AKV concierge or NYE or Christmas week myself, I shudder to think what those members wanting those dates and/or units will feel when they read you think this change is "trivial" to them and not dramatic.

I do agree that we have to follow the rules as they are set. But this thread is about the discussion of the new policy and there are a lot of people, myself included, who don't think this policy was thought out very well and that there are problems with it versus the old system...even before you put spec renting in play.

As far as a few posters commenting how this policy will make it less stressful for them to not call at 9am...I think you'll find that it will be stressful, just in a different way. If you call at 9am to find that some of all of your dates are already booked in the unit you want, you could be stressed out for several reasons:

1. You already have those dates off work and now you have to see if you can change it
2. You have to waitlist right at your 11 month window for some or all of your dates
3. You have to consider changing unit size
4. Maybe you don't have enough points to change unit size or dates
5. You'll have to call back anyway to see what's going on once you decide what to do.

The list can go on and on, I'm sure.

My point here is that maybe DVC thinks this is reducing the so-called stress of calling day-by-day for those who deem it necessary (and yes, I know that AKV CL is one of those) ~ and it would save them money in calls to the 1-800 number ~ but in reality people are going to get stressed out over rooms being booked before they can call and will end up calling back more often to check on their waitlist or see what else is available....I think it will end up being a wash in terms of benefits for DVC and its members, but with a little more unfairness to the playing field added in.

 

[tjkraz]

Actually, you do know that your chances were better under the old system. You had the same chance as everyone else at 9 am 11 months before your check out date. Now there are people who could have booked your desired room BEFORE you get a chance to call at all. That is the very definition of your chances being better before under the old system.

Not if demand exceeds supply.

One of the difficulties I have with this discussion is that everyone seems to believe that *they* will not be the person left without a room when booking day-by-day. In reality, if there are 500 rooms and 550 people on the phone 11 month out, 50 of them will not get what they want.

It's easy to say claim that's fair in theory, but it doesn't make a lot of sense when you have 2 or 3 members with incomplete stays because they are all holding dates the other needs (Member 1 has Monday and Wednesday, Member 2 has Thursday, Member 3 has Sunday and Tuesday.)

Under the new system, all you need is ONE ROOM available for your arrival date, and the next 7 nights are guaranteed. Done. Booked. Vacation confirmed.

There is some give-and-take in the new system, but I have to admit I'm warming up to the idea.

 

[robinb]

However, owners at BCV, BWV, and VWL, the smaller resorts, or certain categories at AKL, where there is already competition at peak times at the 11-month window, it could make a big difference. Those with more points can "lock-in" early.

Members should keep how those owners feel in mind when they consider a small add-on at BLT. How far is 50 points really going to go if you want to book at MK view studio during an even slightly busy time?

 

[CarolMN]

We have to wait until all the details of the new booking policy are known to really understand the impact. At this point, I'm not even sure that DVC has thought it through.

I definitely expect that they will not allow any cancellations at the beginning of the reservation without canceling the entire reservation and making a new one. (So the released days would go to a waitlist if there was one). No exceptions.

If they allow cancellations at the beginning of the reservation, the day by day calling (that they say they want to decrease or eliminate), will just start 7 days earlier than it did under the old system. All they will have done is increase the workload for MS. (There will be more reservations made and canceled only to end up with the same thing). They won't allow that (or won't as soon as they figure out what is going on). Too bad for those who may have a legitimate reason for canceling a day at the beginning. I agree with Dean that DVC just won't get into deciding who is truthful and who is not.

Other questions they'll need to answer officially and consistently -

1. If the first day I want isn't available, can I still reserve the next days (up to 7) that are available? If I can't, can I go on the waitlist on the first day I call for my whole vacation? What if my vacation is more than 7 days?

2. What if the first day and days 4 -5 are available, but not days 2 & 3? Can I reserve the days that are available? Can I waitlist for just the days that are not?

3. etc. ( I can think of many, many more)

I also think the change makes it easier for those who rent speculatively.