New policy for reservations based on check IN date

[ITGirl50]

Question for the moderators. I realize you want to keep all conversation of this policy to this thread. However, I would like to see some results posted on the successes and failures at the 11 month window for reservations based on the new policy. Would you consider starting a new thread strictly for those to post what happened when they called at the 11 month so all members could get a better handle on how the new policy is affecting them. Any posts in the thread not adhering to the guidelines could be removed so that the thread would serve it's purpose. It's just gotten too difficult to follow everything in this thread due to it's length. I hope you'll give it some thought, but if not, I understand. Thanks, Bill

I agree. We need to know details in one thread. If there is inconsistency within MS, then they need to be told specifics. Be sure to get the name of the MS rep too.

 

[kayla87]

Ok, I will admit that I haven't read this whole thread, only ~ the first two pages when it started. But...

I've read the term "walking" a few other places, and I suspect this is a term related to this new policy. The search isn't working, or I would have tried to find this myself. What does it mean exactly? In context, I thought it meant changing your reservation, like at the 7 month mark.

Thanks!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Question for the moderators. I realize you want to keep all conversation of this policy to this thread. However, I would like to see some results posted on the successes and failures at the 11 month window for reservations based on the new policy. Would you consider starting a new thread strictly for those to post what happened when they called at the 11 month so all members could get a better handle on how the new policy is affecting them. Any posts in the thread not adhering to the guidelines could be removed so that the thread would serve it's purpose. It's just gotten too difficult to follow everything in this thread due to it's length. I hope you'll give it some thought, but if not, I understand. Thanks, Bill

While I also think this is a great idea, I think we need more time before we draw any conclusions.
We need more of Members to learn the ins & outs of booking and walking before we can see just how this new policy is working.

MG

 

[bookwormde]

Since some posters do not want the thread split, I was wondering if someone (I am not volunteering) wanted to keep a rolling log like on the ROFR thread for successes and failures with the new booking policy?

bookwormde

 

[PamOKW]

Ok, I will admit that I haven't read this whole thread, only ~ the first two pages when it started. But...

I've read the term "walking" a few other places, and I suspect this is a term related to this new policy. The search isn't working, or I would have tried to find this myself. What does it mean exactly? In context, I thought it meant changing your reservation, like at the 7 month mark.

Thanks!

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I think it means booking well in advance of when you "really" want your reservation and then calling back cancelling and adding as the calendar moves along. Theoretically, calling on the first day of your 11 month window and booking the first seven days available and then calling back and "walking" the reservation until you get the actual dates you want.

An example might be if you want Dec. 24-Jan 2 you begin by booking December 1-7 and then call back every day moving it forward -- December 2-8 then December 3-9 etc.

 

[Paradise East]

OK .. lets see how confusing I can suggest this.

Walking ... add a day on the end of a ressie while deleting a day off the front for a long period of time.

Extending ... adding a day on the end of a ressie without deleting any days.

Rule: Walking No Longer Allowed !

Given: 7 deletable days only ... available off the front end of any ressie

How: After 7 ( # up for discussion) days of "Walking" the particular ressie will be "locked" from removing any more days from the front end.

For the ressie extender this gives the mobility to be able to modify a ressie if the need arises because of unknown problems at time of booking seeing they have "7 deletable days" if needed.

Might this even the playing field a bit?
Or not?

 

[jamstew]

When I started this, it was just a proof of concept. Since we did not know what we could and could not do, I thought I'd just give it a shot. As questions became more elaborate, I've continued to use these reservations to test concepts and suggestions posted here (and elsewhere).

If I understand correctly, you're doing this not for the purpose of getting your coveted dates/room types, but simply to test the system? I assume you realize, and just don't care, that your "tests" could be locking other members out of dates that they actually want? Yes, yes, I get it--DVC has forced you to do this...nice

I'm one of those who questions the ethics of "walking" in the first place, although I can understand possibly doing it for a week or two--but doing it purely for the purpose of testing the system with total disregard for other members, to me, goes a little beyond the pale. (Flame suit on)

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Might this even the playing field a bit?
Or not?

No. Outside of the walking aspect, there is another great injustice.. Let's pretend neither party walks:

I book December 25th - January 1st right at my 11 month window.

You try to book December 28th - January 1st right at your 11 month window, but can't because I already have your room.

The system doesn't work, and is not fair.

MG

 

[Bopsmom]

If I understand correctly, you're doing this not for the purpose of getting your coveted dates/room types, but simply to test the system? I assume you realize, and just don't care, that your "tests" could be locking other members out of dates that they actually want? Yes, yes, I get it--DVC has forced you to do this...nice

I'm one of those who questions the ethics of "walking" in the first place, although I can understand possibly doing it for a week or two--but doing it purely for the purpose of testing the system with total disregard for other members, to me, goes a little beyond the pale. (Flame suit on)

There were hundreds of posts in this thread regarding the ethics of walking and DBD.
I think the general consensus was that it is a personal decision/choice if a person wants to practice it.
There is at this point no rules against it and thus not anything other than a practice/practical exercise.
Will it work? perhaps . Will it be stopped, again perhaps. How long will walking be allowed, who knows
Throughout the thread is has been said that any and all DVCr's should contact MS via Email or snail mail regarding the changes/consequences of the new policies.

We have moved on to test the process in the actual parameters of the DVC reservation system. I, for one, want to watch it play out.

 

[LIFERBABE]

No. Outside of the walking aspect, there is another great injustice.. Let's pretend neither party walks:

I book December 25th - January 1st right at my 11 month window.

You try to book December 28th - January 1st right at your 11 month window, but can't because I already have your room.

The system doesn't work, and is not fair.

MG

I agree, even if no one walks, definite patterns of booking will be established in order to increase reservation success.

I dont have to walk. If I start my reservation on a Friday, during any booking window, I have considerably increased my chances of securing my reservation, because most members don't have enough single UY points available to book entire week stays. We otoh, have over 400 points at each of our home resorts and can easily book multiple weeks whenever.

The old system, it did not matter how many points you owned, you could not manipulate the system to gain an advantage over another member. Even if you owned 25 points, your 25 points were equal to anyone else's points every day of the year you could go head to head with a 1000 point or more owner for a room and win.

Now your 25 points are worth what's left over after the members with alot of points pick and choose what they want. I personally am not worried about securing my reservation for Christmas or New Year's or any other time. I will start my ressie on a Friday if I have to, not a problem. Im too lazy to walk!

But if you thought DBD was not fair, you ain't seen nothing yet!

As for success, I just booked a week in AKV Concierge studio last week for June 09 all in one call after 1pm Not a busy time and everyone does not know about the change yet so was probably easier than most but I know I now have an advantage because of the points I own.

Im not bragging, I think DBD was an equal opportunity "loophole" if that's what you want to call it. Even if they close all the holes of 11+7, Mega Point owners will still hold all the chips.

Basically DVC is saying "Point up or get out of the way!"

 

[jade1]

I agree, even if no one walks, definite patterns of booking will be established in order to increase reservation success.

I dont have to walk. If I start my reservation on a Friday, during any booking window, I have considerably increased my chances of securing my reservation, because most members don't have enough single UY points available to book entire week stays. We otoh, have over 400 points at each of our home resorts and can easily book multiple weeks whenever.

The old system, it did not matter how many points you owned, you could not manipulate the system to gain an advantage over another member. Even if you owned 25 points, your 25 points were equal to anyone else's points every day of the year you could go head to head with a 1000 point or more owner for a room and win.

Now your 25 points are worth what's left over after the members with alot of points pick and choose what they want. I personally am not worried about securing my reservation for Christmas or New Year's or any other time. I will start my ressie on a Friday if I have to, not a problem. Im too lazy to walk!

But if you thought DBD was not fair, you ain't seen nothing yet!

Basically DVC is saying "Point up or get out of the way!"

Exactly. This is also why some of us plan to sell one contract, and add on to another to beef up its points, walking or not.

 

[jdg345]

Exactly what I was thinking. I didn't want to take the time to keep questioning her on her reasoning though. I think you're right about them being instructed to "talk this new policy up" to members. She did mention that she herself is a member and she really thinks this new way will be terrific once they get everyone to completely understand it.

I've always wondered if cast members are required to wait until a certain time of day before they can book their stays ... ? If not, I suppose it's possible for them to be first in line every morning.

 

[jdg345]

If I understand correctly, you're doing this not for the purpose of getting your coveted dates/room types, but simply to test the system? I assume you realize, and just don't care, that your "tests" could be locking other members out of dates that they actually want? Yes, yes, I get it--DVC has forced you to do this...nice

I wouldn't say DVC has necessarily forced this, but if they would be more forthcoming with what is and isn't allowed, we wouldn't have to test the system on our own. As I mentioned, this started as a way of trying to see what was allowed and what wasn't -- all within the rules of the system.

If you are concerned that walking may be locking members out of rooms they want and that the WL system leaves a lot to be desired, then I would hope that you would make your concerns known to the Member Satisfaction Team and let them know that the old DBD policy was clearly more fair in this sense.

I'm one of those who questions the ethics of "walking" in the first place, although I can understand possibly doing it for a week or two--but doing it purely for the purpose of testing the system with total disregard for other members, to me, goes a little beyond the pale. (Flame suit on)

There's nothing wrong with it if DVC allows it as part of the rules. As many have said, they are going to do whatever they need to do to ensure they get the reservations (rooms, dates, views, etc) that they want. They are going to do all they can to make sure they get their reservations.

Also, please keep in mind that whether the intention is to test the system or keep an end reservation, the end result is the same: It boxes out other members wanting those dates. WL is an option, but that system needs to be revamped as well imo.

That said, if they allow me to continue walking, I will likely keep one of the December 2009 stays -- as I mentioned previously.

btw, Curious: Did you feel that DBD was a better, more fair, solution? Or are you in favor of the new policy?

 

[kayla87]

Walking ... add a day on the end of a ressie while deleting a day off the front for a long period of time.

Wow, okay. Thanks for explaining. That is definitely not what I expected it to be. How am I supposed to develop a booking strategy when there is stuff this complicated going on? Oh well.

 

[jdg345]

I agree, even if no one walks, definite patterns of booking will be established in order to increase reservation success.

Agreed.

I dont have to walk. If I start my reservation on a Friday, during any booking window, I have considerably increased my chances of securing my reservation, because most members don't have enough single UY points available to book entire week stays. We otoh, have over 400 points at each of our home resorts and can easily book multiple weeks whenever.

Also agreed.

The old system, it did not matter how many points you owned, you could not manipulate the system to gain an advantage over another member. Even if you owned 25 points, your 25 points were equal to anyone else's points every day of the year you could go head to head with a 1000 point or more owner for a room and win.

Yup, agreed.

Now your 25 points are worth what's left over after the members with alot of points pick and choose what they want. I personally am not worried about securing my reservation for Christmas or New Year's or any other time. I will start my ressie on a Friday if I have to, not a problem. Im too lazy to walk!

You're not going to believe this, but I agree with you.

But if you thought DBD was not fair, you ain't seen nothing yet!

Agree Again! When will it stop!

As for success, I just booked a week in AKV Concierge studio last week for June 09 all in one call after 1pm Not a busy time and everyone does not know about the change yet so was probably easier than most but I know I now have an advantage because of the points I own.

And you could walk that room until NYE if you wanted to.

Im not bragging, I think DBD was an equal opportunity "loophole" if that's what you want to call it. Even if they close all the holes of 11+7, Mega Point owners will still hold all the chips.

Exactly, DBD was the great equalizer.

Basically DVC is saying "Point up or get out of the way!"

I think so too.

 

[jamstew]

There's nothing wrong with it if DVC allows it as part of the rules. As many have said, they are going to do whatever they need to do to ensure they get the reservations (rooms, dates, views, etc) that they want.

btw, Curious: Did you feel that DBD was a better, more fair, solution? Or are you in favor of the new policy?

It's your opinion that there's nothing wrong with it. Many agree with you; others have ethical issues with it and have said that they won't do it.

I'm not on either side at this point. I only bought DVC this year, and both reservations I've made are for slower times, so it remains to be seen, for me at least, whether it's better or worse.

 

[jdg345]

It's your opinion that there's nothing wrong with it. Many agree with you; others have ethical issues with it and have said that they won't do it.

Actually, since it is part of the rules, it's not a matter of opinion. It is clearly within the rules to do so at this time. Some have said they absolutely won't, but may change their mind if they are boxed out of a reservation.

I'm not on either side at this point. I only bought DVC this year, and both reservations I've made are for slower times, so it remains to be seen, for me at least, whether it's better or worse.

Well, if you feel that walking is unethical, how is it that you are still on the fence? Are you waiting to see if the new policy affects your reservations before deciding what is more fair? DBD did not have a 'walking' scenario as you were always competing for days you wanted. This new policy does. Considering that, are you still on the fence?

 

[simzac]

I disagree with a poll. I think that it needs to have a format, similar to the Rent/Trade Board. If people want to discuss, they can PM or come to this thread.

I think the important information for someone to share is:

What dates were you calling to reserve?
What size unit were you trying to reserve?
Did you call at the 11 month window, 7 month window or other?
Did you get what you wanted on the first call or were you shutout?
If shutout, did you waitlist?
Comments:

The comment section would allow a poster to detail if they made more than one call, how many days they WL, if the MS advisor knew what they were talking about, if they were shut out.

I think the dates and unit size information in crucial. We all know that those factors will be important to all who are reading here.

My thoughts for the 2nd thread would encompass this:
Date you called
Reservation dates you requested
Resort you requested
Size unit you requested
CM you spoke with
Were you successful or not getting what you wanted
Did you waitlist

I am most interested in members who call exactly at the 11 month mark as I feel this is the critical point in seeing if the new policy will work or not. Any reservations made after that first day are not guaranteed as they could have been booked even 1 day before you. This was also true under the old guidelines. If members would post their results in the above form, everyone could then see for themselves whether the new system is working or not for everyone at all times, or is there a problem just with certain times of the year and with certain types of room requests. Until we have some real numbers on successes and failures, this thread will continue as it currently is; with everyone coming up with their own scenerio to justify their beliefs as to the new policy.

July 4th reservation period comes up next week, maybe the first real test for the new system

 

[jdg345]

I really want to know about the results of this test.

First 2 Days at VWL and last 5 days at OKW

Nope, can't do this. I can make two separate reservations though, 11+7 at VWL and 11+7 at OKW. Once the whole period is inside 11 months, I can adjust accordingly.

First 2 Days at SSR Studio and last 5 days at SSR 1BR.

Nope, can't do this either. Workaround is the same as above.

 

[Sammie]

The only really important aspect of all of this is, if you don't like it, have you contacted DVC?