New policy for reservations based on check IN date

[farmergirl]

I am a new DVC member and don't have no past experience with the way things work. When I spoke to MS I was told all feedback is taken into consideration. Just out of curiosity....... has negative feedback on a situation from members ever resulted in a change in the past? Is there even a string of hope to hang onto that DVC will rethink these new rules? Or when they make a decision it is usually set in stone? When I asked MS if this was a trial they told me it would be permanent. Just wondering if they actually do listen to the feedback and if there is a chance they would look at this again if there is enough concerns. Or if they usually stick with the decisions they made if fear that it would look like they made a terrible decision.

 

[Bopsmom]

With the US economy the way it is, some people might be considering taking one long vacation versus two shorter ones. This change hits those plans in the face.

With the US economy the way it is some may be re-thinking DVC as it is.
If they take out the flexibility (the reason we bought DVC) and the chance of getting into your Home Resort when you want; much less anywhere at 7 months then it might just be better to give up the maintenance fees and rent from those "spec" people and not have the headache of the "system" at all.
This really makes me re-think buying any more contracts.

 

[jdg345]

With the check-in 11M + 7D booking, DVC could prevent "walking" reservations with 2 rules:

1. No single reservaiton # may have more than 7 nights (although it could be eventually linked to other #s). This is essentially what MS is telling people they must do to add on more nights after the first 7 night reservation. However, becuase the computer system allows longer reservations, as a practical matter, members are calling back the next day and adding more nights to the first 7 night reservation #. Without a rule (or computer system) change, there is NO risk of not getting the additional nights after you get the first 7.

Reservations could still be walked with this rule in place.

2. Prohibit cancelling and rebooking the same room category within some period of time (WorldMark has a 48 hour blockout). This stops the cancellation of days 2-7 and then re-booking 2-8 to get around rule 1. With cancellation and rebooking, there was always a slight risk as Member #2 (probably) could have waitlisted for day 2 earlier in the day, thus blocking the rebooking of all days. With rule 2, the risk of losing days 2-7 increases substantially.

The two coupled do help, but it doesn't prevent it. You can still walk depending on what the blockout period is and how many points you have available in your account.

So this eliminates the possibility of "walking" a reservation, but does not really help those who do not have enough points to book 7 nights. Under any scenario, those members will be shut out from prime nights such as Thanskgiving, Christmas and NYE.

Agreed on the smaller contracts having a tougher time; but I can't agree it eliminates the scenario of walking altogether as some folks would have enough points to do so anyways.

Eliminating all cancellations will not help these less than 7 night bookers, because members who really want those prime dates will just see booking (and keeping) the extra nights as the de facto increase in points cost. Delaying the right to cancel only keeps those with waitlists on hold for longer, without benefiting the less than 7 night bookers.

Agreed.

Obviously eliminating cancellations entirely hurts many members who currently cancel as part of a normal planning process. Such a rule might actually help commerical renters as their inventory of nonrefundable reservations looks a lot more like the inventory available to DVC members.

Also Agreed.

Just to be clear, while I beleive these changes would solve the "problem" of "walking" a reservation, I really hope they are not adopted. It would really turn DVC into a standard 7 night timeshare. -- Suzanne

I agree they would mitigate, but not prevent 'walking'. And I agree that I hope they would not be adopted.

Something else to consider: Disney doesn't likely care. I think Disney's goal here was to cut back on DBD booking to cut down on internal resources. If the new system costs them more resources, they'll likely back out of it or they'll make additional changes to keep resource usage low. To me, at least, their response was that this was a Business Decision, and while one could argue it will lead to lower MF's, I would think the reality is they wouldn't raise as much and just end up pocketing more overall.

 

[jdg345]

Yes we usually stay 13 - 14 days like everyone you spend a lot of money on a vacation and therefore I personally would rather be out enjoying the parks then spending my time packing up my suitcases and clearing out the room to move to another location. And yes that is basically how it came across. I made a point of expressing my concerns about having to switch rooms right in the middle of our vacation. All I got was ...." Well hopefully not, But it IS on a first come first serve basis." The whole thing just seems so ridiculous to me. Then the CM who let me stress was very polite and not rude in anyway, I don't want it to sound like I got a rude response. She kept stressing how this is the feedback they got from members and this is what the MEMBERS wanted. So they did this because the day to day reservations were much to time consuming for .....you got it ....the MEMBERS! I think they have a strange way of listening to the members. Seems to me the number of members all for this change is far less than the ones that are disappointed with the new rules. I guess if our vacations were less than 7 days it may not be such a problem, but when you go past that 7 day mark you are opening a whole new can of worms.

It just doesn't make sense though ... the ones that would be dealing with time consumption would be those booking DBD ... and that's the precise group that seems to prefer the older system. In the end, I think it was more about Disney and they're trying to spin it as if it was what members wanted. Did members want the changes to DDP? How about the banking changes? Or the free day passes?

 

[jdg345]

But if they "Jones" book on the 2nd for 7 nights - they will be put in a different room because the Smiths are in room 1A for the 2nd through the 7th - so the Jones won't be in room 1A on the 8th because they are already in room 2A. So when the 8th rolls around and the Smiths are scheduled to leave that is the first time that room can be booked. It can't be booked as part of an earlier reservation because it isn't available earlier - it is not available again until the 8th. So either the Smiths get it to continue their trip - or somebody else gets it to start a new one - but nobody gets it until the 8th (unless the Smiths are allowed to add a night - day-by-day but that's a different argument)

What if they decide to take out of inventory after the 7th for maintenance?

Seriously though, the Smith's could easily hold day 8 before day 8 minus 11 months with the current rules in place. So they could extend their trip before anyone arriving that future day would be able to book it.

 

[RachelTori]

Opinions please.......

With this "new" booking procedure, do you see Disney moving closer to Online Booking, or further away from it?

 

[farmergirl]

It just doesn't make sense though ... the ones that would be dealing with time consumption would be those booking DBD ... and that's the precise group that seems to prefer the older system. In the end, I think it was more about Disney and they're trying to spin it as if it was what members wanted. Did members want the changes to DDP? How about the banking changes? Or the free day passes?

I totally agree. MS kept stressing that it's what the Members wanted because it was too time consuming. They are trying to make it sound like they are doing all of us some big favor and saving our time. I highly doubt they are doing it to save us time. I would rather spend a little more time making my reservations then having to pack up and move in the middle of my vacation. That to me is a waste of vacation time. With that being said I never knew about making day by day reservations because we had just bought in but when I heard about it I never thought of it as being a waste of time I thought it was a good idea. I wish we could have had some input on this rule.

 

[jdg345]

With the US economy the way it is some may be re-thinking DVC as it is.
If they take out the flexibility (the reason we bought DVC) and the chance of getting into your Home Resort when you want; much less anywhere at 7 months then it might just be better to give up the maintenance fees and rent from those "spec" people and not have the headache of the "system" at all.
This really makes me re-think buying any more contracts.

Now wouldn't that be Ironic? DVC is reportedly losing $10's of Millions to renters ... if this pushes more people to rent ... well ...

 

[Goofy4]

Well, what if a 50% (25%, whatever) point penalty were applied to cancellations with the 'out' being that you can cancel the entire ressie at no charge?

And what good does that do for the poor schumck who has a change of vacation time issue that is job related and must add or subtract a day from his intended vacation? Should hen then have to PAY to reduce his booking?

I suppose to discourage 'walking', the penalty only need be applied when adding to a ressie immediately after subtracting from it. If willing to enter a 48 hour 'blackout', the penalty could be waived.

 

[jdg345]

I totally agree. MS kept stressing that it's what the Members wanted because it was too time consuming. They are trying to make it sound like they are doing all of us some big favor and saving our time. I highly doubt they are doing it to save us time. I would rather spend a little more time making my reservations then having to pack up and move in the middle of my vacation. With that being said I never knew about making day by day reservations because we had just bought it but when I heard about it I never thought what a waste of time I thought it was a good idea. I wish we could have had some input on this rule.

DBD might be more work for those chosing to book that way, but I see it as: If these people want to invest more time and energy into getting what they want when/where they want it, so be it. If it gives them a better shot, so be it -- They're putting in the effort!

If you call DBD and get the booking and I call 15 days later requesting the same days and I don't get them, who's fault is that? Yours? DVC's for allowing DBD? Nope, all mine. I obviously didn't want it bad enough, so I'll just book somewhere else.

Many of the folks that didn't like the old system were upset because they'd call based on departure day and find that some previous days were booked. Frankly, if they called departure minus 11 months, almost everything should be available. If they called departure minus 10 months, well ... then ... who's fault is that?

Booking DBD was fair for everyone, you always knew that your room was available 1 minute before MS opened and everyone had a fair shot to get in if they wanted it bad enough.

Just as your previous days could be booked when the old system, your current day could be booked with the new system. I wonder how many people who think the new system is great will think so when they call and can't book 7+ because their first day is not available?

Right now, it's great because no one knows about it so you don't have anyone before you really tying up future days. Once the 'secret gets out', you have just as much possibility of having your current/future days locked out as you did your previous days with the old system. The solution? You still DBD, but now you're taking up a bunch of days you don't want or need and are causing issues for other members who might want those days. Plus, you're tying up MS to make meaningless reservations you don't really want!

Yup, sounds more fair to me.

 

[jdg345]

I suppose to discourage 'walking', the penalty only need be applied when adding to a ressie immediately after subtracting from it. If willing to enter a 48 hour 'blackout', the penalty could be waived.

Again, this only discourages smaller contracts. They've already been affected by the new rules ... is affecting them more the real solution?

 

[farmergirl]

I am a new DVC member and don't have no past experience with the way things work. When I spoke to MS I was told all feedback is taken into consideration. Just out of curiosity....... has negative feedback on a situation from members ever resulted in a change in the past? Is there even a string of hope to hang onto that DVC will rethink these new rules? Or when they make a decision it is usually set in stone? When I asked MS if this was a trial they told me it would be permanent. Just wondering if they actually do listen to the feedback and if there is a chance they would look at this again if there is enough concerns. Or if they usually stick with the decisions they made if fear that it would look like they made a terrible decision.

Hi sorry to bump my own post but I was really curious for the answer to this one and I am afraid it may have gotten lost in the shuffle of things. Would writing a letter or something help?? Or is it a wast of time??? Thank you.

 

[Goofy4]

Again, this only discourages smaller contracts. They've already been affected by the new rules ... is affecting them more the real solution?

Yeah, I just thought better of that... If weekend cancellations were always penalized, at the moment that seems to me to solve more problems than it creates. But I think I've been thinking too much...

 

[zulaya]

I've been a member for 5 years and the only thing I recall that DVC changed that Members got really up in arms about that resulted in a reversal was the whole coffee mug thing. DVC decided to take them out of studios because there was no dishwasher, people complained, and now mugs are back.

Originally, DVC members could not get the dining plan, we complained/asked for it, and now we have access to it. Same with AP discounts.

The only thing that happened with real speed was the mug issue. But the dining plan actually happened, I think, within a year.

Tell MS what you think. The more feedback they get, the better.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I've been a member for 5 years and the only thing I recall that DVC changed that Members got really up in arms about that resulted in a reversal was the whole coffee mug thing. DVC decided to take them out of studios because there was no dishwasher, people complained, and now mugs are back.

Originally, DVC members could not get the dining plan, we complained/asked for it, and now we have access to it. Same with AP discounts.

The only thing that happened with real speed was the mug issue. But the dining plan actually happened, I think, within a year.

Tell MS what you think. The more feedback they get, the better.

I agree, and that's why I contacted both Member satisfaction and Jim Lewis' office.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

DBD might be more work for those chosing to book that way, but I see it as: If these people want to invest more time and energy into getting what they want when/where they want it, so be it. If it gives them a better shot, so be it -- They're putting in the effort!

If you call DBD and get the booking and I call 15 days later requesting the same days and I don't get them, who's fault is that? Yours? DVC's for allowing DBD? Nope, all mine. I obviously didn't want it bad enough, so I'll just book somewhere else.

Many of the folks that didn't like the old system were upset because they'd call based on departure day and find that some previous days were booked. Frankly, if they called departure minus 11 months, almost everything should be available. If they called departure minus 10 months, well ... then ... who's fault is that?

Booking DBD was fair for everyone, you always knew that your room was available 1 minute before MS opened and everyone had a fair shot to get in if they wanted it bad enough.

Just as your previous days could be booked when the old system, your current day could be booked with the new system. I wonder how many people who think the new system is great will think so when they call and can't book 7+ because their first day is not available?

Right now, it's great because no one knows about it so you don't have anyone before you really tying up future days. Once the 'secret gets out', you have just as much possibility of having your current/future days locked out as you did your previous days with the old system. The solution? You still DBD, but now you're taking up a bunch of days you don't want or need and are causing issues for other members who might want those days. Plus, you're tying up MS to make meaningless reservations you don't really want!

Yup, sounds more fair to me.

Very well said!!!!! Exactly what I am thinking about all of this.

 

[BeccaG]

sadly enough it sounds permanent.

I know there are those who like this policy change, but as you said farmer girl, I am saddened and displeased by it. If they can change it once, they can change it back. Please be sure folks to express your dissatisfaction if you do not like it!

 

[farmergirl]

I've been a member for 5 years and the only thing I recall that DVC changed that Members got really up in arms about that resulted in a reversal was the whole coffee mug thing. DVC decided to take them out of studios because there was no dishwasher, people complained, and now mugs are back.

Originally, DVC members could not get the dining plan, we complained/asked for it, and now we have access to it. Same with AP discounts.

The only thing that happened with real speed was the mug issue. But the dining plan actually happened, I think, within a year.

Tell MS what you think. The more feedback they get, the better.

Well that makes me feel like there is some hope. Thank you.

 

[zulaya]

I don't really want to search through 45 pages to see where it is...

What's the snail mail address for Jim Lewis again?

 

[wildernessDad]

With the US economy the way it is some may be re-thinking DVC as it is.
If they take out the flexibility (the reason we bought DVC) and the chance of getting into your Home Resort when you want; much less anywhere at 7 months then it might just be better to give up the maintenance fees and rent from those "spec" people and not have the headache of the "system" at all.
This really makes me re-think buying any more contracts.

I will see what impact this new change has on our vacation plans. If we take a major hit, then the extreme measure would be for me to sell our points and do other things with our vacation time. I'd hate to do that because I continue to hold on to those things which I really love about Disney, the history, the animation, the theme parks. But the problem is that the Mouse really puts the squeeze on us so they can get every last measure of profit out of the system. In order to do that this time, they have taken the fairness out of the reservation system, in my opinion, of course.