New policy for reservations based on check IN date

[bookwormde]

Cinderelli

I would definitely email them. Letting them know that you are going to sell some of your current points and are not going to buy more in BLT lets them appreciate the level of impact the new system is having on some of the members. It also lets DVC know that they are going to be hit in the pocket book at some level by the inequities they have created for short stay and special day members.

I also am not going to buy BLT point this year now or BC points in the next couple of year unless the system becomes equitable again for short term or special day stays for high demand reservations.

AKV707

Under DBD there was no advantage to “walking” a reservation, everyone had the same chance at the new day that was “opening up”

Dianneschlicht

Going back to DBD and not allowing the 7-day advantage for the rooms/times/views or services, which have historically “sold out” on the first day or week of the 11-month window was one of my first ideas to eliminate the practical effects of the change. DVC has the data, but with all the ideas to modify the new system it just take them having the “interest to do it”

bookwormde

 

[Cinderelli]

Very well said, Diane.

Another poster questioned why someone would buy DVC if they wanted a specific room/time/resorts, etc. For many of us this was not the reason we bought DVC initially. It is an add-on that was meant to ENHANCE our vacation ownership with DVC.

Speaking only for myself, we originally bought enough points for our family to enjoy a week in a 2 bedroom at our favorite resort (OKW) during Magic season. We enjoyed our vacations so much, we wanted to ENHANCE (tee hee) our DVC membership by allowing us a much dreamed about BWV NYE vacation. After reading for years how we would never get in to BWV over NYE having to wait for the 7 month window using our OKW points, DVC was quite accommodating and allowed us to pass to them thousands more dollars for the priviledge of becoming BWV owners, too. When we purchased this add-on, we understood ALL owners would have to call at exactly 11 months out to get our ressie. But we all had the same chance on the same day. This new booking system totally changes that.

I agree, that I would have never bought into DVC if the only time I could take a vacation was during this Peak timeframe. But, as I said earlier, this was an add-on. An add-on that I may now not need.

I'm not sure point reallocation is the answer, either. We're paying 50 points a night during this timeframe. Yes, you could make the points higher. Maybe we could only spend 2 nights instead of 3. But, we'd still have the same problem when it came to reserving the nights. Others would have had the opportunity to reserve the room days before we could.

I guess the more I'm thinking about this, the more I think I'll be sending a letter to DVC.

Lissa

 

[jdg345]

OK, it's getting late, I'm tired, and have been a DVC member for less than a year. So no flames please.

Under the old system, couldn't a member with enough points "walk" anyway?

Not really, because everyone had a fair shot at inventory at 9am. Under the new system, at best you have a fair shot, but likely you're competing from reduced inventory as others grabbed it already. Also, if someone locked up the 7 days, no one can compete with them for day 8 as long as they extend on day 2 as no one else can book that far ahead except those that already have the block of days locked.

 

[mrdiscranky]

But the reality is that any time that one can't get a room, there was always someone who couldn't get that room before. It may have been a different person but likely it will be the same people being successful now as then with extremely few exceptions.

Maybe I see things differently because I'm one of the exceptions.

The people hurt are folks who (1) understand and are good at booking day by day, and who (2) want to take short trips for high demand rooms.

BTW - I don't think you can have it both ways. I don't think any change in the system can make it easier for lots of people to book with one phone call (who wouldn't have been able to under the old system) while at the same time not really hurting anyone. Anytime day-by-day was necessary, there was an excess of demand for rooms. The new system is going to shift who gets rooms in those situations.

I can't argue that it's more "fair" to reward people who know how to work the phones, rather than rewarding people who take long trips. But I don't have to like it.

 

[mrdiscranky]

Under the old system, couldn't a member with enough points "walk" anyway?

Sure, but it wouldn't do you any good.

Under the old system, if you have a 7-day reservation, you have no more right to the 8th day than anyone else. Under the new system, it seems that somebody with 7 days has much more right for the 8th day than somebody wanting to start on the 8th day. (Note that with all the wait-list discussion, their claim on that 8th day might not be as iron-clad as it seemed).

 

[JLitfin]

I do NOT think it will matter to the majority of the members who use their points in the way you do. The only real issue is for those holiday times or for the hard to get ressies like AKV concierge, or value...BWV standard or boardwalk view, and BCV dedicated 2 bedroom with 2 beds. I did tell Joy that also when I spoke with her. We do have to be careful that we don't react too violently, because that would be unreasonable too. All I ask for is that EVERYONE have the same opportunity to book those hard to get reservations and rooms, and the only way for that to be possible is if no one can call ahead of the 11 month window for any specific room. With this new system, you could call and book the last concierge 2 bedroom for my time period 7 days before I could even make the first call. THAT is the unfair part of it.

Thanks Diane, my head has been racing since this news broke and with reading this thread trying to figure things out with using the new system. So if I wanted a BCV 2-BR with 2 beds in 2nd BR for January I might have trouble reserving this room. I do usually call 11 months in advance to reserve my rooms, with 5 in my family I need a 2-BR and prefer having 2 beds in the 2-BR, plus we usually stay for a 5 night period. I did called DBD in order to reserve this room type for our upcoming August trip, and the MS rep told me it was a good idea to call DBD if I really wanted this room type. So I might have trouble reserving this room in the future.

 

[robinb]

A previous poster indicated that they bought specifically to do this. I guess I question if you HAD to have a specific time at a specific resort, why buy into DVC at all? Given that DVC is a flexible booking system, then you can have numerous members all vying for the same time. Only a fixed system would guarantee a member the exact nights they need.

We bought into BWV to stay over NYE. We already owned at OKW and we understood the booking system before purchasing our BWV points. I knew I could work within that booking system to get what I wanted and I have been successful every single year since 1999. Every year I booked into one of the 3 of the most difficult booking categories: Standard Views and Boardwalk Views at BWV and Grand Villas at OKW. So ... when I purchased at BWV the rules were different.

 

[jade1]

With than in mind assume both the people above are calling exactly at 9 am but just by luck of when they hit the button or who answers their phone first you get it and the other person doesn't.

Does anyone know how often this actually happens? And if so, how often and when/where. I have never had it happen, or heard of it happening.

Dictionary: fair1 (fâr)

adj., fair·er, fair·est.
Of pleasing appearance, especially because of a pure or fresh quality; comely.

Light in color, especially blond: fair hair.
Of light complexion: fair skin.
Free of clouds or storms; clear and sunny: fair skies.
Free of blemishes or stains; clean and pure: one's fair name.
Promising; likely: We're in a fair way to succeed.
Calling DBD at 9AM 11 months out for DVC ressies.
Having or exhibiting a disposition that is free of favoritism or bias; impartial: a fair mediator.
Just to all parties; equitable: a compromise that is fair to both factions.
Being in accordance with relative merit or significance: She wanted to receive her fair share of the proceeds.
Consistent with rules, logic, or ethics: a fair tactic.
Moderately good; acceptable or satisfactory: gave only a fair performance of the play; in fair health.
Superficially true or appealing; specious: Don't trust his fair promises.
Lawful to hunt or attack: fair game.
Archaic. Free of all obstacles.
adv.
In a proper or legal manner: playing fair.
Directly; straight: a blow caught fair in the stomach.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Does anyone know how often this actually happens? And if so, how often and when/where. I have never had it happen, or heard of it happening.

I wondered the same thing. I would suspect that those booking DBD at 11 months were generally successful in getting their reservations. There was a hassle a factor, but it resulted in getting the reservation the member wanted. Sort like camping out all night in front of Best Buy to get the newest gaming system! -- Suzanne

 

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

Sure, but it wouldn't do you any good.

Under the old system, if you have a 7-day reservation, you have no more right to the 8th day than anyone else. Under the new system, it seems that somebody with 7 days has much more right for the 8th day than somebody wanting to start on the 8th day. (Note that with all the wait-list discussion, their claim on that 8th day might not be as iron-clad as it seemed).

Right you are! And you forgot a very important part of the equation: under the old system you were not forced to spend your points on high point weekend nights that you didn't have any intention of using in order to give yourself a chance at getting the lower point weekday nights that you actually wanted.

 

[Inkmahm]

Does anyone know how often this actually happens? And if so, how often and when/where. I have never had it happen, or heard of it happening.

Dictionary: fair1 (fâr)

adj., fair·er, fair·est.
Of pleasing appearance, especially because of a pure or fresh quality; comely.

Light in color, especially blond: fair hair.
Of light complexion: fair skin.
Free of clouds or storms; clear and sunny: fair skies.
Free of blemishes or stains; clean and pure: one's fair name.
Promising; likely: We're in a fair way to succeed.
Calling DBD at 9AM 11 months out for DVC ressies.
Having or exhibiting a disposition that is free of favoritism or bias; impartial: a fair mediator.
Just to all parties; equitable: a compromise that is fair to both factions.
Being in accordance with relative merit or significance: She wanted to receive her fair share of the proceeds.
Consistent with rules, logic, or ethics: a fair tactic.
Moderately good; acceptable or satisfactory: gave only a fair performance of the play; in fair health.
Superficially true or appealing; specious: Don't trust his fair promises.
Lawful to hunt or attack: fair game.
Archaic. Free of all obstacles.
adv.
In a proper or legal manner: playing fair.
Directly; straight: a blow caught fair in the stomach.

*waves hand*

It has happened to me when trying to book AKV concierge. I've posted about it here at DIS so you must just not have seen my threads on the topic.

I don't like the new system. It was FAIR for me to be trying for concierge and someone else beating m to it on a given day. We each had a fair shot at the room.

 

[DisneyKidds]

This was my input, sent to Mr. Lewis and the DVC satisfaction team.

Mr. Lewis,

We have been extremely happy and satisfied DVC owners for the past 8 years. We own two contracts, and have recommended DVC to numerous friends and acquaintances. I write to let you know how DISSATISFIED we are with the recent change in booking procedures. Under the new procedures it will become much more difficult and time consuming, for myself and for MS representatives, to book the vacations we have taken each year during certain holiday periods. It may even be likely that when the 11 month window opens for the vacations we have taken in the past there may be no availability at our home resort during such periods. Far from this change being an enhancement, I find it dismaying, and a definite downgrade to our DVC membership. Under the previous system every member had an equal chance of obtaining a reservation at their home resort for any given day if they properly utilized their 11 month booking window. That is no longer true. We have lost a great measure of the flexibility we used to have. As such, I don't know that I could enthusiastically recommend DVC to others in the future, and we will most likely refrain from the add-on contract we had been considering. I hope DVC is listening to the feedback being provided and will return booking procedures to the system that existed prior to this so-called enhancement.

 

[Cinderelli]

RobinB - our stories are EXACTLY alike. We both own at OKW, bought add-ons at BWV for NYE. Now, what are the odds..................

I hope to be able to meet you at one of our trips. I won't have enough points to try again for a couple of years, tho. Maybe the policy will have changed back by then and I'll actually get my 2 bedroom.

 

[DVC Grandpa]

Flexibility

Discover the Secret to Vacation Flexibility

Unlike traditional time-share situations, Disney Vacation Club lets you choose where to go, when to go and how long you'd like to stay. Whether it's for a single night, or two weeks or more, it's all up to you.

And because your needs may vary from one dream trip to the next, you even choose the size of your accommodations, from a Studio for four up to a Grand Villa for 12.

Can’t say that this is really true anymore as it’s not all up to you. In many cases this new “enhanced” booking policy has taken it out of your control.

 

[ralphd]

The new system seems fair to me. Everyone has the same opportunity to book a reservation at the 7 or 11 month window.
The system will reduce the telephone usage for the reservations system and time required by members to book certain time periods of the year.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

The new system seems fair to me. Everyone has the same opportunity to book a reservation at the 7 or 11 month window.
The system will reduce the telephone usage for the reservations system and time required by members to book certain time periods of the year.

That's not true. Everyone does not have the same opprtunity to book.
Please read through the many examples in this thread.
One of which is-
Several members book a week starting December 26th to enjoy New Years Eve. Now, the member trying to book starting the 28th, exactly 11 months ahead of check in, may not have any rooms available.

MG

 

[WolfpackFan]

FWIW - I gave the new system a try this morning and got my ressie with no problems. I was wanting a 1BR at HHI for the first week of June (check in May 31, so today is exactly 11 months). I called at 9:00 and got exactly what I wanted. Now I know this might not be quite as difficult as some other requests, but still there are not that many 1BR units at HHI and the first week of June is usually high demand because it's the last week before the points go up for summer. In the past, I've done day by day calling to get this ressie. It was so nice to do it all in one call this morning.

 

[n2mm]

FWIW - I gave the new system a try this morning and got my ressie with no problems. I was wanting a 1BR at HHI for the first week of June (check in May 31, so today is exactly 11 months). I called at 9:00 and got exactly what I wanted. Now I know this might not be quite as difficult as some other requests, but still there are not that many 1BR units at HHI and the first week of June is usually high demand because it's the last week before the points go up for summer. In the past, I've done day by day calling to get this ressie. It was so nice to do it all in one call this morning.

It's great it worked for you, but remember, this policy is new and there are ALOT of DVC members out there waiting until their checkout day to book this room because ....gasp....they are not disboard members and are not aware of the new policy change.....fast forward to next year...it may not be so easy as time goes on and more and more DVC become award of the policy change. Gotta love the disboards because those non-members are not going to be happy to find they waited until 11 months from their checkout day to find no room at the Inn. I think anyone who is booking currently are the ones who are really benefitting because they don't have the competition that the rest of us will have in the next few months when the word is out.

 

[thepops]

Another area that this is going to save them $ is in mousekeeping. If they can get you into one room for you're entire stay, then it's less time mousekeeping has to be in (vs. staying 2 days at one resort, then having to change to another, then possibly back to a third as I have read on here before). That would also impact\explain the waitlist now being for the entire stay as well.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I think this was already mentioned, but I sure can't find it: All you need is enough points to book 2 weekend nights for you to walk a reservation forward.

With the articulated WL policy, once a member has made a multi-day reservation, that room inventory is locked up by them for as long as that member wants to add contigious days to the reservation. The assumption has been that a member calling on Day 1 at 11 months and finding inventory available will book 7 nights. However, if that member only booked 2 nights, that room inventory would still be unavailable to any other member calling for the first time on Day 2. So our 2-day-booking member calls back on Day 2 and cancels Day 1 and uses those points to book Day 3. That member has now walked the reservation forward to Day 2-3.

The risk to using so few points, of course, is that if you fail to call on any day, you have lost your priority. I would personally also want to have enought points to book Day 3 before cancelling Day2 just as a little insurance against MS making an error in executing the cancellation and cancelling both days 1 & 2. The low points member will also have to make more DBD phone calls to "walk" to their preferred date than a memebr with higher points. But it can be done. -- Suzanne