New policy for reservations based on check IN date

[Bopsmom]

I don't think adding fees as they suggest would exactly be legal. I don't think they can put additional fees on making reservations to use our points at our home resorts. They could make us cancel the entire reservation. Or wait a few days after the 11 month window end date of the reservation to make changes, but I don't think charging to make use of your points at a resort you "legally" have a right to use under timeshare law, as long as the annual dues are paid, would work.

Who's to say that someone who was able to "walk" a reservation had no intention of keeping the reservation as originally booked? Sure, some people might never have any intention to use the original dates, but preventing all walking could also be detrimental to members who have no intention to abuse the system but still work within the rules to get the best possible vacation for their family. I just don't see how anyone can assign "intentions" to every walking scenario.

IMHO, DVC has created much more work for themselves with this new system, along with reducing overall fairness and flexibility for members. Not only will there be as many, or more, calls as before the change for reservations, but now management will have to devote time to evaluating the new (and flawed in my opinion) system and design abuse preventions........which in and of itself will be a never ending quagmire. They can prevent one thing, but then enterprising members will find another way to accomplish their goals....and so the cycle will continue.

I'm not sure DVC can even institute certain changes. For instance, under the terms of our contracts does DVC even have the right to institute fees for making changes to reservations? Think of the legal battles DVC could get themselves into if they don't have that right but do it anyway.

If there's a lawyer, there's a way.

You now have to pay $95.00 for a II or CC reservation-unheard of before. They can account it to increased MS calls for increased work of changing a reservation because of walking. They will probably go with 1 change per reservation or cancel/rebook There is always a way.

 

[rantnnravin]

If there's a lawyer, there's a way.

You now have to pay $95.00 for a II or CC reservation-unheard of before. They can account it to increased MS calls for increased work of changing a reservation because of walking. They will probably go with 1 change per reservation or cancel/rebook There is always a way.

ooh, I know a way
go back to the way it was!

 

[Doctor P]

Doctor P, The top post is what I was referring to is a Desperate Joke. How could a SSR - BCV owner even begin to think he could walk a reservation over a year for VWL Dec 2009? I did highlight this in my original post. I think the whole situation is wrong. I think the Home resort owner should do whatever they need to do to secure their time that they have paid dearly for. I own at 4 DVC resorts, to stay there when I want to at the accommdations that I want to stay at. I have paid a pretty penny for this option (just as all owners have) After I have thought about the above example, I don't even think it is possible.

I have another situation for all of you to think about... I had a transfer made yesterday with Home resort points, the computer has a glitch with programing that it won't except the booking ahead reservation with transferred points, I have to wait until the end of the time frame and call back. Member Services said, " I did everything correct, it is the computer.

Walking a reservation at the 7 month mark is not necessarily possible. Unlike at the 11 month window, there is not assured availability for the walker since all of the availability for a given night may be used up before the 11 month window. So, in this case, the worry of walking may be less well founded.

 

[Chuck S]

If there's a lawyer, there's a way.

You now have to pay $95.00 for a II or CC reservation-unheard of before. They can account it to increased MS calls for increased work of changing a reservation because of walking. They will probably go with 1 change per reservation or cancel/rebook There is always a way.

They can certainly charge for trades outside of your home resort. The right to use points for any of those trades is not guaranteed, even to other DVC locations. But under timeshare law, and I am speaking strictly of your home resort, you have a right to make reservations, based upon availability, for use at that resort as long as your annual fees are paid. Those annual fees pay for the reservation system at your home resort. And the room reservation itself is paid for with points. It is not a "special service" they are providing.

 

[Bopsmom]

Well, you might have had an intention of using that date at 11 months if you couldn't swap at 7.

With Walking, you have absolutely 0 intential of using those days. It's not a 'just in case' reservation, it's a "I'm holding a spot so I can get my reservation" situation.

Mine,Mine,(gotta gets)Mine

They can certainly charge for trades outside of your home resort. The right to use points for any of those trades is not guaranteed, even to other DVC locations. But under timeshare law, and I am speaking strictly of your home resort, you have a right to make reservations, based upon availability, for use at that resort as long as your annual fees are paid. Those annual fees pay for the reservation system at your home resort. And the room reservation itself is paid for with points. It is not a "special service" they are providing.

I totally agree you have the "right" to use your home resort points but not abuse the system to sole advantage. Keep hashing it out. I am sure a "solution" will be coming soon.

 

[jpolak]

I think this new system is going to force people out of fear of not getting what they want to "walk" their desired reservation. Let's see I want to go to WDW the first week in Dec 09. So I'm hoping to check in on Wed. 12/2 and out on the 6th. Now reading about how popular that time is for DVC and how quick the waitlist for that time builds it would be foolish (unethical) but foolish to wait 3 extra days to make your reservation when you know, think, or believe that everyone else is "walking" their reservation so why should you be the honest fool and wait. Just to be left out of getting the reservation you want.

 

[Bopsmom]

I think this new system is going to force people out of fear of not getting what they want to "walk" their desired reservation. Let's see I want to go to WDW the first week in Dec 09. So I'm hoping to check in on Wed. 12/2 and out on the 6th. Now reading about how popular that time is for DVC and how quick the waitlist for that time builds it would be foolish (unethical) but foolish to wait 3 extra days to make your reservation when you know, think, or believe that everyone else is "walking" their reservation so why should you be the honest fool and wait. Just to be left out of getting the reservation you want.

Because, if everyone trys, by contacting MS, about ways to improve the system- they are listening and reading, instead of working out ways to game the system then everyone has a fair shot before they impose unjust restrictions because of a few.
Working for the common good. Crazy I know

 

[keishashadow]

If there's a lawyer, there's a way.

You now have to pay $95.00 for a II or CC reservation-unheard of before. They can account it to increased MS calls for increased work of changing a reservation because of walking. They will probably go with 1 change per reservation or cancel/rebook There is always a way.

starting to think that the flexibility that DVC trumpets when convincing peeps to buy really just means that DVC is flexible in changing whatever methodology they originally dangle to suit their needs , or churn into a money-making opportunity.

Congrats to those of u who can safely book 11 months ahead of time & never have to worry that ur plans will change. The rest of us aren't quite so fortunate...travel plans change for many of us, based on different factors:

1)we all don't have luxury of knowing exactly when our vacation weeks will be until early in the fiscal year. Many employers use a senority basis & it can change if you switch into another department at work. sometimes DHs manufacturing company will decide to shut down entirely for a week or so, again we don't know until the beginning of the year. while we can take an educated guess it isn't guaranteed. Why should i be penalized if i move my trip a few days, or drop a couple days on a ressie i booked @ the 11 month window; as long as i had enough points to book in the 1st place?

2)DINGs, which many watch rabidly & switch weekend travel dates in order to save sometimes big bucks, which can equal even more vacation opportunities in the future

3)just because i might want to change my mind up to 1 month prior & book elsewhere in FLA (Universal) or jump on a good rate for a short cruise & bank my points...again, one of the features that appealed to me.

The flexibility was one of the things that DVC has trumpeted (despite having the 11 & 7 month windows in place)...while they state the recent change is to benefit the membership as a whole, it's just about the bottom linewouldn't be surprised if it was intended to cut CM positions

 

[danielle782001]

Who's to say that someone who was able to "walk" a reservation had no intention of keeping the reservation as originally booked? Sure, some people might never have any intention to use the original dates, but preventing all walking could also be detrimental to members who have no intention to abuse the system but still work within the rules to get the best possible vacation for their family. I just don't see how anyone can assign "intentions" to every walking scenario.

That is exactly why I did not mention creating a policy to prevent walking.... I do not believe walking is abuse...It is required at this point because of the system that DVC created...The policy is set by DVC and we should not waste our time debating ways they should change it...We must deal with the new policy because it is here to stay for a while...We have the system they have created and we will all do with it what we must...And if that means walking, go ahead and walk.

My only issue was with the word "intension" that another poster used to describe people that cancel their 11 month reservation at 7 months for a different resort....In that case there is an intention to travel on specific dates...With walking there is little to no intension of travelling on the front dates...In both cases, we are doing what we have to...But I continue to believe the overall "intention" is very different...

But both are allowed, so happy planning/booking!

 

[jpolak]

Because, if everyone trys, by contacting MS, about ways to improve the system- they are listening and reading, instead of working out ways to game the system then everyone has a fair shot before they impose unjust restrictions because of a few.
Working for the common good. Crazy I know

I certainly hopes it changes and I have faith in members doing the right thing. My 7 month window for Feb (presidents week) opens tommorow and the idea of walking never crossed my mind.

 

[Bopsmom]

I certainly hopes it changes and I have faith in members doing the right thing. My 7 month window for Feb (presidents week) opens tommorow and the idea of walking never crossed my mind.

Me too.. but "you gotta have faith" right

for your reservation

 

[Chuck S]

I totally agree you have the "right" to use your home resort points but not abuse the system to sole advantage. Keep hashing it out. I am sure a "solution" will be coming soon.

If the system allows for Day by Day bookings, or even walking a reservation, it is not an abuse to do so, is it? However, specific rules can instituted, like "no dropping days without a full rebook" or "no changes to existing reservations until 30 days have past since the initial booking" that is perfectly legal. And in fact, I think not dropping any days without a full cancel and rebook would solve the problem, with waitlists filled first.

It is not legal to charge an individual for the use of the reservation system for your home resort, as the cost has already been covered by all members dues.

 

[Bopsmom]

If the system allows for Day by Day bookings, or even walking a reservation, it is not an abuse to do so, is it? However, specific rules can instituted, like "no dropping days without a full rebook" or "no changes to existing reservations until 30 days have past since the initial booking" that is perfectly legal. And in fact, I think not dropping any days without a full cancel and rebook would solve the problem, with waitlists filled first.

It is not legal to charge an individual for the use of the reservation system for your home resort, as the cost has already been covered by all members dues.

Changes (cancel/rebookings) are acceptable for your home resort reservations, of course.
I just think they(DVC)might have a say over what number is considered "above and beyond" the norm. I fear that walking will end up having a limit placed soon because no limit is now in place. They are trying to limit the calls right? This is another case of a few affecting many.

Or as you say, cancel/rebook totally, which would be a terrible result because some people need to make slight alterations and would be punished for it.

 

[kimberh]

I posted a few pages back that their was a computer gitch on using transferred points for the new booking system. I have been thinking about it all morning, I decided that I would call to have the transferred points reallocated to a existing reservation, the computer still would not except them. The problem was, MS computers now track Use Years, the points were the wrong UY for the reservation I was making or the one I wanted the points reallocated to. I just had to bank the transferred points and make the new reservation! I had mentioned this to the first MS rep, but he said, " this was not the issue, it was a software glitch." So you are able to make a new reservation in advance with transferred points. Just wanted to clear this up!

 

[keishashadow]

If the system allows for Day by Day bookings, or even walking a reservation, it is not an abuse to do so, is it? However, specific rules can instituted, like "no dropping days without a full rebook" or "no changes to existing reservations until 30 days have past since the initial booking" that is perfectly legal. And in fact, I think not dropping any days without a full cancel and rebook would solve the problem, with waitlists filled first.

It is not legal to charge an individual for the use of the reservation system for your home resort, as the cost has already been covered by all members dues.

solve the problem for who? those waiting for waitlists

it creates a problem for those of us who bought being told that our ressies were flexible up until our 30 day penalty phase.

as stated earlier, i need to call & remove the 1st two days from my October ressie since i changed my mind & decided to stay onsite @ Universal for HHN...according to the rules i should have to now forfeit my entire ressie because it solves the problem...no it creates one IMO

 

[Joan S.]

I certainly hopes it changes and I have faith in members doing the right thing. My 7 month window for Feb (presidents week) opens tommorow and the idea of walking never crossed my mind.

Hi, I have points at 3 DVC locations and for the past few years I have booked Sun.-Wed. of Pres. Week at BCV (1 bedroom)at the 11th month mark.(using most of my BCV points) I was always been able to book extra days at the 7 month mark to continue this reservation.(using points from OKW or SSR) This morning I called to add Feb.14(Saturday) and Feb. 19(Thursday). I got right thru to MS at 9am and was able to book with no problem. The only thing now is my flights. We usually fly SWA so I am WAITING for the SWA scedule to open in August for February and see what I can get for flights.My flight days MAY cause me to change nights from one weekend to the next one. Joan

 

[jekjones1558]

And in fact, I think not dropping any days without a full cancel and rebook would solve the problem, with waitlists filled first.

Gosh, Chuck. This is the change I fear the most when all of this shakes down. Much worse, in my book, than the new 7-day booking rule. For the past few years and the foreseeable future we have been/will be dealing with family medical stuff that means dropping/adding days for us will be the norm. It will be a real bummer if I need to cancel and rebook every time. I think this type of reservation change is different from walking. Dang.

 

[Chuck S]

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?

 

[jdg345]

Mine,Mine,(gotta gets)Mine




I totally agree you have the "right" to use your home resort points but not abuse the system to sole advantage. Keep hashing it out. I am sure a "solution" will be coming soon.

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 ...

 

[jpolak]

Hi, I have points at 3 DVC locations and for the past few years I have booked Sun.-Wed. of Pres. Week at BCV (1 bedroom)at the 11th month mark.(using most of my BCV points) I was always been able to book extra days at the 7 month mark to continue this reservation.(using points from OKW or SSR) This morning I called to add Feb.14(Saturday) and Feb. 19(Thursday). I got right thru to MS at 9am and was able to book with no problem. The only thing now is my flights. We usually fly SWA so I am WAITING for the SWA scedule to open in August for February and see what I can get for flights.My flight days MAY cause me to change nights from one weekend to the next one. Joan

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.