New policy for reservations based on check IN date

[jdg345]

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

Yup!

 

[Sammie]

Yup!

Good, I just hate for this concern to not be directed to them directly and not just vented here.

 

[Chuck S]

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.



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

Well, good. At least the concept that changes in room class/category being a separate reservation hasn't changed.

 

[jdg345]

Well, good. At least the concept that changes in room class/category being a separate reservation hasn't changed.

Well, this was just from the two people I spoke to today (I called twice, once for each attempt in the hope of getting different CM's -- and I did).

If they did start allowing this though, it would certainly make a mess out of things as it would create the likelihood of holes at the beginnings and ends of reservations -- something this new policy was supposed to prevent.

Of course, YMMV ... consistency is not a word I would use to describe MS lately.

 

[Chuck S]

Of course, YMMV ... consistency is not a word I would use to describe MS lately.

True, but I don't blame the CMs...there doesn't seem to have been any training or prep, other than a system message, for this policy.

 

[jdg345]

True, but I don't blame the CMs...there doesn't seem to have been any training or prep, other than a system message, for this policy.

Agreed ... I wonder if the PP just happened upon a new CM that wasn't at all familiar with the new policy? I also wonder what would have happened if the PP tried to book the stay. ie: Does the system prevent it from being booked? or is it up to the CM to disallow it?

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

Stopped reading for a few days.....

Sorry, but I can't believe that now we have progressed from discussing to actually booking test reservations to see what other scenarios exist which can be employed to work the system ! And all this by members who have yet to be closed out of a reservation?

We want rules to stop abuse and then we book purely on speculation? using up rooms that others may be trying to get right now?

I enjoy reading the various debates and seeing how clever everyone is to figure out a way to be successful. That's just group problem solving as an activity, but test reservations is ridiculous. Please stop wasting the CM time. There are likely members with legitimate booking needs waiting on hold...

I would like to see threads posting successes and failures, understanding that any posts are anecdotal at best.....

 

[ITGirl50]

Agreed ... I wonder if the PP just happened upon a new CM that wasn't at all familiar with the new policy? I also wonder what would have happened if the PP tried to book the stay. ie: Does the system prevent it from being booked? or is it up to the CM to disallow it?

I just think she didn't fully understand my question. I don't think she realized I called day 1 of the 11-month booking window for the first reservation. I will see what really happens in a few weeks.

 

[jeankeri]

jdg345- Now I know your test is happening during a slow time, but I missed what type room/ resort your test is on. Also- what time of day are you calling? If I didn't need '10 points for my NYE trip I would be walking right along side you. As it stands, I will probably lace up my shoes in October .

 

[keishashadow]

Mods, please let this thread happen.

Wish #1

jdg345- Now I know your test is happening during a slow time, but I missed what type room/ resort your test is on. Also- what time of day are you calling? If I didn't need '10 points for my NYE trip I would be walking right along side you. As it stands, I will probably lace up my shoes in October .

Wish #2, u won't need to...since the enhancement will have been quietly eliminated by then ...back to DBD, enhanced holiday/seasonal blackouts or lottery, whatever

 

[jdg345]

jdg345- Now I know your test is happening during a slow time, but I missed what type room/ resort your test is on. Also- what time of day are you calling?

Great Questions!

I'd rather not disclose the exact accomodations as several members have already expressed their dissatisfaction with this 'test'. I will say, however, that the reservations are not typically for high-inventory classes so as to provide a more accurate 'feel' of the new policy.

As far as time of day, it's variable ... more or less when I have time. The thing with the new policy is that once you have that 11+7 locked down, you can pretty much call at your convenience.

As more and more people realize this, I find it hard to believe that walking will be less rampant than DBD was. In fact, I suspect as people get locked out, it will become more common than DBD ever was. Remember, the earlier you walk, the more 'chances' you give yourself to lock in that 11+7. Once you have that, it's guaranteed.

And those that don't think spec renters will have a much easier time booking more high-demand rooms in peak season than they did under DBD should probably consider that and perhaps rethink their stance. IMO, of course.

If I didn't need '10 points for my NYE trip I would be walking right along side you. As it stands, I will probably lace up my shoes in October .

Be careful, some of the PP's might not be too thrilled to read that.

That said, I want to be perfectly clear here: I am opposed to the new policy; I don't like it, and I would prefer they went back to DBD with reservations based on departure date.

 

[jdg345]

Wish #1



Wish #2, u won't need to...since the enhancement will have been quietly eliminated by then ...back to DBD, enhanced holiday/seasonal blackouts or lottery, whatever

Hopefully!

I believe DBD was truly the great equalizer and it allowed all members to be on a more even footing. IMO, the system was fair as it was.

 

[jdg345]

I just think she didn't fully understand my question. I don't think she realized I called day 1 of the 11-month booking window for the first reservation. I will see what really happens in a few weeks.

It's certainly possible! Please update us when you get a chance to book and let us know how it goes.

Good Luck!

 

[Chuck S]

Hi Everyone.

The Mods have been reading this thread and discussing your ideas for a thread about booking success.

Your input and opinions, along with what you actually want in the availability thread/forum is important to us.

As we look at options, we also need your input. Please see this poll posted by Caskbill on the DVC Mousecellaneous board: Poll

In the meantime, while we look at the poll results and continue to discuss options, someone is welcome to start a thread, as had been discussed earlier, about their success in booking. Please start the thread on the Mousecellaneous board, and post a link to it here.

Also, as you know, threads have to be closed when they get near 250 pages. This thread doesn't have too far to go before it hits that threshold. At that time, this thread will be closed, and a "Part 2" thread will be created on Mouse where this discussion can continue.

Also, I'd like to thank everyone for keeping this thread on topic, and discussing the policy in such a civil manner.

Now...back to the discussion....

 

[jdg345]

Hi Everyone.

The Mods have been reading this thread and discussing your ideas for a thread about booking success.

Your input and opinions, along with what you actually want in the availability thread/forum is important to us.

As we look at options, we also need your input. Please see this poll posted by Caskbill on the DVC Mousecellaneous board: Poll

In the meantime, while we look at the poll results and continue to discuss options, someone is welcome to start a thread, as had been discussed earlier, about their success in booking. Please start the thread on the Mousecellaneous board, and post a link to it here.

Also, as you know, threads have to be closed when they get near 250 pages. This thread doesn't have too far to go before it hits that threshold. At that time, this thread will be closed, and a "Part 2" thread will be created on Mouse where this discussion can continue.

Also, I'd like to thank everyone for keeping this thread on topic, and discussing the policy in such a civil manner.

Now...back to the discussion....

Thank you Chuck and Crew!

I created a thread, located here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1898244

Thanks to those who have given suggestions as to what the results should include!

 

[danielle782001]

I just had to call to cancel our December trip

We are now planning on a trip in July....When I asked the CM if "walking" might be an issue he said that he has never heard the term and when I explained to him the concept he said he has not heard of this issue at all....Interesting.

 

[Starr W.]

I just had to call to cancel our December trip

We are now planning on a trip in July....When I asked the CM if "walking" might be an issue he said that he has never heard the term and when I explained to him the concept he said he has not heard of this issue at all....Interesting.

So you decided on July!

I think they will notice the walking when it gets time to book really busy DVC times. BCV/BW for F&W, the holidays etc.

 

[bobbiwoz]

If I call at 11 months (say, 11 months from the check out date) to try to get a Beach Cottage for a 4 night stay, and NONE of my dates are available am I allowed to waitlist for the stay?

Bobbi

 

[Chuck S]

If I call at 11 months (say, 11 months from the check out date) to try to get a Beach Cottage for a 4 night stay, and NONE of my dates are available am I allowed to waitlist for the stay?

Bobbi

Sure, assuming you own at that resort. Of course, you can not waitlist before 7 months a a resort you do not own.

 

[PamOKW]

If I call at 11 months (say, 11 months from the check out date) to try to get a Beach Cottage for a 4 night stay, and NONE of my dates are available am I allowed to waitlist for the stay?

Bobbi

Yes. The difference is that your entire stay has to be available for the waitlist to confirm. In the past, it was possible to waitlist "day by day". For example, you want July 4-9. Nothing is open. July 3-5 becomes available but it doesn't fulifill your entire need. Those days are used to fill out someone else's request for July 1-4 instead. In the past, you could have gotten July 4-5 and then could continue to fill out your reservation as days came open....not a perfect example but I think you can get the gist.