New Reservation Policy - Have Your Names Ready

[PamOKW]

I called MS today and had a very nice CM. She said when they came to work this morning they were told about a new change in the way the guest cards will be issued. Rather than giving guests cards with the same name on it for each unit they will now be individualized. They were told this is based on how things are done for the Disney Cruise Line. She wasn't sure, but she thought this will allow people to assign individual credit cards as well. In any case, when you make your reservation you will now be asked for the name and age of each person who will be in the unit so that they can prepare the individualized cards. (This may have contributed to the busy signals at MS this morning. This does add a few minutes to calls....especially as everyone gets used to the system.)

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

curious...

as long as they aren't asking any other information. Can't really see how it can be useful if there aren't tickets or charging privileges on the card. plus...I always get at least two cards because I almost always lose one in the room somewhere.

 

[kdonnel]

They must not have told all the CM yet.

I made a reservation today for a stay in May and was not asked for any names. They just wanted to know how many and how old the children were.

I guess they did ask if the reservation was for my self. They might have added my wife's name from the contract.

 

[RobDoc]

Same here- it must not be important enough for all MS CM's to ask at this point. I made a reservation today for November and was not asked for any names except mine.

Since they don't prepare the room ID's until check-in, they certainly have another opportunity to get names of all in the room at that time.

It will be interesting to watch how this progresses.

Stay tuned!

 

[Shadeaux]

Since they don't prepare the room ID's until check-in, they certainly have another opportunity to get names of all in the room at that time.

When I make our reservations, I don't always know for sure who will go with us. As Doc said, they don't print the ID's until check-in, so why do they need this information in their system? As for asking the ages of all guests, I see no reason for this. I could understand for hotels where they charge extra for more than 2 adults, but since DVC is set up differently, as long as we're within the occupancy limits it makes no difference how old anyone is.

 

[wanna-b-Tink]

They must not have told all the CM yet.

I made a reservation today for a stay in May and was not asked for any names. They just wanted to know how many and how old the children were.

I guess they did ask if the reservation was for my self. They might have added my wife's name from the contract.

Ditto! I made my reservations (for next month's stay) this afternoon around 5:30 pm and was just asked how many adults and children would be in the room. I told them it would be 4 adults and 3 kids (two bedroom), but they didn't ask for names...

 

[PamOKW]

I got through about 9:15 a.m. and had this new feature. On Friday, I wasn't asked for this (although I did have to confirm my address and phone in addtion to the last 4 digits of my SS). They may be in the process of phasing it in/testing. She said this is the way they book the DCL? I haven't taken a cruise so I'm not sure if this is what you have to do when you make those reservations.

I don't think you "have" to give all the names and ages when you make the reservation. Sometimes we don't known in advance exactly who will be coming so I'm sure it can also be done at check-in. My guess is they'll do as many in advance so there won't be a wait at check-in as they enter each individual name. It'll be interesting to see when/if they start requesting this info at check-in.

 

[Sammie]

I was asked and since we are unsure about one member of our group, that I would need to call back and make the addition before we check in.

 

[Nanajo1]

I was asked for names and children's ages. I had to give one name as "Baby Boy" because he isn't born yet!

 

[lulu71]

I was asked for names and children's ages. I had to give one name as "Baby Boy" because he isn't born yet!

LOL, I'm glad they didn't ask me yesterday since I'm not even sure if I'm bringing a boy or girl yet for our December trip, just a 6-month old baby!

 

[kaseyC]

When I called yesterday at about 9:10 am to complete my Dec. ressie, I was asked for the names of all the members in our party. Since I was reserving a 1 and a 2 Bdrm they wanted to know the names of who would be staying in each. I was not asked for the ages though. The nice CM I spoke with indicated it was something new. I had called 3 days last week for the same ressie and was not asked for names then.

 

[MiaSRN62]

She said this is the way they book the DCL? I haven't taken a cruise so I'm not sure if this is what you have to do when you make those reservations.

We have done a cruise on points, and yes, they did ask name/ages of all parties but I figured this was required for customs.
Thanks for the head's up Pam. Sounds like DVC decided to do the same as the regular WDW resorts in asking name/ages. I recently made a reservation at Pop and was asked specifics.

 

[RobDoc]

She said this is the way they book the DCL? I haven't taken a cruise so I'm not sure if this is what you have to do when you make those reservations.

DCL requires that info for customs, security and to know how many will be using the children's programs. The DCL staterooms are very strict about occupancy and everyone boarding will have to have their identification.

There are many cruises where they will not accept more children- even if there are rooms available- because the number of children already reserved meets the maximum for the activity programs available onboard.

I think that instituting a similar program at Disney resorts is for a number of reasons, but probably not due to children's activities at the resort.

Stay tuned!

 

[Terry S]

I read on one of the other boards a few weeks ago (I think it might have been the resorts boards) that they would be starting this for the regular resorts, I wondered if they would start it for the DVC resorts as well. I remember thinking that my husband would be happy because they always put my name on the cards since I make the reservations and he hates that when he uses it a a resturant, people think they are funny when they hand it back to him and say thank you Mrs. XXXX XXXXX.

 

[JeffPort]

We just got back from the BWV and I can confirm that individual names will now be requested for all rooms. If the names are not on the reservation, the check-in cast member will ask you for each person's name and age when you get to the hotel.

This change is part of the new MYW program. I checked into my room on January 1 and they did not ask for the names in my party. However, on the next day, January 2nd, I checked in 2 additional rooms for my brother's family and my parents. I was asked for names/ages for all persons in the rooms. When I inquired as to why they wanted the more detailed information, I was told that the new computer system that supports MYW requires the added information. A side benefit is that all room keys are now personalized for each member of the group.

(NOTE: Nobody in my group was buying park tickets at the hotel. I was told that it didn't matter; the policy applies to all reservations.)

 

[Bella2000]

I remember thinking that my husband would be happy because they always put my name on the cards since I make the reservations and he hates that when he uses it a a resturant, people think they are funny when they hand it back to him and say thank you Mrs. XXXX XXXXX.

This is exactly what I thought...

 

[sheryl0521]

I remember thinking that my husband would be happy because they always put my name on the cards since I make the reservations and he hates that when he uses it a a resturant, people think they are funny when they hand it back to him and say thank you Mrs. XXXX XXXXX.

Same here for my DH when he goes to the fitness center and hands over the room key with my name on it. He even asked me to make the next ressie in HIS name so HIS name would be on the card. How silly men can be!

 

[poohj80]

I was a bit surprised when I recently called CRO (not MS) to make a back-up room reservation in case my DVC wait list didn't come through (it since has). When I said the reservation was for two adults they asked which family members 1, 2, 3, or 4 (by name) would be joining me. It's usually just DH and I but over Thanksgiving we had more family members join us at HHI and CRO had all their names in the system when they pulled up my name. They could have only gotten this info from DVC since it's the only time the extended family has joined us on a trip. So, I assume all WDW reservations are going to this system.

 

[LibertyBelle]

My guess is they'll do as many in advance so there won't be a wait at check-in as they enter each individual name.

You are correct ... check in has become a LONG and lengthy process. As a CM at OKW I will give you the scenario, I had a Grand Villa with 12 people, the reservation was booked prior to the MYW system so no names where given prior to arrival. When the guest arrived I had to get all the names from them and then go in and add all the names first and last which made my normal 7 minute check in into about 20 minutes. Picture a Sunday (busiest check in day) around 11:30am-12 with a line out the door... if the names are already in the system from MS the check in is faster and your wait time is less. If each person in line has to give names that then have to be added to the reservation your wait time is doubled.

As for the age question, they do not need specific ages for those over 18 years old, just anyone under, as the ID cards are personalized they have to know who is a Junior (10-17 years old) and who is a child (3-9).

The personalization of the cards was a decision that was made based on guest request. In the surveys that they send out (and from the comments made at check in) it was decided that guests wanted their ID cards to be their own. People always ask if their kids can have their own names on the card, or when you hand the cards out they say "Oh honey this ones yours" not realizing the same name is on every card.

If you don't have all the names you can have them added at the front desk... you can also change names when you check in at the hotel. So if you say Dad's coming but he decides not to so you take your best friend, the name can be adjusted when you arrive

 

[EmptyNester]

You are correct ... check in has become a LONG and lengthy process. As a CM at OKW I will give you the scenario, I had a Grand Villa with 12 people, the reservation was booked prior to the MYW system so no names where given prior to arrival. When the guest arrived I had to get all the names from them and then go in and add all the names first and last which made my normal 7 minute check in into about 20 minutes. Picture a Sunday (busiest check in day) around 11:30am-12 with a line out the door... if the names are already in the system from MS the check in is faster and your wait time is less. If each person in line has to give names that then have to be added to the reservation your wait time is doubled. snip...

Hi LibertyBelle:

DH & I are arriving on 1/22 - Not looking forward to that long check-in line...should I call MS and add his name to the ressie now?

TIA
- Sharon