News Flash Ms Call Changes!!!

[Chuck S]

Just off the phone with MS. I have spoken to 5 advisors over the last 3 days. All are unaware of a Caller-ID system, and emphatically stated that every Advisor should be doing the full MS #, last four of SS, etc. at every call.

To their collective knowledge, NO AUTOMATED information system has been implemented, or hinted at. They ALL thought that would be a wonderful addition however.

Interesting, my suggestion of the caller ID system, of course, was speculation based on posts by members saying they didn't need to give their mem# or info. and knowing that caller ID integrated systems are out there, as credit card companies require you to call from your home phone to activate a new card. I haven't had a need to call MS since their system was down (which we all speculated was for some sort of update or upgrade)

I think it would be a timesaver if they could integrate it into their system, but I would think one security question would be a good idea to verify who they are actually talking to.

 

[keishashadow]

hmm, I do have blocked caller ID on home phone which I believe is associated with private phone numbers (the walls have ears ) but, not on my cell - which is the number I usually call from.

I make ADR's thru the main #, cannot see tying up a DVC agent for the length of time it takes to make a weeks worth of ressies.

Perhaps if the DVC 800 number was changed to a regular "toll" number, it would cut down on the amount of "frivolous" calls.

 

[greenban]

Interesting, my suggestion of the caller ID system, of course, was speculation based on posts by members saying they didn't need to give their mem# or info. and knowing that caller ID integrated systems are out there, as credit card companies require you to call from your home phone to activate a new card. I haven't had a need to call MS since their system was down (which we all speculated was for some sort of update or upgrade)

I think it would be a timesaver if they could integrate it into their system, but I would think one security question would be a good idea to verify who they are actually talking to.

[serious]

And Chuck, it was very reasonable and intelligent speculation! It is common technology and would be very worthwhile to have. I just think right now (and I may be wrong yet again!) that it was circumstancial or coinincidental happennings, and sadly not new technology.

But it was a reasonable and intelligent speculation in any case!

[/serious]

-Tony

Man, all this serious talk about DVC is Harshing my Mellow!

 

[greenban]

hmm, I do have blocked caller ID on home phone which I believe is associated with private phone numbers (the walls have ears ) but, not on my cell - which is the number I usually call from.

I make ADR's thru the main #, cannot see tying up a DVC agent for the length of time it takes to make a weeks worth of ressies.

[snip]... emphasis added...
Perhaps if the DVC 800 number was changed to a regular "toll" number, it would cut down on the amount of "frivolous" calls.... [/snip]

But then imagine all the Florida Abuse. All those senior citizens in the 407 area code (Not just the ones at OKW either!). Lonely seniors calling MS, just to talk, or discuss their newest medications, or why their kids don't visit or even call.....

SHUDDER!!!!!

-Tony

 

[Chuck S]

Greenban, is that really you? All that seriousness...

 

[keishashadow]

But then imagine all the Florida Abuse. All those senior citizens in the 407 area code (Not just the ones at OKW either!). Lonely seniors calling MS, just to talk, or discuss their newest medications, or why their kids don't visit or even call.....

SHUDDER!!!!!

-Tony

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

I was surprised that DVC even offered the dining plan to anyone but the actual DVC member--similiar to the AP discount. But, Disney wants all WDW guests (including renters) and their $$ on the property. I also agree with an earlier post, that DVC likes member renting B/C it's free advertising for what they are selling, so I doubt its a big scheme to reduce member renting.

Some DVCers account probably was drained or a reservation got altered inappropriately (imagine a renter being able to add Fri and Sat nights to their rented M-Th reservation). Similiar to a credit card company, the first automated request from the MS phone system should be to key in your membership number. That stops all this non-member calling w/o the MS CM having to be the gatekeeper.

Twisting this policy change into a "Look how DVC is working hard to save member dues by reducing phone calls" is a big stretch.

 

[LisaS]

Twisting this policy change into a "Look how DVC is working hard to save member dues by reducing phone calls" is a big stretch.

I suspect there are several reasons behind this change. I don't believe DVC is working hard to save member dues for our sake, but I could easily believe they are concerned what a very large dues increase might do to future DVC sales. Given the impact of rising fuel costs, I could believe they are looking to reduce costs wherever possible to try to keep the dues increase as small as possible.

But I think there are other factors behind this as well. Wasn't there a post not long ago where a renter posted that they called MS and made some kind of change to their reservation, a change that only the owner should have been allowed to make? If I'm remembering correctly, then there may have been problems and DVC decided it was time to get completely out of the picture between owners and renters.

 

[castleri]

[serious]

This is a serious post.

No humor is intended or implied.

Really!

Just off the phone with MS. I have spoken to 5 advisors over the last 3 days. All are unaware of a Caller-ID system, and emphatically stated that every Advisor should be doing the full MS #, last four of SS, etc. at every call.

To their collective knowledge, NO AUTOMATED information system has been implemented, or hinted at. They ALL thought that would be a wonderful addition however.

Could one of our RESPECTED members call and independently verify my claim, please (at your next reservation making call, do NOT just call and tie up MS for this!)

-Tony

End of seriousness!

[/serious]

Having called for a reservation today just before reading this post and not from the phone or address listed with MS I would say they don't have a caller ID system in place. I was asked for all the usual info and was not asked if I had a new phone number. I was also given the "new policy" that has just been put in place requiring members to make all calls regarding reservations. I told her I had read about it on the internet and she said "Oh good, is it on the member site already?" I said I hadn't been on the member site and she said "oh did you see it on DIS?" I said yes and then we went on to how she will be here in RI for the county fair in 2 weeks and that she grew up around here. It truly is a small world.

 

[Inkmahm]

As for the ADRs- that is simply accessed by MS right from their computer. There is not really a "Dining Department" for ADRs- as they are handled by CRO reservationists too. I look at MS providing that service as just that - a service to it's membership. It is nice to be able to complete that task with the same toll free call we use for reservations instead of needing to call the 407 #.

Ah, now I get it. I never thought to use MS to make my ADR, I automatically call WDW-DINE after all these years of using that number. I can see where using a toll free number rather than the 407 number would matter if I didn't have free long distance. I think I'll just keep calling the 407 number and then our MS people won't have to deal with me. One (or more) less calls for them to handle.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) EXCELLENT !
2) It is about time Member Services was for Members only.
3) Renters or others calling takes up available phone time.
4) I am not so sure it actually costs more, since operators are there anyway.
5) But, this should help members get throuigh quicker.

 

[acpalmer]

Interesting, my suggestion of the caller ID system, of course, was speculation based on posts by members saying they didn't need to give their mem# or info. and knowing that caller ID integrated systems are out there, as credit card companies require you to call from your home phone to activate a new card. I haven't had a need to call MS since their system was down (which we all speculated was for some sort of update or upgrade)

I think it would be a timesaver if they could integrate it into their system, but I would think one security question would be a good idea to verify who they are actually talking to.

As a point of interest, although credit card companies say that you must call from your home phone, you actually don't have to. I've called from my cell phone, my work phone, my mother's home phone, and once from a hotel phone because I realized after getting on vacation that we hadn't activated the new ones yet. So they may say that, but they don't mean it.

 

[Chuck S]

As a point of interest, although credit card companies say that you must call from your home phone, you actually don't have to. I've called from my cell phone, my work phone, my mother's home phone, and once from a hotel phone because I realized after getting on vacation that we hadn't activated the new ones yet. So they may say that, but they don't mean it.

Yes, but if you call from your home phone, I'm usually not asked anything other than the number of cards I received (through an automated system) to activate them. With out a called ID system, or calling from an unknown number, I would assume you had to give other identifying info.

 

[cgcruz]

Well, as a renter I would be less inclined to pay more than $10 per point for a rental. I will be very relunctant to pay for a rental too far in advance if I cant call member services a week before arrival to make sure my reservation is still in the system. Even though I will have the paper confirmation from the DVC owner, a lot could happen the closer I get to arrival time. I hope renters realize this when making a reservation.

Theres bound to be DVC owners who will rip off a member, or EASIER, im sure those confirmation letters can be duplicated and altered by a non-member posing as a DVC member.

Also, if a renter wants the dining plan, is that listed on the confirmation letter?


Reallly this is just a way for DVC to attempt to Break up the rental business. Obvious, Disney would rather rent the rooms themselves and take all the profits. This new policy is meant to work for Disney only.

I strongly doubt renters are such a huge chunk of calls coming to DVC everyday. And really, a renter cant make changes, so it take like 2 minutes for a renter to call in and confirm a reservation.

 

[ralphd]

It seems The DVC does listen to us!

I was told by 2 seperate MS-Advisors that effective today (via an email sent this morning!)

MS is a member's only service and guests may no longer call to add/remove the DVC Dining Plan, DME, or to confirm the existance of reservations!

These activities can only be done by the Owner!

-Tony

I agree with the new policy!

 

[drakethib]

Glad to see my dues are being used to help members.

 

[Barak's Disney]

I'm a renter, but was able to verify the existance of my reservation today through Disney. This happened to me rather by accident - I was planning to call on day 180 for a reservation at CRT, but called a day early to check out the phone tree - the CM informed me that I was elgible to book today b/c of the +10 rule (which says to me that she was able to look up my DVC reservation - unless she just took my word for it that I was staying on site?)

 

[keishashadow]

Well, as a renter I would be less inclined to pay more than $10 per point for a rental. I will be very relunctant to pay for a rental too far in advance if I cant call member services a week before arrival to make sure my reservation is still in the system. Even though I will have the paper confirmation from the DVC owner, a lot could happen the closer I get to arrival time. I hope renters realize this when making a reservation.

Theres bound to be DVC owners who will rip off a member, or EASIER, im sure those confirmation letters can be duplicated and altered by a non-member posing as a DVC member.

Also, if a renter wants the dining plan, is that listed on the confirmation letter?


Reallly this is just a way for DVC to attempt to Break up the rental business. Obvious, Disney would rather rent the rooms themselves and take all the profits. This new policy is meant to work for Disney only.

I strongly doubt renters are such a huge chunk of calls coming to DVC everyday. And really, a renter cant make changes, so it take like 2 minutes for a renter to call in and confirm a reservation.

Profit is a subjective term...at best, renting @ $10 point is barely breaking even.

Of course, no one is twisting any arms to rent DVC. Assume most renters are seeking a bargin, attempting to obtain a deal on a deluxe villa accommodation. Unfortunately...with the vastly lower price, an element of trust is a given. Don't think you could call it a hidden risk but, an understood & accepted possibility, however remote. I would always use PayPal & a credit card payment, for the record of the transaction and the fraud guarantee. No personal flaming intended but, I cannot understand the concept of renting a DVC studio for less than the cost of a value resort room, being able to enjoy all the amenities & purchase the DP & yet complain about the price, lack of maid service & the fact that you cannot check the res. status.

I still think a disgruntled renter would be quick to shout out to all who would listen that they were "ripped off"...assume the story would probably surface here @ some point.

FYI, several DVC rental options are consistently advertised on eBay by...shall we call them Power DVC'ers? They list their many "satisfied customers" and "years renting".

In response to your query about the DP being listed on the res., it was not for our June trip. Currently, even members cannot prepay for the DP.

 

[keishashadow]

I'm a renter, but was able to verify the existance of my reservation today through Disney. This happened to me rather by accident - I was planning to call on day 180 for a reservation at CRT, but called a day early to check out the phone tree - the CM informed me that I was elgible to book today b/c of the +10 rule (which says to me that she was able to look up my DVC reservation - unless she just took my word for it that I was staying on site?)

No, CRO cannot access DVC res. #'s (currently, different computer system), they do take our word for it - there's that word again - trust.

 

[MissD]

Are you saying that you called DVC Member Services or WDW-DINE?

If you called the Disney Dining #, they would have indeed been able to access your reservation in the system and make the ADR's for you.