on-line booking not fair list

[dvcdisney]

I still can't understand why HA rooms cannot be a category. There are people who NEED them. It's not like a request for a certain view or an upper floor.

I was very upset when, in some hotels and resorts, NONSMOKING was not guaranteed. If I had to book one I was constantly anxious about it and called the hotel several times.

I'm quite upset about this but from the other side. I DON'T want to be assigned the HA rooms and would prefer that these are categorized so that those who need and want an HA rooms are the only ones to book them. I sent an email last year about this topic when we were given a HA room (especially since we weren't notified at check in) and even though they were able to move us the next night, the one day was difficult using the showers especially for my children. Although the other things were uncomfortable, the water from the shower ended up all over the floor of the bathroom and it became a safety issue.

I do think that, eventually, with enough complaints they will manage the HA room assignments better. That way, the people who need it will get it. And those that don't - won't. And you will know what you book when you book it.

 

[LoveToDisney]

Where did you find this "8am" rule? Is that when the "new day" begins online? Last night, I could get online to check availability late in the middle of the night so I assume the online is 24 hour access. Are you just discussing when the computer resets the accessibility to get into the newest available date and that's suppose to be at 8am?

 

[bumbershoot]

I still can't understand why HA rooms cannot be a category. There are people who NEED them. It's not like a request for a certain view or an upper floor. ...

I'm quite upset about this but from the other side. I DON'T want to be assigned the HA rooms and would prefer that these are categorized so that those who need and want an HA rooms are the only ones to book them.

I"m right there with ya.

We've been assigned HA rooms twice now. Once it was acceptable (1 bedroom OKW), the other time it was absolutely not (AK Jambo 1 bedroom). (the difference was that OKW still had the tub, but AKJ did not, and I NEEDED that tub to keep my legs and feet and back healthy so I could walk the next day)

We also had our child with us; while he *does* take showers (now, not last year), not all children do!

I'm willing to bet that was not a fully accessible room, if you need an accessible room you had better call and check that is what you have reserved. MS have confirmed to me that there are no fully accessible Value studios. If when you get there that info is wrong would you be kind enough to send me a photo and some details of the room.

What is a fully accessible room?

 

[mousefan1972]

Where did you find this "8am" rule? Is that when the "new day" begins online? Last night, I could get online to check availability late in the middle of the night so I assume the online is 24 hour access. Are you just discussing when the computer resets the accessibility to get into the newest available date and that's suppose to be at 8am?

Not "supposed" to be at 8 a.m, it is 8 a.m. And yes, we are talking about when the computer considers the new day to have started. This only matters when you are trying to book a reservation exactly at your 11 month or 7 day windows. Otherwise, as you said, you could book a room at 3 a.m. if the mood struck.

 

[Dean]

I still can't understand why HA rooms cannot be a category. There are people who NEED them. It's not like a request for a certain view or an upper floor.

I was very upset when, in some hotels and resorts, NONSMOKING was not guaranteed. If I had to book one I was constantly anxious about it and called the hotel several times.

I'm quite upset about this but from the other side. I DON'T want to be assigned the HA rooms and would prefer that these are categorized so that those who need and want an HA rooms are the only ones to book them. I sent an email last year about this topic when we were given a HA room (especially since we weren't notified at check in) and even though they were able to move us the next night, the one day was difficult using the showers especially for my children. Although the other things were uncomfortable, the water from the shower ended up all over the floor of the bathroom and it became a safety issue.

I do think that, eventually, with enough complaints they will manage the HA room assignments better. That way, the people who need it will get it. And those that don't - won't. And you will know what you book when you book it.

It can be a category and with online booking, it probably should be. What they can't do is hold those rooms for those who want/need them. Since they generally have more HA rooms than needed currently, someone has to get them. I'm there with you on no wanting a HA unit, I'd rather not go than get one. However, I realize that someone has to and I'm not going to complain much if it's me. All of the systems I know much about let you book online then call to match you with HA rooms.

 

[dvcdisney]

It can be a category and with online booking, it probably should be. What they can't do is hold those rooms for those who want/need them. Since they generally have more HA rooms than needed currently, someone has to get them. I'm there with you on no wanting a HA unit, I'd rather not go than get one. However, I realize that someone has to and I'm not going to complain much if it's me. All of the systems I know much about let you book online then call to match you with HA rooms.

I can, somewhat, understand that they cannot hold these rooms specifically for those that need them, but if they are in their own category, we would know not to book them. I, too, would not book that resort if all that was available in the room type was an HA room. I would find something else. And for those who need it, they will have an equal chance at booking that room online as anyone else who is online at the same time. That's as "fair" as it can get.

I understand also that someone will end up getting it. But I will ask to change if possible because the room is set up in a way that makes our stay very uncomfortable. My children takes showers (rarely baths), but it's the way it's set up. It's difficult for them to maneuver.

I, also, think this is different from being given the VWL "dreaded" dumpster view or parking lot view or any other undesirable view. Those are absolutely requests - it would be nice to have, but not required. For us, if the view isn't great - well, we live with it. We don't spend all our time in the room or in the balcony. We had the dumpster view twice and we stayed there 14 nights each time and we did not complain. It wasn't pretty, but the room was quiet and we were okay with it. We knew we'd get it eventually.

I think it would be beneficial for all guests if it would be a specific category. However, I think reserving them for ONLY those who need them would be a more complicated task. But, one step at a time....

 

[Sandisw]

I can, somewhat, understand that they cannot hold these rooms specifically for those that need them, but if they are in their own category, we would know not to book them. I, too, would not book that resort if all that was available in the room type was an HA room. I would find something else. And for those who need it, they will have an equal chance at booking that room online as anyone else who is online at the same time. That's as "fair" as it can get.

I understand also that someone will end up getting it. But I will ask to change if possible because the room is set up in a way that makes our stay very uncomfortable. My children takes showers (rarely baths), but it's the way it's set up. It's difficult for them to maneuver.

I, also, think this is different from being given the VWL "dreaded" dumpster view or parking lot view or any other undesirable view. Those are absolutely requests - it would be nice to have, but not required. For us, if the view isn't great - well, we live with it. We don't spend all our time in the room or in the balcony. We had the dumpster view twice and we stayed there 14 nights each time and we did not complain. It wasn't pretty, but the room was quiet and we were okay with it. We knew we'd get it eventually.

I think it would be beneficial for all guests if it would be a specific category. However, I think reserving them for ONLY those who need them would be a more complicated task. But, one step at a time....

I don't necessarily agree that it should be a booking category, but rather an option for people to choose when booking. If it is checked, then the computer searches for inventory. What I don't know, though, is whether or not the computer currently differentiates them when you call MS now. Since I have never had to book one, I am not sure.

Still, online booking is new and I still believe we are going to see enhancements over time and some of the limatations in place now will not be there later.

Of course, I think its important that anyone who would like to see this as an option of online booking should let Member satisfaction know.

 

[Dean]

I can, somewhat, understand that they cannot hold these rooms specifically for those that need them, but if they are in their own category, we would know not to book them. I, too, would not book that resort if all that was available in the room type was an HA room. I would find something else. And for those who need it, they will have an equal chance at booking that room online as anyone else who is online at the same time. That's as "fair" as it can get.

I understand also that someone will end up getting it. But I will ask to change if possible because the room is set up in a way that makes our stay very uncomfortable. My children takes showers (rarely baths), but it's the way it's set up. It's difficult for them to maneuver.

I, also, think this is different from being given the VWL "dreaded" dumpster view or parking lot view or any other undesirable view. Those are absolutely requests - it would be nice to have, but not required. For us, if the view isn't great - well, we live with it. We don't spend all our time in the room or in the balcony. We had the dumpster view twice and we stayed there 14 nights each time and we did not complain. It wasn't pretty, but the room was quiet and we were okay with it. We knew we'd get it eventually.

I think it would be beneficial for all guests if it would be a specific category. However, I think reserving them for ONLY those who need them would be a more complicated task. But, one step at a time....

I think they should be a different category but understand why it may not be feasible. That way someone booking would know what they were getting and what they were not getting. However, to split each current category into two (HA and non HA) would create a significant amount of issues including orphaned days. I'll disagree on the request. If one goes through the process to secure a HA unit, it IS more than a request but for the rest of us, it is nothing more.

 

[chainkid]

Although online booking came online after i had already secured my Thanksgiving reservations, I can see by trying out the system that in the future this will be a vast improvement for planners. I cannot stand the tedious nature of trying to get a Member services person to cut the chatter and just get to reserving the reservation. I always feel I'm going to lose out because of the how long it takes them to do what i can do in seconds online. I could see if you are not computer savy that DVC members who are will have a distinct advantage but then that is true in all areas of life..those who have more knowledge have more access to everythng quicker. When you have several rooms to book and they want to take down the names and addresses of everyone in each unit before reserving the next makes me nuts. I woul dnow just add one person and go back later and fill in the blanks and i don't have to hear a push for the dining plan .

 

[loadsapixiedust]

I still can't understand why HA rooms cannot be a category. There are people who NEED them. It's not like a request for a certain view or an upper floor.

I was very upset when, in some hotels and resorts, NONSMOKING was not guaranteed. If I had to book one I was constantly anxious about it and called the hotel several times.

I'm quite upset about this but from the other side. I DON'T want to be assigned the HA rooms and would prefer that these are categorized so that those who need and want an HA rooms are the only ones to book them. I sent an email last year about this topic when we were given a HA room (especially since we weren't notified at check in) and even though they were able to move us the next night, the one day was difficult using the showers especially for my children. Although the other things were uncomfortable, the water from the shower ended up all over the floor of the bathroom and it became a safety issue.

I do think that, eventually, with enough complaints they will manage the HA room assignments better. That way, the people who need it will get it. And those that don't - won't. And you will know what you book when you book it.

I think you are right that this will be driven by complaints from those who don't want to be assigned accessible rooms, rather than those who need accessible rooms who seem to be in the minority. I really have not come across any other hotel booking site that doesn't have some way to reserve or request accessible accommodation. ADA law will soon require it so I hope DVC are working on it, it's a pity it couldn't have been included from the start.

What is a fully accessible room?

This would be a room with a level access roll-in shower. WDW resorts have 2 types of accessible rooms those fully accessible for people who need to use wheelchairs and those for ambulant disabled people who need grab bars but could use a bath tub.

 

[DVCMAUREEN]

I cannot stand the tedious nature of trying to get a Member services person to cut the chatter and just get to reserving the reservation. I always feel I'm going to lose out because of the how long it takes them to do what i can do in seconds online.

OMG, me too. I get so frustrated.

 

[drusba]

As to the question as to whether it might be unfair when booking exactly 11 months (or 7) out to start on-line reservations at 8 eastern as opposed to telephone reservations at 9, consider: Today, January 28, at 8 a.m., AKV concierge, and AKV value studios and 2BRs, were available with a December 28 start date. They were gone by 8:10.

 

[Sandisw]

As to the question as to whether it might be unfair when booking exactly 11 months (or 7) out to start on-line reservations at 8 eastern as opposed to telephone reservations at 9, consider: Today, January 28, at 8 a.m., AKV concierge, and AKV value studios and 2BRs, were available with a December 28 start date. They were gone by 8:10.

True, still not understanding how that makes it unfair? All members now have access to the online booking inventory and it becomes available at 8:00 am on the morning of the 11/7 month window where using the phone gets you access at 9:00 am.

It's really no different than it was for me when it was when we had to call. My students come in at 9:00 am so I was never able to call right then. I certainly couldn't say that it was unfair because I have a job that prevents me from taking advantage of the 9:00 am start time.

Really, this situation is no different--those that can take advantage of the 8:00 am online booking are going to have a better chance of getting a room than those that wait until 9:00 am and call MS just like those that could always call right at 9:00 am had a better chance to get a room then others who had to wait until 10:00 am.

The only thing possibly unfair, and I already shared this, is that DVC hasn't really done a good job of letting all members know that online booking is starting an hour earlier than phone bookings.

 

[jagson]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I wonder what the the ratio is members:total rooms and the handicap:HA rooms. It would seem inequitable if people with limitations didn't have the same opportunity to reserve an HA accomodation as those without limitations, or vice versa. I don't know if this can be calculated, or if DVC has some idea of what this/these ratios are. Don't know if this has a role in online vs telephone reservations. Food for thought. Also, I didn't see where one could make accomodation requests with online reservations, that you can make with telephone reservations, ie location, room #, etc.

 

[RobDoc]

As to the question as to whether it might be unfair when booking exactly 11 months (or 7) out to start on-line reservations at 8 eastern as opposed to telephone reservations at 9, consider: Today, January 28, at 8 a.m., AKV concierge, and AKV value studios and 2BRs, were available with a December 28 start date. They were gone by 8:10.

At one time, DVC had a lottery program set up for DVC reservations from 12/24 - 12/31 each year. At that time the resorts (OKW and BWV for onsite) never filled up for that week, so they dropped the program well over 10 years ago - however, the mechanics are still in the POS and could be implemented again if DVC decides that it is needed.

It is interesting that most days that week are being reserved right at 11 months and gone even before MS opens at 9am.

Stay tuned!

 

[Dean]

At one time, DVC had a lottery program set up for DVC reservations from 12/24 - 12/31 each year. At that time the resorts (OKW and BWV for onsite) never filled up for that week, so they dropped the program well over 10 years ago - however, the mechanics are still in the POS and could be implemented again if DVC decides that it is needed.

It is interesting that most days that week are being reserved right at 11 months and gone even before MS opens at 9am.

Stay tuned!

I know you know this but for those that don't There are 2 options in the POS that cover such issues. One is the lottery which I think was only used one time, at the change of the Century. The other is the special season preference list which was used for several years prior to that, I'm thinking the last one was the year prior to the Lottery being used.

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I wonder what the the ratio is members:total rooms and the handicap:HA rooms. It would seem inequitable if people with limitations didn't have the same opportunity to reserve an HA accomodation as those without limitations, or vice versa. I don't know if this can be calculated, or if DVC has some idea of what this/these ratios are. Don't know if this has a role in online vs telephone reservations. Food for thought. Also, I didn't see where one could make accomodation requests with online reservations, that you can make with telephone reservations, ie location, room #, etc.

There is no perfect system. The needs of the membership will change over time, often year by year. DVC cannot and will not adjust the HA according to those changes but will stick to the laws in place at the time a given resort was constructed. I haven't confirmed this (I'm sure someone will), but I'd assume one can make a reservation online then call in later and have it linked to a HA option. Since DVC doesn't assign rooms at the time of booking, this should present no problem unless there are more needing HA rooms that there are rooms. Historically there have been more HA rooms than need in general. That would give them equal opportunity. I'll say again that even if they moved the online time back to 9 am, those online could get all the rooms before anyone calling in could get anything.

 

[dvcdisney]

Also, I didn't see where one could make accomodation requests with online reservations, that you can make with telephone reservations, ie location, room #, etc.

You can email or call in your requests.

Even when I called and forgotten to add my request, I was always able to email them my requests and they have always replied that they have added it to my reservation. I like the email method because I have a record of it, just in case I forget I've done it.

 

[dvcdisney]

There is no perfect system. The needs of the membership will change over time, often year by year. DVC cannot and will not adjust the HA according to those changes but will stick to the laws in place at the time a given resort was constructed. I haven't confirmed this (I'm sure someone will), but I'd assume one can make a reservation online then call in later and have it linked to a HA option. Since DVC doesn't assign rooms at the time of booking, this should present no problem unless there are more needing HA rooms that there are rooms. Historically there have been more HA rooms than need in general. That would give them equal opportunity. I'll say again that even if they moved the online time back to 9 am, those online could get all the rooms before anyone calling in could get anything.

I agree completely. However, I'm curious to know why guest are told to call in order to book HA rooms. It makes more sense to book the room online and add that they need an HA room later through email or by calling. It just seems so much simpler that way.

I completely agree with the bolded part. I've also posted before that even if they open up booking at 9am for both online and call center, there will be complaints that there isn't enough CMs answering the phone to make it "equal" to the number of online bookings being processed.

I hope they step up the upgrades so that requests, modifications, HA rooms, and any other issues would be included in online booking. There will always be people who prefer to call. The choice is there for everyone to use online booking. Just because someone chooses not to, doesn't mean it's not fair.

 

[CarolMN]

....(snip).......It is interesting that most days that week are being reserved right at 11 months and gone even before MS opens at 9am.

Stay tuned!

I know you know this but for those that don't There are 2 options in the POS that cover such issues. One is the lottery which I think was only used one time, at the change of the Century. The other is the special season preference list which was used for several years prior to that, I'm thinking the last one was the year prior to the Lottery being used.

There is no perfect system. .....(snip).......

AFAIK, no resort or even villa size was sold out before 9 am the day the window opened. Even for the popular Holiday week. (I know you two know that, but I think some posters are missing that).

Only the very popular & limited concierge category and reportedly, the standard category at BLT were gone by 9 am Eastern (maybe at BWV, too and maybe the value at AKV). There were still studios and 1 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms (at resorts that have them) at all resorts available at 9 am, just not all view/booking categories.

FWIW, I think some of the limited availability was probably due to walking, which currently has to be done by calling.

I cannot believe DVC would re-establish a lottery or special seasons process just because something very limited to begin with books up in an hour. Those processes had to be time-consuming and expensive!

I am one who wants one of the those limited rooms, but I know I have no right to one. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don't!

 

[Brian Noble]

still not understanding how that makes it unfair?

The only case I can think of would be for members who do not have internet access.

I have to believe that's next to none of them. And, by definition, DISers are not in that category....