Online Booking Advantage??

[lionqueen]

Hi all. I've been reading a bunch of posts about getting online at 8:00 am to book a room and how that will give you an advantage over people who will call MS at 9:00 am. I understand you get a one hour jump on those callers but my question is: with everyone having a computer/smartphone, don't the majority of people book online vs calling? and therefore how much of an advantage is it? Just looking for a little perspective. TIA

 

[supersnoop]

Hi all. I've been reading a bunch of posts about getting online at 8:00 am to book a room and how that will give you an advantage over people who will call MS at 9:00 am. I understand you get a one hour jump on those callers but my question is: with everyone having a computer/smartphone, don't the majority of people book online vs calling? and therefore how much of an advantage is it? Just looking for a little perspective. TIA

Someone posted statistics a few months back. I don't remember the exact number, but it was not a "majority" who booked online. Lots of people still rely on calling in to make their reservations.

 

[Anal Annie]

I'm sure as time passes and smart phones become more widespread it could change (personally I still find doing some things on my smart phone more awkward than using a regular computer). I have been booking online for the past couple of years - I started using it when I felt it was a time advantage to book hard-to-get reservations such as a studio at VGC and Aulani. So far, so good, but my luck could always change at any time.

 

[lionqueen]

Someone posted statistics a few months back. I don't remember the exact number, but it was not a "majority" who booked online. Lots of people still rely on calling in to make their reservations.

I find that unbelievable that the majority of people wait and call at 9!!

 

[tjkraz]

Even if you don't want to label 8am booking an "advantage", waiting until 9am certainly places one at a disadvantage.

 

[Noelle]

Depending on what you are trying to book, I'd say it could be a disadvantage. I logged onto my computer at 4:45 am (I'm on the west coast) to be prepared to book my parents a standard view studio at VGF a few days ago. I was logged in and ready to go at 5:00, the standard view was gone pretty much immediately. I was able to secure a lake view. After I secured the lake view studio, I booked our 2 bedroom standard view which took all of about 5 minutes. Then I went back just for fun to see if there were any studios left for the first day of our 11 month booking window and they were all gone. Now, I know December is a popular month and the studios go fast and it's a small resort. But I would have been completely out of luck if I had waited the extra hour to call Member Services. So I think it is a disadvantage to wait the extra hour for MS pending the specific location, room type, and season.

 

[WolfpackFan]

I guess I would ask the question - what is the advantage of calling? Personally, I'd rather do it myself on the computer and see exactly what is going on rather than talking to someone on the phone. I can do it a lot faster on the computer.

 

[supersnoop]

The average age of a DVC owner is probably 50+. It's just a generational difference.

 

[SarahInMN]

We much prefer to book online - no hold time, easier to see what's available. We had to call last weekend to change an upcoming ressie and were on hold for like 30 minutes.

That said in terms of availability: I don't think its as insanely competitive as I think based on these boards (I think we all represent a small percentage of insane DVC owners who plan super far ahead).

Here's my example:
We own at Beach and Floridian. We are going to DL in May 2015 with a planned arrival of 5/2/15. I was all set to not even try the Cali DVC (and just pay cash for a theme park view at the non DVC resort) but decided to search for the heck of it. On 10/3/14 (and late in the day PST), every room category was available in the time frame we wanted and that was a day after the 7 month mark (assuming I have my math right).

I think there are always times that will be hard - EPCOT resorts during F&W or Cali over holiday weekends - but I don't think the hour difference between online and calling in makes a huge difference. Online is just infinitely more convenient.

 

[AirGoofy]

I guess I would ask the question - what is the advantage of calling? Personally, I'd rather do it myself on the computer and see exactly what is going on rather than talking to someone on the phone. I can do it a lot faster on the computer.

The average age of a DVC owner is probably 50+. It's just a generational difference.

My first thought was average age of DVC members as well. I also wonder if it also the concept of DVC being a "luxury" purchase, and calling someone to book a vacation is still that mindset.

I've been able to book BWV at the 11 month window online during F&W. I was unable to book BLT standard studio during F&W at the 11 month window, but could get a LV.

 

[js]

I find that unbelievable that the majority of people wait and call at 9!!

I have points transferred in so I HAVE to call next month since I cant see them online. Wish I could book online and if I could I certainly would.

 

[luckyman_apd]

I have points transferred in so I HAVE to call next month since I cant see them online. Wish I could book online and if I could I certainly would.

Yes me 2. I just transferred points in from someone to help a family member with a reservation. But I borrowed my own points to make the ressie so when I go to make my own reservation in the future I will have to call to use the points. I wish they could put transfered points in online. I don't think they have any plans to though.

 

[nalajms]

You'd also have to call if you're doing a switch at the 7m mark and don't want to risk losing the room you currently have before securing the room you want, but don't have enough points to book both rooms at the same time

In this case, 8am might be a disadvantage because my old room won't be released until 9am.

 

[kittyab]

My DH called in but he had questions too.

 

[Mrs.Milo]

My sister-in-law always calls in, because she has 4 small contracts, it's just too confusing to do online for her, especially if she is trying to switch resorts at the 7 month window.

 

[supersnoop]

You'd also have to call if you're doing a switch at the 7m mark and don't want to risk losing the room you currently have before securing the room you want, but don't have enough points to book both rooms at the same time In this case, 8am might be a disadvantage because my old room won't be released until 9am.

Ironically, I think you are at a higher risk of losing the room if you call in to have Member Services do it for you. They can't hold anything, but you can if you work the website correctly.