Online Reservations This Winter

[tjkraz]

Member Services CMs have been booking using the on-line system for months so it will be tried-and-true to a large degree by the time members can access it. Not saying it will be flawless but this is far from a "OK, let's hit the switch and see what happens" situation.

At the meeting it was stated that traffic will be throttled via availability of the booking link itself. There shouldn't be issues with too many people getting on and clogging up the system. In a nutshell, if traffic is too high additional guests won't be able to access the system at all. They won't even see the link on their web browser.

I would have no objections to logging on first to see if the system is active. If it's there, I'll try it. If not, I'll call. No biggie. Worst case is I'm "stuck" booking the same way I have for the last 8+ years.

I too wondered about the logic of rolling the system out about 11 months in advance of December '12 reservations. However, the worst of the December booking traffic should be over by January 19. The big rush seems to occur between Thanksgiving and 12/15 when points are low.

 

[emlutz23]

Considering the problems MS had today with their system just to add the DDP, I am leary of this. I waited awhile before attempting to make online dining reservations when that first rolled out...I'll wait and see how it goes with this too. It certainly would be convenient if it works properly!

 

[n2mm]

I'm glad I don't have to make a reservations during that timeframe. I'll actually be in WDW on Jan. 19th, so I may amuse myself in the evenings to read the posts on how it's going! Heck I couldn't even make my ADRs for May on the dining website for the 180+10 because the website didn't recognize DVC reservations. I'm not optimistic about this at all. I surely would suggest anyone who makes a reservation via online, better check their upcoming reservations to make sure it's there and correct. It sure sounds like a train-wreck to me.

 

[Halle]

I often book more than one villa/studio for our vacations and am worried that it may be more difficult to do because I won't be able to view availability. I am not looking forward to online booking.....now you may flame me!!!:

 

[n2mm]

I often book more than one villa/studio for our vacations and am worried that it may be more difficult to do because I won't be able to view availability. I am not looking forward to online booking.....now you may flame me!!!:

I would guess more complicated reservations would still require a phone call to MS. I see the online as being helpful in checking availablility, but we know availability changes quickly.

 

[tjkraz]

I often book more than one villa/studio for our vacations and am worried that it may be more difficult to do because I won't be able to view availability. I am not looking forward to online booking.....now you may flame me!!!:

They aren't disconnecting the phones. Member Services will still be available to assist if needed.

Sorry but I can't envision circumstances under which 5-10 years from now we are still compelled to pick up the phone in order to make a reservation. Fear of the unknown isn't a valid reason for not developing an on-line reservation system.

 

[Mousewerks]

They aren't disconnecting the phones. Member Services will still be available to assist if needed.

Sorry but I can't envision circumstances under which 5-10 years from now we are still compelled to pick up the phone in order to make a reservation. Fear of the unknown isn't a valid reason for not developing an on-line reservation system.

Not only that but they should be able to display real-time availability, constantly updating on your web page. As long as that data is available, it's very easy to display it.