Poll on Jim Lewis

[mgilmer]

There has been a lot of references on Jim Lewis, so I thought I would like to see what you think of his performance.

 

[DebbieB]

I voted fair. He did get us the $100 AP discount.

 

[disneynutz]

Unfortunately corporate greed has lowered the quality of the DVC. More attention needs to be spent on existing members and proprieties and less on growing too big to care.

 

[CarolA]

I think that if God himself showed up to run DVC folks on this board would have issues with him!

 

[pycees312]

I think that if God himself showed up to run DVC folks on this board would have issues with him!

I think we also need to remember Jim is at the top and there are many many under him making most of the decisions but that is corp for ya.....I voted fair

 

[Chuck S]

I think that if God himself showed up to run DVC folks on this board would have issues with him!

You can't please all the people all the time.

In general, while unhappy about the glassware being removed from the studios in the first place, I am happy that they are adding glassware cleaners to SSR and OKW.

I am happy with the AP discount.

I am happy, in general, with member services, although I know some folks have had problems. I'd like to see an improved online system, but I do realize the DVC Reservation system would be difficult to program.

In general, my home resort has had good maintenance and upkeep, though I've had some minor housekeeping issues.

I don't like all these developers points as incentives, I think it is contributing to lack of availability at some resorts. At least the current batch is SSR only, but it may impact members there. I think a better. lower impact incentive could be found. Maybe give free CS DDP for a couple years to new purchasers when they stay at their home resort. Or a limited park admission program.

I am, at the moment, neutral on the new booking policy, as it really hasn't impacted me, yet. We'll see for next December reservations

There is always room for improvement, but overall I think Mr. Lewis has done a good job.

 

[cobbler]

I guess I can't compare. I never knew DVC before Jim Lewis.

 

[Starr W.]

You can't please all the people all the time.

In general, while unhappy about the glassware being removed from the studios in the first place, I am happy that they are adding glassware cleaners to SSR and OKW.

I am happy with the AP discount.

I am happy, in general, with member services, although I know some folks have had problems. I'd like to see an improved online system, but I do realize the DVC Reservation system would be difficult to program.

In general, my home resort has had good maintenance and upkeep, though I've had some minor housekeeping issues.

I don't like all these developers points as incentives, I think it is contributing to lack of availability at some resorts. At least the current batch is SSR only, but it may impact members there. I think a better. lower impact incentive could be found. Maybe give free CS DDP for a couple years to new purchasers when they stay at their home resort. Or a limited park admission program.

I am, at the moment, neutral on the new booking policy, as it really hasn't impacted me, yet. We'll see for next December reservations

There is always room for improvement, but overall I think Mr. Lewis has done a good job.

Hey Chuck, Wyndham/Fairfield has a point system also and they have managed to have some level of online reservations. I believe Hilton does too(another point based t/s system).

Why can't DVC?

 

[Chuck S]

Hey Chuck, Wyndham/Fairfield has a point system also and they have managed to have some level of online reservations. I believe Hilton does too(another point based t/s system).

Why can't DVC?

Do they have banking, borrowing, home resort 11 month, others 7 month, Disney collection, concierge collection, buena vista collection, etc. online? Waitlists? Different bookable views and buildings? (near HH, Savannah, etc.)

Do they run out of certain room types literally within 5 minutes of the booking window opening?

 

[CarolA]

Folks DVC has to deal with DISNEY"S IT shop. Try booking a HOTEL room on that website. Do you really want that level of incompetency giving you an "on line" booking tool? I don't. They cannot do basic hotel reservations. DVC is stuck there and IMHO the complaint there should not be with Jim Lewis but HIGHER up the food chain!

 

[JimC]

I have mixed feelings, but decided to give Jim the benefit of the doubt and vote good job.

 

[tjkraz]

I think that if God himself showed up to run DVC folks on this board would have issues with him!

Amen.

I am happy, in general, with member services, although I know some folks have had problems. I'd like to see an improved online system, but I do realize the DVC Reservation system would be difficult to program.

I agree...more would be better. But if we're going to criticize him directly for functionality we don't have, I think we at least need to credit him with what we DO have. Remember when Jim arrived on the scene we didn't even have unique signons for the member website. Remember the global password--wasn't it "welcomehome" or something like that?

The website has grown quite a bit in the last 3-4 years.

I don't like all these developers points as incentives, I think it is contributing to lack of availability at some resorts.

I TOTALLY agree with you there.

For the last 12-18 months the DPs have been a real blight on the system, IMO.

As other pointed out, it's hard to determine how much is really his own personal doing. But if we're going to assign him blame for every negative over the last few years, I think there are a few positives worth mentioning:

* More member gatherings (I don't think events like the Member Mixers, summer parties, spring training suite gatherings, etc. happened much at all prior to his arrival.)
* More member cruises (some may find fault but they are still very popular.)
* Improved sofabeds & mattresses in guest rooms
* AP discount!!!
* DVC participation at attraction previews
* DVC discounts for after-hours parties (MVMCP, etc.)
* DVC exclusive theme park tours and Adventures by Disney itineraries
* Better linens and towels in the rooms
* Better toiletries in the rooms
* Better balcony chairs (check em out...they really are nice)
* Ability to book the dining plans
* More DVC destinations
* Free Internet (something I personally doubted would ever happen)
* Near HH booking category at OKW
* Pool slide at OKW (construction paid for by Disney)
* Enforcing transfer rules
* Making SOME attempt to curtail rental activity
* And I'm still among those who believe the booking policy will largely be a positive change.

No it isn't all wine and roses, but the above is certainly worth mentioning in the interest of giving credit where credit due.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Amen.



I agree...more would be better. But if we're going to criticize him directly for functionality we don't have, I think we at least need to credit him with what we DO have. Remember when Jim arrived on the scene we didn't even have unique signons for the member website. Remember the global password--wasn't it "welcomehome" or something like that?

The website has grown quite a bit in the last 3-4 years.



I TOTALLY agree with you there.

For the last 12-18 months the DPs have been a real blight on the system, IMO.

As other pointed out, it's hard to determine how much is really his own personal doing. But if we're going to assign him blame for every negative over the last few years, I think there are a few positives worth mentioning:

* More member gatherings (I don't think events like the Member Mixers, summer parties, spring training suite gatherings, etc. happened much at all prior to his arrival.)
* More member cruises (some may find fault but they are still very popular.)
* Improved sofabeds & mattresses in guest rooms
* AP discount!!!
* DVC participation at attraction previews
* DVC discounts for after-hours parties (MVMCP, etc.)
* DVC exclusive theme park tours and Adventures by Disney itineraries
* Better linens and towels in the rooms
* Better toiletries in the rooms
* Better balcony chairs (check em out...they really are nice)
* Ability to book the dining plans
* More DVC destinations
* Free Internet (something I personally doubted would ever happen)
* Near HH booking category at OKW
* Pool slide at OKW (construction paid for by Disney)
* Enforcing transfer rules
* Making SOME attempt to curtail rental activity
* And I'm still among those who believe the booking policy will largely be a positive change.

No it isn't all wine and roses, but the above is certainly worth mentioning in the interest of giving credit where credit due.

Even though I haven't used it...I really like the idea of booking an II reservation on short notice for up to 6 days. However, I wish they would put the concierge collection back the way it was, or have a partnership with a hotel chain so that we could do more unrestricted travel.

I voted good job. I think DVC gets a lot of things right, but am pretty peaved about housekeeping and check-in time.

I wasn't a member before Jim Lewis came on board, but I've stayed at Hilton Head with the paper thin floors. Are those Jim Lewis' fault?

 

[4Pluto]

I think that if God himself showed up to run DVC folks on this board would have issues with him!

He's coming to run DVC??? Did that come from a credible source (bus driver, reservationist, Orange County Recorder's Office)? Maybe now guests will check out of Villas on time (I'm picturing a pretty awful penalty for late check out) . . .

 

[DVC92]

The OKW extension and the new reservation policy have been so poorly implemented that the fault can be attributed to no one but Jim Lewis.

 

[Chuck S]

The OKW extension and the new reservation policy have been so poorly implemented that the fault can be attributed to no one but Jim Lewis.

The OKW extension was not, IMO, poorly implemented. It had to have been a daunting task, notifying all the owners, having it pass the legal muster of how, in a way, to unilaterally extend the contracts without forcing the existing contracts to be extended, etc.

I mean really, all they required from those of us that declined was to simply sign a few notarized deeds and return them, even though it took a bit of time to to actually get the paperwork.

I would have preferred that the extension be offered a little closer to 2042, as I personally am at an age where I may, or may not, be in good enough health to enjoy it. But for younger people who likely extended, it was fine, and for older people, who also likely declined, it was also fine. Just those of us in that "what if" age group really had trouble deciding the advantages/disadvantages to the extension.

Remember, one of the touted selling points for the newer resorts is the extended end date.

I will agree that the way the new booking policy was put into place (the confusion of the reservation CMs, and the lack of adequate explanations of how it actually works) could certainly have been handled better. But this seems somewhat typical of changes Disney wide, not just DVC. They need to spend a little more time in training when something changes, rather than just send an electronic memo with "contact you supervisor if you have questions." On the other hand, having worked in training for a much, much smaller company, it can be difficult getting even 8 or 10 people together to get them trained on even minor changes...imagine having to train literally hundreds!

 

[Starr W.]

Do they have banking, borrowing, home resort 11 month, others 7 month, Disney collection, concierge collection, buena vista collection, etc. online? Waitlists? Different bookable views and buildings? (near HH, Savannah, etc.)

Do they run out of certain room types literally within 5 minutes of the booking window opening?

Some things have to be done by phone. If you think that BWV would be a pain you really need to look at their resort big new resort at Myrtle Beach. Ocean Front, Ocean view, upper, lower and a lot more room catagories and sizes than any DVC has.

They have home resort at 13 months and then 10 months.

My point is DVC isn't that special and other point based T/S have managed to get some sort of online booking to take the pressure off of their call centers.

 

[tfc3rid]

I think that for what Jim Lewis has to work with which is a Disney hierarchy bent on improving the bottom line, then he is delivering...

However, DVC is looking to attract and hold guests. They are attracting them, much to the detriment of the DVC, with possible growing too fast, too many members... It's not a 'best kept secret' if EVERYONE seems to be a member...

In addition, once they have their 'interest free loans' from us customers, it seems that the overall commitment to quality and service has declined. This is anathema to 'The Disney Way'. Hopefully, the sense of quality and pride can be brought back, not just with DVC but overall, through better Cast Member training and development in order to adjust to a more fluid and transient work environment...

 

[riggins]

Folks DVC has to deal with DISNEY"S IT shop. Try booking a HOTEL room on that website. Do you really want that level of incompetency giving you an "on line" booking tool? I don't. They cannot do basic hotel reservations. DVC is stuck there and IMHO the complaint there should not be with Jim Lewis but HIGHER up the food chain!

Amen!! Disney's online hotel system is completely disfunctional!! They clearly have neglected all the underlying application architecture in exchange for a flashy site that looks good, but hardly even works. Online bookings and availability aren't connected in real-time to the info CRO agents have in front of them. It can't handle AAA discounts, and don't get me started on how poorly it does AP discounts. So, I'm with Carol . . . Please don't let the same people who designed the online cash reservations touch my DVC reservations!!

 

[Chuck S]

Some things have to be done by phone. If you think that BWV would be a pain you really need to look at their resort big new resort at Myrtle Beach. Ocean Front, Ocean view, upper, lower and a lot more room catagories and sizes than any DVC has.

They have home resort at 13 months and then 10 months.

My point is DVC isn't that special and other point based T/S have managed to get some sort of online booking to take the pressure off of their call centers.

DVC online booking, brought to you by the same Disney IT team that maintains the DVC website, listed AKV Jambo as "null" resort in the system for several weeks, and caused system problems when Kidani reservations went live this week. Remember that DVC still has to work with the Disney corporate contractors and teams for its services.