Possible reason for new room assignment policy?

[Simba's Mom]

I was wondering if this might be at least part of the reason for the new room assignment policy-cost reduction. What do you think? It seems to me that this reduces the job of (and therefore the need for) a separate room assigner. What with the travel slump, and the need to keep dues low (at least not raise them drastically), this was one way DVC could save money. What do you think? Logical?

 

[OneMoreTry]

I think it's an attempt by DVC to keep all of us anal-compulsives happy and avoid tantrums at check-in. If it doesn't work I'm sure they'll try something else.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I am thoroughly confused as to why MS is still accepting requests. I would think that with the new policy there would be no need for requests when booking, but just a couple days ago DVC took my requests when my waitlist came through.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Maistre Gracey
I am thoroughly confused as to why MS is still accepting requests. I would think that with the new policy there would be no need for requests when booking, but just a couple days ago DVC took my requests when my waitlist came through.

They still use the requests when assigning rooms that are ready. It does make multiple and very specific requests unlikely to be met. I'd say you can hope for your first 2 at best.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by Maistre Gracey
I am thoroughly confused as to why MS is still accepting requests. I would think that with the new policy there would be no need for requests when booking, but just a couple days ago DVC took my requests when my waitlist came through.

I asked Jackie this exact question at the end of my conversation with her. She said they want to be able to see your requests when they pull up your reservation to find the room best suiting your needs.

 

[kathleena]

I have thought of that myself. When a company is looking to trim costs, certainly they may look to offload some work and shift jobs around. No matter what they tell us about this being for the guests - they wouldn't do it if it didn't benefit them in more ways than one!

But, I don't think we'll ever know!

 

[CarolA]

I don't think it saves them much money. I think it was too many people thinking the room "request" was actually guranteed. This way they can start moving people away from that.

I mean requests were getting way out of hand. When you start asking for specfic rooms......

 

[Granny]

I agree that the reason for the move was to cut down on the whining at check-in when people didn't get their requests met. Evidently, some people get downright belligerent when the CM's don't meet the requests.

I guess the feeling from Disney is that more people would like to check-in early than those who worry about their requests.

 

[bjakmom]

Jackie also mentioned that they were getting tons of faxed requests (not her exact words, but the gist)- my impression from my conversation with her is that they feel there are less unsatisfied guests and problems at the front desk since they have been using this system (room ready) than there were before - time will tell!

 

[LisaR]

Originally posted by bjakmom
Jackie also mentioned that they were getting tons of faxed requests (not her exact words, but the gist)- my impression from my conversation with her is that they feel there are less unsatisfied guests and problems at the front desk since they have been using this system (room ready) than there were before - time will tell!

So why wouldn't they just change the fax machine phone numbers so guests can't fax them and leave the old room check in policy the same?

Plus, if they are just flat out getting too many requests or specific requests (2nd floor, near palm tree, on golf course, hidden mickey nearby, etc) then simply limit the number of requests to 2 or 3 non-specific requests.

Lisa

 

[JudithM]

It is my understanding from talking to several DVC CMs that part of the reason behind the Room Ready policy is to get guests into a clean room when they first arrive to check in. Members want a room ready, a room that meets their requests (or as many as possible).

Whether or not this policy saves DVC money, I do not know. However, as a member I am delighted any time DVC CMs can save us all money. I have attended several OKW annual meetings, & I can tell you that the CMs do sharpen their pencils. We have chatted with different CMs about ways their departments have saved members money - for example, buying products like paint that will last longer, etc.

I do know CMs listen to members needs, wants, concerns (good & not so good), etc. & make some changes based on member's input be in mail, email, phone calls, surveys, etc.

 

[CarolA]

Changing the fax machine number would not be a good idea. I have had to receive and send business and personal faxes from Disney (I signed a contract for the sale of my house from there!) So... they would have to have a fax for things like that and once it got out everyone would use it for Room Requests.

I wonder if the resorts will quit accepting faxes also.

 

[The Lost Boy]

Its all about managing our expectations - If some of you are use to getting ALL of your requests, then the first time that does not happen you will feel agrieved (unfairly in my opinion) as your expectations are such that your requests should be met.

However, for every person who gets their requests, another may not. If DVC manage our expectations so that we are HAPPY if 1 or 2 of our requests are met rather than all of them, then it makes life a lot easier for them and probably us

 

[paults]

Maybe MS should limit requests to only 2. Pick your best 2 requests and live with it. These 3,4, and 5 requests are getting out of hand.
Just remember they are only requests.
We've been to BWV twice (last May at 4 months- this July at 11 months )2 requests BW and upper fl- both times. Got upper fl pool side both times, happy with both

 

[Terry S]

My understanding was just as JudithM said. The reason for the change to Room Ready is to get members into a clean room as early as possible. One of the biggest complaints on previous surveys was not getting into a room until 4:00 PM. It really didn't have much to do with too many room requests.

 

[colleen costello]

Will "medical requests" still be honored, even if you check in late? I would have though so, but I booked OKW the other day and the CM said "not guaranteed." Yikes! My Mom has serious asthma and walks with a cane and rents a wheelchair. "Non-smoking" and "ground floor or elevator" are not "optional" for her! We'd honestly have to go somewhere else if a smoking/upstairs room was all that was left... Does anyone know what's up with medical requests?

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by colleen costello
Will "medical requests" still be honored, even if you check in late? I would have though so, but I booked OKW the other day and the CM said "not guaranteed." Yikes! My Mom has serious asthma and walks with a cane and rents a wheelchair. "Non-smoking" and "ground floor or elevator" are not "optional" for her! We'd honestly have to go somewhere else if a smoking/upstairs room was all that was left... Does anyone know what's up with medical requests?

It is my understanding from talking to DVC CMs that medical requests will still be preassigned.

 

[LisaR]

Originally posted by JudithM
It is my understanding from talking to DVC CMs that medical requests will still be preassigned.

According to what Jackie told me, medical requests that fall under the ADA guidelines WILL be preassigned. However, non-smoking for medical reasons will NOT be pre-assigned.

Lisa

 

[colleen costello]

For an asthmatic, a non-smoking room is a MUST. They've gotta know that... They'd have an ugly fight on thier hands trying to claim that asthma is "not ADA." I see my Mom struggle to breathe with any irritant -- hot, cold, perfume, smoke -- and I can assure you, it's a disability!

 

[TDC Nala]

If the requests are that important...

upon check in, can't you just say that you want to wait until there is a clean room that meets your requests?


Obviously, that still will not help if you check in late.