PVB - Connecting Studios Not a Booking Category

[HookdonWDW]

The points chart for PVB does not list connecting studios as a separate booking category, and I just read on another site, that this may not be accidental. Two people report confirming with a guide and a sales person on a tour both stated that DVC is NOT guaranteeing connecting studios at PVB for those who book 2 (just like they won't guarantee that rooms will be near each other/in the same building at other resorts).

Sounds like they are downplaying this right now, and saying that they don't think that it will be an issue, but I don't know how happy I would be if I plunked down $$$ knowing I would need connecting studios to make my travel plans work on a regular basis and then found myself out of luck. I guess buying 2 fixed weeks would solve the problem, but otherwise, I see potential headaches down the pike.

Thoughts?

 

[disney junky]

The points chart for PVB does not list connecting studios as a separate booking category, and I just read on another site, that this may not be accidental. Two people report confirming with a guide and on a sales person on a tour both stated that DVC is NOT guaranteeing connecting studios at PVB for those who book 2 (just like they won't guarantee that rooms will be near each other/in the same building at other resorts).

Sounds like they are downplaying this right now, and saying that they don't think that it will be an issue, but I don't know how happy I would be if I plunked down $$$ knowing I would need connecting studios to make my travel plans work on a regular basis and then found myself out of luck. I guess buying 2 fixed weeks would solve the problem, but otherwise, I see potential headaches down the pike.

Thoughts?

And interesting observation, especially since it seems that they are marketing them to be used to sleep 10....

 

[lovin'fl]

Well, another reason not to buy.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The more I hear, the more that this property is just doing nothing for me.

Is this just phase I? Studios and the water bungalow things?

Are there plans for 1 and 2BR in the regular buildings?

As it is, we only fit in a 2BR and the water bungalows, based on someone posting that one week would be 800+ points are simply point cost prohibitive.

If studios aren't being treated as lockouts, what is the point on keeping them with a connecting door?

Just not now DVC has been operating for the past 20 years with the locomotive concept. I don't understand why it could not be carried over to these studios.

Sorry for my incoherent ramblings.

 

[DebbieB]

I would be pretty upset about that if I bought there. If you have a larger family and want the 2 connecting rooms and end up having to separate, it could get ugly.

One person did mention on another thread that the benefit of 2 reservations is you could add the dining plan for just one of the rooms and share.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I think we just need to wait and see once the booking starts. I find it very hard to believe that they wouldn't have it as a booking category when they are touting it being the first DVC to have connecting studios. As we know guides have been known to give incorrect information.

But, of course, they also made a big deal about all the extra storage in the rooms at the Poly and that seems to be a bit of an exaggeration.

And if they actually aren't offering connecting as a booking category I think this is one where "member feedback" would have a likelihood of bringing about a change.

 

[LisaS]

I think we just need to wait and see once the booking starts. I find it very hard to believe that they wouldn't have it as a booking category when they are touting it being the first DVC to have connecting studios. As we know guides have been known to give incorrect information.

I agree. And since they offer 2BR lockoffs as a booking category at other resorts, it's hard to imagine why they wouldn't offer connecting studios as a booking category at PVB. It seems like they are similar room inventory management issues. It will require software updates to the reservation system but they've had plenty of time to get those updates ready to deploy by the time members can begin booking PVB.

 

[staceymay00]

Well, another reason not to buy.

Lol, I just had the exact same thought!

We are Poly fans...although now that kids are older we'd all usually prefer an EP resort over a MK resort. Poly DVC is just not a good fit for our family - not complaining, I know it will be great for some, just stating that it won't be for us. I was actually already assuming connecting would not be guaranteed, but they probably have enough connecting studios to get it to work most of the time. Still, there will be unhappy guests when the request can not be met.

 

[lawboy2001]

How ridiculous.

As others have pointed out, the "first connecting studios" in the system, is a feature being actively marketed. How else is this a feature except if you are planning to book together and occupy two rooms!??

 

[anna08]

I totally agree. We would be booking the connecting studio for our 9 and 7 year olds so there is absolutely no way we will stay there now, let alone buy there now. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[CarolMN]

I think the connecting studios WILL be a booking category.

With all due respect to the guides, a whole lot of them have no idea how MS or booking online works.

As already mentioned, point charts do not list booking categories for the BCV 2-bedrooms at BCV and as we know, there are three of those.

They also do not list booking categories on the point charts for dedicated vs lock off at any of the DVC resorts.

The only places where the points are the same and separate catgories are listed on the point charts are for location/views - BW view & Pool/Garden at the BWV.

I don't think we should assume anything until members can start booking in February. I don't expect the online system to show PVB booking options until then. That's when we'll know. And even then, if NOT having separate categories presents problems for either MS or the resort, it will change. I'm sure of it.

 

[wdrl]

I guess buying 2 fixed weeks would solve the problem, but otherwise, I see potential headaches down the pike.

A Fixed Week guarantees only the week and accommodation type, not the specific location of the villa.

I, too, think its premature for most of us to think that Member Services won't offer guarantees on whether studios connect. We should wait and see what happens when booking for PVB start on February 12, 2015. Of course, if I was buying PVB today and needed to have connecting studios, I would need assurances that I can get them before I sign on the dotted line.

By the way, it doesn't surprise me that "Connecting Studios" isn't a separate booking category on the PVB point chart. "Lock-off" and "Dedicated" two-bedrooms do not appear on other point charts but they are indeed separate booking categories.

 

[DisneyfromDeland]

We were told today that connecting studios would be able to be booked. It was not a deal-breaker for us either way, but we will be putting it to the test when we are able to book on February 11.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

^^^ First time I've seen the new PVB signature used.

Oops, sorry. Terribly off topic.

 

[jerseyduke]

It has to be a booking category I would think.

Can you imagine what would happen if a family went down there with the expectation of connecting studios only to find out that their 5 and 7 year olds will be in a studio in a different building?

If they can not guarantee it, who on this earth would book it?

 

[DebbieB]

It has to be a booking category I would think.

Can you imagine what would happen if a family went down there with the expectation of connecting studios only to find out that their 5 and 7 year olds will be in a studio in a different building?

If they can not guarantee it, who on this earth would book it?

They would have to split up the adults. Someone 18 or over has to be in each room.

Unless it is specifically a booking category, I would be leery. There are stories on the resorts board where people had "guaranteed connecting rooms" printed on their reservation only to find out when they get there that they don't have them. Rare to happen, but it does.

 

[chalee94]

I think the connecting studios WILL be a booking category.

I don't think we should assume anything until members can start booking in February. I don't expect the online system to show PVB booking options until then. That's when we'll know. And even then, if NOT having separate categories presents problems for either MS or the resort, it will change. I'm sure of it.

agree.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I sure hope that you are guaranteed connecting studios. At Vero you have internally connected ocean view inn rooms that are not a guaranteed category, but DVC has not ever touted their existence as far as I know. Here, they have mentioned them, if not guaranteed why mention them?

 

[DenLo]

DVC members cannot book two rooms at the same time. You have to book one and then the other. I will not be surprised that even if it is a reservable category (which I expect it to be) these connecting studios will be something only MS can book.

 

[nkosiek]

DVC members cannot book two rooms at the same time. You have to book one and then the other. I will not be surprised that even if it is a reservable category (which I expect it to be) these connecting studios will be something only MS can book.

If they are a booking category, I can see this being like booking a lock-off. I'd expect drop down choices of "Studio-lakeview, Studio-Standard, Connecting Studios-Lakeview, Connecting Studio-Standard, Bungalow". I see no reason this can't be done via the online reservation system other than they went cheap on things.