Question about DVC helpfulness.

[Carl]

I am still waiting for my contract to be completed to the point where I can actually make reservations, so I haven't had any experience talking with the folks at the DVC yet. How helpful are they with helping you figure out how to get what you want at the most reasonable point expenditure? For example, as soon as I get the go ahead to make reservations, I intend to call and try to get 5 days during the Dis Con 2002. I will accept either BWV or BCV Studio. If not those, I will attempt to get VWL. So I am flexible to a certain extent, but from what I've heard, I am going to be trying to use my very first DVC points at one of the most difficult times to use them. Will the DVC people get impatient with me or be really helpful with getting me something?

 

[Laurabearz]

I am new to DVC and so far I have had nothing but wonderfully paitient MS calls! I hope your expericnces are the same!

 

[Granny]

In my somewhat limited experience with Member Services, I have found that they genuinely want to help you to do whatever you call for.

As long as you are flexible (which you are), they will try their best to find something for you. Remember, they don't have to worry about getting you to spend the most money possible on a room (like the CRO folks). They are there just to support DVC transactions and reservations.

Good luck!

 

[Doctor P]

I have called them about a half dozen times I think, and I have had nothing but very helpful and patient CMs.

 

[Carl]

If so, what are some tips on times and days to call.

 

[lsutiggeratwk]

On the only two times that I've called to make reservations, I called as soon as they opened. For you that will be 8:00 am since you are in Central time zone. I've not had to be on hold or wait very long for someone to assist me. Both times I was done in 5 to 7 minutes and had gotten what I asked for. This year when I called I had several places I was willing to stay and actually got my first choice, BCV. So, Good LucK!

 

[Doctor P]

Unless you have to, I would not call first thing on a Monday morning as MS tends to be very busy and somewhat frazzled at that time. I have called a few hours after they opened on a Monday, and things were a lot easier and calmer. For nonessential call, I would also be aware of the 7 month and 11 month windows for key holidays so that you don't get caught in that rush unless you need to.

 

[dougmatt]

Let me offer a (slightly) detracting veiw point. First I almost always find MS to be helpfull and work at trying to assist, BUT every so often I will get someone who is either new on the phones or having a bad day.. Looking at your original post it sounds like you have a plan of what you want and what options you plan to take if you don't find it. I always find this is the BEST way to approach a call to MS. Finally one question you had was

How helpful are they with helping you figure out how to get what you want at the most reasonable point expenditure?

It has been my experience that this HIGHLY depends on the CM you get. Sometimes it seems they want to make the booking and move on. For example, we called to book a cash night at HH in a 1BR. The rate was $240. Had we not asked the rate for a 2BR we would never have been told it was $225. This may have been due to the info not being on the same screen??? I have also had an experience when I called trying to book, was told the resort was full meanwhile my wife also called at almost exact same time (signals crossed) and got the booking and told there were a couple rooms left

These are the exceptions, but I recomend being prepared. They will answer any question, but I find you must ask it! They will not (and maybe can not) volunteer info.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I agree with the above post-most of the CMs are very nice and helpful. Just don't let one over-stressed CM worry you. Unfortunately, my first call after I became a member, I got a very abrupt, probably tired and stressed CM who made it pretty clear she just wanted to get rid of me as fast as possible and get on to her next call. Well, after I hung up, I got pretty upset about dealing with this "new" Disney unmagic and almost wished I hadn't gotten into DVC (boy, glad I didn't give up!) Since then, I've had to make several more calls and every CM I've encountered has been so nice and helpful. Yes, you can get have an occassional bad experience. But, if it's you're first-don't give up!

 

[jlambrig]

I have had bad experiences a handful of times. Considerign the numbe rof times I have called or gone to Disney the number is not unreasonable. I would recommend that if you do have a bad experience, hang up and call back. Ask for a supervisor or manager and relate your bad experience. I always say that I am not trying to get the first CM in trouble but that I am so surprised at such a bad experience after so many good ones. They appreciate knowing if you have a disatisfactory "moment of truth" and often will try and do something nice for you, handwritten card/letter, something delivered to your room. It really helps smooth over any bad feelings.

 

[JudithM]

I have been a DVC member for a long time, & I cannot recall ever having a not so nice CM. The DVC CMs we have met/talked to/etc. have always gone out of their way to assist members. I hope you find a similar experience. Enjoy the DVC!!

 

[kel3420]

I just had to call twice and the first person I spoke with was GREAT! I was able to change ressies with no problems.

I called back ten minutes later, got another person and asked how many points I had in holding and was told I had a "zero balance". I told her that I know I had points in holding, and I thought it was 11 points, and what happened to them? She then (with an attitude) "you have 8 points in holding, but no points in your balance". I reminded her that I had originally asked for holding points.

Everyone is entitled to a bad day

Every other time, for the most part, I have found the CM's to be wonderful and extremely helpful.

 

[dvc_bwv]

We've always had very nice CMs to work with when we've called and they will work with you to get what you want. Just a hint, however, you may have a problem trying to book a BWV studio. They book up very quickly. My DH & I wanted to book a BWV studio for the last week in October and had they were all booked, so we had to wait until our 7 month window and booked into the BCV. We were also felxible and the CM I spoke to was very helpful. Good luck!

 

[Carl]

that Studios are difficult to get. I guess that I never noticed this in my research before making the purchase, and I'm a bit surprised to find this out. I thought, from what I had been reading, that most people who owned DVC had fairly large families. Thus, I expected that the 1 and 2 bedrooms would be in greatest demand. This new discovery will be a real hazard for me. I am a single man and am unlikely to ever need anything larger than a Studio. Moreover, a larger unit would be a real waste of resources (both DVC and my own) for me to rent. Now, as I mentioned, I am flexible and would be willing to spend a few more points for a preferred view rather than a standard (even though I don't really see much advantage in the preferred view.) But, to waste DOUBLE points for a 1 bedroom would really be a shame.

 

[pwoodham]

I don't think it's a big problem, Carl, at least if you plan in advance. I always call at our 11 mo window and have never had a problem booking a studio (or our 2br, for that matter!). Granted, we usually go in value season and rarely change our plans. Hope it works as well for you.