Raise Your Voice: Guaranteed Booking Categories at SSR

[cobbler]

There hasn't been one thing that Tim has said that I disagree with.

I think he is right on the mark and I would be all for the change. I too would be less willing to change if I could get my DTD view. I stayed in the Paddock with my mother last year and while it was nice, I would have preferred DTD.

And I don't think it would be too insane because everyone's preferences are different. Mine in order would be CP, Grandstand, Springs/Paddock (equal in desire) then Carosel.

I know many others who definatly would put Springs first where as it is 3rd/4th on my list.

 

[cobbler]

PS, Just curious, how many have sent an email to anyone regarding this??

Just wondering how many are voicing their opinions. I sent mine

 

[mamaprincess]

I copied and pasted mine here in this thread so folks could get some ideas as to what to put in their emails if they were stumped some how. You can find my email on p.2 post 28 of this thread. Perhaps others who sent emails would post them here in this thread if they like.

 

[Madi100]

PS, Just curious, how many have sent an email to anyone regarding this??

Just wondering how many are voicing their opinions. I sent mine

I sent mine.

 

[BroadwayGirl]

Okay...were people not given full information and/or the opportunity to ask questions about how reservations work BEFORE they became DVC members? I'm sorry but you knew when you were buying that there were no guaranteed views at SSR so if you don't like it why on earth did you buy there? I know that if a specific view was THAT important to me, I'm make darn sure to find out if it would be guaranteed BEFORE I gave DVC my money. I see absolutely no reason to change things at SSR just because some people want to change the rules that they agreed to before they plunked down their money. In fact, I'm almost prompted to write my own note to DVC letting them know that I think they should keep things as they are.

 

[mamaprincess]

Okay...were people not given full information and/or the opportunity to ask questions about how reservations work BEFORE they became DVC members? I'm sorry but you knew when you were buying that there were no guaranteed views at SSR so if you don't like it why on earth did you buy there? I know that if a specific view was THAT important to me, I'm make darn sure to find out if it would be guaranteed BEFORE I gave DVC my money. I see absolutely no reason to change things at SSR just because some people want to change the rules that they agreed to before they plunked down their money. In fact, I'm almost prompted to write my own note to DVC letting them know that I think they should keep things as they are.

When I first bought at SSR there was no full service restaraunt on the radar and no 2nd feature pool. DVC members were not eligible for the dining plan at the time that I became a member. I for one am grateful for these improvements. Things can always be improved. If guaranteeing a room at the time of booking is not your idea of an improvement then you like any other member have the right to tell the powers that be that you don't want the current system to change. If enough members feel that it would be an improvement and speak up about it then we have precedent to suggest that it will likely be changed. If not then it will stay the same.

 

[Madi100]

Okay...were people not given full information and/or the opportunity to ask questions about how reservations work BEFORE they became DVC members? I'm sorry but you knew when you were buying that there were no guaranteed views at SSR so if you don't like it why on earth did you buy there? I know that if a specific view was THAT important to me, I'm make darn sure to find out if it would be guaranteed BEFORE I gave DVC my money. I see absolutely no reason to change things at SSR just because some people want to change the rules that they agreed to before they plunked down their money. In fact, I'm almost prompted to write my own note to DVC letting them know that I think they should keep things as they are.

I sitll like SSR. But, it would be nice. Do you own at SSR? The reason I ask is because it is a very large resort, and for those people who stay there, most would probably agree that where you can changes the resort. I think the idea stems from the fact that they offer such a choice at other resorts, including the new Animal Kingdom DVC.

 

[tjkraz]

I see absolutely no reason to change things at SSR just because some people want to change the rules that they agreed to before they plunked down their money. In fact, I'm almost prompted to write my own note to DVC letting them know that I think they should keep things as they are.

And that's your prerogative. Although, I would be interested to hear exactly why. Are you an owner at SSR? What do you see as being the harm? Everyone else here seems to be sharing the reasons behind their position...what is yours?

IMO, there's absolutely nothing wrong with seeing the program evolve over time. It used to be that the BoardWalk just had one Preferred View category and guests wouldn't find out until they arrived whether their room overlooked the BW, pool, or a garden area. Requests from members resulted in a change in that policy.

While I'm sure DVC won't respond with kneejerk reactions to every suggestion thrown their way, I also don't expect them to take the position of "well, that's how it was when you bought, so that's how it will be in 2053."

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Okay...were people not given full information and/or the opportunity to ask questions about how reservations work BEFORE they became DVC members? I'm sorry but you knew when you were buying that there were no guaranteed views at SSR so if you don't like it why on earth did you buy there? I know that if a specific view was THAT important to me, I'm make darn sure to find out if it would be guaranteed BEFORE I gave DVC my money. I see absolutely no reason to change things at SSR just because some people want to change the rules that they agreed to before they plunked down their money. In fact, I'm almost prompted to write my own note to DVC letting them know that I think they should keep things as they are.

whoever said they were misinformed when they bought or are unhappy about their purchase? Why is there something wrong with trying to make changes?

What difference does it make to you whether or not this goes into effect? If you dont care what room/section you get then it wont effect you whatsoever. no harm for you

as I see it, the only people who may be bothered by this are those who have specific requests and dont/cant book early, but can/do show up early on check in day thereby possibly increasing their chances to get their preferences met. Their chance would be reduced by this change. It seems those people would be, comparitively, few and far between and my bet would be most of them would find a way to call earlier if their preferences meant that much to them

I really cant see many being adversly effected by this at all. If you have other reasons why it might be a issue for some then let us know

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I would like to make a suggestion regarding my home resort, Saratoga Springs. I would like to have the ability to book guaranteed locations and/or views at the resort on a first come, first served basis. I would very much like to experience a Downtown Disney View room or a room in the convenient Springs section of the resort. However, I have not had luck in getting one of these coveted rooms despite my requests. I was told by a cast member at check-in that regardless of when you make your reservation, you normally need to check-in first thing in the morning if you want a good chance of getting your requests filled. It would be very nice if we had a system similar to that of the Boardwalk Villas in which members get an early advantage (due to their 11 month booking window) in booking the very sought after “Boardwalk View” rooms. I would like Saratoga Springs owners to be able to book their desired location in a similar manner. This would increase member satisfaction and add value to the home resort booking window at Saratoga Springs.

An added benefit to 'guaranteed location booking' would be that more Saratoga Springs members would be staying at their home resort rather than switching resorts at 7 months or waitlisting for other resorts because of the chance that they will land in an ‘undesirable’ area.

I am not suggesting a change in points structure, but rather the ability to book a location on a first come, first served basis. It seems requests are granted based on the time you check-in rather than the time you book. Why not give members an advantage by allowing them to book their preference. Guaranteeing requests on a first come, first served basis gives the advantage to those that own there. Granting requests based on check-in time opens it up to anyone and encourages people to arrive before the 11:00am check-in time.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to customer satisfaction. I am a very satisfied Vacation Club member and I certainly appreciate the commitment that Disney Vacation Club has made to ensure member satisfaction. Implementing this suggestion would be the icing on the cake for me.

Please consider and reply.

Thanks,
Mr. X

____________________

I lifted some verbage from some of your posts (hope you don't mind)
Feel free to cut/paste/edit this and send your own letter off to DVCMemberSatisfactionTeam@disneyvacationclub.com

 

[TenThousandVolts]

another sample letter courtesy of MamaPrincess

My name is Joy ... . My husband Michael and I have been DVC members at Saratoga Springs since April of 2004. During our first trip in June 2004, we stayed at Saratoga Springs in Congress park. Our room had the most fantastic view of Downtown Disney and was so conveniently located. Since that first wonderful trip, we have been chasing that view with no luck in 4 subsequent trips. Because membership has grown and the resort has increased in size with many different sections and views, it has become glaringly apparent that there are locations that are far more desirable than others. Rooms close to the Carriage house and main pool, rooms with Downtown Disney views and golf course views and now the grandstand because of the new feature pool are now prized by members.

What I am hoping DVC will do is to offer members the ability to guarantee rooms in certain sections and/or with certain views at the time of booking. This does not mean that room categories or a new point chart would need to be created. This would simply make the 11mos window mean something for members at Saratoga Springs. Right now we have to battle with those who book at the 7mos window for rooms in extremely desirable locations. I don't believe this has to or should be the case. Our 11mos. window should allow us the ability to book the most desirable locations if we decide to take advantage of the 11mos window. Owning at Saratoga Springs should have some sort of real advantage for it's members.

Please consider this and respond as soon as you can. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Joy and Michael ...
DVC members since April 2004, Saratoga Springs

 

[lisaviolet]

Well, with absolute selfishness, I don't want a change. I own at SSR but I'm not much of a planner. And rarely book anything eleven/ten months out.

DISers have stated that there are still room assignments at some of the other DVCs. Yet I think I feel I've been "room ready" as in first come, first served, mulitiple rooms offered at times, at all WDW DVC resorts. When I started to realize this I now always take the first flight out. And start driving to Buffalo at 3AM Or if I can't for some reason I stay at a Value the night before. I have come late, at HHI since I took the extensive island back and forth tour to find that bloody entrance, and a got a HA unit.

Well I'm selfish. I like my views and location. I'm a lazy vacationer so room is important to me. Love to hang out. And I've learned how to work the system. However, I absolutely understand that I'm the situation that is probably annoying to you guys. And I think, without being patronizing in my tone, that you have every right to push for it. It's only fair. I just don't hope you get it!

 

[TenThousandVolts]

Well, with absolute selfishness, I don't want a change. I own at SSR but I'm not much of a planner. And rarely book anything eleven/ten months out.

DISers still state that there are room assigners at some of the other DVCs. Yet I think I feel I've been "room ready" as in first come, first served, mulitiple rooms offered at times, at all WDW DVC resorts. When I started to realize this I now always take the first flight out. And start driving to Buffalo at 3AM Or if I can't for some reason I stay at a Value the night before. I have come late, at HHI since I took the extensive island back and forth tour to find that bloody entrance, and a got a HA unit.

Well I'm selfish. I like my views and location. I'm a lazy vacationer so room is important to me. Love to hang out. And I've learned how to work the system. However, I absolutely understand that I'm the situation that is probably annoying to you guys. And I think, without being patronizing in my tone, that you have every right to push for it. It's only fair. I just don't hope you get it!

LOL! I know- if they do make the change- I will be cursing myself when I plan a last minute trip! Hopefully majority will rule- that is only fair, I don't know if this little campaign will make any sort of impact or not, so you may get your way

 

[fishermouse]

I will be asking for the same thing in my email. I do not want a change to the point charts either. Just guaranteed views and sections at the time of booking.
Thanks for posting the contact info TenThousandVolts

Had to go back and look but your OP did not ask for prefered views although some posters started going inthat direction. With you I agree 100% the priority booking at this point is meaningless once you get a room. Early booking should count for something, mainly the better views and a little more consideration of your request. I'm perfectly willing to accept those terms when I book at other resorts. Seems to me this should be doable without to much fuss.

 

[crisi]

I think he is right on the mark and I would be all for the change. I too would be less willing to change if I could get my DTD view. I stayed in the Paddock with my mother last year and while it was nice, I would have preferred DTD.

And I don't think it would be too insane because everyone's preferences are different. Mine in order would be CP, Grandstand, Springs/Paddock (equal in desire) then Carosel.

Which is why I think bringing back room assigners makes more sense than views/locations as booking categories. Room assigners are human beings with some discernment - and SSR is a big resort. Breaking the units down into just areas (CP, Grandstand) may not be sufficient (maybe it is, I don't know SSR) to meet the other sorts of preferences (Fairway View, DTD View). Saying I want a DTD View as my first priority, Springs as my second should get me DTD and the Springs (for example - as I said, I don't know SSR) if I book early, book later and it should get me a DTD view in a different building. Book really late and I'll probably get neither.

I see this as similar to the "old" room request system at BWV - before there was a BW View - 1st priority might be BW View, second might be high floor. Or I might find it really important to be close to the elevators - BW View would be nice, but I'd rather look at the scary clown than be down by Jellyrolls. What guarenteeing the view did (IMO) at the Boardwalk is it made the only "request" that carried any weight with the desk to be your booking category - the desk really doesn't seem to care how far from the elevators you are - you got your BW View room - but that might have not even been my priority.

 

[Madi100]

Which is why I think bringing back room assigners makes more sense than views/locations as booking categories. Room assigners are human beings with some discernment - and SSR is a big resort. Breaking the units down into just areas (CP, Grandstand) may not be sufficient (maybe it is, I don't know SSR) to meet the other sorts of preferences (Fairway View, DTD View). Saying I want a DTD View as my first priority, Springs as my second should get me DTD and the Springs (for example - as I said, I don't know SSR) if I book early, book later and it should get me a DTD view in a different building. Book really late and I'll probably get neither.

I see this as similar to the "old" room request system at BWV - before there was a BW View - 1st priority might be BW View, second might be high floor. Or I might find it really important to be close to the elevators - BW View would be nice, but I'd rather look at the scary clown than be down by Jellyrolls. What guarenteeing the view did (IMO) at the Boardwalk is it made the only "request" that carried any weight with the desk to be your booking category - the desk really doesn't seem to care how far from the elevators you are - you got your BW View room - but that might have not even been my priority.

I think by section would be fine. I don't care what my view is, as long as I am close to Downtown Disney. We are there every night. I will gladly look at the parking lot if I can have that location. I don't know about the Grandstand section as far as view. It's great to be able to look out your window and see something beautiful, but I'd rather walk out my door and be close to where I want to be.

 

[tjkraz]

Which is why I think bringing back room assigners makes more sense than views/locations as booking categories.

The main problem I would have with that is that it's still so ambiguous. If you call 11 months out, sure, it's safe to assume you will get what you request. But how about 10.5 months out? 10 months out? 9 months out?

EDIT: And then, what if you end up booking a trip on short notice or are forced to change dates? It's one thing to know going in where you will be located to either accept your fate or alter plans again. In lieu of that, most people will just psych themselves out thinking "ugh, I'm going to get the worst room in the joint."

Having more booking categories wouldn't address every single doubt in a person's mind, but it would certainly help. If they let us book by "neighborhood", getting a room in "The Springs" means you're no more than 2 minutes from the main pool and restaurants on foot. By comparison, "The Carousel" is a solid 8+ minutes away on foot. For some, that's a potential deal breaker. If you won't have a car available and plan to rely on the resort's restaurants for your meals, having to walk 15 minutes round-trip on a regular basis has a dramatic impact on one's vacation. That's like the "loooooooon BWV hallways" times 4....outdoors!

Also I doubt a request system would be able to adequately list all of the potential criteria in any useful manner. There are 5 separate neighborhoods at SSR. I can't see DVC letting us list all 5, in order of preference, along with things like a preferred floor and view. On the other hand, if I know that I'm booked in "The Grandstand", then my requests might be limited to upper floor and golf course view.

 

[zalansky]

I sent in an email just now to Mr. Garcia! Totally in favor of this.

 

[Dean]

Okay...were people not given full information and/or the opportunity to ask questions about how reservations work BEFORE they became DVC members? I'm sorry but you knew when you were buying that there were no guaranteed views at SSR so if you don't like it why on earth did you buy there? I know that if a specific view was THAT important to me, I'm make darn sure to find out if it would be guaranteed BEFORE I gave DVC my money. I see absolutely no reason to change things at SSR just because some people want to change the rules that they agreed to before they plunked down their money. In fact, I'm almost prompted to write my own note to DVC letting them know that I think they should keep things as they are.

Timeshare change over time, it's the nature of the beast. Anyone buying in expecting things will not change is not very bright. Furthermore, some of those changes will be negative for some members and hopefully, positive for others. IMO this would be a positive change for the majority of the members there at a minimal cost and with minimal negatives to those that own there. Given that for most of DVC's life, request priority was given based on when you reserved, thus this would not really be a long range change. Anyone planning short notice should get slim pickings as should those who don't own at that resort.

When I evaluate a possible timeshare exchange I assume I'll get the worst room/view type in the place. If that room is not acceptable, then I don't list the resort as an exchange choice. There are several resorts where I make just that choice though I'd be happy to consider a choice where I have more room assignment priority such as a direct exchange. There are also many resorts where the assignment issues determine what I'm willing to trade. I might be willing to trade my B resort for a given option but not my A resort.

 

[tjkraz]

Below is the statement that I put together. Anyone who wishes to use it--SSR owners and non-owners alike--is welcome to do so.

Send to DVC Member Satisfaction manager Jon Garcia- DVCMemberSatisfactionTeam@disneyvacationclub.com

---

I would like to register a vote in favor of creating separate booking categories at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Being the largest resort in the DVC family, Saratoga Springs is subdivided into 5 different “neighborhoods”, each of which may hold unique appeal to different guests. However, leaving room assignments in the hands of a human room assigner or subject to the “Rooms Ready” system is an imperfect solution.

In the same way that separate booking categories were created for the “Preferred BoardWalk View” and “Preferred Garden / Pool View” categories at the BoardWalk, it seems fair to create similar categories at Saratoga Springs. Members should be able to guarantee rooms in popular neighborhoods like Congress Park (with its wonderful view of Downtown Disney), The Springs (close to the Carriage House) or The Grandstand (home of the new pool complex) at the time of booking rather than leaving room assignment entirely to chance.

For many, the location of their room and/or balcony view is a make-or-break element of their stay. Creating 5 or 6 different booking categories (one for each “neighborhood”, with Congress Park ideally segregated by “DTD view” and “non-DTD view”) would go a long way toward preparing guests for the unique experience that awaits them.

This change would also create an anticipation and enthusiasm for Saratoga Springs which is currently unheard of among members. It would allow Saratoga Springs guests to share in the same sort of joy currently reserved for those fortunate to book categories like the BoardWalk View at BWV, Savanna View at the Animal Kingdom Villas or an Ocean View room at Vero Beach.

Thank you for your consideration.

(Name)
DVC Member since ___