Should DVC Do Away with Reservation Requests?

[Happy Birthday Cat]

It seems that a lot of disappointment could be avoided if DVC stopped allowing people to make requests on their reservations, thus stopping a lot of conflict at check in. The other big item would be to make smoking/non Smoking a reservation category (I would rather see it banned completely but I'm being realistic).

It seems like we hear a lot of complaints from folks who make requests that are not met. I get a kick out of posters who go so far as to ask for a specific room at a resort. That is a sure way to be disappointed.

Would doing away with requests cause more harm than good or would it lead to a more peaceful DVC? I'm not sure how I feel at this point. I am strongly in favor of the smoking/no smoking reservation category however. I'd like to hear how fellow Disers feel about both.

HBC

 

[Frozenfingers]

Put me in the camp of seperate catagories for non smoking regular, handicapped smoking, smoking, and non smolking handicapped. I don't think point charts need to be adjusted, but I agree a lot of frustration could be relieved if one knew what they were getting at the time the reservation was made. How can one argue that one didn't make the ressie? Require the member to produce the confirmation if their seems to be a discrepency.. no way to argue with a printed document.. it can't talk back.

I enjoy the pool view and request it every time, but have not always been successful. Disappointed? sure, vacation ruined..no way!! I would like to see the request of preferred location/view be retained.. it's part of the magic, at least to me.. but we all got to understand, a request is wish, sometimes it comes true, sometimes it don't.

 

[kathleena]

I think requests should stay. Taking them away from the many who accept what they are given with a smile because of the few who have a fit, is like punishing all of your children because one of them cries when they don't get the biggest piece of cake.

And I do think smoking/non should be a reservation type, not just a request. My opinion is they are not putting funds into programming on that one as hey know it could change in the future to all NS as some hotels have already done. Baby steps.

JMHO

 

[DisneySpence]

I like the idea of doing away with requests it would possibly ease alot of tension and possibly get rid of some of the complainers from DVC because they wouldn't have much to complain about when their request isn't granted LOL.

 

[Tink03477]

I like the idea too of the S/NS, HC/Non-HC being a room type when you make the reservation. I don't mind if the "requests" portion was dropped. If they have what I'd like when I check in, awesome, if not; that's ok too as long as it is the NS/Non-HC for a room type. We had a Studio at OKW last time that was disappointing with reference to "view" only because from the balcony you saw trees a foot away from your face and air conditioning units directly below me and if you looked in between the trees I could see the golf course and some water. I didn't go out there only because it was to much in the trees for me, spiders you know? But, on the positive side, we were literally 20 feet from the quiet pool and laundry! How awesome is that! I guess it's just on how you personally view your "view" and what's more important to you. On the other hand, we had an awesome view at BCV of the quiet pool with a balcony that I spent alot of time on because it was so nice.

 

[disworldnum1]

I'm in favor of the non-smoking room request.I don't care where the room is as long as it doesnt smell like smoke.I'll even take the handicap room,I had one last easter and it was nice being right next to the front desk.I always make a non-smoking request due to medical necessity and have been put into a smoking optional room more then once.I actually had to have the entire room covered in sheets (furniture and drapes,bedding removed)because we received the last room and would not be able to move until the next day.FYI my son is severely asthmatic and smoke is one of his triggers.We decided if he felt uncomfortable at all we would just rent a room off property for the nite.

 

[Cruelladeville]

I am very much in favor of making requests. I am not a newbie, I've had my turn with the dumpster view, and now I request specifically what I want. Granted, I don't always get it, but I paid alot of money for DVC. I would be VERY upset if one of my freedoms were taken away, just because one or two people made a scene.

 

[athenna]

I am in favor of making requests also. I think if smoking is going to bother people then they have every right to request non-smoking, I also believe if people want to smoke in their smoking room, they every right to do so.
And having the option of handicapped and non-handicapped is very important. If it wasn't for handicapped rooms, my mother would've never have been able to take all of her wonderful Disney trips. And, I, personally, now wouldn't want to get a handicapped room, even if by mistake, because I would keep thinking I was taking it away from someone who needs it.

 

[Dean]

Dealing with a number of timeshares that have to assign rooms, I've seen and heard a lot. Room controllers have a tough job and I'm told they usually only last a year or two in their job. Of course this is where the members have direct access to them including their name, extension and office. I make it a point to go to any members type meetings when I can. Fortunately most of these meetings are truly directed at member education and discussion and not a glorified sales presentation like at DVC. Most Marriott offer two meetings and sometimes 3. These are a meeting specific to the owners at that resort, an owners (system wide) workshop on usage and exchanging and at times, a half hour or so with an on site II rep for places that have one, like HH. As a Marriott owner, I usually go to the owners meeting even if I don't own there. I'm not secretive about it and have never been made to feel uncomfortable about being there. It's usually about housekeeping things like refurbishment's, planned upgrades, resort operations, problems, budgets and the like. They can be quite informative if you can stand the nuts and bolts. The are usually run by the GM or AGM with a secretarial type person as well and frequently one other management person. The point to this thread is that some of the things discussed are many times unit assignments, reservations and exchanging back into one's home resort. I remember several discussion and a couple of complaints. In every case the complaints I heard were idiotic. One was a person that expected to trade back in using an off season week and be guaranteed of getting it plus a top unit view, she seemed to be well know to the GM. Another was a person in a group who had like 5 units at Grande Ocean. They had a combo of ocean front and ocean side units, exchanges, different start days and even multiple weeks and were upset they didn't get the best view in the house with all units right together. If I had been the room controller dealing with this person, I'd have shot myself or them.

Did you know that II actually employs reps and locates them to places like HH, Orlando and HI. Though these reps don't have anything to do with DVC itself, they can be a valuable resource of information for timesharing in general and for info on possible destination resorts. If you ever have the time to sit down with one, give it a try.

 

[Chuck S]

I don't think all requests should be taken away. I do think that they should limit the NUMBER of requests on any given ressie to 2 - Smoking Preference, general location.

I think Non-Smoking and Handicap Access should be guaranteed ONLY if they are for medical reasons that could be verified by a note from a Doctor. Non-Medical could be "requests"...and yes, I've been placed in a smoking room...I wasn't thrilled, but I have no immediate and urgent medical reaction to smoke, and I made do. I also have been placed in a handicapped unit. They aren't the most convenient, but not only do I understand the moral need for them, there is also a LEGAL need for them, and all of these units were considered as part of the timeshare when the points charts were drawn up. In theory, all but 5% of the rooms should be occupied by DVCers at all times, including the smoking and wheelchair rooms.

 

[CapeCodFam]

Amen Happy Birthday Cat! After all, how do you know you won't like something unless you try it.

 

[DebbieB]

I think they should keep the requests, maybe limit them to 1 or 2 other than smoking/non-smoking. Maybe family #1 really likes a top floor and family #2 really likes first floor. If they are both available, why not try to give them what they want?

 

[tjkraz]

Eliminating requests would be a step backward. Didn't they institute the Boardwalk View category due to all of the complaints from those who didn't get it?

Admittedly requests are a double edged sword--those who get their requests are satisfied and those who don't are irate. But, IMO, better to meet some (hopefully many) requests rather than none.

I'd love to see a system where you could verify these types of things at the time of booking. The best way to manage expectations is to let the customer know exactly what they're getting months before they get it.

 

[Beca]

I think Non-Smoking and Handicap Access should be guaranteed ONLY if they are for medical reasons that could be verified by a note from a Doctor. Non-Medical could be "requests"...and yes, I've been placed in a smoking room...I wasn't thrilled, but I have no immediate and urgent medical reaction to smoke, and I made do. I also have been placed in a handicapped unit. They aren't the most convenient, but not only do I understand the moral need for them, there is also a LEGAL need for them, and all of these units were considered as part of the timeshare when the points charts were drawn up. In theory, all but 5% of the rooms should be occupied by DVCers at all times, including the smoking and wheelchair rooms.

Chuck S...this is a point I will have to disagree with you on. I think NON-handicapped should be a guarantee. I have a 3yr old dd who is TERRIFIED of showers (or any running water...period). At this point in our lives, we HAVE to have a bathtub, and since HA studios don't have one, we would be in BIG trouble on a week-long vacation where we could not bathe her or wash her hair. Also, the stove knobs are WAY to low for my comfort level...she's just too curious. I don't think it is fair to put families with babies or toddlers in those rooms..there are just way too many things at a toddler's level in them. Now, when she gets older (and, hopefully a little brother/sister is older,too), I would be more than happy to take a handicapped room every now and then. But, that request scares me as much as a non-smoking request does.

I would rather NOT be at a resort, than to be at a particular resort in a smoking or handicapped room. If a cm said, "You can have BCV in a handicapped room, or OKW in a non-handicapped room." I would certainly pick OKW, and I would be THRILLED to have been given the choice.



Beca

 

[DrTomorrow]

I think that they should only take requests for things that they can say "yes" or "no" to at the time the reservation is made. This way you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.

 

[Ksp]

I don't think all requests should be taken away. I do think that they should limit the NUMBER of requests on any given ressie to 2 - Smoking Preference, general location.

I think Non-Smoking and Handicap Access should be guaranteed ONLY if they are for medical reasons that could be verified by a note from a Doctor. Non-Medical could be "requests"...and yes, I've been placed in a smoking room...I wasn't thrilled, but I have no immediate and urgent medical reaction to smoke, and I made do. I also have been placed in a handicapped unit. snip

Sorry, Chuck S, I think you're wrong on this one.
As someone to whom non-smoking is important, (yes, for medical reasons. I don't really need the ambulance ride after sleeping in a smoking/smoking optional room.) I certainly hope we don't take info gathering to this point.

Wouldn't having to prove medical need for non-smoking just create more work for the scheduling CM's?

I think that requiring medical proof is stepping over the line and making more work for the front desk CM's.

Beca,
My children aren't really small anymore, so the handicapped room shower/tub issue isn't huge for us any longer, but I can certainly sympathize with the worry about small children having access to stove controls, etc.

I've had to coordinate groups of people before, and can certainly appreciate the work that the CM's have to do in order to get us to the best possible room in the best possible way. Not an easy job, that's for sure.

 

[Chuck S]

My point is, how many folks are "abusing" the non-smoking medical reason request, saying "I have an allergy" when in fact they simply find it an inconvenience? And when they do get placed in a smoking room, they're folks that scream the most. The same for a lot, but not all, families with young children. Would you truly be in a situation like Beca where her child would be terrified of Mommy and a hand held shower, or would it simply be an "inconvenience".

 

[goofy4tink]

My dd is asthmatic and she gets yucky in a smoked in room. So, yes, we will constantly request a non-smoking room. Maybe instead of changing the way we book our rooms, we should change the wording from 'request' to 'wish-list'. I think that sometimes people feel that if they have 'requested' something, it's a given that they will get it. But, if other than non-smoking/smoking and handicapped rooms, you were asked at the time of booking.."What would you perfect room situation be? What would your wish list be?" Then I could answer..."Hmm, let's see. A one-bedroom, overlooking the Village Green,on a top floor, close to the elevator that's dedicated, facing Epcot." Now, when they assign my room, they can look at this laundry list and maybe give me some of my wish list, but certainly not all. Of course, we did have a studio unit that met all those requirements last summer. Talk about perfect. It was our first stay at BWV and I didn't know how lucky we were!!!

But, MS would have to make it perfectly clear that it is just that...a wish list. I don't think that I will ever ask for a different room again. If the bed is in one piece and the water is running hot and cold and the toilet works...then I'm a happy camper from now on!!

 

[Frozenfingers]

My point is, how many folks are "abusing" the non-smoking medical reason request, saying "I have an allergy" when in fact they simply find it an inconvenience?

Sorry Chuck, we part company on this one... you sure your not from Joisey?

I make the request for Non Smoking everytime I call.. only my son is the one with "true" allergies to smoke. (tested and confirmed). DW on the other hand, just pure hates the stink.. gets all plugged up in the nose, head hurts, cant sleep.. In short, just makes my life hell.. I soon become allergic to her! So, even though I don't have allergies to smoke, I have allergies to what smoke causes. We spend a considerable amount of money to bring the family to enjoy WDW, at least once a year, usually twice.. Is it sooo terribly wrong and nasty of us to expect clean and comfortable accomodations?

CRO seems to be able to guarentee NS rooms when booking a regular resort.. why cant DVC do the same? I still hope they make s/ns reservation classifications.. I would be a very happy camper if when I called at 11 months and was able to confirm a NS room. By the same token, If i call at 7 months and all that is left is a stinky smoker room, I'll know that I need to leave the wife at home... she'll just be an inconvenience.

 

[KNWVIKING]

NS should not be an option if requested.Forget about allergies or whatever. To a non-smoker a smoking room is unacceptable. I will - and have - accept Dumpster View at VWL, Parking Lot View at BWV, Road View at BCV and HC Room at HH & VWL. They never affected our trip. I will however become the perverbiable "naughty" DVC member if you try and put me in a smoking room.