When reserving DVC for a non-Member . . .

[wrighter]

. . . Can the non-Member call the resort directly with their reservation number to confirm it? Or will the resort only communicate with the Member?

 

[CraftyMouse]

No, they cannot. Member Services will only speak to DVC members.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you are not the member, Member Services will not talk to you about the reservation for any reason; not to confirm it, not to add Magical Express, not to add the DDP. You have zero control over the reservation until the moment you check in. Even then, you can't change or modify the reservation.

 

[5forDiz]

The way I understand it is that the non-member cannot call Member Services to discuss anything related to the reservation. Only the member can do that. But as far as calling the resort directly, I seem to recall reading a thread here that non-member can call the resort directly with reservation number to get a "confirmation" but only a few days ahead of the check-in date.

Someone here more knowledgeable than I will hopefully clarify this for you.

But also know, a member can cancel a non-member's reservation right up until check-in date because the member controls that reservation until check-in. (I have a hard time imagining that a member could be unscrupulous but anything is possible in this crazy world.)

 

[wrighter]

5forDiz - I had also recalled reading somewhere that non-members could contact the resort directly - hence my question. I guess you never know until you try, right?!

 

[DebbieB]

5forDiz - I had also recalled reading somewhere that non-members could contact the resort directly - hence my question. I guess you never know until you try, right?!

I believe the reservation is only transferred to the resort's computer a few days before arrival. You couldn't call months ahead.

 

[5forDiz]

The important thing for a non-member to remember, IF this is in fact possible that they may call a resort direct about a DVC reservation made by a member, would be this :
WHAT exactly is that phone call doing for them ? ( imho Nothing )

I guess maybe it could be an added peace of mind factor for a non-member ?

As previous poster and I point out : the non-member cannot "touch" the reservation.

The member controls the reservation in every way, shape & form and as post by Deb & Bill also mentions even when the non-member checks in they cannot switch the villa type, etc.

 

[Blahnde]

I believe the reservation is only transferred to the resort's computer a few days before arrival. You couldn't call months ahead.

This is correct. I have told guests (and have called myself, too!) that approximately one week prior to arrival the DVC point reservations are loaded into the resort computer systems.

However, the biggest problem is actually getting connected to the front desk at each resort which is the ONLY place your DVC point reservation is visible. When you call the number on the confirmation letter it is NOT the front desk. When you ask for the front desk, they will either try to help you (and they will not be able to!), or they will try to transfer you to CRO (and they will not be able to help you!), or they will try to transfer you to DVC Member Services (and they will not be able to help you!). It can be VERY frustrating, especially for a guest who is already feeling a little lost within the whole DVC system. You have to be very firm (I've had to get almost rude on more than one occasion!) that you need to speak to the front desk of the specific resort.

Additionally, I suggest all owners and guests call the resort before arrival. I have seen many things associated with the reservation (requests, DDP, special needs, links of multiple reservations, etc.) "disappear" when the reservation is transferred from DVC to the resort. I see people complain all the time that their requests were not honored; I suspect this has more to do with their request not ever being seen at the resort level than with the resort ignoring it.

Blahnde